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

Ann Atkins receives an Oscar for advocacy!

Please join us in congratulating our very own Ann Atkins, SafeSpace Program Director, who received the 2008 Community Based Advocate Award at the Fifteenth Annual Vermont Victims’ Rights Awards Ceremony in Montpelier on April 17^th!! This award is sponsored by The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.

In her acceptance speech Ann thanked her agent, personal assistant, acting teacher and all her fans who helped make this possible.......JUST KIDDING!!!!

Ann has been advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for over twelve years which is a testament to her dedication and commitment to victim advocacy.  In the relatively short time that Ann has been at SafeSpace, she has developed new relationships with key stakeholders in Vermont to help raise awareness about the issues of same sex domestic violence, sexual and hate violence perpetrated against LGBTQ Vermonters.

Nominated to be the Chair of the Parallel Justice Commission, in addition to being a member of the Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence, Ann is an unwavering voice for LGBTQ survivors of violence in Vermont making a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQ survivors. Ann helps bring this often silenced voice to the table contributing to ending all forms of violence and discrimination.  Vermont is incredibly lucky to have such an advocate in our midst and we at SafeSpace and RU12? are honored to work with her!

Welcome to the new RU12? website!

We are so excited to launch our new website with our new logo and tag line. Welcome to RU12's new site where you can access the most current information about events and happenings in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Vermont.

The new, interactive site encourages LGBTQ and allied members of the community to connect to the Center and to each other. You will notice that you can post comments to updates and informational posts on the new website. We would love to have you interact with our website and let us know what you think! Feedback, comments and questions are welcome.

Our new website is also a comprehensive, informative site where you can find out about the date of the Drag Ball (this Saturday, February 16th at Higher Ground to benefit the People With AIDS Coalition), when free, anonymous HIV testing is available at RU12? (Tuesdays & Thursdays), how to access anti-violence resources and support, ways to get involved with RU12? by volunteering or donating, and much, much more.

This fabulous new website and the new RU12? logo were designed by Don Eggert, one of our greatest supporters, a RU12? founder and original Board member, and an on-going volunteer who generously gives of his time, talent, and resources to strengthen RU12? and Vermont’s LGBTQ community. We cannot thank you enough Don!

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at RU12? We thank you for your continued support, and are looking forward to seeing you online and in person soon!