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.

 

 

New! Trans Group Therapy in White River Junction

Transgender Group Therapy sessions will begin this spring for transgender people seeking support, guidance, and connections with other transgender people. The group will take place in an office and White River Junction and will be led by a Licensed Social Worker with experience working with transgender clients. There is a fee, but most insurances are accepted, including NH and VT Medicaid. For more information, please call Allison Line-Andrews at 802-274-5120. A time for the group will be decided at a later date based on the schedules of those interested in attending.

LGBTQ Adoption Group: 6pm, Weds, 3/13

KUAC (Kind, Understanding Adoption Circle) is a peer support group where 21+ members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and people considering adoption) 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 @ 6pm 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.

FACEBOOK EVENT

"Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell" Tonight!

Second Monday Film/Discussion Series

Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell

Monday

March 11th, 6pm    

RU12? Community Center, Champlain Mill in Winooski

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick sets out to expose the hypocrisy of gay politicians who passionately criticize the LGBT community in public while concealing their own sexual orientation. In addition to exposing the secret lives of powerful policymakers -- and the damage they've inflicted on LGBT Americans -- this documentary also takes a critical look at the media's involvement in keeping homophobic politicians closeted.

RU12? Second Monday Screening is a cooperative effort of Vermont's LGBT and ally community.  Screenings are free and open to the public. Snacks provided please bring your own drink. Learn about the lives of LGBT people - the pain, the victories, the progress, and the challenges that persist.

Screenings are held on the second Monday of every month at RU12?. Film begins at 6pm, discussion to follow. Special thanks to VGSA and other community volunteers for making these events possible.

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

Relay For Life- Rainbow Edition!

Be a part of an exciting new movement!

The American Cancer Society is proud to announce a groundbreaking new movement in the fight against cancer. Introducing Relay For Life- Rainbow Edition; an event for and by the LGBTQ community geared towards highlighting disparities in cancer and raising money to fight back!

Relay For Life is a 12 hour, overnight event where participants form teams and camp around a track taking turns walking all night, in honor of the concept that “cancer never sleeps”. This fun, family friendly event is coming specifically to the LGBTQ community in order to honor those lost, celebrate those surviving, and learn how to fight back against the disease and its disparities in our community. Scheduled for the summer of 2013, your American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to be a part of this exciting new venture by becoming part of the planning team. For more information on how to get involved email Claire Giroux-Williams at Claire.girouxwilliams@cancer.org or call 802-872-6321. You can also visit our Facebook Page.

Open and Affirming Places of Worship in Vermont

RU12? began compiling a list of open and affirming places of worship in Vermont a couple of years ago. This was done through input from the LGBTQ community.  We would like to reach out to community members to take a look at our current list and let us know if additional organizations should be included. Please email brenda@ru12.org with your suggestions.

OPEN AND AFFIRMING PLACES OF WORSHIP

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

Holiday Fallout at the Next 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

Fourth Annual Feed the Families Free Holiday Dinner

December 25th from noon to 3 pm

Burlington Elks Lodge

925 North Avenue, Burlington

Free Coats, Hats and Mittens for all

Free transportation provided by Benway's Taxi

For more information call Michelle 310-7769

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. 

Dorset, Vermont: PFLAG Open House

On Sunday, December 9th from 4-6 PM PFLAG Dorset will be hosting an open house  The open house will be held at UCC Dorset, 146 Church St, Dorset, VT.  For more information, please contact Mike Watrous at PFLAG.Dorset@gmail.com or 802.768.1585 

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.

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

DECEMBER

Dec. 4th   Discussion group- No Topics Off Limits

Dec. 11th Movie and popcorn

Dec. 18th   Challenges around the Holiday Season        

 

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.

OPEN DOOR DIALOGUES- A new monthly topic series!

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 from 6pm-8pm, meet Kara and Adam over cookies and coffee and discuss: Monday Dec. 3rd, 6pm- The challenges of coming out during the holidays, managing family dynamics while practicing self care. 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

RU12? Disability Group Additional Meeting Location

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.

 

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.

Central VT LGBTQ Kink Discussion Group

 

Central VT Kinky/LGBTQ/Sexual Violence and Safety Discussion Group

 

6pm, 3rd Thurs of every month
at Williamstown Masons Lodge, 111 Brush Hill Rd. Williamstown, VT

 

This new kink-focused discussion group is open to all. It is a chance to discuss safety within lots of different lifestyles, particularly kink.

This will be a safe place to express your concerns or fears, and to give your opinions on these subjects.

FMI: olderlover60@yahoo.com  

Register to vote at RU12?!

As RU12?'s in-house notary, I just (a few minutes ago!) registered my very first person to vote. What a privilege and honor to be able to do so! Especially with such a big election coming up in just 12 weeks!

Did you know you can register to vote here at RU12??

For more information, stop in the Center during our regular business hours, 10am-6pm (M-Th) and 10am-2pm (Fri), or email jean@ru12.org to set up an appointment.