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

U.S. House voted to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell last night!

Late Thursday night, Congress voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in an amendment to a defense bill.  The vote paves the way for a vote in the Senate and President Obama is expected to sign the measure.  Repealing DADT will improve our nation's military readiness and end counterproductive discrimination in our armed services.  The repeal is contingent on an assessment and review of implementation policies and regulations for standards of readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, and retention.
This is a giant leap forward, and we look forward to the day -- now very soon -- when devoted U.S. service members are not forced into the untenable choice between hiding their identities or leaving military service.

Please thank Congressman Peter Welch for all he did to help make this happen!

Call Rep. Peter Welch at (202) 225-4115.

And please let Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders know you appreciate their support for the repeal, and urge them to continue to stand strong for equality as the bill comes before the Senate.

Call Sen. Patrick Leahy at (202) 224-4242.
Call Sen. Bernie Sanders at (202) 224-5141.

Thank you for your generous support!

The 12^th Annual Queer Community Dinner this past Saturday was a huge success, raising $20,000 to support the programs and services of RU12? We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to making it such a great community and fundraising event.  Whether you volunteered, purchased a ticket and/or auction item, provided entertainment, tabled with your organization, donated to the auction, sponsored an ad in the program or gave in any way to make this event such a success, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

A special thank you to our incredibly dedicated team of Dinner Committee volunteers: Dinner Chair Shawn Lipenski, Auction Chair Sue Wilson, Marketing & Design Chair Don Eggert, Decorations Chair Joanne Davidman, Venue Chair Karen Vastine, Volunteer and Day of Chair Katherine Betzer and Committee member Dustin Atkins. Thank you also to the Board and volunteers who were all hands on deck  all day and night on Saturday- Sydnee, Ilisa, Michael, Joe, Greg, Beth, Elle, Mo, Eilin, Aurora, Jenny, Ella, Vanessa, Jessica – thank you!!!

We are so lucky to have such a generous community of support.  Please support these wonderful businesses and individuals who support our community and enjoy some pictures from the event!

AMC & Burlington Parks & Recreation  

American Flatbread

American Meadows

Artisan's Hand Craft Gallery

Astrolore

Auto Craftsmen

Blue Paddle Bistro

Bobcat Cafe & Brewery

Catamounts Bed & Breakfast

Cedar Wood Chiropractic

Chittenden Bank and the Mozart Festival

City Tire

Clothing Line

Curves, S. Burlington

Cynthea's

Danforth Pewter

Deb Lashman, Esq.

Discover Jazz Festival

DJ Papi Javi

Echo Lake Aquarium & Science Center

Eileen Blackwood & Lynn Goyette, Auctioneers

Essex Cinemas

Essex Grill

Flynn Theater

Gardener's Supply Company

Girlington Garage

Goodnight Moon

Gulliver's Doggie Daycare

Healthy Living

Higher Ground

Joseph Kress, Counselor

Karen Frucci

Kennon Young & the Vermont Gemological Society

Kiss the Cook

Kohn, Rath, Blackwood & Danon

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Lake Champlain Shoreline Cruises

Lander-Arixona Bari, Dog Trainer

Langrock, Sperry & Wool

Leunig's Bistro

Lindsey's B & B for Women

Lunaroma

Magic Hat

Metro Hair

Moose Meadow Lodge

Nightmare VT

North Country Federal Credit Union

Olivia Cruise Lines

Onion River Chiropractic

Patra Café (formerly known as "The Sapa")

Peace & Justice Store

Pet Food Warehouse

Petra Cliff's Climbing Center

Phoenix Books and Cafe

Physicians Computer Company

Planet Fitness

Pride VT Party @ Higher Ground

Rocky Ridge Golf Club

Saint Michael's Playhouse

Seven Days

Shelburne Museum

Solstice Restaurant at Stowe Mountain Lodge

Spinal Care and Decompression Center of Vermont and Dr. Laura Ramirez

Spirit Dancer Books and Gifts/Star Root Aromatherapy

Strong Coaching

Sweet Clover Market, LLC

Sweet Lady Jane

The Green Life

The Highlands Inn

The Lamp Shop

Transform & Grow Hypnosis

Trinket

Uncommon Grounds

Velvet Catering & Events

Vermont Stage Company

Von Bargen's Fine Diamonds & Jewelry

Waterfront Video

Woolen Mill Health Club

 

 

The 2010 Queer Volunteer of the Year Margaret Tamulonis!

