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

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Did you know that RU12? sends out the "What's UP", a weekly e-newsletter that provides a snapshot of all the LGBT events and announcements throughout the state and region?

Don't miss out! Included in each issue you'll find:

• LGBTQ Related News
• List of Events and Programs offered each week at The Center
• Events offered by other organizations in Vermont that provide services to LGBTQ Vermonters
• LGBT Social Calender for Vermont and neighboring regions.
• Job Opportunities
• Call to Action
• and much more!

If you have something that you feel needs to be included in the "What's UP" please email calendar@ru12.org

Sign Up for the RU12? Weekly Newsetter

June/July Calendar

Come together to talk, connect, and find support around a number of issues including: Coming Out, Socializing. Challenges around employment. Safe Sex. Self Advocacy. Choosing Partners. Discovering who you are. And anything else you want to talk about! 

Meetings are Tuesdays, 4:30 pm at the RU12? Community Center in the Champlain Mill in Winooski. For more information contact Brenda (Brenda@ru12.org) or call RU12? at 860-7812

Check Out Our Calendar of Events!!!

June  5th Carole Harvey from Voc Rehab

June 12th Movie and Popcorn- Group decides the movie

June 19th Safe Sex Talk

June 26th Video Game

 

July 10th Movie and Popcorn- Group decides the movie

July 17th Meet at Echo Center and walk the bike path

July 24th Movie and Pizza- bring your own drink

July 31st Group Art Project with Leigh Ann

 

If you aren’t able to make it to the RU12? Disability Group you can join our facilitator, David for our online group through Pal Talk.  Monday nights 4:30pm-6:00 pm online Pal Talk in the Vermont GLBTQ Group for Individuals with a Disability Chat Room.

 

Vermont CARES: Call for Submissions

FMI: Contact roy@vtcares.org or visit www.vtcares.org

Severe Weather Warning: RU12? Closes Early on Tues 5/29

 

Due to the severe weather alerts for most of the state, RU12? Community Center will be closing early today! Be safe!

Weather Alerts 

Resistance of the Heart Against Business as Usual

On May 8th, I had the pleasure of attending the Green Mountain Self-Advocates 14thAnnual Conference “Voices and Choices”. David Frye, group facilitator for the RU12?Social and Support Group for LGBTQ Individuals with Disabilities, invited me to attendthe workshop he was presenting at the conference, “Rainbow Support Groups”. Davidwas also going to receive the Self Advocate of the Year award for starting the RU12?group and to my surprise he had chosen me to receive the Ally award for supportinghim in that endeavor.
When I walked into the conference, I was shocked to see 600 people-people withdiverse abilities, service providers, and agency advocates. Colorful banners eachwith one word; sing, listen, ah, story, wake up, resistance, me, hung on the walls.One stopped me in my tracks- Resistance of the Heart Against Business as Usual. Ipondered on what that meant to me-business as usual: assumptions, heterosexism,ableism, dominant society, invisibility.

A year ago I had never heard of the Voices and Choices conference, had not reallykeyed in on Green Mountain Self-Advocates, RU12? did not have a support group forfolks with disabilities and I did not know David Frye. That all changed one fine springday in 2011 when David called RU12? asking “Does RU12? have a support group forpeople with disabilities? If not you need to start one!” Perfect timing. We had alreadyhad many discussions during staff meetings about how to serve the needs of individualswith disabilities. I am sure David had no idea when he placed his call that the volunteercoordinator would answer the phone and respond, “You are absolutely right David, weneed to start a disability group! Would you be interested in facilitating the group?” Andthe rest, they say, is history.

David dedicates his time every Tuesday at 4:30 to facilitating the group. Additionallyhe has found a solution for folks who may not have transportation to the Center bystarting an online chat room, Vermont GLBTQ Group for Individuals with a Disability,on PalTalk. It has taken off not only locally but nationally. David facilitates the onlinegroup and has received many comments from people expressing excitement and reliefthat they have finally found a place to connect.

RU12? Community Center reflects the “resistance of the heart against business asusual” by bringing together folks with intersecting identities- LGBTQ and disability,lifting up, supporting, acknowledging sexuality, normalizing experiences and celebratingdiversity. Thank you David for identifying a need within the community and creating aspace where LGBTQ individuals with disabilities are visible.

