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

RU12? Community Center in Winooski to close at 2pm today due to incoming storm/hurricane Sandy. Please everybody stay home, stay safe, and we hope to reopen tomorrow as scheduled.

Family Program Halloween Potluck Rescheduled

Who says Halloween has to only be one day a year?

Due to the impending tropical storm Sandy, and the fact that winds are expected to begin peaking around the time tonight's Halloween potluck was scheduled to begin, we are postposing our LGBTQA Family Halloween Potluck celebration at the RU12? Community Center until this Saturday, November 3, from 11am-1pm. 

Bring a dish to share, enter the Champlain Mill Building through 3rd floor ramp entrance or 2nd level by the library., and come have some Halloween fun! (Prizes for best costumes, and treats for all!).

Any questions/comments/concerns, please contact mailto:jean@ru12.org or call the Center at 802.860.7812. Check out this event on RU12?'s Facebook page.

Also, please note that the Estate Planning with Pride event scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday 10/30, has been cancelled.

Film Series Concludes This Sunday With- Chris and Don: A Love Story

In honor of October LGBT History Month the RU12? Community Center will present a series of films that highlight the relationships that foster growth, compassion, understanding, and affirm individuality through community. 

Join us at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington this Sunday which concludes the RU12? discussion series with the film:

Chris and Don: A Love Story 

Sunday Oct. 28^th 2:00 pm - Pickering Room

Chris & Don: A Love Story is the true-life story of the passionate three-decade relationship between British writer Christopher Isherwood (whose Berlin Stories was the basis for the beloved Cabaret) and American portrait painter Don Bachardy, thirty years his junior. From Isherwood's Kit-Kat-Club years in Weimar-era Germany to the couple's first meeting on the sun-kissed beaches of 1950s Malibu, their against-all-odds saga is brought to dazzling life through beautiful, rare home movies and reminiscences from Don and many of their friends, including Leslie Caron and Liza Minnelli. With Isherwood's exemplary status as an out-and-proud gay hero, and Bachardy's eventual artistic triumph away from the considerable shadow of his life partner, Chris & Don: A Love Story is above all a joyful celebration of a most extraordinary couple. 

 

Speak Out to End the Violence Today

In solidarity with local agencies working to end domestic and sexual violence, SafeSpace advocates and supporters will have a presence at WHBW's Candlelight Vigil and Survivor Speak Out at 6pm on Thursday, October 25th in front of City Hall on Church Street. This will consist of a candle-lighting ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives as the result of domestic and intimate partner violence, followed by a silent march to the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of the Marketplace, where survivors will be able to share their stories in a healing space. We hope you will spread the word about this incredible event, and that we will see you there!

If you or anyone you know has experienced domestic, intimate partner, sexual, transgender, hate violence or discrimination, SafeSpace advocates are available to offer support and advocacy services by calling 802.863.0003, or you can report violence anonymously to SafeSpace. If you'd like to make a donation to SafeSpace in honor of your own or a loved one's survival experience, you can donate here and make a designation for the SafeSpace Program.

GLAMflixx: Magic Mike (Weds 7:30PM)

Facebook Event

7:30 Weds, 10/24 at RU12?. Snacks and drinks provided.

This month, join GLAM as we watch Magic Mike. Hilarity and much hooting ensues.

Synopsis:

Set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money. -- (C) Warner Bros.

GLAM is a group of young gay, bi, queer, and trans guys who are coming together, getting out, and enjoying the connections we made with one another. To get involved or for more information, contact Mike or Jean-Denis at glam@ru12.org or 802-860-7812.

Translating Identities Conference & More!

A Note From Jean-Denis:

Last weekend brought the Translating Identities Conference, an annual conference at UVM which explores a wide variety of topics related to gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. After a brief post-TIC recovery time (whew!), I'm excited to share my experiences with all of you!