At this Saturday's 12th Annual Queer Community Dinner, RU12? presented Margaret Tamulonis, manager of the Queer Archives and co-curator of The Dialogue Project with the Queer Volunteer of the Year Award

 

Meg’s many years of devotion to the preservation and exhibition of the Vermont queer community’s culture, history, struggles, joys, celebrations and victories is why Margaret Tamulonis so deserves this year's Queer Volunteer of the Year Award, congratulations Meg!

Meg has been involved with the management of the Queer Archives at RU12? since 1999 when Cathy Resmer brought over a plastic tub with articles, papers etc. to store in Meg’s home.  Meg was very impressed that the founders of RU12? were thinking of an archive from the very beginning--the idea was to document and acknowledge the various groups and people within the LGBTQ community, as well as the Community Center itself. 

Over the years, Meg has become the sole manager of the Queer Archives.  The archives are a hidden treasure and the jobs of researching, collecting, sorting and storing generally go unnoticed.  Vermont has played a pivotal role nationally in advancing human rights and social justice for the LGBTQ community and Meg’s commitment to preserving the past and present for future generations is critical. As the Manager of Collections and Exhibitions at The Fleming Museum, Meg realizes that knowledge of the past and an understanding of the events and issues of the present are crucial to promoting community and social capital.  Meg’s dream is to create a space where the archives can be exhibited and easily accessed by the community.

Since 2004, Meg has been intricately involved with The Dialogue Project. The Dialogue Project is a celebration of LGBTQ experiences past and present and includes excerpts from interviews; pieces from the Vermont Queer Archive collection and interpretive artwork.  Despite staff and intern change overs through the years, Meg has been the only constant presence on this important project.  She continued to tirelessly volunteer her time and talents making sure that the original vision of The Dialogue Project was maintained as it was being completed. 

Now that The Dialogue Project is completed, her goal is to make sure it is exhibited in more remote areas around the state, not an easy task.  It entails many hours of; identifying and coordinating venues, traveling to the venue, installing it, generating publicity and programming, and of course, traveling back to take it down.  The Dialogue Project is currently exhibited at the Vermont Law School in South Royalton until June 13th.

Her years of quiet dedication and commitment to preserving Vermont’s queer history for future generations is why we present Margaret Tamulonis as the Queer Volunteer of the Year!

RU12? is Moving to Winooski!

Kara, Ann, Mike, Brenda, and Hannah

In case you missed our big announcement at Saturday's event, RU12? is excited to announce that we are moving to the Champlain Mill in Winooski on July 1st!

We will be closing the office the week of June 28th to move and will re-open the brand new Center on Tuesday, July 6th and we can't wait to see you in our new home!

After many months of research and planning, just last week RU12? signed a lease for our new space in the Champlain Mill, joining other non-profits and businesses in the old mill right on the Winooski River.

This move is exciting for many reasons, and one of the main reasons is it is an upgrade to a space that is going to be more conducive to more potlucks, social gatherings, larger group meetings and events, it is a more accessible space, there is more and free visitor parking, and it is an opportunity for a much needed technology and overall upgrade.  The Mill is on the busline also, and even has a heated bus stop right in front. There is beautiful outside space along the river for outdoor meetings, hanging out and events. And much much more...

 

We can't wait to see in Winooski! More pictures coming soon...

 

Congress to vote THIS WEEK to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Have you heard the news?  Congress will vote THIS WEEK on a bill that would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

We know the foes of equal rights won't take this quietly.  Our own Congressman, Peter Welch -- a strong supporter of the repeal -- is no doubt getting bombarded with opposition phone calls.  Please, let him know we appreciate his unyielding support for equal rights, and for a strong military that values loyal soldiers with much-needed skills.

CONTACT Congressman Peter Welch at (888) 605-7270 or online.

A letter from President Obama to Congressional leaders has paved the way for the impending vote to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  The repeal will be considered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill, rather than the freestanding repeal bill endorsed by Vermont's Congressional delegation.  The proposed amendment would provide for immediate repeal of the current DADT law, but would defer actual implementation of the repeal until completion of the Pentagon Working Group study due December 1, 2010.  The President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs would need to certify that implementation policies and regulations are prepared and that they are consistent with standards for readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, and retention.

Leaders of the national struggle to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" have wholeheartedly endorsed the compromise.   It paves the way an end to the unwise and unfair policy, while also respecting the Pentagon's view that the implementation study process that has been underway for some time be respected.

