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.

 

 

Trans* Vermonters Gain Equal Access To Health Care

Press Release

April 26, 2013

New Health Insurance Bulletin Clarifies Access to

Health Care for Transgender Vermonters

 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jean-Denis Couillard, Health and Wellness Coordinator

RU12? Community Center

802-860-7812 trans@ru12.org

 

The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), Division of Insurance, this week, issued a bulletin clarifying key protections for transgender people in Vermont. The bulletin provides a clear directive to insurers that health care plans may not exclude coverage for medically necessary services for transgender people, including gender reassignment surgery.

 

The bulletin rests on key protections in law prohibiting gender identity discrimination, as well as the important and controlling standard of medical necessity regularly enforced by DFR rule. Insurance companies must comply with the terms of the bulletin, and new insurance policy forms filed by insurers will not be approved if they exclude gender transition related care.  The bulletin will impact a wide range of plans purchased by individuals and employers in Vermont, but does not regulate self-insured employer plans, which will continue to be subject to federal law.

 

“This is an important clarification of Vermont law.  Many health insurance plans categorically exclude gender-transition related care for no reason other than stigma and bias, and that is wrong,” said Corey Mallon, member of the Vermont Equal Care Coalition, a coalition of community organizations and individuals who advocated for the trans-inclusive reform in health insurance coverage.  “There is no principled reason for denying a transgender employee medically necessary health care.”

 

This bulletin confirms that discrimination against transgender people, including discrimination perpetuated by unfair insurance coverage, is against Vermont public policy. The bulletin states that “DFR is committed to ensuring that Vermonters do not face discrimination in accessing medically necessary health care benefits, including those based on gender identity and gender dysphoria. This is both a simple question of fairness and a matter addressed by existing insurance law and DFR regulation.”

 

“This bulletin is a momentous achievement, an achievement that rests not only on the work of the Equal Care Coalition, but on years of extraordinary efforts of many people in Vermont, and indeed across the country. We are extremely pleased that yet another barrier to receiving quality health care has fallen.  Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals is proud to be part of the Equal Care Coalition, the group that helped bring this over the finish line”, said Mari Cordes RN, President of Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals.

 

“Vermont joins a growing number of states in ensuring that transgender people are able to get the care they need, when they need it. Data shows that eliminating discriminatory insurance exclusions does not drive up costs, and is invaluable for helping transgender people lead healthy and authentic lives,” added Andrew Cray, a policy analyst with the LGBT Research and Communications Project at the, Center for American Progress in Washington, DC. California, Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia have released guidance recognizing that equal access to health coverage is supported by medical science, improves the health of transgender people, and does not increase costs. Ending arbitrary insurance discrimination against transgender people simply supports what expert medical professional organizations including the American Medical Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and others have been saying for years: transition-related health care is medically necessary for many transgender individuals whose health and well-being depends on bringing their physical body into alignment with their gender identity, and determination of what care an individual patient needs properly rests with medical providers, not insurance companies.

 

Read the full bulletin here -  http://www.dfr.vermont.gov/sites/default/files/Bulletin_174.pdf

 

Frequently Asked Questions – http://www.ru12.org/bulletin_faq.html

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

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

New Gay and Lesbian History Award

The Vermont Historical Society's Vermont History Day is a program open to Vermont students in grades 5 - 12.  The newly established Gay & Lesbian History Award will be added to the Vermont History Day's list of Special Prizes, and described as follows:

Gay & Lesbian History Award
Sponsored by the Vermont LGBT History Project
The Vermont LGBT History Project will award a prize for an outstanding entry presenting research recognizing the role of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people within Vermont history, United States history or world history.  The prize for a winning individual entry will be $100; the prize for a winning group entry will be $200, with money divided equally among group members.

Full information about Vermont History Day guidelines for exhibits, web sites, documentaries, performances or papers, as well as information about application and submission deadlines can be found at this direct weblink:  www.vermonthistory.org/historyday.   Introductory information is listed below.  A full listing of Special Prizes for Vermont History Day entries is available at the website.

Vermont History Day

Vermont History Day is an exciting education program that encourages students to study history and expand their knowledge. It also provides the opportunity to share the knowledge they have gained from their historical research by creating projects for the state contest. Vermont History Day is affiliated with National History Day.

The program is open to Vermont students in grades five through twelve and home study students ages 10 to 18.

Working individually or in small groups (up to 5), students choose a topic related to the National History Day annual theme, which in 2013 is"Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events." The topic can relate to Vermont history or US history or world history.

Students conduct research in libraries, museums, and historical societies, and interview experts on their topic. Using their new knowledge and incorporating primary sources, the students develop their projects in the format of their choice: exhibits, web sites, documentaries, performances or papers.

The entries are then judged by local historians, educators, and other professionals at the state program. Through their work, students gain a deeper understanding of how people, cultures, and events affect the course of history. This year's state contest will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Spaulding High School in Barre.