The conference is always a pleasure to attend; You know it's a great conference when you can't decide which of the many interesting workshops you'd like to attend. This year brought workshops relating to human rights and refugees, family, the criminalization of gender non-conformity, sex, asexuality, polyamory... such a wide array! I was happy to bring two workshops of my own- one on health care reform in Vermont and the movement to make it trans-inclusive and another in a town hall-style format on community, done with educator and advocate Samuel Lurie.

Informing the community about what is currently happening in health care reform and why gender transition exclusions are harmful (and illegal) was amazing. More and more people in our community are starting to become aware of the issue and have already shown such support and dedication to expanding equality in Vermont. Currently, care available to Vermonters accessing it for reasons other than gender transition (such as post-menopausal people listed as female who choose hormone replacement therapy or people listed as female who have a hysteretomy for endometriosis) are not available to people seeking those same services for the purpose of gender transition, discriminating against trans people. These services are considered by expert agencies (such as the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association) to be effective and medically necessary for people needing to alleviate the gender-related body dysphoria they experience. 

I was inspired to see the passion of those working on, or just learning about, this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with the fabulous people in our community/ies!

- Jean-Denis

Are you interested in joining this fight for equality? If so, email or call Jean-Denis (trans@ru12.org, 802-860-7812) to join the community committee forming!

Exciting News! The next version (5th) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which mental health and other professionals use to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients, will no longer list "Gender Identity Disorder", only "Gender Dysphoria", which describes the depression many trans people struggle with when their body doesn't match their internal sense of themselves. This is a big win for trans and gender non-conforming people, de-pathologizing gender non-conformity and the natural variations of human gender experience. 

Don't forget to check out our 2nd Trans Town Hall on November 1st at 6:30p in the McClure Multigenerational Center in Burlington. This Town Hall's focus is on relationships: how can we work towards healthy relationships? What that looks like for us? What is working in our lives and what might we need to change to best fulfill that vital need for love, intimacy, and human connection? We welcome guest speaker Nancy Feldman, LCMHC.

Finally, November 3rd is a special series of workshops about trans sexuality and the use of gender in kinky play, presented by Vermont Alternative Sexuality Education and RU12?. Register now and come check it out! (ages 18+)

October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) SafeSpace Happenings

It's DVAM (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) and our SafeSpace program interns have been busily tabling at local colleges. Community College of Vermont (Winooski), St. Michael's and Champlain College happily welcomed our program for community outreach, education, informal discussion and at two of the three sites, the showing of an impressive art exhibit produced by our commuity partners Women Helping Battered Women (WHBW) titled, "A Survivor Stands Beside Me". The exhibit consists of powerful life-size photos viewing domestic violence as an issue that crosses into all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. At St. Mike's campus, we joined WHBW and HopeWorks (formerly Women's Rape Crisis Center) for the Abuse Awareness Project, a statistics and awareness event that highlighted the number of survivors served by WHBW, HopeWorks and SafeSpace with purple, white and rainbow flags. These events were a great success. Our interns were not only able to make some new friends and allies, but raise awareness out about an important issue in the LGBTQ community (and our culture at large), as well as spread the word about RU12?'s SafeSpace anti-violence program and the work it does with LGBTQ survivors.

In solidarity with local agencies working to end domestic and sexual violence, SafeSpace advocates and supporters will have a presence at WHBW's Candlelight Vigil and Survivor Speak Out at 6pm on Thursday, October 25th in front of City Hall on Church Street. This will consist of a candle-lighting ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives as the result of domestic and intimate partner violence, followed by a silent march to the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of the Marketplace, where survivors will be able to share their stories in a healing space. We hope you will spread the word about this incredible event, and that we will see you there!

If you or anyone you know has experienced domestic, intimate partner, sexual, transgender, hate violence or discrimination, SafeSpace advocates are available to offer support and advocacy services by calling 802.863.0003, or you can report violence anonymously to SafeSpace. If you'd like to make a donation to SafeSpace in honor of your own or a loved one's survival experience, you can donate here and make a designation for the SafeSpace Program.

 

Big Gay Onion --This Thurs!

FACEBOOK EVENT

 

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!

Ready For A Road Trip To Maine?

Visit us online!

RU12? Open Door Coming Out Support Group 6pm Monday night!

This informal gathering welcomes all adults from the LGBTQ spectrum as well as allies. All topics are free to discuss and nothing is too taboo. The group will meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at RU12? From 6-7pm. If you have any questions about this group please call (802) 860-7812. Or email thecenter@ru12.org

This Sunday- Passionate Politics: The Life and Work of Charlotte Bunch

In honor of October LGBT History Month the RU12? Community Center will present a series of films that highlight the relationships that foster growth, compassion, understanding, and affirm individuality through community. 

Join us at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington every Sunday afternoon in October as we celebrate the history of the LGBT community.  This Sunday's film:

Passionate Politics: The Life and Work of Charlotte Bunch

Sunday Oct. 14^th 2:00 pm - Community Room 

The story of how Charlotte Bunch rose through the ranks of activism for women’s rights and lesbian rights to become one of the leading figures in human rights in the world.  This intimate documentary showcases one woman’s path to community greatness.

Free National Coming Out (NCOW) T-Shirts at UVM Today!

Hey Everyone!

Free NCOW Tshirts will be given out for what we think will be a very limited time! National Coming Out Day is this Thursday and we are hoping to see a sea of green out there on campus to show support and gain visibility. Come find our staff and students (including an appearance from the one and only Dot Brauer!) Maybe she'll even sign shirts for super fans?

We hope to see lots of you after sometime after 12 on the pathway between Davis and the Bailey-Howe Library!

Disability Group Will Meet at the Center Tues. Oct. 9th- Guest Poet

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. If you have any questions please contact Brenda (Brenda@ru12.org) or call RU12? at 860-7812

Check Out RU12? Calendar of Events

OCTOBER

Oct 9th     Guest Poet- Rob Conner

Oct 16th   Discussion group- No Topics Off Limits

Oct. 23rd Let’s Talk About Healthy Relationships   

Oct. 30th  Movie and Popcorn

NOVEMBER

Nov. 6^th     No group-Election day remember to get out and VOTE

Nov. 13^th   Discussion group- No Topics Off Limits

Nov.  20^th  Holiday discussion- Bring a snack to share

Nov. 27^th   Movie and Pizza- Bring your own drink

If you aren’t able to make it to the RU12? Disability Group you can join our facilitator, David at the Wellness Co-op for LGBTQ Support Circle for Individuals with Disabilities, or join 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.

October GLAM Calendar

 

 

FMI: Contact Mike or Jean-Denis at 860-7812, email glam@ru12.org, visit glamVT.org, or "Friend Us" on Facebook!

New Queer Social Group In Central Vermont

Montpelier HangOUT is a laid-back social gathering for Central Vermonters across the queer spectrum (21+ only, please). The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month for potlucks, drinks, billiards, game nights, and other good times. Check out Montpelier HangOUT's events at: https://www.facebook.com/MontpelierHangout or email montpelierqueer@gmail.com for more information

The next HangOUT will be October 11th, watching the Vice Presidential debates.

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2nd Annual LGBT History Month October Film/Discussion Series

In honor of October LGBT History Month the RU12? Community Center will present a series of films that highlight the relationships that foster growth, compassion, understanding, and affirm individuality through community. 

Join us at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington every Sunday afternoon in October as we celebrate the history of the LGBT community.

 

We Were Here

Sunday Oct. 7^th 2:00 pm - Community Room

This honest and engaging documentary chronicles the lives of five very different people as they experience the AIDS crisis at its terrifying beginning.  Focusing not only on the way in which the gay male community was devastated by the disease, but the way in which the disease bridged the gap between lesbians as gays, as well as the larger queer community. 

 

Passionate Politics: The Life and Work of Charlotte Bunch

Sunday Oct. 14^th 2:00 pm - Community Room 

The story of how Charlotte Bunch rose through the ranks of activism for women’s rights and lesbian rights to become one of the leading figures in human rights in the world.  This intimate documentary showcases one woman’s path to community greatness. 