Vermont's entire Congressional delegation supports the repeal of DADT. Representative Welch has co-sponsored a separate House bill to repeal DADT, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) are cosponsors of the Senate versions.

Background:  "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" prohibits recruiters from asking the sexual orientation of anyone signing on for military service, while forbidding service members from self-identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, engaging in a GLB relationship, or marrying someone of the same gender. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" commenced in 1993 after a compromise between President Bill Clinton (who wanted to lift the ban entirely) and some Congress people and military leadership who opposed any acceptance of GLB individuals serving in the armed forces.

Current estimates are that more than 70% of U.S. service members and 70% of American citizens support the repeal of DADT.

CONTACT Congressman Peter Welch TODAY at (888) 605-7270 or online to thank him for his unyielding support for equal rights and a strong, inclusive military.

Congratulations Karen Vastine, the RU12? Volunteer of the Year!

At this Saturday's 12th Annual Queer Community Dinner, RU12? honored Karen Vastine with the RU12? Volunteer of theYear Award!

 

Karen with outgoing Board Chair Michael Upton 

RU12? could not exist without incredibly committed volunteers like Karen Vastine who give so generously of their time, energy and resources. Karen began volunteering for SafeSpace in 2005 when RU12?’s anti-violence program was a separate non-profit. Karen joined the SafeSpace Board of Directors which later that year joined RU12?’s Board and led a merging of the two organizations. Within months of volunteering, Karen jumped right in and became an active member of the Transition Committee that led the successful merger. When Karen’s term ended on the RU12? Board, it was not to rest up as out-going Board members so deserve to do, but to do even more.  In 2008 Karen became the Dinner Committee Chair, and served as this event’s fearless leader for two years in a row. And that’s not all - Karen continues to volunteer on the Dinner Committee helping to make this event the success that it is– she just couldn’t stay away!

Karen is such a committed, passionate and thoughtful community member and ally to our community. It is incredible to me that she gives so much when her paid gig keeps her plenty busy (Karen is the director of the Community Justice Center in Burlington). Karen was always that steady hand at the helm, running Dinner meetings so effectively, keeping everyone on task, feeling supported and having fun all the while. Karen brought the Dinner event to a place of running so smoothly and being so successful that she eased the transition when the new Dinner chair took on the leadership role this year. As one Board member put it, “Karen’s upbeat and can-do attitude is truly inspiring!” Leadership roles can be thankless ones, but we could not let that happen – Karen, on behalf of everyone at RU12? we thank you and congratulate you on receiving this year’s RU12? Volunteer of the Year Award!

 

From our friends at Outright Vermont

Got Pasta? Join Outright Vermont for a Pre-Marathon Pasta Dinner

RunVermont traditionally offers a pasta dinner on the Saturday night before the race. This year they are partnering with several local community organizations, including Outright Vermont!

All are welcome to the Outright Vermont Pre Marathon pasta dinner.

Please call to make a reservation.

Location: McClure MultiGenerational Center; 241 N. Winooski Avenue, Burlington
Meal times: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Meal Price: $20 adults, $10 kids, $15 for Outright Vermont runners
Menu: pasta, salad, breadsticks, beverages, dessert
Reservation Contact: Christy Pilsucki 413-441-5561
Capacity: 100

Thank you for such a successful Annual Dinner event!

Thank you soooo much to all of you who attended and supported the 12th Annual Queer Community Dinner on Saturday night! Over 260 people attended, many businesses donated items to the auction and sponsored ads in the program, many organizations tabled, volunteers received awards and funds were raised for the Center. It was a great night, we had a blast and we hope you had fun too! Check back for a fuller report and for photos from the event too! Thank you for your support!

* 5 Questions for Hannah *

RU12? has been all over the social networking scene lately! Which do you prefer, Facebook or Twitter?

I'm a Facebook girl. I enjoy photos and bad punctuation is a pet peeve of mine. I am starting to get more interested in Twitter, as I enjoy the "up-to-the-minute" news blast, but for now I'll just stay with the Newsfeed on Facebook.

Any trainings planned for the near future?

Ryan Polly, the Fletcher Allen Workplace Educator, and I have done a series of Transgender-specific 101 trainings up at Flecther Allen with the Emergency Room nurses. It was so well received that we've been asked back to do another training with the folks up on inpatient psychiatry. It is great to be able to get into so many different parts of the hospital, and it is exciting to be able to tailor the material directly towards what the particular needs happen to be.

What most excites you about working at RU12? right now?

