File #51815: "SVGLA.newsletter.December.2013.pdf"
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
THE FA MILY CONNECTSHE N
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.
———————–
Valley Events (pgs. 9-10)
First Friday Potlucks
Statuesque Pageant
EV Day of Action
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
JMU Senior Receives National
LGBT Award
Shelby Wiltz, a senior at James Madison University, was awarded the
Richard L. Schlegel National Legion of Honor Award for Emerging
Activist, which is given to a young individual who is living in the United
States and has made outstanding contributions to LGBT communities.
Among Shelby’s many accomplishments, she worked as a Congressional
intern during the summer of 2013 in Washington, DC with House of
Representatives member Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) on a variety of
policy issues, most notably the reauthorization of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act. Shelby’s work on this bill pertained to new provisions of the bill specifically ensuring that LGBT youth are not discriminated against and that grant recipients have the cultural competency to
effectively serve these youth. In addition, this bill would provide support services for those struggling with the sexual orientation or gender
identity of youth in their families. These protections are important for
youth and families, given that some studies show that LGBT youth account for up to 40% of all homeless youth.
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
———————–
Congratulations, Shelby!!
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
PFLAG Blue Ridge
Serving Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and
Surrounding Central Virginia Areas
We are parents, families, friends, and allies uniting with
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender loved ones to
promote support, education, and advocacy.
www.pflagblueridge.org
PFLAGBR@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/pflagblueridge
https://twitter.com/PFLAGBR
PFLAG Blue Ridge offers free monthly community groups for anyone who identifies as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, as well as parents, family, friends,
and allies. If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or
transgender individual looking to increase your support, or if your loved one has recently
come out to you and you are struggling to process your own feelings as well as looking for
resources to help understand — we are here for you. Join us as we share our experiences, joys,
concerns, and resources in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
Meeting Information
Harrisonburg
When:
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Blue Ridge Hall, Room 309, 601 University Blvd, JMU (note our new location)
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
Note:
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group
Charlottesville
When:
3rd Monday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where:
ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact:
Facilitator Karen at karenmeandering@gmail.com or 434-882-3453
Note:
Meetings coincide with ROSMY Youth Group
No Monday meetings for December 2013
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meetings
The Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance holds weekly meetings every Thursday from
6:30 to 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, 601 University Blvd. on the campus of
JMU (note our new location).
Young people aged 14-20 from the Harrisonburg and surrounding communities who
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning are welcome to
attend. We aim to provide a safe and confidential space for youth to talk, listen,
laugh, share, and reflect on what it's like to be an LGBTQ teen in the Shenandoah
Valley.
PFLAG Blue Ridge (www.pflagblueridge.org/harrisonburg.html) will be holding
meetings on the first Thursday of each month in the same building.
Visit our website at http://www.svyesalliance.org/index.html or facebook page
(www.facebook.com/SVYesAlliance). Please like us and share with your friends!
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance e-mail address: svyesalliance@gmail.com
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
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 Sat., March 22
(March 29 is the makeup date).
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward.
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
Community Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
acluva.org/tag/equal-rights/
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
Equality Virginia
transgenderrightsva.org/
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff (NEW!)
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Network Virginia: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
www.facebook.com/networkvirginia
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.svyesalliance.org
Southerners on New Ground of Virginia southernersonnewground.org/
SVGLA
www.svgla.org and SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Page 5
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Did you know that:
it is still legal to fire and not hire someone based on sexual
orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
it is still legal to deny housing to people based on sexual
orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
Make Your Voice Heard on
EV’s Day of Action
Join LGBT and allied folks from across the state in taking a
stand on EV’s Day of Action at the Library of Virginia on 800
East Broad St. in Richmond, on Tuesday, January 28,
2014. 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 the detailed schedule of events and to register for EV’s Day
of Action, go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/dayofaction/
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and
moral witness in the Shenandoah
Valley.
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.
HARRISONBURG
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
One Journey, Many Paths
For more information, contact us at:
http://huuweb.org and (540) 8670073
HUU is a UUA-Certified Welcoming Congregation. We declare our intention to be inclusive and expressive of the concerns of bisexual, gay,
lesbian, and transgender persons at every level of congregational life and
to support the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people.