 

Prodigal Sons

Sunday Oct. 21st 2:00 pm - Community Room

Kimberly Reed documents her return to her hometown for a High School reunion, and to reunite with her adopted brother, Marc.  This documentary bravely charts the journey one transsexual woman undergoes in order to combine her past and present, as well as navigating family strife by reuniting it. 

 

Chris and Don: A Love Story

Sunday Oct. 28th 2:00 pm – Pickering Room 

Their love was condemned by some, laughed at by others, embraced by still more, but it was the single greatest adventure in both of their lives.  We conclude the LGBT Film Series with this touching documentary about the romance between Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy, who showed the world that love is really all you need.

 

Trans Town Halls: Body Shame, Body Pride on Oct. 4th

Located in the McClure Multigenerational Center

(same building as Outright Vermont)

241 N. Winooski Avenue in Burlington

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

This event is free and open to all trans people, people with trans histories, and allies.

Those attending are asked to respect the space by helping us maintain a safe and comfortable place for all.

October 4th Trans Town Hall: Body Shame, Body Pride with Eli Clare    Shame around our bodies and identities is an all too familiar experience for many trans people. In this Town Hall, Eli Clare will reflect on the ways we may experience body shame, resisting that shame, and coming to a place of pride with our bodies. We will explore the ways we name our bodies and experiences, come out or disclose, and live in our ordinary, familiar bodies. Attendees (who wish to do so) will have an opportunity to consider their feelings around their bodies, share their experiences and thoughts, and connect with others. Future Trans Town Halls November: Healthy Relationships December: Know Your Legal Rights January: Healthcare 101 February: TBD, based on community input March: Preparing For LGBTQ Leadership Day *Check out the Trans Town Hall at the Translating Identity Conference this year on October 13th. Voice what you feel are the needs of trans Vermonters and what you'd like to see happen in our community!*

October is LGBTQ History Month!

Todd Peek in Review: October 2012, In Celebration of National Coming Out Month: “Firebird: A Memoir” by Mark Doty on Growing Up Gay

In Firebird, Mark Doty tells the story of a ten-year-old in a top hat, cane, and red chiffon scarf, interrupted while belting out Judy Garland's "Get Happy" by his alarmed mother at the bedroom door, exclaiming, "Son, you're a boy!"

“ ’You’re a boy’:  watershed between childhood and something else.  I have been ushered into the world where adults live; I have been warned, have been instructed to conceal my longing.  And though I will understand, someday, that without longing there’d be nothing to carry us forward, that without longing we wouldn’t be anyone at all, I can’t see that now, I‘m a child, or I was until she said, ‘You’re a boy.’ “ 

Firebird presents us with a heroic little boy who has quite enough worries without discovering that his dawning sexuality is the Wrong One. A self-confessed "chubby smart bookish sissy with glasses and a Southern accent." Mark had reckonings with his feminine side as boy. He liked to dress up in his older sister’s clothes and loved to do artistic, feminine endeavors rather than identify with being a macho boy.  He took dance lessons, and loved to paint.

Doty grew up on the move, the family following his father's engineering work across America-from Tennessee to Arizona, Florida to California. His older sister got pregnant at 17 and his mother, a frustrated artist, sank eventually into depression and alcoholism. As if growing up in this family during the 1950s and '60s weren't difficult enough, Doty's homosexuality provided additional anguish.

A lyrical, heartbreaking comedy of one family's dissolution through the corrosive powers of alcohol, sorrow, and thwarted desire, Firebird is also a wry evocation of childhood's pleasures and terrors, a comic tour of American suburban life, and a testament to the transformative power of art.

Mark Doty is a formidable poet and writing teacher, and he is to be honored through the writing of this review for National Coming Out Month, October 2012.  His poetry book, “Fire to Fire: New and Selected Poems” won the 2008 National Book Award for Poetry, and the R.U.12? Library has a copy of Fire to Fire.  Come on down to the Greg B. Raney library to pick up a copy of Dog years, Fire to Fire, or Firebird:  A Memoir.  Cheers to the promise of new day with Mark Doty at the helm, as a writer and poet of the day. Ciao, Todd