We're growing and changing everyday! I love the fact that we're constantly talking about what we're hearing from folks in the community, how we can help them get things started, how we can stay connected to what's happening in our community, locally and on a world-wide scale, and thinking of what else we can do to help fill the gaps for others.

I head that you like cheese, are you planning on attending the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival this summer?

The only thing that is possibly more exciting than the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival would be a Chocolate and Cheese Festival! Alas, I am not positive I will be able to make it, but perhaps  I will do an additional circle of the sample table at Cabot to compensate.

What dinner auction item has caught your eye?

I am really excited about the AMC membership and Burlington Parks pass! My partner and I have a pup, and we love to be active in the summer, so the Parks pass would be very handy, and I have always had a dream of hiking Mount Washington!

Ticket Deadline for Annual Dinner Today!

Today is the ticket deadline for the 12th Annual Queer Community Dinner on Saturday, May 22nd, 6pm, at the Sheraton Hotel in South Burlington!

This year our theme is a 1950s "Spring Fling." Start planning your wardrobe. Think: "Grease," "Happy Days," poodle skirts, letterman sweaters, blue jeans, motorcycle jackets and tight white tees.

The evening will include a performance by comedian Ian Harvie, volunteer awards, a dance party with DJ Papi Javi, a live and silent auction and a lots of time for catching up with old and new friends. Imagine a buffet dinner, a show, dancing, friends and shopping all in one special night — all for a great cause!

Last year, more than 300 people joined us at the the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center. We hope you can make it to this year's "Spring Fling."

LIVE/SILENT AUCTION PREVIEW
Here are some lots we are excited about so far:
Olivia Travel Caribbean Sun Cruise for Two
Join 2,000 lesbians on this fantastic all-woman cruise as we roll back the prices ten years! Olivia’s signature comedy and music will keep you dancing and laughing as we cruise through the Caribbean, enjoying great ports of call like St. John/St. Thomas, St. Maarten and the Bahamas.

Gourmet Dinner by Leunig's Chef Donnell Collins
Leunig's Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Donnell Collins will create an unforgettable dining experience for you and 5 friends. She uses only the freshest, local ingredients in her cuisine. Clear your calendar and start making a guest list. You do not want to miss out on this.

Two-Night Stay at Moose Meadow Lodge
The Moose Meadow Lodge offers a unique lodge experience. Natural beauty surrounds you from the wooded outdoors to the luxurious interiors. In the tradition of the great camps of the Adirondack Mountains you'll enjoy lodge-style furnishings in a refined, but casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Philanthropist For A Day
You can be a philanthropist for a day and have $500.00 donated to the LGBT non-profit of your choice. You help raise money for RU12? and Samara raises money for your favorite charity.

Greens Fees for Two at Rocky Ridge Road
Challenge yourself at Rocky Ridge Road's scenic, 18-hole golf course with unique terrain and multiple teeing areas to suit players of all abilities. Or, hone your skills on our practice greens and driving range. Rocky offers an outstanding environment for beginners and experts alike.

*A Chat with Brenda*

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Brenda to ask her a few questions, read below to find out what's going on with the SafeSpace Advocate!

What are you currently working on?

I am currently, right at this moment, working on identifying LGBTQ social and community resources around the state.

What are you most looking forward to about the Annual Dinner?

I love seeing all the amazing, creative, beautiful ways people are dressed. The energy generated through the celebration of all the accomplishments in the community is always uplifting and I go home feeling hopeful we can change the world!

And, can we expect to see you dressed up for the Spring Fling?

Yes, you can expect that. 

The Dialogue Project was just displayed at Vermont Law School, where would you like to see it go next?

I would love to see The Dialogue Project exhibited in St. Johnsbury, St. Albans, Rutland, Bennington and Brattleboro. We've got to keep this project on the road and out of the closet!

What do you most enjoy about summertime in Vermont?

OK, I am probably the only person in this state that isn't crazy about summer, I much prefer fall, but I do like to garden in the summer.

What grows best in your garden?

My lavender!

Ann Atkins: SafeSpace Director, College Graduate and Birthday Girl!!

Recently, Ann and I sat down for a quick conversation about what's going on with her and SafeSpace. Read below to see what's new with the SafeSpace Director.

Congratulations on being done with school! Tell me about your final project...