First Friday Community Potluck
Every month (usually the first Friday) we host a potluck in
a community member’s home on a rotating basis. Bring a
dish to share if you can and/or sign up to host the potluck.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 9 and 10.
Would you like to host
First Friday in 2014?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec. 5:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting . For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, Dec. 5:
Friday, Dec. 6:
Friday, Dec. 6:
Saturday, Dec. 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 326, 601 University Blvd at JMU (note our new location). See page 3 for details (this
meeting coincides with the monthly PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group).
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for location and directions, join SVGLA as a Level II member)
LGBTQ Faculty-Staff Group (JMU) Happy Hour, 6pm, Clementine, 153 S. Main St.,
Harrisonburg. See page 6 for contact information.
The Statuesque Pageant 2014, 8pm, The Artful Dodger, 47 Court Square, Harrisonburg.
Rhino Mafia Productions (See pg. 14 for details)
Thursday, Dec. 12:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Saturday, Dec. 14:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly men
Bring food or beverage for 5 people. At Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby
Road). For more details and directions contact cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com.
Thursday, Dec. 19:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Jan. 2:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at JMU (note our new location). For more info, contact
facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Friday, January 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org
Thursday, Jan. 9:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Saturday, January 11:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly men
to socialize and sign up for interest groups. Bring a food or beverage for 5 people. Meet
at 7:00, dinner will be at 7:30. Plates, silverware, napkins, and glasses provided. We meet
at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby Road). For details and directions
contact cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com.
Submit items for the monthly events schedule by the 25th of each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items for the March issue by
February 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Page 9
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Jan. 16:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Jan. 23:
YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Full pageShenandoah
ad forValley
Truth
Wins Out/Uganda Story
Tuesday, Jan. 28:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 7 for details and contact information.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Feb. 6:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting . For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, Feb. 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Friday, February 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org
Saturday, Feb. 8:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly
men. Bring a food or beverage for 5 people. Meet at 7:00 and dinner will be at 7:30. We
meet in either the Summit House (or sometimes the basement kitchen) at the Thomas Jef
ferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby Road). For more details and directions contact
cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com
Thursday, Feb. 13:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
February 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Thursday, Feb. 15:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions and ads for March issue. Send items to
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Thursday, Feb. 20:
Thursday, Feb. 27:
Thursday, March 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting. For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, March 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Friday, March 7:
Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting and First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM,
Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join
SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org). The members of the 2014 SVGLA Board
of Directors will be announced at the potluck.
Saturday, March 22:
SVGLA Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM We gather at the Little Grill for
breakfast at 8am and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Join us! We provide
safety vests, gloves, and bags. Make-up date in case of inclement weather is Sat.urday, March 29.
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
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 AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Advance information about SVGLA events
Level I membership is from July—July
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 Department of Treasury and IRS will Treat All Married
Couples Equally for Federal Tax Purposes
The United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service
will now recognize legally married same-sex couples who wish to file their 2013
federal tax return as “married filing jointly” for federal tax purposes. Same-sex
married couples who choose to jointly file will be treated as married for all federal
tax purposes, including income, gift, and estate taxes. This ruling applies regardless of whether or not the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex
marriage. That means that legally married couples who reside in Virginia can file a
joint federal tax return if they wish. Legally married same-sex couples MUST file
their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married filing jointly” or
“married filing separately” filing status. The ruling does not apply to couples in
registered domestic partnerships or civil unions.
For taxes in the state of Virginia, individuals in same-sex marriages must still
file a non-married single tax return. Consult IRS.gov or the National Association
of Tax Professionals for more information.
Quotable:
“Prejudices are rarely
overcome by argument.
Not being founded in
reason, they cannot be
destroyed by logic.”
—Tryon
Edwards,
American Theologian
Vote for the 2014 SVGLA
Board of Directors
Ballots for the 2014 SVGLA Board of Directors will
be sent in January to Level I members who renewed their membership by December 1, 2013.
Votes must be received by February 15, 2014.
Results will be announced at the Annual SVGLA
Membership Meeting (which will coincide with
March 7 First Friday potluck).
Thank you for supporting the Shenandoah Valley
Gay & Lesbian Association!
Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2014!
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
THE FA MILY CONNECTSHE N
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.
———————–
Valley Events (pgs. 9-10)
First Friday Potlucks
Statuesque Pageant
EV Day of Action
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
JMU Senior Receives National
LGBT Award
Shelby Wiltz, a senior at James Madison University, was awarded the
Richard L. Schlegel National Legion of Honor Award for Emerging
Activist, which is given to a young individual who is living in the United
States and has made outstanding contributions to LGBT communities.
Among Shelby’s many accomplishments, she worked as a Congressional
intern during the summer of 2013 in Washington, DC with House of
Representatives member Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) on a variety of
policy issues, most notably the reauthorization of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act. Shelby’s work on this bill pertained to new provisions of the bill specifically ensuring that LGBT youth are not discriminated against and that grant recipients have the cultural competency to
effectively serve these youth. In addition, this bill would provide support services for those struggling with the sexual orientation or gender
identity of youth in their families. These protections are important for
youth and families, given that some studies show that LGBT youth account for up to 40% of all homeless youth.
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
———————–
Congratulations, Shelby!!
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
PFLAG Blue Ridge
Serving Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and
Surrounding Central Virginia Areas
We are parents, families, friends, and allies uniting with
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender loved ones to
promote support, education, and advocacy.
www.pflagblueridge.org
PFLAGBR@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/pflagblueridge
https://twitter.com/PFLAGBR
PFLAG Blue Ridge offers free monthly community groups for anyone who identifies as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, as well as parents, family, friends,
and allies. If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or
transgender individual looking to increase your support, or if your loved one has recently
come out to you and you are struggling to process your own feelings as well as looking for
resources to help understand — we are here for you. Join us as we share our experiences, joys,
concerns, and resources in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
Meeting Information
Harrisonburg
When:
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Blue Ridge Hall, Room 309, 601 University Blvd, JMU (note our new location)
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
Note:
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group
Charlottesville
When:
3rd Monday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where:
ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact:
Facilitator Karen at karenmeandering@gmail.com or 434-882-3453
Note:
Meetings coincide with ROSMY Youth Group
No Monday meetings for December 2013
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meetings
The Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance holds weekly meetings every Thursday from
6:30 to 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, 601 University Blvd. on the campus of
JMU (note our new location).
Young people aged 14-20 from the Harrisonburg and surrounding communities who
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning are welcome to
attend. We aim to provide a safe and confidential space for youth to talk, listen,
laugh, share, and reflect on what it's like to be an LGBTQ teen in the Shenandoah
Valley.
PFLAG Blue Ridge (www.pflagblueridge.org/harrisonburg.html) will be holding
meetings on the first Thursday of each month in the same building.
Visit our website at http://www.svyesalliance.org/index.html or facebook page
(www.facebook.com/SVYesAlliance). Please like us and share with your friends!
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance e-mail address: svyesalliance@gmail.com
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
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 Sat., March 22
(March 29 is the makeup date).
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward.
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
Community Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
acluva.org/tag/equal-rights/
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
Equality Virginia
transgenderrightsva.org/
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff (NEW!)
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Network Virginia: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
www.facebook.com/networkvirginia
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.svyesalliance.org
Southerners on New Ground of Virginia southernersonnewground.org/
SVGLA
www.svgla.org and SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Page 5
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Did you know that:
it is still legal to fire and not hire someone based on sexual
orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
it is still legal to deny housing to people based on sexual
orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
Make Your Voice Heard on
EV’s Day of Action
Join LGBT and allied folks from across the state in taking a
stand on EV’s Day of Action at the Library of Virginia on 800
East Broad St. in Richmond, on Tuesday, January 28,
2014. 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 the detailed schedule of events and to register for EV’s Day
of Action, go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/dayofaction/
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and
moral witness in the Shenandoah
Valley.
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.
HARRISONBURG
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
One Journey, Many Paths
For more information, contact us at:
http://huuweb.org and (540) 8670073
HUU is a UUA-Certified Welcoming Congregation. We declare our intention to be inclusive and expressive of the concerns of bisexual, gay,
lesbian, and transgender persons at every level of congregational life and
to support the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people.
First Friday Community Potluck
Every month (usually the first Friday) we host a potluck in
a community member’s home on a rotating basis. Bring a
dish to share if you can and/or sign up to host the potluck.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 9 and 10.
Would you like to host
First Friday in 2014?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec. 5:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting . For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, Dec. 5:
Friday, Dec. 6:
Friday, Dec. 6:
Saturday, Dec. 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 326, 601 University Blvd at JMU (note our new location). See page 3 for details (this
meeting coincides with the monthly PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group).
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for location and directions, join SVGLA as a Level II member)
LGBTQ Faculty-Staff Group (JMU) Happy Hour, 6pm, Clementine, 153 S. Main St.,
Harrisonburg. See page 6 for contact information.
The Statuesque Pageant 2014, 8pm, The Artful Dodger, 47 Court Square, Harrisonburg.
Rhino Mafia Productions (See pg. 14 for details)
Thursday, Dec. 12:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Saturday, Dec. 14:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly men
Bring food or beverage for 5 people. At Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby
Road). For more details and directions contact cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com.
Thursday, Dec. 19:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Jan. 2:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at JMU (note our new location). For more info, contact
facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Friday, January 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org
Thursday, Jan. 9:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Saturday, January 11:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly men
to socialize and sign up for interest groups. Bring a food or beverage for 5 people. Meet
at 7:00, dinner will be at 7:30. Plates, silverware, napkins, and glasses provided. We meet
at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby Road). For details and directions
contact cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com.
Submit items for the monthly events schedule by the 25th of each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items for the March issue by
February 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
Page 9
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Jan. 16:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Jan. 23:
YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Full pageShenandoah
ad forValley
Truth
Wins Out/Uganda Story
Tuesday, Jan. 28:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 7 for details and contact information.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Thursday, Feb. 6:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting . For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, Feb. 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Friday, February 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org
Saturday, Feb. 8:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly
men. Bring a food or beverage for 5 people. Meet at 7:00 and dinner will be at 7:30. We
meet in either the Summit House (or sometimes the basement kitchen) at the Thomas Jef
ferson Memorial Church (717 Rugby Road). For more details and directions contact
cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com
Thursday, Feb. 13:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
February 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Thursday, Feb. 15:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions and ads for March issue. Send items to
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Thursday, Feb. 20:
Thursday, Feb. 27:
Thursday, March 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at James Madison University (note our new location).
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting. For more
information, contact fa cilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, March 6:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM. See pg. 3 for details.
Friday, March 7:
Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting and First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM,
Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro (for info, join
SVGLA as a Level II member at www.svgla.org). The members of the 2014 SVGLA Board
of Directors will be announced at the potluck.
Saturday, March 22:
SVGLA Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM We gather at the Little Grill for
breakfast at 8am and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Join us! We provide
safety vests, gloves, and bags. Make-up date in case of inclement weather is Sat.urday, March 29.
Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2013
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 AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Advance information about SVGLA events
Level I membership is from July—July
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 Department of Treasury and IRS will Treat All Married
Couples Equally for Federal Tax Purposes
The United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service
will now recognize legally married same-sex couples who wish to file their 2013
federal tax return as “married filing jointly” for federal tax purposes. Same-sex
married couples who choose to jointly file will be treated as married for all federal
tax purposes, including income, gift, and estate taxes. This ruling applies regardless of whether or not the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex
marriage. That means that legally married couples who reside in Virginia can file a
joint federal tax return if they wish. Legally married same-sex couples MUST file
their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married filing jointly” or
“married filing separately” filing status. The ruling does not apply to couples in
registered domestic partnerships or civil unions.
For taxes in the state of Virginia, individuals in same-sex marriages must still
file a non-married single tax return. Consult IRS.gov or the National Association
of Tax Professionals for more information.
Quotable:
“Prejudices are rarely
overcome by argument.
Not being founded in
reason, they cannot be
destroyed by logic.”
—Tryon
Edwards,
American Theologian
Vote for the 2014 SVGLA
Board of Directors
Ballots for the 2014 SVGLA Board of Directors will
be sent in January to Level I members who renewed their membership by December 1, 2013.
Votes must be received by February 15, 2014.
Results will be announced at the Annual SVGLA
Membership Meeting (which will coincide with
March 7 First Friday potluck).
Thank you for supporting the Shenandoah Valley
Gay & Lesbian Association!
Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2014!