File #51807: "December.2011.SVGLA.newsletter.pdf"
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Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Hundreds Enjoy Elkton Pride Day Event
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Shenandoah Valley Gay and
Lesbian Association is to
create a safe, affirming, and
fun environment where
members are empowered
to reach their full human
potential.
———————–
Upcoming Events: (pg. 6)
•Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting
• Equality Virginia Lobby
Day
•Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS
Network
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Beautiful weather, live entertainment, good food and family fun made the first ever Elkton
Pride Day a rousing success. The Stonewall Chapter of the Merck Rainbow Alliance recently held the inaugural event at the J.M. Cooley Conference Center on the grounds of
Merck Stonewall. 407 people from across the area attended the event on Sunday to enjoy a
friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
The main purpose of the Elkton Pride event was to promote diversity, unity, visibility and
self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons and to promote a
positive image in the Elkton area through community activities and services. "We could
not be more pleased with the success of today's event!" says Vice President and Stonewall
Plant Manager Craig Kennedy. "Merck is proud and honored to have sponsored the inaugural Elkton Pride event. It has served, as intended, as a fantastic celebration of basic human rights and the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of sexual orientation.
We are absolutely thrilled to have organized such an inclusive, successful community
event!"
The event was created, planned and orchestrated by the Elkton, Va., chapter of the Merck
Rainbow Alliance ERG in honor of its mission to "inspire and grow an inclusive corporate
environment that supports a vibrant Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender employee network where the professional development of members will ensure that our global network
is a value added business partner to Merck." The successful gathering is a huge tribute to
the planning team's hard work, passion, organization and dedication to making the inaugural Elkton Pride Event a triumphant celebration of diversity and inclusion that will inspire
and foster growth in the community.
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 7)
With your annual dues of
$15.00 (Level One membership), you will receive and di to
SVGLA events.
Send form and payment to the
mailing address above.
Level Two membership is
FREE.
You will receive the newsletter
and announcements about
SVGLA events by email.
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
———————–
Photo: Some Members of the Elkton Pride Planning Team & Volunteers
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Virginia Elects First Openly Gay State Senator
November’s Virginia General Assembly election yielded an historic result when
Delegate Adam Ebbin was elected Virginia’s first out gay Senator with nearly
70% of the vote in his district. Other good election night news was a win by
EV Board member Michael Sutphin in his bid for a seat on the Blacksburg
Town Council.
Make Your Voice Heard on Lobby Day 2012
Lobby Day 2012! Join LGBT and allied folks from across the state in taking a
stand and speaking up fairness at the Library of Virginia in Richmond,
Tuesday, January 24th. Lobby for important bills that will help improve the state
of equality in Virginia, and participate in a day filled with networking and
workshops. For more information on Lobby Day, please write to
lobbyday@equalityvirginia.org
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is Feb. 15
We’ve Adopted a Highway!
SVGLA has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
It’s fun, it’s good exercise, and it’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, Jan. 28
(Feb. 4 is the makeup date).
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway.
Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Community Organizations
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransRightsVA/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education
Program
http://www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
orgs.jmu.edu/madisonequality
Network VA: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=211303515073¬es_tab=app_2347471856
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Soulforce
www.soulforce.org
SVGLA
www.svgla.org or SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
www.vapartisans.org/
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 4
We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual
and moral witness in the Shenandoah Valley.
HARRISONBURG
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
One Journey, Many Paths
V a l l e y
A I D S
We invite all who search for truth
and meaning with open hearts
and open minds to join us in worship, in mutual support, and in
shared ministry to each other and
to the world.
For more information, contact us
at: http://huuweb.org and (540)
867-0073
N e t w o r k
F u n d r a i s e r
VAN is holding “Mardi Gras Night”, a silent auction and fundraising event on Saturday,
February 18, 2012, 7-9 pm at the Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine Restaurant. Tickets for
this event are $40 and include appetizers, two drinks, entertainment, and the opportunity
to bid on terrific items like gift baskets, gift cards from local restaurants, an authentic
Greek Dinner, gift certificates for services, and much more. These funds help support
the work of VAN. The Valley AIDS Network was established in 1989 and it strives to
compassionately meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. VAN’s goals
are to move its clients toward better health and self-sufficiency, to raise awareness and
prevent the spread of the virus through education, and to serve as an advocate for those
affected by the AIDS epidemic. As housing and medical costs increase, VAN relies on
donations from the local community and fundraisers like “Mardi Gras Night” are crucial
to the on-going effectiveness of VAN. For a closer look at the Valley AIDS Network
and ticket information, visit our web site at http://www.valleyaidsnetwork.org.
COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Sunday, Dec. 18:
Friday, January 13:
SVGLA Board Meeting, 4-6pm. For location and directions, contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Full pageAnnual
ad SVGLA
for Truth
Wins
Out/Uganda
Membership
Meeting
& First Friday Potluck, Story
6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta
& Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, and Staunton (for location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Monday, January 16 : Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 24: Equality Virginia Lobby Day in Richmond (see details page 2)
Saturday, Jan. 28:
SVGLA Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM SVGLA has adopted a section of
highway near Harrisonburg through the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. Help us be
good neighbors in the community. We will gather at the Little Grill for breakfast at 8am
and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Make-up date in case of inclement
weather is Sat.urday, February 4. Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, February 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Tuesday, Feb. 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Valley AIDS Network Fundraiser “Mardi Gras Night” (See details on page 5).
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Mr. Gay Harrisonburg & Mr. Harrisonburg M.I. Competition Celebrate with SVGLA
Board member & Mr. Gay Harrisonburg Tim Fitzgerald and his Male Impersonator
counterpart Brysan Haze as they pass their titles on to the next representatives for 2012!
Doors open at 7pm; Showtime at 8pm, Downtown Music, 34 S. Main St, Harrisonburg
Wednesday, Feb. 15
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the March issue. Send
advertisements and milestones to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, March 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, March 24:
Miss Harrisonburg Newcomer & Miss Harrisonburg at Large Competition
Join us as we select our new title holders to represent the community for 2012! Doors
Open at 7pm & Showtime at 8pm. Downtown Music, 34 S. Main Street.
Friday, April 6:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Saturday, April 14:
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Concert at JMU’s Forbes Center
benefiting the Valley AIDS Network. To order tickets, go to http://www.jmu.edu/
jmuarts/forbescenter/
Saturday, April 14:
Equality Virginia’s 9th Annual Commonwealth Dinner, 4pm at the Greater Richmond
Convention Center. For more information, go to www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner
Submit items for the community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 6
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVGLA are:
•
To gather and communicate important community information.
•
To collaborate with allies and inclusive community organizations.
•
To organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational
networking with LGBT people.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVGLA with mailing and administrative costs throughout the
year. A level 1 commitment of support gets you the following:
•
•
•
•
Your choice—a hard copy of the newsletter mailed to your address, an e-mailed version of the newsletter, or both.
A vote for members of the SVLGA Board of Directors (membership renewals due by
December 1 to vote for the 2012 Board).
Advance information about SVGLA events
Level I membership is from July 1, 2011-July 1, 2012.
Level 2 Support—No Cost
Level 2 support keeps you in the loop. A level 2 commitment of support gets you an emailed version of the newsletter and advanced information about all SVGLA events.
Check one of the following levels of support and complete the form below:
Level 1 Support (please include a check for $15 for each person)
Mailed hard copy of the newsletter
E-mailed version of the newsletter
Both
Level 2 Support (Free)
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Please send this form to: SVGLA, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
IN THE NEWS…
Massachusetts Bans Gender Identity or Expression Discrimination
The Massachusetts Legislature voted to pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The bill adds
protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to
the state’s hate crimes law. The bill will go into effect 90 days after it is signed by Governor Patrick. Massachusetts will become the 16th state along with the District of Columbia in prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.
Lesbian Activist Honored with Presidential Citizens Medal
Janice Langbehn, who helped secure hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples across the
country received the nation’s second-highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama -- the
Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2007 Langbehn was kept from the bedside of her partner, who lay
dying in a Florida hospital. A story about the ordeal prompted the president to instruct his administration to issue new rules requiring hospitals to abide by the wishes of patients who designate their same-sex partners for visitation rights.