– Brenda Pitmon, SafeSpace Program Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

 

Survey for Gay, Bi, Queer Guys in VT

 

RU12? is conducting a Community Needs Assessment to get a clearer picture of local communities of gay, bi, and queer (GBQ) men in VT. Any information you could provide would be very helpful in our mission to improve our services for GBQ men. Please contact Mike or Jean-Denis with questions at 802-860-7812 or glam@ru12.org.

Take the Survey and enter to win an iPod Nano. **This survey is for all masculine spectrum people who have sex with masculine spectrum people (MSPSMSP) or people who work with them**

 

Blog Posting: The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

 

 

By Kim Fountain, RU12? Executive Director

On May 23^rd, I was fortunate to be able to attend the very moving and inspirational Annual 
Lunch for The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Lynn Rosenthal, the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, delivered the keynote address. Senator Leahy, who is championing the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, sent a video message thanking the advocates and praising the Network. 

It was a very meaningful event. To see so many people that RU12? works with on a daily basis and to talk with people that I had only ‘met’ through email, was very exciting.  One of those people was Bobbi Gagne, the Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Crisis Team (SACT) in Barre, whose work with the LGBTQ community has been groundbreaking and lifesaving for many survivors.

Lynn Rosenthal’s keynote, in large part focused on the obstacles that VAWA reauthorization is facing based in large part on opposition to funding work that helps to alleviate the suffering that survivors from marginalized communities face.

Particularly, immigrant and LGBTQ communities are once again at the center of a political back and forth between conservative and liberal legislators. Our lives and our safety are being negotiated by the gatekeepers to the systems that we need to access when our lives are turned upside down.

Though Lynn’s address was filled with important data and history, it was the Network’s Executive Director, Karen Tronsgard-Scott’s speech that I felt truly brought the room together.  In an incredibly heartfelt speech, she thanked the advocates in the room for their tireless dedication to survivors. If not for these advocates, who work long hours and continually go above and beyond, the world would be a far less safe place for all of us.  

As I listened to Lynn and Karen, my appreciation for the SafeSpace team deepened even more, which I didn’t think was possible.  I admire them greatly and am thankful for their absolute insistence that LGBTQ survivors are not left behind in all the political wrangling. I am thankful, too, for allies such as the VT Network, for all their support and their efforts to help ensure that survivors within the LGBTQ community receive the services we deserve.

KUAC- Kind Understanding Adoption Circle

KUAC (Kind, Understanding Adoption Circle) is a peer support group where 21+ members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents) who are LGBTQ-identified or Allies can come together to share stories, give and receive support, and talk about feelings/thoughts related to the adoption experience. KUAC offers an understanding, confidential community-minded environment where participants can share their feelings and stories with others who can relate. 

The name is significant of the connections made between and among those who share the common thread of adoption. Participation is encouraged (but not required), so that each individual gets the most out of group time, and every KUAC member has a multitude of opportunities at their disposal: to learn more about other triad members’ lives and feelings and thoughts, to be heard, as well as to educate others about the adoption experience—and to do so without the fear of judgment!

KUAC peer support group meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of every month starting Wednesday, June 13^th, from 6-8pm at the RU12? Community Center for LGBTQ Vermonters in Winooski. For more information, please contact RU12? at 802.860.7812 or email thecenter@ru12.org. 

 

Shumlin to visit Outright VT Wednesday!

Burlington, VT - This Wednesday, May 23rd, from 2:45pm-3:15pm, Governor Peter Shumlin will visit the Outright Vermont queer youth space at 241 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT to thank the youth, staff, board, and volunteers for their work to advocate for stronger anti-harassment legislation this year.    Bill H412, which allows individuals to sue schools for not stopping harassment, and H771, which requires schools to adopt harassment, hazing, and bullying prevention policies, both passed both the Vermont House and Senate by the end of the session in early May.  Outright Vermont, along with the Vermont Human Rights' Commission and the RU12? Community Center, advocated with lawmakers for weeks to ensure that the two bills would pass to strengthen the current anti-harassment laws that protect all Vermont youth in schools.   "Governor Shumlin has demonstrated his support of the queer community in many ways over the years, but it is his unwavering support for the safety and celebration of queer youth that really makes him stand out," said Melissa Murray, Outright Vermont's Executive Director.  "We are proud and excited to have him come to our queer youth space in Burlington on Wednesday!"     Members of the press invited to attend this brief event!  For more info, call 802.865.9677 or email Llu Mulvaney-Stanak at llu@outrightvt.org

The mission of Outright Vermont is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, ages 13-22. Since 1989, Outright has worked to provide safety and support for LGBTQQ youth, helped make schools safer, and focused on youth empowerment, leadership, and advocacy. To learn more about Outright, visit www.outrightvt.org.

