File #51811: "SVGLA.Newsletter.September.2011.FINAL.publish.pdf"
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
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. 10)
•Mark Potok at JMU
•Elkton Pride in October
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
SVGLA Website Refurbished
Our website is fully operational
again, and with a fresh new look.
Check us out:
www.svgla.org
•SVGLA Board Meeting
•Conversation & Cuisine
in McGaheysville
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 11)
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
———————–
At the website, you can always find
our current newsletter, membership
form, complete contact information,
and general information about regular SVGLA events, including First
Friday, Pride-in-the-Park, and our
Adopt-a-Highway service project.
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
Thank You to our Valley Pride Sponsors!
The Artful Dodger, Club 216, Equality Virginia, GayRVA, Miller-Coors
LGBT Employee Group Resources (LAGER), Merck Rainbow Alliance,
Rhinestone Mafia Productions, St. John’s Episcopal Church of
Waynesboro, RAW Learning, the Rocktown Rollers, ROSMY—
Charlottesville, Sanctuary United Church of Christ, the Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship of Harrisonburg, the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Waynesboro, and the Valley AIDS Network
Harrisonburg
Unitarian Universalists
One Journey, Many Paths
Pride-in-the-Park Draws a Crowd
Musical Performances Highlight the Event
This summer’s 5th annual Valley Pride-in-thePark drew over 200 people again, and included live
musical performances by
blue stone sky,
Teresa Whitesell,
and The Judy Chops.
SVGLA thanks these musicians, who generously
donated their time and talents to entertain the
crowd.
Want MORE EVENTS for the
SVGLA community?
ORGANIZE them and send us the
details (deadline for next newsletter is December 15).
We’ll help spread the word.
Send events to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
First Annual Elkton Pride
Sunday, October 9, 2011
12pm – 5pm
Free Food, Children’s Activities, and Music
(No Pets or Alcohol)
Held on site at Merck & Co
Route 340 - 3 miles South of Elkton
Park in the main parking lot at Merck
Shuttles will run to the Pride Event
Visit www.ElktonPride.com or
Sponsored by:
Merck Rainbow Alliance (MRA)
MillerCoors
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Virginia's Social Services Board Reopens Comment
Period on Adoption Rules
On August 17th, Virginia's Board of Social Services decided in an unanimous
vote to reopen the public comment period on rule changes that would prohibit
state licensed child placement agencies from discriminating against prospective
foster or adoptive parents because of their sexual orientation.
The regulations were amended and approved for final publication back in April,
after striking sexual orientation from the new rules. The decision to reopen the
public comment period comes after a petition was brought to the Board of
Social Services. The comment period will be open for 30 days, and will start in
September. Please check back with EV for details regarding the rule change.
EV Celebrates the END of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL officially ends on Tuesday, September 20th! Join the
Equality Virginia celebration in Norfolk. Details at www.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 Dec. 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, October 8.
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 3, September 2011
Page 7
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
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
Mark Potok, Director, Southern Poverty Law Center
“The State of Hate in America:
The Radical Right Since 9/11”
This presentation examines the development of the radical right in the US over
the last decade, focusing on the reasons for its surprisingly rapid growth, especially since 2008. Mark Potok will address major transformations in the US, including changing attitudes towards Muslims since the 2001 attacks. Key areas of
discussion include hate crimes, immigration, extreme-right terrorism, and the remarkable recent growth of political vitriol and even violence in the political
mainstream.
FREE, 7pm, Tues., Sept. 27, Miller Hall 1101, JMU
Sponsored by the CAL Visiting Scholars Program and
the Department of Justice Studies at JMU
Contact web.jmu.edu/parking/ for questions about parking
Call for 2012 SVGLA Board Member Nominations
SVGLA needs your ideas and energy.
Would you like to serve on the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors?
Nominate yourself here.
Name: ________________________________________
Address ________________________________________
Phone: (____)___________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Mail nominations to P.O. Box address on Page 1 or
email to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
To vote for the 2012 SVGLA Board, make sure you have
renewed your Level I Membership by December 1
(see pg. 11 for membership form).
SVGLA NEEDS YOU!
SVGLA COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, September 2: First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, Sept. 10
andfor
Lesbian
Night at Wins
King’s Dominion
from 8pm to 1am. Story
For more details, visit
Full pageGayad
Truth
Out/Uganda
http://brotherhelpthyself.org/kd.html
Tuesday, Sept. 13:
Conversation & Cuisine in McGaheysville, 6:30-8:30 PM, At Hank’s Smokehouse,
49 Bloomer Spring Rd, McGaheysville, VA.
Sunday, Sept. 18:
SVGLA Board Meeting, 4-5:30 PM (for location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Tuesday, Sept. 20
DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL officially ends. Join the Equality Virginia celebration
in Norfolk. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212142515502576
Tuesday, Sept. 27:
Mark Potok, “The State of Hate in America: The Radical Right since 9/11” at 7PM at
JMU, Miller Hall 1101, FREE. See details on page 8.
Friday, October 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, Oct. 8:
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 8 AM
and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Make-up date in case of inclement
weather is Sat.urday, October 15. Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Sunday, October 9:
Fall Pride in Elkton, 12:00-5:00 PM, at the Merck Plant south of Elkton. See page 4
and visit www.ElktonPride.com for details.
Tuesday, October 11: NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
Saturday, October 22 Miss Gay Shenandoah Valley Contest. For details, visit www.myspace.com/440840257
Friday, November 4: First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Sunday, Nov. 20:
TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Visit www.transgenderdor.org.
Thursday, Dec. 1
WORLD AIDS DAY Visit www.vailleyaidsnetwork.org for local events.
Friday, Dec. 2:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Thursday, Dec. 15
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the January issue. Send
advertisements and milestones to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, Jan. 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, 8:00 PM, Concert at JMU’s Forbes Center
benefiting the Valley AIDS Network. To order tickets, go to http://www.jmu.edu/
jmuarts/forbescenter/
Submit items for the SVGLA community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2011
Page 10
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…
US States with Marriage Equality and Civil Unions have Lowest Divorce Rates
Read the full article here: http://www.edgeonthenet.com/news/family/news//123078/
so_much_for_undermining_marriage:_fewest_divorces_in_marriage-equality_states
2010 Census Shows Significant Increase of Same-Sex Couples in Virginia
In Virginia, the 2010 Census counted 20,500 same-sex couples, representing 1.2 % of all couples in the state, a
49% increase from the 2000 Census. Demographers attribute the increase to more same-sex couples being honest
about their relationships.
Suquamish Tribal Council Votes Unanimously for Marriage Equality
The Suquamish Tribal Council in the state of Washington voted unanimously to extend marriage equality to samesex couples, the second American Indian tribe (after Oregon’s Coquille) to do so. The new law allows the tribal
court to issue a marriage license to two unmarried people, “regardless of their sex,” if they at least 18 years old and
at least one of them is an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe.
APA Governing Council Unanimously Supports Marriage Equality
A policymaking body of the American Psychological Association has voted unanimously to approve a resolution
supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples, which could significantly impact the political debate .
Heroic Lesbian Couple Saves Dozens in Norway
As Norway continues to grapple with the attacks by a home-grown extremist that killed 77 people in July, a married lesbian couple rescued dozens of young people fleeing from gunman Anders Breivik. Hege Dalen and her
spouse, Toril Hansen, were eating dinner on July 22nd on the other shore from Utoya Island when they heard
screaming. The couple took off in their boat, picked up victims swimming away from the island and transported
them to the mainland. They made four runs in all, helping rescue some 40 of Breivik's victims, despite seeing bullets hit the right side of their boat. Read the full story at http://tinyurl.com/3kfarxa
Quotable:
"Cautious, careful people, always casting about
to preserve their reputation and social standing
never can bring about a reform.
Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be
anything or nothing in the world's estimation,
and publicly and privately, in season and out,
avow their sympathy with despised and
persecuted ideas and their advocates,
and bear the consequences.”
—Susan B. Anthony
From: To Believe in Women: What Lesbians Have Done for
America — A History by Lillian Faderman
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR LEVEL I
GIVEAWAY
SVGLA MEMBERSHIP?
A large collection of books and
DVDs for/about/by gay men.
Renewal forms were mailed to all Level I
members in July.
Please renew by December 1 to vote for
the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors.
Would like to get rid of them
all at once.
THANK YOU for your support of SVGLA.
Contact Fred Pfisterer
at 540-885-0061.
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 January newsletter is December 15
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.
Milestones
The following is adapted from an obituary that appeared in the August 19 issue of The News Leader.
Cynthia Gilliatt was a founding member of SVGLA and a fierce advocate for social justice for our community for many years. She will be remembered with love and admiration for her tireless devotion to our
community and her glorious sense of humor.
Reverend Dr. Cynthia A. Gilliatt
(December 2, 1943 - August 16, 2011)
The Reverend Dr. Cynthia Ann Gilliatt helped to found Integrity/Virginia during its 1998-2004 exis-
tence. Integrity/Virginia was a worship-based organization that provided safe spiritual space for LGBT
people in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Cynthia also served as secretary on the national Board of
Directors of Integrity/USA. She was instrumental in the founding of Safe Zones at James Madison University and served as a co-coordinator for many years. Safe Zones is a voluntary network of faculty, staff
and students who promote an atmosphere of acceptance of and assistance to the LGBT community.
Cynthia was an associate professor of English at JMU, Priest Associate at Emmanuel Episcopal Church
and Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Blue Grass. She was a fervent golfer, a
lover of 17th century English poetry and a passionate priest whose ministry was marked by a lived commitment to give voice to the voiceless and to respect the dignity of every human being. Cynthia was ordained deacon in 1988 and priest in 1989 in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, and also served as chaplain to the Canterbury Club at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg.
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
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. 10)
•Mark Potok at JMU
•Elkton Pride in October
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
SVGLA Website Refurbished
Our website is fully operational
again, and with a fresh new look.
Check us out:
www.svgla.org
•SVGLA Board Meeting
•Conversation & Cuisine
in McGaheysville
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 11)
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
———————–
At the website, you can always find
our current newsletter, membership
form, complete contact information,
and general information about regular SVGLA events, including First
Friday, Pride-in-the-Park, and our
Adopt-a-Highway service project.
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
Thank You to our Valley Pride Sponsors!
The Artful Dodger, Club 216, Equality Virginia, GayRVA, Miller-Coors
LGBT Employee Group Resources (LAGER), Merck Rainbow Alliance,
Rhinestone Mafia Productions, St. John’s Episcopal Church of
Waynesboro, RAW Learning, the Rocktown Rollers, ROSMY—
Charlottesville, Sanctuary United Church of Christ, the Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship of Harrisonburg, the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Waynesboro, and the Valley AIDS Network
Harrisonburg
Unitarian Universalists
One Journey, Many Paths
Pride-in-the-Park Draws a Crowd
Musical Performances Highlight the Event
This summer’s 5th annual Valley Pride-in-thePark drew over 200 people again, and included live
musical performances by
blue stone sky,
Teresa Whitesell,
and The Judy Chops.
SVGLA thanks these musicians, who generously
donated their time and talents to entertain the
crowd.
Want MORE EVENTS for the
SVGLA community?
ORGANIZE them and send us the
details (deadline for next newsletter is December 15).
We’ll help spread the word.
Send events to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
First Annual Elkton Pride
Sunday, October 9, 2011
12pm – 5pm
Free Food, Children’s Activities, and Music
(No Pets or Alcohol)
Held on site at Merck & Co
Route 340 - 3 miles South of Elkton
Park in the main parking lot at Merck
Shuttles will run to the Pride Event
Visit www.ElktonPride.com or
Sponsored by:
Merck Rainbow Alliance (MRA)
MillerCoors
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Virginia's Social Services Board Reopens Comment
Period on Adoption Rules
On August 17th, Virginia's Board of Social Services decided in an unanimous
vote to reopen the public comment period on rule changes that would prohibit
state licensed child placement agencies from discriminating against prospective
foster or adoptive parents because of their sexual orientation.
The regulations were amended and approved for final publication back in April,
after striking sexual orientation from the new rules. The decision to reopen the
public comment period comes after a petition was brought to the Board of
Social Services. The comment period will be open for 30 days, and will start in
September. Please check back with EV for details regarding the rule change.
EV Celebrates the END of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL officially ends on Tuesday, September 20th! Join the
Equality Virginia celebration in Norfolk. Details at www.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 Dec. 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, October 8.
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 3, September 2011
Page 7
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
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
Mark Potok, Director, Southern Poverty Law Center
“The State of Hate in America:
The Radical Right Since 9/11”
This presentation examines the development of the radical right in the US over
the last decade, focusing on the reasons for its surprisingly rapid growth, especially since 2008. Mark Potok will address major transformations in the US, including changing attitudes towards Muslims since the 2001 attacks. Key areas of
discussion include hate crimes, immigration, extreme-right terrorism, and the remarkable recent growth of political vitriol and even violence in the political
mainstream.
FREE, 7pm, Tues., Sept. 27, Miller Hall 1101, JMU
Sponsored by the CAL Visiting Scholars Program and
the Department of Justice Studies at JMU
Contact web.jmu.edu/parking/ for questions about parking
Call for 2012 SVGLA Board Member Nominations
SVGLA needs your ideas and energy.
Would you like to serve on the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors?
Nominate yourself here.
Name: ________________________________________
Address ________________________________________
Phone: (____)___________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Mail nominations to P.O. Box address on Page 1 or
email to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
To vote for the 2012 SVGLA Board, make sure you have
renewed your Level I Membership by December 1
(see pg. 11 for membership form).
SVGLA NEEDS YOU!
SVGLA COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, September 2: First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, Sept. 10
andfor
Lesbian
Night at Wins
King’s Dominion
from 8pm to 1am. Story
For more details, visit
Full pageGayad
Truth
Out/Uganda
http://brotherhelpthyself.org/kd.html
Tuesday, Sept. 13:
Conversation & Cuisine in McGaheysville, 6:30-8:30 PM, At Hank’s Smokehouse,
49 Bloomer Spring Rd, McGaheysville, VA.
Sunday, Sept. 18:
SVGLA Board Meeting, 4-5:30 PM (for location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Tuesday, Sept. 20
DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL officially ends. Join the Equality Virginia celebration
in Norfolk. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212142515502576
Tuesday, Sept. 27:
Mark Potok, “The State of Hate in America: The Radical Right since 9/11” at 7PM at
JMU, Miller Hall 1101, FREE. See details on page 8.
Friday, October 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Saturday, Oct. 8:
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 8 AM
and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Make-up date in case of inclement
weather is Sat.urday, October 15. Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Sunday, October 9:
Fall Pride in Elkton, 12:00-5:00 PM, at the Merck Plant south of Elkton. See page 4
and visit www.ElktonPride.com for details.
Tuesday, October 11: NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
Saturday, October 22 Miss Gay Shenandoah Valley Contest. For details, visit www.myspace.com/440840257
Friday, November 4: First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Sunday, Nov. 20:
TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Visit www.transgenderdor.org.
Thursday, Dec. 1
WORLD AIDS DAY Visit www.vailleyaidsnetwork.org for local events.
Friday, Dec. 2:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
Thursday, Dec. 15
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the January issue. Send
advertisements and milestones to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Friday, Jan. 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, 8:00 PM, Concert at JMU’s Forbes Center
benefiting the Valley AIDS Network. To order tickets, go to http://www.jmu.edu/
jmuarts/forbescenter/
Submit items for the SVGLA community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2011
Page 10
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…
US States with Marriage Equality and Civil Unions have Lowest Divorce Rates
Read the full article here: http://www.edgeonthenet.com/news/family/news//123078/
so_much_for_undermining_marriage:_fewest_divorces_in_marriage-equality_states
2010 Census Shows Significant Increase of Same-Sex Couples in Virginia
In Virginia, the 2010 Census counted 20,500 same-sex couples, representing 1.2 % of all couples in the state, a
49% increase from the 2000 Census. Demographers attribute the increase to more same-sex couples being honest
about their relationships.
Suquamish Tribal Council Votes Unanimously for Marriage Equality
The Suquamish Tribal Council in the state of Washington voted unanimously to extend marriage equality to samesex couples, the second American Indian tribe (after Oregon’s Coquille) to do so. The new law allows the tribal
court to issue a marriage license to two unmarried people, “regardless of their sex,” if they at least 18 years old and
at least one of them is an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe.
APA Governing Council Unanimously Supports Marriage Equality
A policymaking body of the American Psychological Association has voted unanimously to approve a resolution
supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples, which could significantly impact the political debate .
Heroic Lesbian Couple Saves Dozens in Norway
As Norway continues to grapple with the attacks by a home-grown extremist that killed 77 people in July, a married lesbian couple rescued dozens of young people fleeing from gunman Anders Breivik. Hege Dalen and her
spouse, Toril Hansen, were eating dinner on July 22nd on the other shore from Utoya Island when they heard
screaming. The couple took off in their boat, picked up victims swimming away from the island and transported
them to the mainland. They made four runs in all, helping rescue some 40 of Breivik's victims, despite seeing bullets hit the right side of their boat. Read the full story at http://tinyurl.com/3kfarxa
Quotable:
"Cautious, careful people, always casting about
to preserve their reputation and social standing
never can bring about a reform.
Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be
anything or nothing in the world's estimation,
and publicly and privately, in season and out,
avow their sympathy with despised and
persecuted ideas and their advocates,
and bear the consequences.”
—Susan B. Anthony
From: To Believe in Women: What Lesbians Have Done for
America — A History by Lillian Faderman
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR LEVEL I
GIVEAWAY
SVGLA MEMBERSHIP?
A large collection of books and
DVDs for/about/by gay men.
Renewal forms were mailed to all Level I
members in July.
Please renew by December 1 to vote for
the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors.
Would like to get rid of them
all at once.
THANK YOU for your support of SVGLA.
Contact Fred Pfisterer
at 540-885-0061.
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 January newsletter is December 15
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.
Milestones
The following is adapted from an obituary that appeared in the August 19 issue of The News Leader.
Cynthia Gilliatt was a founding member of SVGLA and a fierce advocate for social justice for our community for many years. She will be remembered with love and admiration for her tireless devotion to our
community and her glorious sense of humor.
Reverend Dr. Cynthia A. Gilliatt
(December 2, 1943 - August 16, 2011)
The Reverend Dr. Cynthia Ann Gilliatt helped to found Integrity/Virginia during its 1998-2004 exis-
tence. Integrity/Virginia was a worship-based organization that provided safe spiritual space for LGBT
people in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Cynthia also served as secretary on the national Board of
Directors of Integrity/USA. She was instrumental in the founding of Safe Zones at James Madison University and served as a co-coordinator for many years. Safe Zones is a voluntary network of faculty, staff
and students who promote an atmosphere of acceptance of and assistance to the LGBT community.
Cynthia was an associate professor of English at JMU, Priest Associate at Emmanuel Episcopal Church
and Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Blue Grass. She was a fervent golfer, a
lover of 17th century English poetry and a passionate priest whose ministry was marked by a lived commitment to give voice to the voiceless and to respect the dignity of every human being. Cynthia was ordained deacon in 1988 and priest in 1989 in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, and also served as chaplain to the Canterbury Club at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg.