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

6 Degrees: Innovative Testing Network

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What is 6 Degrees?

It can be hard getting through the door to get an HIV test. There are many reasons why people will put off getting tested. But when someone they know reaches out and supports them in getting tested, taking this important step becomes easier to do. Often people have thought about getting tested and just need a little outside encouragement and support to move forward. That’s where the 6 Degrees project comes in.

6 Degrees is a project where Vermonters who are connected to friends, peers and acquaintances at risk of becoming HIV positive (like having unprotected sex or sharing needles) volunteer to become Community Advocates who reach out to their circles and encourage folks to get tested. This non-judgemental peer support, and the support from a network of testers, makes it easier for people to come in for testing and find out what their HIV status is.

 

Why is it important to get tested for HIV?

HIV can have a major impact on someone’s health. Many people will not have any symptoms (like getting ill more often) for 11 years after they’ve become HIV-positive, and 1 in 5 people who are living with HIV don’t realize it. The sooner someone gets tested and knows their HIV status, the sooner they can take steps to keep themselves and their partners healthier for longer. 

 

What do I get out of it?

If you become a Community Advocate, you will receive gift cards, credit towards your bills, and other incentives of your choice worth $25 for each person at risk of becoming HIV-positive that you refer who comes in for a test. For example, you could earn up to $250 towards an iPad or an electric bill. You will also be a part of a new, exciting project that breaks down barriers for our friends and community, helping those we know and care about to stay healthier and informed. 

 

Who runs the 6 Degrees project?

The RU12? Community Center, an organization that celebrates, educates and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters has partnered with the Comprehensive Care Clinics, a system of four clinics providing state-of-the-art treatment for all stages of HIV/AIDS. These two organizations work together to:

• Recruit Community Advocates
• Support the advocates in connecting with their communities
• Provide anonymous HIV testing to the people in the Community Advocates' social circles

 

How do I get involved?

If you’re interested in becoming a Community Advocate, contact Mike Bensel or Jean-Denis Couillard at the RU12? Community Center by calling (802) 860-7812 or emailing 6degrees@ru12.org. You can also contact Deb Kutzko at the Comprehensive Care Clinic by calling (802) 847-4594. We will set up an interview with you where you can learn more about the program and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

 

 

Call For Proposals For Translating Identities Conference

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: June 15th, 2013

The Translating Identity Conference and Free 2 Be student organization of the University of Vermont are proud to announce the Translating Identity Conference (TIC), a one-day conference focusing on gender and gender identities. Conference registration will be free and open to the public.  This event hopes to reach out to the University of Vermont, Burlington, and broader communities and educate us all further about transgender and gender identity topics as well as their intersections with other identities. With multiple panels to choose from at any time, some panels will be directed towards trans people, their partners, and allies; while others will be for those who are fairly unfamiliar with the transgender movement and the topic of gender identity. This conference seeks to translate gender identity to both the queer community and its allies.

Read more about the conference and how you can propose your own workshop

RU12?'s LGBTQ Community Dinner Tickets Now Available!!

RESERVE TICKETS

Please join us for RU12? Community Center’s 15th Annual LGBTQ Community Dinner: Emerald. Our signature event, this year’s dinner celebrates fifteen years of RU12?’s commitment to LGBTQA community building across Vermont.

RU12’s Annual Dinner brings together community members and allies for a fabulous evening of dinner and entertainment in support of our vital health and human rights programs as well as our social and educational events. It is a time for us to recognize community leaders, organizations, and businesses dedicated to building and strengthening our community.

The Annual Dinner begins at 5:00PM

The Sheraton Hotel, Burlington

in the Emerald Ballroom  

RU12 Play Group EVERY Thursday!

Come join other LGBT families and children for our playgroup at the Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center in Essex. This weeks theme will be painting and games!

 

Actors Needed for Chandler Pride Festival!

WANTED: Chandler Pride is looking for young men in their 20's to be part of this summer's production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. If you are interested, please email your headshots and resumes to Chandler Summer at chandlersummerpride@gmail.com.  

Chandler Pride on Facebook

Franklin County: RU12?’s Rainbow Reading Hour Tonight!

GLAMFlixx: Keep the Lights On: Weds. 2/20

On Wednesday, February 20th, join GLAM as we watch Keep the Lights On! Come to our weekly GLAM meeting at 6:30 and stay after for the movie! Snacks and drinks provided. It's 1997 and New York City is in a state of intense flux when documentary filmmaker Erik Rothman (Thure Lindhardt) first meets Paul Lucy (Zachary Booth), a handsome but closeted lawyer in the publishing field. What begins as a highly charged first encounter soon becomes something much more, and a relationship quickly develops. As the two men start building a home and life together, each continues to privately battle their own compulsions and addictions. A film about sex, friendship, intimacy and most of all, love, Keep the Lights On takes an honest look at the nature of relationships in our times. -- (C) Official Site 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.   Facebook Event

Franklin County: RU12?’s Rainbow Reading Hour Tonight!

*This event will be taking place every 1st and 3d Mondays 5:30 to 6:30, starting January 7th.