Walmart Adds “Gender Identity” to Nondiscrimination Policy
Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has quietly added language to its employee nondiscrimination policy that
forbids employment bias based on gender identity and expression. A spokesman said the change
was part of a routine review of employment policies and was not related to a complaint.
Quotable:
"I do not think We know
our own Strength
until we have seen
how strong Love makes us.”
—Curly Girl
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR LEVEL I
LGBTA Education Program
SVGLA MEMBERSHIP?
The LGBT & Ally Education Program at
Renewal forms were mailed to all Level I JMU is moving to North Campus in the East
members in July.
Tower of the Old Hospital. We will be moving over Thanksgiving break along with the
Level I membership supports the publi- Clinic Services, Student Wellness & Outreach
cation of this newsletter and many imand Substance Abuse Prevention. We will be
portant events in our community (see
located on the 5th floor and will resume ofpage 11 for details).
fice hours after Thanksgiving Break. Come
visit us in our new space in room E506.
THANK YOU for your support of SVGLA.
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
Ballots for the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors will be sent to
Level I members in December. Votes must be received by
1/10/12. Results will be announced at the Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting (which coincides with January’s First Friday).
Milestone
Civil Rights Pioneer for Modern LGBT Rights Movement Dies
Dr. Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925-October 11, 2011)
Dr. Frank Kennedy was one of the most significant figures in the modern LGBT rights movement in the United
States. In 1957, he was terminated from his position in the federal government because of his sexual orientation,
which led him to a lifetime of activism for LGBT rights. In 1961, he argued his case before the US Supreme
Court, and founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, one of the earliest LGBT organizations in the U.S.
Kameny and Barbara Gittings co-organized demonstrations for gay and lesbian rights at Independence Hall and
the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia each July 4th from 1965 to 1969, where an Historic Marker recognizes the site.
They also protested the annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association in the early 1970s. The APA
voted in 1973 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. In 2006, the Library of Congress acquired Kameny’s papers, documenting his biography and lifetime of civil rights work.
In 2007, the Smithsonian Museum of American History included an exhibit of the original picket signs Kameny
carried in demonstrations in front of the White House. In 2009, his home was designated a DC Historic Landmark. Also in 2009, John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, formally apologized to
Kameny on behalf of the US government and presented Kameny with the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the department’s most prestigious award.
In 2010, Kameny was seated at the front row of the gathering where President Barack Obama signed the “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act.” Also in 2010, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty unveiled street signs designating a section of
17th Street as “Frank Kameny Way” in his honor. On November 2, 2011, Kameny’s house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kameny’s early activism is featured in the documentary Gay Pioneers (www.gaypioneers.com), about the beginnings of the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the US.
Milestones
The “Family ConnectShen” is pleased to publish notices of significant events and other milestones (free
of charge) for SVGLA members. The newsletter is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and
December). To submit a milestone (anniversary, birthday, engagement, birth, death, other) for the January 2012 issue of the newsletter, send the following to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com: Full name and
phone number (including area code, for verification purposes), type of milestone, and a brief description
in 75 words or less. SVGLA reserves the right to publish or deny submissions. Incomplete or unverifiable submissions will not be considered.
THANK YOU, Level I Members!
Renew your Level I Membership Now (see page 7).
Thanks to Level 1 members, SVGLA has been able to support a quarterly
newsletter for all SVGLA members, and to provide free advertising or
other support to many great organizations, events, and causes in our
community in 2011, including:
And Justice for All: A Symposium on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Programs and Policies at Virginia Colleges and Universities
Elkton Pride
Equality Virginia
Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C.
JMU Visiting Scholar Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center
Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network
Peterson Toscano’s “Transfigurations” at EMU and “Doing Time” at JMU
P-FLAG National President, Rabbi David Horowitz presentation
Shenandoah Valley Pride
Soulforce/Madison Equality Symposium at JMU
“Too Fabulous” fundraiser for JMU’s LGBTA Education Program
Valley AIDS Network
Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2012!
Join us at the annual SVGLA membership meeting (also
the monthly potluck) on January 13, where we will
announce the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors.