My final project was about transgender individuals and gender identity protection being added to the already existing anti-discrimination law in Vermont. I focused on the inclusion of gender identity protection in the law and if it is far reaching enough. My conclusion was that to include gender identity protection in Vermont's anti-discrimination law was a great step in the right direction, however it is not overly helpful to trans-identified individuals who are not employed. I also created a Vermont Guide Book for employers in Vermont to  use as a reference when working with or hiring a trans-identified person. This will be a working document in the SafeSpace office, which makes me very excited! With the creation of it there was a vision of using it on a regular basis!

Wow! That sounds like an incredible final project, and what a great resource for the state of Vermont! Speaking of SafeSpace, the conference last year was such a success, are there plans for another one in the works?

Yes, the 2nd Annual SafeSpace conference will be happening again in November 2010, although a specific date has not yet been set. We will be covering issues of domestic and sexual violence, and hate crimes and discrimination as healthcare issues. We are in the very early stages of planning, but we are excited to provide this on an annual basis. There are so many areas to cover, this year we thought it made sense to reach out to medical providers. Be on the lookout for more detailed information!

OK, the Annual Dinner is 8 days away, is there any specific auction item you have your eyes on?

Of course I have my eye on the Olivia Cruise! However, my partner is currently unemployed so I think we will watch from the sidelines as that item goes to live auction! I think the Dinner Committee does a fine job organizing and collecting for the auction and so I think all of the items are so nice! More than having my eye on one auction item I get most excited each year to be a part of the live auction - that by far is my favorite part of the whole evening!

Any special summer plans?

I have been so involved with finishing school that I have not thought about summer plans until now! So I think I will take a long weekend and visit my brother and sister-in-law in upstate New York, go camping somewhere with my family, and I hope to see the Dixie Chicks with the Eagles in concert in Massachusetts sometime in June!

Thanks Ann, congratulations on graduating and happy birthday!!

An Increase in Gay Hook-Up Violence

Report indicates an increase in gay hook-up violence
by Michael K. Lavers
National News Editor
Friday May 7, 2010

Brian Betts’ murder in his Maryland home last month underscores the growing problem of what advocates describe as anti-LGBT pick-up violence.    Email Print Share

Less than two weeks after three Maryland teenagers allegedly murdered a popular middle school teacher they met on a gay hook-up site, a new report indicates incidences of so-called anti-LGBT pick-up violence are on the rise.

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released the report on April 29 based on data its 39 member organizations around the country. The New York City Anti-Violence Project, for example, reported more than 25 incidents in 2009. And these crimes included robberies, druggings, sexual violence and even murder after victims met their assailants on Adam4Adam, Craigslist and other hook-up and Web sites.

Lisa Gilmore, director of education and victim advocacy for the Center on Halsted in Chicago, told EDGE there are several factors that have contributed to this increase in hook-up violence. These include more perpetrators know how to use technology-and specifically hook-up sites, the stigmas associated with anonymous sex and fear to go to law enforcement.

"People rely on a lot of community members’ fear of how people will react to them when they say they hook-up [anonymously,]" said Gilmore. "They rely upon their shame or embarrassment going to the police or the emergency room."

Doctor Kim Fountain, assistant director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, further expanded upon this point.

"Our general line to folks, the one we really try to drive home, is nobody should be a victim of violence; no matter what the circumstances are," she said. "That kind of ridiculous stigma attached to these situations does nothing but re-victimize people."

A number of incidents in recent years only underscore this growing problem.

Four Brooklyn teenagers attacked Michael Sandy in a remote area along the Belt Parkway in October 2006 after they met him on Adam4Adam. A car struck and eventually killed Sandy as he tried to flee his attackers. And John Kathesis allegedly stabbed WABC reporter George Weber to death in his Brooklyn apartment in March 2009 after he reportedly responded to a Craigslist ad seeking violent sex.

More recently, Tommy Reed allegedly robbed and murdered Mark Woodland in his Phoenix apartment on April 24 after he met him on a social networking site. Angel Pena Ayala allegedly forced a Hermosa Beach, Calif., man whom he had also met on a social networking site to drive to an ATM machine and withdraw money before he drove away in his car in late March. And local media reports indicate similar incidents had taken place in West Hollywood in the weeks leading up to the Hermosa Beach incident.

Back in Maryland, the three teenagers face first-degree murder and a host of other charges in connection with Betts’ murder, but the group Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence issued an advisory in response to this and Anthony Perkins’ death in the District of Columbia in late December.