Come join us for RU12?’s Rainbow Reading Hour! We want to welcome children of all ages to gather and read a story, and then do an activity together. This is a chance for LGBTQA families to meet and find community at the Bent Northrop Memorial Library in Fairfield.

Feel free to bring a favorite book or friend to join the fun! If you have any ideas, would like to volunteer, or need more information, feel free to email me at Sam@ru12.org

Facebook Event

Sana (Parts 1-4)

We've asked a guest writer, Ana Hernandez, to write about her experience in a domestic violence relationship where her then girlfriend used their dog Sana as a way to inflict harm in the relationship. Ana has written a four part essay. We hope that this essay will bring to light some of the issues around domestic violence in the LGBTQ communities as well as how very deeply the animals in our lives are affected. Please note that this essay is the abridged version. If you would like to read a longer version that includes how the other dog and cat in Ana's life were affected, please let us know.

Sana
 By Ana Hernández

Part I

On the evening of September 11, 2004, I was driving my girlfriend, Jackie, and some of her friends back from the 9/11 memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  As I pulled onto the highway, I saw, reflected in the headlights, two enormous eyes staring up from a small heap in my traffic lane.  I zoomed the van over the creature, then turned sharply into the parking lot of a truck stop, explaining, “there’s something in the road, I think it was hit.”  I ran to the spot and saw a tiny dog in the gutter, likely blown over by the 18-wheelers roaring past.  As I scooped her up, she tensed but did not resist.

Killington Winter Pride Weekend: February 1st-February 3rd

 

 

With one of the most popular nightlife scenes in the East, along with 140 trails spread across 70 miles of mountain terrain, Killington’s got something for everyone – and then some. Whether you’re an avid snow sport enthusiast or just making the trip out to party, we’ll provide you with everything needed for an amazing experience.

As a part of this initiative, G.N.A.R. is proud to support RU12? Community Center as the principle non-profit beneficiary of this year’s event. RU12 Community Center celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters. They offer a wide range of programs from social and educational events, to health and wellness programs, to direct services and advocacy.

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EVENT PASS OPTIONS:
- Gold Pass ($129)
- Gold Pass + Full-Day Lift Ticket ($169)

Pride Passes may be purchased at www.GnarWinterPride.com.

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FEATURED EVENTS:

Jeanne Manford Dead: PFLAG Founder And Pioneering Gay Rights Ally Dies At 92

Posted 1/8/13

The Huffington Post  |  By Curtis M. Wong

Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and an all-around pioneering straight ally in the LGBT rights movement, has died at 92.

Manford died at her Daly City, Calif. home and had been in declining health for some time, daughter Suzanne Swan confirmed.

“She is known to thousands of people as the mother of the straight ally movement, but to me –- she was my mother," Ms. Swan said in an email statement. "She was someone who would always do the right thing, the good thing. She supported all people, and that meant so much to us growing up.”

Born Jeanne Sobelson on Dec. 4, 1920 in Queens, N.Y., Manford became active on behalf of LGBT rights in 1972 after her son Morty was beaten during a Gay Activists Alliance demonstration. After Morty's attack, Manford penned a letter to the editor of The New York Post, declaring "I have a homosexual son and I love him."

She subsequently joined her son in the 1972 Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade (predecessor to NYC's LGBT Pride Parade), carrying a placard stating "Parents of Gays: Unite in Support Of Our Children." The first meeting of PFLAG (which was then known as "Parents of Gays" or "POG") was held in New York's Metropolitan Community Church the following year.

"All of us -- people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight allies alike -- owe Jeanne our gratitude," PFLAG officials said in an email statement. "She paved the way for us to speak out for what is right, uniting the unique parent, family, and ally voice with the voice of LGBT people everywhere."

A private interment service will be held and details of a later celebration of Manford’s life and legacy will be announced later. The family requests that any donations be made to the Jeanne Manford Legacy Fund to support the ongoing work of PFLAG National: 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 660, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Trans Town Hall on Health Care Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 6:30p join us for the 5th Trans Town Hall, this time focusing on health care, at the McClure Multigenerational Center in Burlington.

In this much anticipated Trans* Town Hall, trans people and allies are invited to come together to explore one of the most common experiences shared among trans* people: accessing health care and, for some, taking steps to medically transition. What are some of the 'nuts and bolts' of medically transitioning? What have been some of the challenges we've faced? How do we address these and advocate for ourselves with medical providers? Dr. Rachel Inker, who leads the Transgender Health Clinic of the Community Health Center of Burlington (www.chcb.org) will join us to provide medical information on gender transition. Transgender Educator and Advocate Samuel Lurie, M.Ed., will help attendees to build skills for self-advocating with health care providers (www.tgtrain.org).

Trans Town Halls, including this one, are held every first Thursday of the month at 6:30pm at the McClure Multigenerational Center in Burlington (241 N Winooski Ave). They are a unique opportunity for trans* people and allies to come together, build relationships, and discuss issues impacting trans* Vermonters and our friends, families, partners, and allies. It's been fantastic to connect with others in the community who've been able to come out to the previous Town Halls.

I hope to see you there!

GEN Silent movie about LGBT Elders available for free home screening

Last May, RU12?'s LGBT Elders Program teamed up with community partners Champlain Valley Area Health Education Cener (CVAHEC) and the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) to present a screening of the film GEN Silent, about several LGBT aging Americans and their struggle to feel comfortable being/remaining out in the context of getting older and accessing elders-specific services. This was one of several GEN Silent screenings statewide throughout the month of May.

Our screening was a remarkable success, with more than 100 folks coming out on a Wednesday evening for the film and following panel discussion, in order to bring attention to the issue as well as identify viable next steps, including the development of cultural competency trainings for elders service providers. RU12? will be debuting this training system this spring in the NEK, but until then, the powerful film that kickstarted our local discussions is available for free home-viewing until January 1. Check it out here: GEN Silent, or contact jean@ru12.org for more information about RU12?'s new LGBT Elders training.

Kind Understanding Adoption Circle (KUAC) Weds 12/12/12 6-8pm

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. KUACoffers 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. 

Trans Town Hall: Know Your Rights, December 6th

Trans Town Halls occur the first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the McClure Multigenerational Center, located at 241 N Winooski Ave (same building as Outright VT). They are open to all trans and gender non-conforming people and allies. The space is accessible to people with disabilities and refreshments will be served.

This Thursday, December 6th, join us for a Trans Town Hall focusing on knowing your legal rights.

What are my rights? 

What happens if I experience discrimination or harassment? What can I do if I get stopped by the police and they want to search me? What happens if my legal documents have different names or sex markers? What are the laws around marriage for people who transition? 

Life sometimes presents us with legal challenges. A way to protect ourselves is to empower ourselves with the legal knowledge to help us get through these situations. In December's Trans Town Hall, come with your questions, worries, triumphs and experiences to share with, and learn from, other trans and gender non-conforming people and allies.

Jes Kraus, J.D., will offer information on some of the most common legal experiences faced by trans people. Jes is the Director of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Office at the University of Vermont. Prior to his career at UVM, Jes worked as an attorney and as the Director of a public sector labor union for nine years, and served as a police officer for five years. Jes was instrumental to the passing of the expansion of Vermont's Anti-Discrimination Act to include gender identity and expression in 2007. He earned a B.S. in Government from the United States Coast Guard Academy, and a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Vermont Law School.

For more information, contact Jean-Denis at trans@ru12.org or call 860-RU12(7812). 

 

VASE RACKshop & Book Signing at RU12?

RU12? welcomes Vermont Alternative Sexuality Education for a RACKshop (Risk Aware Consentual Kink) and book signing with Raven Kaldera and his slave Joshua Tenpenny!

The open book signing and Q&A is from 6:45-7:30pm on Saturday, December 1st - feel free to invite others who might be interested, this time is FREE and open to the public. Raven Kaldera has published over 33 books on a range of topics in spirituality, paganism, polyamory, BDSM, and more. You can see his titles at http://www.ravenkaldera.org/books.html. Bring the books you already own or bring cash/card to purchase ones you are interested in! The open book signing is held at the RU12? Community Center, located in the bottom level of the Champlain Mill in Winooski.

Now, about the RACKshop! This special event features 3 workshops: BDSM Spirituality, Master/slave Relationships as a Spiritual Path, and Sacred Prostituation. There are only 10 spaces left for the public. Please email VASE@nelaonline.org or visit this link to pre-register and save your seat. We are taking payment in cash or check at the door for this event.

Tickets are $25 each. NELA Associates, Rose & Thorn or Darkstone members, and college students get a $5 discount.

For a schedule and class and presenter descriptions, read more below.

VASE: Innovative Fiber Arts (Rope Tying)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: RU12? Community Center - basement level, Champlain Mill.The Champlain Mill, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Suite 102, Winooski, VT 05404

Cost: Free! Donations to RU12 help keep free kink-friendly space open, though!
Dress code: Comfortable to tie in - kinky themed tshirts, collars, etc, are ok.
Description: Since our most recent IFA meetup was such a huge success, we have decided to meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday night of every month. Yayyyy!!!!

The Innovative Fiber Arts group was started in 2011 by the VASE directors because

RU12?'s Bring a Bottle Wine Auction

Please join RU12? Community Center on Monday, December 3rd at Burlington City Arts for the RU12? Wine Auction. From 6PM to 8PM, guests will mingle, hear fabulous music by accomplished cellist Mo Citro, enjoy tantalizing hors d'oeuvres from Catering by Dale, and catch up with friends at Vermont Creamery's cheese table. 

Need some wine for gifts or dinners in the coming holiday season? Are you adventurous about trying new wines? Want to build up your wine cellar?This is the event to attend. 

Guests are asked to bring a bottle of your favorite red or white. At the end of the evening, two lots of wine, the table of reds and the table of whites, will be auctioned. We also plan to have a couple other wine related auction items for those who may not want to bid on an entire table of wine! 

All proceeds will benefit RU12? Community Center, which celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters. 

For more information, contact RU12? and speak with Kim Fountain at 802-860-7812 or email her at kim@ru12.org. 

Facebook Event

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.

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!*