 

Poetry Contest for Pride

TALK IT OUT!

Have something to say about growing up—or growing old—gay? Want to educate others about what it means to be transgender or bisexual?

Whether it’s a rave or a rant, Pride Vermont invites you to Talk it out!

Send us two poems about your experiences as a member of the LGBT community. No more than three typed pages per poem. Tell us about: coming out blissful partnerships gay marriage being bullied your other joys and challenges

Four poems will be chosen from each of three categories: high school, college and adult

DEADLINE June 1st

Send submissions including name, address and phone number to poetry@pridevt.com.

Winners will be notified by June 30th.

Winners will be asked to read their work at the Pride Festival on Sept. 22 in Burlington. 

Prizes will be jury’s choice and there may be additional reading or publishing opportunities available!

Pride Vermont is a collaboration of Outright VT, RU12?, and VT CARES. The Mission of Pride is to celebrate Vermont for it's safe, healthy, empowering community that embraces all of life’s colors. We take Pride in Vermont’s progress towards equality, and want Vermonters to know that being queer in Vermont is something worth celebrating and not only can it continue to get better, it is better. Learn more at www.pridevt.com or facebook.com/prideVT.

 

Community Calendar Spotlight: Proud Women Play Music!! (Weds 5/23)

Facebook Event

 

7PM Weds, 5/23 at Red Square in Burlington

The spring edition of PWPM features rockin' performers Antara, LDora, the Steph Pappas Experience, and DJ E.V., with your host, Alyx Lyons. Donation at door benefits Pride Vermont.

RU12? Closed Memorial Day- May 28th

The Center will be closed Monday May28th to honor and remember military personnel who died in the service of their country.  The Center will re-open Tues. May 29th at 10:00 am

The SafeSpace program will also be closed Monday May 28th, if you are having a crisis emergency please dial the 24 hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-228-7395 or the 24 hour sexual violence hotline at 1-800-489-7273.  SafeSpace will re-open Tuesday May 29th at 9:00 am.

 

TONIGHT!: Pop-Up! A Queer BINGO May Party - Maglianero Cafe

 

Pop-Up! Queer BINGO Party time again!

February's Bingo Pop-Up! seems like so long ago, so we thought we would give the dancing shoes a break and bust out the blotters again.

LOCATION: Maglianero 47 Maple St, Burlington, VT 05401

SUNDAY, MAY 20th - 7pm doors, 7:30-9:30pm games.

Hosted by Ita Meno!

 

Prices for bingo on Sunday are:

$5 for a block of ten card with 3 bingo squares.

$10 for block of ten cards, 6 bingo squares across.

$15 for block of ten cards, 9 squares across.

We will play ten games.

 

Blotters are $1 a piece - for you to keep forever. You can also play with a sharpie, crayon or anything else you want to mark with - bring your own, we don't mind!

 Over 80 people backed Maglianero Cafe last time, so plan on getting there early to grab a seat & table space.

 FABULOUS QUEER prizes are on the line people!

Hosted by producers Chopper & DJ Llu - as always this event is meant to bring out the queer community from all over the state to connect, dance and mingle.

Find out more at: http://popupqueerdanceparty.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Community Calendar Spotlight: VGSA Sunday Brunch

Join VGSA in Jericho this month for a potluck brunch. Please bring a dish to share and/or mimosa fixings. FMI: email info@vgsa.com or visit www.vgsa.com

RU12?'s Spring Plant Sale Ends Friday!!

A great opportunity to brighten your yard and support your local LGBTQH Community Center!

RU12? has partnered with Claussen's Florist and Greenhouse to offer our community members great deals and competitive prices on annuals and perennials (singles of varying sizes and flats) while offering a generous portion of the proceeds to RU12?!

Please consider purchasing your spring blooms through us. Here is a link to the SurveyMonkey site for purchase, or feel free to call us at 802.860.7812 to place a phone order.