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Hundreds Enjoy Elkton Pride Day Event
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Shenandoah Valley Gay and
Lesbian Association is to
create a safe, affirming, and
fun environment where
members are empowered
to reach their full human
potential.
———————–
Upcoming Events: (pg. 6)
•Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting
• Equality Virginia Lobby
Day
•Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS
Network
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Beautiful weather, live entertainment, good food and family fun made the first ever Elkton
Pride Day a rousing success. The Stonewall Chapter of the Merck Rainbow Alliance recently held the inaugural event at the J.M. Cooley Conference Center on the grounds of
Merck Stonewall. 407 people from across the area attended the event on Sunday to enjoy a
friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
The main purpose of the Elkton Pride event was to promote diversity, unity, visibility and
self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons and to promote a
positive image in the Elkton area through community activities and services. "We could
not be more pleased with the success of today's event!" says Vice President and Stonewall
Plant Manager Craig Kennedy. "Merck is proud and honored to have sponsored the inaugural Elkton Pride event. It has served, as intended, as a fantastic celebration of basic human rights and the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of sexual orientation.
We are absolutely thrilled to have organized such an inclusive, successful community
event!"
The event was created, planned and orchestrated by the Elkton, Va., chapter of the Merck
Rainbow Alliance ERG in honor of its mission to "inspire and grow an inclusive corporate
environment that supports a vibrant Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender employee network where the professional development of members will ensure that our global network
is a value added business partner to Merck." The successful gathering is a huge tribute to
the planning team's hard work, passion, organization and dedication to making the inaugural Elkton Pride Event a triumphant celebration of diversity and inclusion that will inspire
and foster growth in the community.
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 7)
With your annual dues of
$15.00 (Level One membership), you will receive and di to
SVGLA events.
Send form and payment to the
mailing address above.
Level Two membership is
FREE.
You will receive the newsletter
and announcements about
SVGLA events by email.
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
———————–
Photo: Some Members of the Elkton Pride Planning Team & Volunteers
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Virginia Elects First Openly Gay State Senator
November’s Virginia General Assembly election yielded an historic result when
Delegate Adam Ebbin was elected Virginia’s first out gay Senator with nearly
70% of the vote in his district. Other good election night news was a win by
EV Board member Michael Sutphin in his bid for a seat on the Blacksburg
Town Council.
Make Your Voice Heard on Lobby Day 2012
Lobby Day 2012! Join LGBT and allied folks from across the state in taking a
stand and speaking up fairness at the Library of Virginia in Richmond,
Tuesday, January 24th. Lobby for important bills that will help improve the state
of equality in Virginia, and participate in a day filled with networking and
workshops. For more information on Lobby Day, please write to
lobbyday@equalityvirginia.org
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is Feb. 15
We’ve Adopted a Highway!
SVGLA has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
It’s fun, it’s good exercise, and it’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, Jan. 28
(Feb. 4 is the makeup date).
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway.
Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Community Organizations
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransRightsVA/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education
Program
http://www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
orgs.jmu.edu/madisonequality
Network VA: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=211303515073¬es_tab=app_2347471856
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Soulforce
www.soulforce.org
SVGLA
www.svgla.org or SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
www.vapartisans.org/
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 4
We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual
and moral witness in the Shenandoah Valley.
HARRISONBURG
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
One Journey, Many Paths
V a l l e y
A I D S
We invite all who search for truth
and meaning with open hearts
and open minds to join us in worship, in mutual support, and in
shared ministry to each other and
to the world.
For more information, contact us
at: http://huuweb.org and (540)
867-0073
N e t w o r k
F u n d r a i s e r
VAN is holding “Mardi Gras Night”, a silent auction and fundraising event on Saturday,
February 18, 2012, 7-9 pm at the Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine Restaurant. Tickets for
this event are $40 and include appetizers, two drinks, entertainment, and the opportunity
to bid on terrific items like gift baskets, gift cards from local restaurants, an authentic
Greek Dinner, gift certificates for services, and much more. These funds help support
the work of VAN. The Valley AIDS Network was established in 1989 and it strives to
compassionately meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. VAN’s goals
are to move its clients toward better health and self-sufficiency, to raise awareness and
prevent the spread of the virus through education, and to serve as an advocate for those
affected by the AIDS epidemic. As housing and medical costs increase, VAN relies on
donations from the local community and fundraisers like “Mardi Gras Night” are crucial
to the on-going effectiveness of VAN. For a closer look at the Valley AIDS Network
and ticket information, visit our web site at http://www.valleyaidsnetwork.org.
COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Sunday, Dec. 18:
Friday, January 13:
SVGLA Board Meeting, 4-6pm. For location and directions, contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Full pageAnnual
ad SVGLA
for Truth
Wins
Out/Uganda
Membership
Meeting
& First Friday Potluck, Story
6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta
& Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, and Staunton (for location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Monday, January 16 : Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 24: Equality Virginia Lobby Day in Richmond (see details page 2)
Saturday, Jan. 28:
SVGLA Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM SVGLA has adopted a section of
highway near Harrisonburg through the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. Help us be
good neighbors in the community. We will gather at the Little Grill for breakfast at 8am
and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Make-up date in case of inclement
weather is Sat.urday, February 4. Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, February 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Tuesday, Feb. 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Valley AIDS Network Fundraiser “Mardi Gras Night” (See details on page 5).
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Mr. Gay Harrisonburg & Mr. Harrisonburg M.I. Competition Celebrate with SVGLA
Board member & Mr. Gay Harrisonburg Tim Fitzgerald and his Male Impersonator
counterpart Brysan Haze as they pass their titles on to the next representatives for 2012!
Doors open at 7pm; Showtime at 8pm, Downtown Music, 34 S. Main St, Harrisonburg
Wednesday, Feb. 15
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the March issue. Send
advertisements and milestones to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, March 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, March 24:
Miss Harrisonburg Newcomer & Miss Harrisonburg at Large Competition
Join us as we select our new title holders to represent the community for 2012! Doors
Open at 7pm & Showtime at 8pm. Downtown Music, 34 S. Main Street.
Friday, April 6:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Saturday, April 14:
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Concert at JMU’s Forbes Center
benefiting the Valley AIDS Network. To order tickets, go to http://www.jmu.edu/
jmuarts/forbescenter/
Saturday, April 14:
Equality Virginia’s 9th Annual Commonwealth Dinner, 4pm at the Greater Richmond
Convention Center. For more information, go to www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner
Submit items for the community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 6
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVGLA are:
•
To gather and communicate important community information.
•
To collaborate with allies and inclusive community organizations.
•
To organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational
networking with LGBT people.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVGLA with mailing and administrative costs throughout the
year. A level 1 commitment of support gets you the following:
•
•
•
•
Your choice—a hard copy of the newsletter mailed to your address, an e-mailed version of the newsletter, or both.
A vote for members of the SVLGA Board of Directors (membership renewals due by
December 1 to vote for the 2012 Board).
Advance information about SVGLA events
Level I membership is from July 1, 2011-July 1, 2012.
Level 2 Support—No Cost
Level 2 support keeps you in the loop. A level 2 commitment of support gets you an emailed version of the newsletter and advanced information about all SVGLA events.
Check one of the following levels of support and complete the form below:
Level 1 Support (please include a check for $15 for each person)
Mailed hard copy of the newsletter
E-mailed version of the newsletter
Both
Level 2 Support (Free)
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
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Please send this form to: SVGLA, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
IN THE NEWS…
Massachusetts Bans Gender Identity or Expression Discrimination
The Massachusetts Legislature voted to pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The bill adds
protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to
the state’s hate crimes law. The bill will go into effect 90 days after it is signed by Governor Patrick. Massachusetts will become the 16th state along with the District of Columbia in prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.
Lesbian Activist Honored with Presidential Citizens Medal
Janice Langbehn, who helped secure hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples across the
country received the nation’s second-highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama -- the
Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2007 Langbehn was kept from the bedside of her partner, who lay
dying in a Florida hospital. A story about the ordeal prompted the president to instruct his administration to issue new rules requiring hospitals to abide by the wishes of patients who designate their same-sex partners for visitation rights.