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

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:

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.

Outright VT Hiring Director of Education

Outright VT Hiring Director of Education

The mission of Outright is to provide safe, healthy, and supportive environments for LGBTQQ youth, ages 13-22. Outright Vermont is hiring a full time Director of Education. The Director of Education is responsible for providing support, resources, and assistance to youth, adults, and school districts across the state of Vermont.

Key functions include:

 

• Education and Outreach to schools and community organizations throughout Vermont, including presenting to 4000+ participants at schools in every county in the state


• Managing Vermont's Queer Straight Alliance Network, including providing support, resources, and technical assistant to Vermont's QSAs


• Planning and coordinating two major events, the Fall QSA Conference and the Spring Queer & Allied Youth Summit


• Assisting with General Organizational and Administrative Support

Minimum qualifications necessary include a college degree in a relevant field (or a mixture of education and experience), proven ability to effectively communicate and present to diverse audiences, a valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively in state, and knowledge about the experiences of queer youth. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to ed@outrightvt.org by January 4th. Email with questions. Thanks.

See Full Listing

Statewide Online Bulletin Board

 

We're introducing a new Statewide Online Community Bulletin Board on our website. Here you can find or post ads from members of your community for housing, carpool or ride share, furniture and personal items, employment opportunities, and more!

 

• Do you have an apartment for rent?


• How about a job opportunity?


• Are you looking to set up a carpool or ride-share?


• Having a tag sale?

 

Here is your chance to get the word out! The board is a bit empty so please start posting!!

 

For questions about the posting on the board please email BulletinBoard@ru12.org or call the center at (802) 860-7812

Click HERE to visit the online bulletin board!

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.

"8" the Play: at the Chandler

One-night only staged reading

Saturday December 1st, 7:30 PM

Chandler Center for the Arts: Randolph, Vermont

Uncover the truth about marriage for gay and lesbian Americans. "8"—a new play by Academy-award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar)—demystifies the debate around marriage equality by chronicling the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Learn about the historical context of marriage from expert testimony. See the human cost of discrimination. Uncover the arguments used to justify bans on marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Using the actual court transcripts from the landmark federal trial of California's Prop. 8 and first-hand interviews, "8" shows both sides of the debate in a moving 90-minute play.

Directed by Richard Waterhouse

Chandler Center for the Arts: Randolph, Vermont

Chandler box office 802 728-6464

Starring Equity and non-Equity actors from throughout Vermont.

Sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont and the Samara Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation

Facebook Event

Translating Identities Conference & More!

A Note From Jean-Denis:

Last weekend brought the Translating Identities Conference, an annual conference at UVM which explores a wide variety of topics related to gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. After a brief post-TIC recovery time (whew!), I'm excited to share my experiences with all of you!

The conference is always a pleasure to attend; You know it's a great conference when you can't decide which of the many interesting workshops you'd like to attend. This year brought workshops relating to human rights and refugees, family, the criminalization of gender non-conformity, sex, asexuality, polyamory... such a wide array! I was happy to bring two workshops of my own- one on health care reform in Vermont and the movement to make it trans-inclusive and another in a town hall-style format on community, done with educator and advocate Samuel Lurie.

Informing the community about what is currently happening in health care reform and why gender transition exclusions are harmful (and illegal) was amazing. More and more people in our community are starting to become aware of the issue and have already shown such support and dedication to expanding equality in Vermont. Currently, care available to Vermonters accessing it for reasons other than gender transition (such as post-menopausal people listed as female who choose hormone replacement therapy or people listed as female who have a hysteretomy for endometriosis) are not available to people seeking those same services for the purpose of gender transition, discriminating against trans people. These services are considered by expert agencies (such as the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association) to be effective and medically necessary for people needing to alleviate the gender-related body dysphoria they experience. 

I was inspired to see the passion of those working on, or just learning about, this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with the fabulous people in our community/ies!

- Jean-Denis

Are you interested in joining this fight for equality? If so, email or call Jean-Denis (trans@ru12.org, 802-860-7812) to join the community committee forming!

Exciting News! The next version (5th) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which mental health and other professionals use to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients, will no longer list "Gender Identity Disorder", only "Gender Dysphoria", which describes the depression many trans people struggle with when their body doesn't match their internal sense of themselves. This is a big win for trans and gender non-conforming people, de-pathologizing gender non-conformity and the natural variations of human gender experience. 

Don't forget to check out our 2nd Trans Town Hall on November 1st at 6:30p in the McClure Multigenerational Center in Burlington. This Town Hall's focus is on relationships: how can we work towards healthy relationships? What that looks like for us? What is working in our lives and what might we need to change to best fulfill that vital need for love, intimacy, and human connection? We welcome guest speaker Nancy Feldman, LCMHC.