Order by May 18th for pick-up (at RU12?) or delivery to your home during the week of May 21st.

 

Order Here

 

BIG GAY ONION: RU12?'S Open-Mic Coffeehouse Event

Thursday May 17th, 6:30pm

The Block Gallery, Winooski

UPDATE: After the Open-Mic The Steph Pappas Experience will perform!! 8PM Every Third Thursday, 6:30pm-8:30pm, with featured performer Antara! At the Block Gallery in Winooski, RU12? hosts an open mic night featuring community performers. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate: musicians, comedians, puppeteers, spoken word artists, and more! Event is free but we will pass the hat for appreciation for RU12? For more information call RU12? 860-7812. Email BigGayOnion@ru12.org to sign up for a performance spot, or just show up!

Facebook Event

RU12? Family Project: Kid's Day, Burlington Sat 5/12

When: Sat., May 12, 10:45 a.m. 
Phone: 860-7812 
Email: jean@ru12.org 
Price: $1.

Facebook Event

 

Please join LGBTQ families from RU12?'s Family Program and the Central Vermont GLBT Parents Group (vtglbtparents@gmail.com) at Kids Day 2012 (May 12, 10am-3:30pm). Come for an hour or come all day, admission is only $1! 

Meet-up will be at 10:45am (after the parade) outside the exhibition tent where the RU12? Family Program will have a table. Look for the rainbow pride flag!

Any questions or comments, please feel to email Jean at RU12? (jean@ru12.org), and feel free to spread the word to anyone else who might enjoy the Kids' Day event! Also, please stop by the RU12? Family Program table to say hi to Jean, Crystal and the gang--we'll be making egg-carton bugs!

For more info:

From Burlington Parks and Rec's Kids Day website: (http://www.enjoyburlington.com/Programs/SpecialEvents/KidsDay.cfm)

For Kids of ALL Ages!!

 

Mark your calendars for Kids Day in 2012. Don't miss the fun! It's our 27th year!!

President Comes Out In Support of Same-Sex Marriage

Yesterday, in an interview with ABC, President Obama said that he supports the right of same-sex couples to marry. He stated:

"I'd hesitated on gay marriage in part because I thought civil unions would be sufficient . . . I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married."

We applaud his affirmation that couples legally recognized as being the same sex are entitled to the same rights that couples who are legally recognized as being different sexes currently benefit from.

To see our own Kim Fountain speak on this important topic, check out her interview on Channel 5.

 

Leslie Jordan: My Trip Down the Pink Carpet this Sunday!

RU12? Community Center, VGSA, and Truth Wins Out host a film and discussion series in the Pickering Room on the 2nd Floor of the Fletcher Free Library, Burlington.

Sunday, May 13th 2:00 pm 

Leslie Jordan: My Trip Down the Pink Carpet

Leslie Jordan widely regarded as one of the funniest men in show business, and also a fixture of gay culture, spent his first few decades in the industry racking up droll tales of his life and experiences. Those stories appeared in Jordan`s bestselling memoir MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET, and now form the basis of this performance video. Jordan toplines the program, speaking candidly and wittily about his initial trip from small town America to Los Angeles on a Greyhound bus, with $1,200 sewn into his undershorts; he also opens up about irresistible temptations, painful childhood angst, encounters with everyone from Culture Club frontman Boy George to Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney, and most of all, the long and touching journey of self-acceptance and self-love that he himself undertook.

Facebook Event Page

 

New PFLAG Chapter Forms in Southern Vermont

Dorset, Vermont – A chapter of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has been formed in Southern Vermont. PFLAG Dorset, an affiliated chapter of PFLAG, has formed as a local, nonprofit community support and educational outreach group.

Parents, Friends  and Families, of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

PFLAG Dorset represents the mission, values, and goals of PFLAG – here in Vermont.  Each month, PFLAG Dorset sponsors a community meeting to support the gay and lesbian community, engage the public, and contribute to a loving and accepting community. Throughout the year, PFLAG Dorset will host guest speakers, luncheons, workshops, and offer educational outreach to all of Vermont.  PFLAG Dorset is the only active chapter of PFLAG in Vermont.

For more information, please contact Mike Watrous at PFLAG.Dorset@gmail.com or 802.768.1585