Walmart Adds “Gender Identity” to Nondiscrimination Policy
Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has quietly added language to its employee nondiscrimination policy that
forbids employment bias based on gender identity and expression. A spokesman said the change
was part of a routine review of employment policies and was not related to a complaint.
Quotable:
"I do not think We know
our own Strength
until we have seen
how strong Love makes us.”
—Curly Girl
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR LEVEL I
LGBTA Education Program
SVGLA MEMBERSHIP?
The LGBT & Ally Education Program at
Renewal forms were mailed to all Level I JMU is moving to North Campus in the East
members in July.
Tower of the Old Hospital. We will be moving over Thanksgiving break along with the
Level I membership supports the publi- Clinic Services, Student Wellness & Outreach
cation of this newsletter and many imand Substance Abuse Prevention. We will be
portant events in our community (see
located on the 5th floor and will resume ofpage 11 for details).
fice hours after Thanksgiving Break. Come
visit us in our new space in room E506.
THANK YOU for your support of SVGLA.
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
Ballots for the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors will be sent to
Level I members in December. Votes must be received by
1/10/12. Results will be announced at the Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting (which coincides with January’s First Friday).
Milestone
Civil Rights Pioneer for Modern LGBT Rights Movement Dies
Dr. Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925-October 11, 2011)
Dr. Frank Kennedy was one of the most significant figures in the modern LGBT rights movement in the United
States. In 1957, he was terminated from his position in the federal government because of his sexual orientation,
which led him to a lifetime of activism for LGBT rights. In 1961, he argued his case before the US Supreme
Court, and founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, one of the earliest LGBT organizations in the U.S.
Kameny and Barbara Gittings co-organized demonstrations for gay and lesbian rights at Independence Hall and
the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia each July 4th from 1965 to 1969, where an Historic Marker recognizes the site.
They also protested the annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association in the early 1970s. The APA
voted in 1973 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. In 2006, the Library of Congress acquired Kameny’s papers, documenting his biography and lifetime of civil rights work.
In 2007, the Smithsonian Museum of American History included an exhibit of the original picket signs Kameny
carried in demonstrations in front of the White House. In 2009, his home was designated a DC Historic Landmark. Also in 2009, John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, formally apologized to
Kameny on behalf of the US government and presented Kameny with the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the department’s most prestigious award.
In 2010, Kameny was seated at the front row of the gathering where President Barack Obama signed the “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act.” Also in 2010, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty unveiled street signs designating a section of
17th Street as “Frank Kameny Way” in his honor. On November 2, 2011, Kameny’s house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kameny’s early activism is featured in the documentary Gay Pioneers (www.gaypioneers.com), about the beginnings of the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the US.
Milestones
The “Family ConnectShen” is pleased to publish notices of significant events and other milestones (free
of charge) for SVGLA members. The newsletter is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and
December). To submit a milestone (anniversary, birthday, engagement, birth, death, other) for the January 2012 issue of the newsletter, send the following to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com: Full name and
phone number (including area code, for verification purposes), type of milestone, and a brief description
in 75 words or less. SVGLA reserves the right to publish or deny submissions. Incomplete or unverifiable submissions will not be considered.
THANK YOU, Level I Members!
Renew your Level I Membership Now (see page 7).
Thanks to Level 1 members, SVGLA has been able to support a quarterly
newsletter for all SVGLA members, and to provide free advertising or
other support to many great organizations, events, and causes in our
community in 2011, including:
And Justice for All: A Symposium on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Programs and Policies at Virginia Colleges and Universities
Elkton Pride
Equality Virginia
Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C.
JMU Visiting Scholar Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center
Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network
Peterson Toscano’s “Transfigurations” at EMU and “Doing Time” at JMU
P-FLAG National President, Rabbi David Horowitz presentation
Shenandoah Valley Pride
Soulforce/Madison Equality Symposium at JMU
“Too Fabulous” fundraiser for JMU’s LGBTA Education Program
Valley AIDS Network
Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2012!
Join us at the annual SVGLA membership meeting (also
the monthly potluck) on January 13, where we will
announce the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors.