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

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  

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

April 1st Open Door Dialogues- Exploring Multiple Identities

On behalf of RU12?, Kara and Adam invite you to join them the first Monday of each month to explore among other things; coming out, relationships, identity, sexuality, family, and marriage. This informal gathering welcomes all adults from the LGBTQ spectrum as well as allies. Open Door Dialogues will take place at RU12?, facilitated by Kara and Adam.  Who are Kara and Adam?

Adam Gregory Catanzarite prefers neutral pronouns (they, them, their) and enjoys biking around town. Adam is a big fan of Thai and Indian food  and likes watching movies at the cinema whenever they are not working at Outright Vermont.

Kara Rule is a social worker at HowardCenter, she currently provides support to students in a public school environment. Kara enjoys playing basketball, knitting, cooking, and spending time with her dog. Kara is originally from Colorado and has loved exploring the beauty of Vermont. She can often be found at community events in Burlington and Winooski. 

So drop by RU12? for Open Door Dialogues the first Monday of each month at 6pm, meet Kara and Adam over cookies, tea and hot chocolate and discuss: 

Monday April 1st, 6pm- Exploring Multiple Identities

*These discussions are non sequential, and all newcomers are welcome. If you have questions please email Kara and Adam at opendoor@ru12.org

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

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.

GLAMflixx: Safety Not Guaranteed

Join us for our weekly GLAM meeting followed by a showing of Safety Not Guaranteed! Food and drinks provided. (GLAM meeting begins at 6:30, movie immediately after at 7:30.)

From the producers of Little Miss Sunshine - "When an unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to look for the story behind it, they discover a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth, a likable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he's solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon. Together, they embark on a hilarious, smart, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey that reveals how far believing can take you." -- (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

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:

Tonight Social Support Group for LGBTQ Individuals with Disabilities

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      

JANUARY

Jan. 8^th      Making Resolutions for the New Year

Jan. 15^th    Discussion group- No Topics Off Limits

Jan. 22^nd   NO GROUP TODAY

Jan. 29^th    Art Project- Express Yourself

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.

Don't forget Open Door Dialogues Monday Jan. 7th at 6 pm

On behalf of RU12?, Kara and Adam invite you to join them the first Monday of each month to explore among other things; coming out, relationships, identity, sexuality, family, and marriage. This informal gathering welcomes all adults from the LGBTQ spectrum as well as allies. Open Door Dialogues will take place at RU12?, facilitated by Kara and Adam.  Who are Kara and Adam?

Adam Gregory Catanzarite prefers neutral pronouns (they, them, their) and enjoys biking around town. Adam is a big fan of Thai and Indian food  and likes watching movies at the cinema whenever they are not working at Outright Vermont.

Kara Rule is a social worker at HowardCenter, she currently provides support to students in a public school environment. Kara enjoys playing basketball, knitting, cooking, and spending time with her dog. Kara is originally from Colorado and has loved exploring the beauty of Vermont. She can often be found at community events in Burlington and Winooski. 

So drop by RU12? for Open Door Dialogues the first Monday of each month at 6pm, meet Kara and Adam over cookies and coffee and discuss: Monday Jan. 7th, 6pm- Holiday fallout: How to recover and move forward. *These discussions are non sequential, and all newcomers are welcome*. If you have questions please email Kara and Adam at opendoor@ru12.org

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.

RU12? "Bring a Bottle" Wine Auction Menu

We wanted to share this hors d'oeuvres menu with you because Catering by Dale, the Vermont Creamery, The Guild Restaurant, and O Bread have come together to create magic! 

• Arugula and Roasted Delicate Squash Salad with Toasted Pumpkin seeds served in mini-cups
• Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Roulade with creme fraiche
• Asian Beef Dumplings with Soy and Peanut Dipping Sauces
• Deep Fried Chevre with Cider Castrique
• Roasted Sweet Potato and Parsnip Soup shot with ginger crema
• Mini Beef Wellington Crustini, with duxelles and pate de champagne 

Stationary Cheese Table:

• VT Creamery Cheese Assortment
• Pork Rillette and  Pickled Beet Trifle
• Duck Confit with dried cherry chutney
• Cannellini bean, roasted garlic and roasted garlic spread

Dessert Table:

• Pomegranate Tartlets
• Key Lime Tartlets
• Death By Chocolate

*Subject to change if they think of even more mouth watering delights! 

RU12? SafeSpace in the News

RU12?'s Executive Director recently contributed to the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Newsletter, writing about LGBTQ survivors of violence. Check out her article on page 2.

http://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Fall2012VTNetworkNewsfinal.pdf

Women's Pride Social Club of Vermont: Steering Committee Meeting

The Women's Pride Social Group of Vermont holds its Steering Committee Meeting at the RU12? Community Center on Thursday, November 15th. For more information or to get involved, please email miki@ru12.org  

Like the Women's Pride Social Group of Vermont on Facebook!