"In light of the recent murders of Anthony Perkins and Brian Betts, Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) has reason to believe that gay men who arrange sexual encounters through [Web sites,] chat rooms, or apps may be being targeted for violent crimes," GLOV said. "While the internet and phone "chat rooms" offer a non-threatening environment to meet people, it can also provide opportunities for criminals to prey upon unsuspecting victims."

For its part, Adam4Adam links to the Anti-Violence Project’s Web site and offers suggestions for its members to stay safe.

"While Adam4Adam is a place to make friends and acquaintances, we encourage all members to act responsibility in choosing their offline interactions and in being conservative in the distribution of personal information, such as name, phone number, address and pictures," it said.

Adam4Adam further maintains it "is not responsible for the conduct, whether online or offline, of any user of the Web site or member of the service," but Gilmore said she feels these hook-up sites could make a powerful statement to their members if they prominently post safer-dating tips.

"People are still going to hook-up, people are still going to have sex, [but] people may pause and think about how they are going to do it," she said. "I can imagine it’s not going to crash their membership."

Log onto the NCAVP’s Web site for safe dating tips.

What's Going on with Mike!

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike, the Director of HIV Prevention, to ask him a few questions, read below to find out what's going on with him!  

So Mike, what are you currently working on?

I am a co-coordinator for Gay Leisurely Activities 4 Men (GLAM) and right now I am working with members of the group to plan fun and exciting events around town. I am also working on a project that allows the LGBTQQ community to be Out & About around town.

What about PRIDE? Are you involved in that event at all?

I am on the PRIDE Committee helping to plan out the events of the day, including the parade and festival. I will also be there planning fun events sponsored by GLAM. If anyone is interested in helping out with PRIDE or has some ideas they would love to see happen they can contact myself, or check out the PRIDE Vermont website for more information.

Are there any dinner auction items that are calling your name?

There are just so many great items, to pick one would be so hard! This year's dinner is going to be an amazing event, and I can't wait!

What do you love most about summertime in Vermont?

Being outdoors as much as possible, especially since we only get a short time of the amazing weather. I take in as much of it as possible. 

What movie would you like to see shown as a future GLAM Flix?

Well, on Friday, May 14th at 6:00 pm we are going to be hosting a special GLAM Flix. We will be grilling and then watching "The Birdcage", and it should be a great time. This film is also a personal favorite of mine, so I am glad we are showing it!

~ Four Questions for Kara ~

As one of my last intern projects here I decided to interview the staff and find out what everyone is up to! Here is what Kara, RU12?'s Executive Director had to say...

What are you currently working on?

I am currently putting together the Program for the Annual Dinner coming up on May 22nd.

What are you most looking forward to about the dinner this year?

I am most looking forward to having fun, celebrating our community and laughing with Ian Harvie.

What's happening at RU12? right now that you are really excited about?

I am excited about the new family events we have been organizing, which have been so well attended and clearly meeting a community need.

Any special plans for the summer?

I plan on enjoying my new home with my family and playing outside in the sun and in the water as much as possible!

Goodbye Dawn and Sharon!

It's that time of year again, spring is here and RU12? is bustling with activity! The annual queer community dinner and auction is a few weeks away, with Pride following shortly after that! This is also the time of year that we say goodbye to our interns, and during this process we sat down with them and asked a few questions...

What did you find most rewarding about your internship at RU12?

Dawn: The internship provided me with an opportunity to learn community level social work, and I also had the chance to meet so many wonderful staff, volunteers, interns and service providers from other organizations...some truly amazing people!

Sharon: I agree, the opportunity to work with the RU12? staff, community members, volunteers and people from other organizations has made this a very enriching experience. It has helped me to see how social workers can affect change at both the individual and community levels.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the center?

Dawn: It's hard to pick just one! I really enjoyed TDOR, Family Playtime at Saint Mike's and watching the SafeSpace conference come together. Also, all of the day-to-day stuff with the staff, people here have a lot of the same ideals, but we were also able to have a lot of debates and discussions that were really thoughtful and meaningful to me.

Sharon: I enjoyed facilitating Dialogue and Dessert and working on the TDOR committee (and the actual TDOR event at Burlington College is a good memory for me too!). The Family Playtime event at Saint Mike's was a lot of fun, and personally rewarding for me to see it all come together and all of the families enjoying themselves.

What have you learned from this experience that you will take with you in your social work career?

Dawn: This year I learned the importance of challenging my own assumptions and judgements.

Sharon: I learned about the significance of listening to what individuals, groups and communities really want instead of projecting my own ideas on to them.

What's next for you?

Dawn: I am going to be working as a case manager for the Agency on Aging!

Sharon: My next field placement is at Hunt Middle School, and I am really excited to be working with youth!

Summer plans?

Dawn: Barbecues by the lake, bonfires at night and walks in the woods!

Sharon: I am going to Finland for a few weeks to study international social work and play with reindeer!

                  
 

Goodbye and good luck ladies!

Is the Military Readiness Enhancement Act the Answer to DADT?

On March 3, 2010 Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) initiated the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in the US Senate. A similar legislation with the same name was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA).  Click here to see a list of the cosponsors. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would repeal the federal law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", which bans military service by openly gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. 

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would replace this ban with new guidelines prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed forces. Current regulations regarding the personal conduct of military members will remain the same as long as they are written and enforced in a sexual orientation neutral manner. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act permits the rejoining of service members previously discharged under DADT. However, due to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) the Military Readiness Enhancement Act would not create a right to benefits for same-sex partners or spouses.

Stay tuned for more information about the Military Readiness Enhancement Act and it's progress through the House and Senate!

NATIONAL ALERT: ANTI-LGBTQ PICK-UP VIOLENCE ON THE RISE

April 29, 2010

 

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has tracked an increase in pick-up violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community members.  The 39 member organizations of NCAVP have also documented an increase in the severity of the crimes committed.  The primary targets appear to be men who use websites, chatlines and phone applications to meet other men for dates. 

 

In Washington, D.C., NCAVP member Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) issued a community advisory after the recent murders of Brian Betts and Anthony Perkins, both of whom may have been targeted through pick-up sites or chatlines.  In Phoenix, Mark Woodland was robbed and murdered on Saturday, April 24^th, allegedly by a man he met on the iPhone application Grindr. “The perceived anonymity of online cruising can also create a barrier to reporting pick up violence for fear of being ‘outed’ as LGBTQ, being re-victimized, blamed for the assault or reinforcing homophobic myths,” said Joe Montoni, Co-Chair of GLOV, “however, we encourage survivors to report any attacks because everyone has the right to stand up against violence.”

 

The New York City Anti-Violence Project (NYC AVP) has documented over 25 pick-up crime incidents in 2009, most of which involve internet dating sites, including adam4adam and craigslist.  The types of reported crimes range from theft and drugging, to sexual violence and murder and it has been reported that some assailants are working in teams.

 

NCAVP offers the following dating safety tips to empower LGBTQ people to prevent and resist pick-up violence.  Karyn Lathan, AVP Program Coordinator at the One Voice Community Center in Phoenix states, “We extend our condolences to Mr. Woodland’s family and friends and encourage LGBTQ people to review these critical steps to keep themselves safer when dating or hooking up.”

Key Safety Tips

 

Safe is not just about sex.  The following tips may help you stay safer when meeting people online or on the phone.  People that commit violence and crime tend to target those they perceive to be vulnerable and less credible to law enforcement.  Please see our safer dating guide for NCAVP’s complete tips.

 

·         Trust your gut instinct – if it doesn’t feel right, exit the situation.

 

·         Get a face picture and phone number before meeting in person.  Share this with a trusted friend.

 

·         Meet in public, close to your destination, before going to a private place. 

 

·         If you invite the person to your place, take steps to protect valuables and leave items that could be used as weapons out of sight.

 

·         If you go to the other person’s place, tell at least one person the exact address where you will be and for how long. 

 

·         Set up a silent alarm by setting a time to text or call your friend when the date is over.  Typically, the agreement is if you do not call/text at the time agreed upon, the friend should call you.  If you do not answer or if you answer and do not say the code word, your friend should call the police or another trusted resource.

 

·         Have an exit strategy – know how you will leave if your date makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

 

·         Make careful choices about your clothing: avoid wearing anything around your neck and wear comfortable clothing and footwear.

These are safety tools that have been useful in some situations.  Use the ones that fit best for you.  Follow your instincts, and remember that you do deserve to be safe. 

In The Life

In The Life Media produces change through innovative media that exposes social injustice by chronicling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life and providing our audiences with effective ways to advance equality within and beyond our communities.

 

Studies from the Center for American Progress and Media Matters have repeatedly shown that talk radio, network and cable news heavily favor conservative (i.e. anti-LGBT) opinion and "experts." Repeated academic studies have demonstrated that the best way to reduce homophobia and transphobia is to expose more people to sexual minorities. By producing diverse images of the LGBT communities, In The Life Media is changing hearts and minds by exposing hundreds of thousands of people nationwide to our communities.

 

Produced by In The Life Media, IN THE LIFE is the longest running television show documenting the gay experience. IN THE LIFE is a three-time Emmy Award nominee, a Lambda Legal Liberty Award honoree, and the recipient of the Courage Award from the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, the Seigenthaler Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for "excellence in network television," and a GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding TV Journalism-Newsmagazine."

This month on IN THE LIFE, we talk to hate crime victims and perpetrators about The Nature of Hate. Followed by a visit with artist Alix Smith, who is traveling the country photographing hundreds of same-sex couples, challenging stereotypes and taking conventional portraiture to a new level.

Check it out.....let us know what you think!

For a video preview, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NgrDNmCyF0

Or, to watch the entire episode online, go to: http://www.inthelifetv.org/html/watchitl.shtml

The Last Week at SafeSpace

Hello.  So last week in the SafeSpace office....we held our regularly scheduled support groups, which have been ongoing for a long time now.  If you or someone you know would be interested in attending one of our groups, give Brenda a call at the SafeSpace office - 863-0003 - and chat with her about what your needs are! 

On Monday, April 26th we celebrated our interns by treating them to breakfast at Penny Cluse (yummy!).

Dawn and Sharon, our two MSW interns were with us since last Fall and have now completed their internships and will be graduating!  It is certainly sad to see them leave, and yet we are thrilled for them and their new beginnings.  Alex, our under-grad intern spent three months with us and is now moving on.  We extend a BIG thank you to all three of these women for the work they did at the Center supporting Vermont's LGBTQ community.  We will miss you all!!!

The Healing Fire, for Sexual Violence Awareness Month happened last Thursday, April 29th at the Women's Center at UVM.  SafeSpace advocates stopped in and spent some time at the fire and in the Women's Center.  The space was warm and inviting, their were art projects, food and conversation!  Thank you to the staff at the Women's Center for sponsoring the Healing Fire each year. 

Brenda, the SafeSpace Direct Services Advocate was out last week taking a much needed break.  She returns to the office tomorrow!  We missed you Brenda, and hope that you had an amazing week off! 

Until next week....if you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, bias, hate or discrimination please call the SafeSpace office for support.  We are available from 9AM-6PM, Monday through Friday.  863-0003.

Todd’s Peek at: The Realism of Jayne Anne Phillips and Her Highly Acclaimed Collection of Stories “Black Tickets”

 I saw Jayne Anne Phillips read while I was a student at Middlebury College back in the 1980’s.  She read from her work Black Tickets and it is her writing I like and her style to that I want to make mention of in this May Review.  She’s a realist, who writes with clarity and precision, combining the need for emotional content in these collected stories.   The level of human interaction in these stories makes Black Tickets a read for the heart. That was the case for me, and I believe you’ll never put the book down. 

She writes of portrayal, of being American and the lives in our own American Culture during the seventies.  I see the true grit, the true diversification of being American, in a culture which needs Jayne Anne to reflect back that realism.  She is a die hard romantic yet she never lets you down with that being the generality of concern. She is constantly romancing the stones in Black Tickets, evocative, plain and simple to being human.  To see again that there is similitude in  “human experience”  to what we all encounter through time and space. To the meaning of the sum of the parts as such, to be equaled out with “the read” to sum of the whole!  And that is to say; to read on, the reader will smile. She is truly a haunting writer, evocative in style, her imagery is strong and clear and resonates through her style! 

At first, the stories of Black Tickets do not seem entirely connected to each other. But indeed they are as if it is the sum of the parts to the sum of the whole idea naturally connects up to her stories.  Her writing style is expressive, as she evokes this working concept of “the image” to her work, I find to be discerning and true.  She takes me in as a reader, in the capacity of letting me see the image of her write, without being a contrived writer, allowing me to sit with the notion of her read.  I continue to read on, to never turn back, simply by being with her writing, that style of hers, and most of all, the read itself. 

Those 70’s in American Culture, as strange but wonderful, in the so-called freedom of existence are now times gone by.  See the realism for yourself in Black Tickets, a copy awaits you down at R.U.12?.   Black Tickets means the true appreciation of the promise of a new day.   For me, Black Tickets, to be or not to be, will always be my friend at the heart.  Cheers to Jayne Anne Phillips, I thank you for “the image” I am allowed to surrender to in reading Black Tickets.  Jayne Anne Phillips, you rock!