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

LGBTQ Welcoming Shelter Needs Our Help

The Sexual Assault Crisis Team (SACT) of Washington County provides comprehensive services  to victims/survivors of sexual violence, including emergency shelter and transitional housing for female victims of sexual violence and male  victims of sexual or domestic violence, legal advocacy, medical  advocacy, crisis services, support groups, and educational forums; legal services are available to victims of sexual assault. 

After visiting Bobbi Gagne at the SACT shelter, I was overwhelmed by the organization's respectful, client-centered approach to assisting LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence. In over a decade of doing anti-violence work, attending national conferences, helping to coordinate an LGBTQ national coalition, and countless hours of research, I rarely came accross a shelter focusing so clearly on survivors of sexual violence. SACT does this and extends their work to be absulutely embracing of our community. 

Recently, Bobbi and her team went the extra mile and created a space in the shelter that will allow survivovrs to have a slightly longer stay in an apartment on the first floor. They want everyone who comes to feel welcomed, not just because they say that all are welcomed, but because when someone steps foot in the space, they see LGBTQ culture all around them. 

Please, if anyone has any LGBTQ items-maybe a flag, or those rainbow dishtowels you bought in PTown that you never used, or framed poster that you no longer have wall space for, please let me know. I'd love to bring them down to the shelter. I don't want to have to rent a UHaul, so call me or email me before you bring anything over to the Center. 

If you would like to know more about the ways that SACT operates or the efforts they have made to welcome our community, give me a call or email me. I know you will be as impressed as I am. 

Kim 

kim@ru12.org, 802-860-8712

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.

 

 

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

Burly Bear Presents: SIRLOIN (a benefit for Pride Vermont)

It's here!!

A party where muscle cubs in uniform dance alongside kinky twinks in sportswear, leather daddies drink beer alongside their sexy boys, and fetish-oriented identities of all kinds enjoy some raunchy contests and prizes!!

Suggested dress code: fetish, military, uniforms, rubber, leather, sport, jock, etc. 

$5 Door Cover [A portion of the proceeds goes to Pride Vermont]

Music by the amazing DJ Stephen Wallace [Montreal]

FACEBOOK EVENT

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

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.

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

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

RU12? Featured Article in Get Educated

RU12's Executive Director, Kim Fountain, recently contributed to Get Educated's blog addressing the benefits of online education for LGBTQ individuals.

http://www.geteducated.com/elearning-education-blog/in-favor-of-gay-high-school-online-education-for-lgbtq-youth

 

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.