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.

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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Women's Programming and Activities Social

**This Friday, September 28th!**

A group of LBT Women of all ages is coming together in a relaxed social setting to start planning activities and events for women in Vermont! Refreshments provided.

For more information, contact miki@ru12.org

Facebook Event

Thank you for a successful Field Day!

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Geography aside, community certainly does make a difference. And last Saturday, September 1, RU12? had the great fortune of hosting a strong showing of LGBTQHA-identified families at Hubbard Park in Montpelier for a successful inaugural Family Program Picnic Potluck and Field Day event, this despite a long holiday weekend and competing end-of-summer events across the state. Faces were painted, water balloons flew, eggs were dropped, sponges were bucket-brigaded, soda bottles went flying, and hoops were hulaed--not to mention all the good food! A good time, it seems, was had by all. Thank you to all our volunteers (Heather, Crystal, Cat, Hannah, Corey, Alan, Jeffrey, Geoffrey, Jamie, Ashley, Corrine, Leigh and Bianca) and all the participating families for making it an event to remember! See our Facebook page for photos from the event, and see you all next year for the Second Annual!

RU12? Family Program Potluck Picnic and Field Day Event Saturday, September 1!

Just a reminder that this Saturday is RU12?'s first annual Family Program Picnic Potluck and Field Day Event!

The weather is slated to be beautiful (77 degrees and sunny--don't forget your sunscreen!)

We are still looking for a few volunteers to run the children's events (list below). If you have any interest in helping out (10am-4pm), email jean@ru12.org or call the Center at 802.860.7812.

Tentative list of kids' events will include Balloon Pop, Hula Hoop Marathon, Water Balloon Toss, Tug o' War, Beach Ball Race, Soda Bottle Bowling, Egg on Spoon race, Egg Toss, Long Jump, Face Painting, Toe-Marble Grab, Sponge Relay, Red Light Green Light, Rest/Relaxation Station and an all-participant Scavenger Hunt! Mini-awards and prizes will be offered at the end of the day.

Event will take place at Hubbard Park's Old Shelter (by the soccer field). Plenty of nearby parking, as well as outhouse facilities (no running water). Click here for a map of the park.

Directions from 89: Go R on State Street from the highway to Elm Street. Take a L on Elm until Winter Street. Go L on Winter Street to the junction of Parkway Street/Parkway Avenue. Follow Parkway Street into the park and look for signs for parking. (~1000 feet past the frog pond is a R-turn towards the Old Shelter where the event will take place.)

Things to bring:

• Suggested donation of $10/family for RU12?'s Family Program (to defray the cost of the event and raise funds for future endeavors), but no one will be turned away for lack of donation.
• A dish to share
• Non-alcoholic beverages for you and yours
• Picnic blankets
• Sunscreen
• Overlayer in case it gets cold
• Change of clothes/shoes in case of getting eggy (egg toss, egg on spoon) or wet (water balloon toss)

For more info on any of the above, please contact jean@ru12.org.

QUEER QUEST - Sun, Sept 9th 2pm

An afternoon scavenger hunt in downtown Burlington!

Kick off PRIDE month with a SCAVENGER HUNT that will have you DASHING TOP to BOTTOM all over downtown Burlington in search of CLUES leading to GREAT PRIZES & a FABULOUS finale party at LEVITY! 

SIGN UP is 2-3 p.m. at the top of Church Street

FINALE PARTY: 5 P.M. at LEVITY, 9 Center Street.

Prizes hidden throughout the event!

 FREE ALL AGES EVENT!

For all questions and details, contact RU12? Community Center. 802-860-7812

Do it as a team or do it solo! 

Facebook Event


*Digital camera or phone with camera required for participation! 

Groups Work Together to Serve LGBTQ Seniors

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2012 / Contact: Ken Gordon
Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont
481 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819
Telephone: 800-642-5119/802-748-5182

Groups Work Together to Serve LGBTQ Seniors

Imagine growing up in a world where your government legalized discrimination against you and took away your right to privacy. Imagine living in fear of being beaten in the street and having nowhere to turn to for help. And imagine living under the constant threat of losing your job, family, friends, and children, so doing whatever you could to hide who you love rather than celebrate it in public.

This is the world in which many older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults lived their entire lives. Some bravely came out and lived the best they could, while others remained closeted. Today, these individuals are part of the fastest growing age group in the Vermont – those over the age of sixty.