Finally, November 3rd is a special series of workshops about trans sexuality and the use of gender in kinky play, presented by Vermont Alternative Sexuality Education and RU12?. Register now and come check it out! (ages 18+)

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  

Pride Vermont “Equality Equinox” -Sept 22nd

Parade & Festival Registration Information

In order to offset the costs for the event, Pride Vermont now has suggested donation fees for the parade and festival. You may request a fee waiver by emailing director@pridevt.com if it would otherwise prevent your attendance. Don’t forget that you get the most benefit by being a Sponsor!

Please register by September 15th, 2012.

To register for marching in the parade only, please fill out the Parade Registration Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

A la carte Parade donations: 

• • Non-profit organization: $30
  • Community group**: $50
  • Business: $75
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $100

To register for vending at the festival only, please fill out the Festival Registration Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

A la carte Festival Table/Booth:

•  
  • Sheltered table for non-profit organization or community group: $45
  • Sheltered table for Business: $75
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $100
  • Sheltered Booth: $200

To apply as a performer in the festival, please fill out the Performer Registration Form. We cannot guarantee space for all performers but the committee will be in touch with you!

To sign-up for BOTH parade space and festival vending space, please fill out the Sponsorship Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

Parade & Festival Combo: (Parade space and Sheltered Table)

•  
  • Non-profit organization: $60
  • Community group**: $75
  • Business: $100
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $150

**Performers or groups selected for the festival bandshell are exempt from the fee. Please complete the appropriate form for contact use.

To secure an ad space in the Pride Guide, visit the Sponsorship page.

Day-of event information will be provided to the contact person listed on the registration form. Please be prepared to arrive at the parade staging area (Hood Plant parking lot) by 10:30am and have your festival booth (Battery Park) set-up by noon.

 

Questions?  Please email director@pridevt.com.

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.

RU12? Family Program Summer 2012 schedule!

We hope you'll join us! Please contact jean@ru12.org with any questions, comments or if you would like more information, to be added to the RU12? Family Program email announcement list or email discussion group.

Notes from a donor...

Notes from a donor: As a member of the RU12? Community Center Staff, I experience first hand the positive change affected by our programs & services in the lives of LGBTQ and allied Vermonters. It’s rare that donors get a chance to witness the impact of each dollar spent on the vital programs offered by the center each day. I can see that financial contributions are crucial in maintaining the sustainability of the organization’s mission and how carefully each dollar is spent. I would love to show my support for RU12? by donating a large lump sum of money. Unfortunately my personal budget doesn’t reconcile with that wish, so I choose to donate a smaller amount each month. The Network for Good website allows me to determine a monthly donation that feels comfortable & won’t break my budget. They even send me an email 10 days before they charge my card so I keep track of my donations. I feel good about investing in my community and I know that Vermont is a better place because the RU12? Community Center thrives. Please join me in supporting a fantastic organization!

-Mike Bensel, HIV Prevention Program Coordinator

 

2nd Annual Summer Pride Festival in Randolph, VT

At the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph VT

2nd Annual Summer Pride Festival

July 13 – July 22

The festival presents staged readings of three plays that present the concerns and issues of the gay and lesbian community. David Zak, Executive Director of Pride Films and Plays, returns to direct. A talkback discussion between the audience and cast and reception follow each evening's performance.

Still Fighting It– Friday July 13 & Sunday July 22, 7:30 PM
The story of Maggie, a mom who has trouble coping when her daughter arrives home with an unexpected beau. Funny and touching, this new work by Cassie Keet was a finalist in Pride Films and Plays' Women's Work Contest. 

The Homosexuals– Saturday July 14 & Friday July 20, 7:30 PM
A sizzling and sexy look at a group of gay friends and the ties that make them family. A runaway hit in Chicago in 2010, this new comedy by Phillip Dawkins will surely be recognized as one of the decade's lasting scripts. 

The Children's Hour – Sunday July 15 & Saturday July 21, 7:30 PM
When a teacher at an all-girls school disciplines young Mary Tilford, she utters the lie that makes the script still powerful and potent nearly 80 years after its premiere. Photo on right from The Children's Hour, taken by Bob Eddy of First Light Studios. 

Advance: Adults $17, Students $12. $20/$15 Day of Show


Tickets can be ordered online or by calling the Box Office between 3 & 6 PM weekdays at 802-728-6464. Order a three-play pass for the price of two by calling the Box Office no later than Thursday July 12.

Visit us online!

Community Calendar Spotlight: Queer Open-Mic in Brattleboro

Wednesday, July 18th at The Backside Cafe in Brattelboro

Open Mic at the Backside Cafe! This space has been generously offered to us for evening use, let's fill it with poetry, music, stories, stand-up, whatever you've got. Email men@sover.net to get on the performance list, or just show up and we'll make sure you get some mic time. Excited to see and support the diverse talents in our community!

FACEBOOK EVENT