File #51825: "SVGLA Newsletter March 2015 FINAL(1).pdf"
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
T HE FAMILY CONNECT SHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
2015 General Assembly Session Wraps Up:
No Legislative Gains or Losses
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.
———————–
Community Events
(see details inside)
VAN Auction Benefit
Equality Virginia reports the following from the 2015 Virginia General Assembly session: “We were successful in killing two bad bills
this session, but unfortunately none of the bills that we support
passed out of the House this session. Bills to protect LGBT public
employees (SB 785) and to update language in the code (SB 1211)
passed the Senate, only to be killed in a House subcommittee.”
All of the proposed legislation specifically related to sexual orientation and gender identity issues failed in in this year’s General Assembly, including:
Women’s Dance Party
Valley Pride Planning
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 16)
———————–
The SVGLA “Family
Connectshen” is published quarterly (in
March, June, September, and December).
Contact the editor
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Two bills that would have allowed for blatant discrimination
against LGBT individuals and families in Virginia
A second parent adoption bill to ensure that all children have the
protection of two legal parents
3 bills to update Virginia’s legal code to reflect marriage equality
A bill to prohibit sexual orientation change efforts
A bill to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state
hate crime law
2 bills to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity
A bill to study housing discrimination against LGBT people in
Virginia
Details of all bills EV followed during the 2015 session can be found
at: www.equalityvirginia.org/equality-virginia-at-the-general-assembly
"Out in the Boondocks"
LGBTQ Valley Meet-up Group
If you're a member of the
LGBTQ community living in the
boondocks in or around the
Shenandoah Valley, come meet
up with us.
This is a casual group where
members get together or in
smaller groups for meals, movies, live performances and other
events.
www.meetup.com/Out-in-the-Boondocks/
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVGLA thanks local
businesses and
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
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 support groups for parents, family, friends, and allies.
of the LGBT community. If you are a parent, family member, friend, or ally 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 PFLAG support group for parents, families, friends, and allies of the LGBT Community
When:
Where:
Contact:
Note:
Once a month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (See meeting dates on pages 11-13)
Blue Ridge Hall, Room 325, 601 University Blvd, JMU campus, Harrisonburg
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When:
Where:
Contact:
3rd Saturday of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Facilitator Karen at karenmeandering@gmail.com or 434-882-3453
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meetings
The Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group holds a meeting once a
month for LGBTQ+ and questioning folks between 14-20 years old from 6:30 to
8:00pm at Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, 601 University Blvd. on the campus of
JMU. See meeting dates in the schedule on pages 10 and 11.
We aim to provide a safe and confidential space for youth to talk, listen, laugh,
share, and reflect on what it's like for us to live in the Shenandoah Valley.
PFLAG Blue Ridge (www.pflagblueridge.org/harrisonburg.html) also holds
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!
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. It’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, March 21
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward.
Community Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
acluva.org/tag/equal-rights/
Bi Gay Lesbian & Allies Against Discrimination (Blue Ridge Community College)
catalog.blueridgectc.edu/
BC Allies (Bridgewater College) www.bridgewater.edu/student-life/activities-andorganizations/clubs-organizations-and-honor-societies
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
transgenderrightsva.org/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBT & 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
PFLAG Blue Ridge
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.svyesalliance.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground of Virginia
SVGLA
southernersonnewground.org/
www.svgla.org and SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Page 7
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
th
EV’s 12 Annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the Virginia LGBT
community and supporters. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, a
silent auction, a dance, and the opportunity to meet and network with
other members of the LGBT community and allies.
Every year at the Commonwealth Dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have represented the LGBT community with
distinction and have made contributions to the equality movement.
We hope you can join us at the Greater Richmond
Convention Center (403 N. Third Street in Richmond) on
Saturday, April 18, for this special evening.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
VIP Reception
General Registration & Silent Auction Opens
Dinner Program Begins
After Dinner Dance
For more information or to make reservations, go to
www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
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.
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
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.
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 June newsletter is May 15
SVGLA’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck hosted by SVGLA in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County/Staunton/Augusta County (occasionally Mount
Jackson) for the LGBTQ+ and Ally community. Every month (usually, but
not always, the first Friday) the event rotates to a different location (thanks to
generous volunteers who offer to host). Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes, we send location information ONLY to our email list of SVGLA members and do not post it through
social media or public email lists. To receive emails about FF and other local
SVGLA events, you can join SVGLA as a Level 2 member (for free) or as a
Level 1 member (for $15). You can read about the difference on page 16.
If you want to join for free, send an email with your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age (SVGLA’s membership requirement) to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com – we will add you to our mailing list.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 11-13.
We need potluck hosts! Would you like
to host First Friday in 2015?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 5:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coin
cide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more information
about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org,
or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, March 5:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Friday, March 13:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored by
SVGLA. For information, join SVGLA as a Level I or II member (See page 16 ).
Saturday, March 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.
Saturday, March 21:
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 Saturday, Oct. 25.
Saturday, March 21:
Silent Auction Benefit, 7:00-9:00 PM, To support the Valley AIDS Network. Hosted
by L’Italia Restaurant, 815 East Market Street in Harrisonburg. Live music by Kat and the
Travelers. For information and tickets, visit www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
March 26 & 27:
Mr. Gay United States 2015 Pageant in Harrisonburg (see details on page 14).
March 28 & 29:
Miss. Gay United States 2015 Pageant in Harrisonburg (see details on page 14).
Thursday, April 2:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM at Blue Ridge Hall, Room
325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meet
ings coincide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more infor
mation about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to
www.pflagblueridge.org, or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, April 2:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 11
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 7:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting for LGBTQ+ or questioning
youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, on the JMU
campus, 601 University Blvd in H’burg. For more info about the YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Saturday, May 9:
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
Friday, May 15:
Friday, April 3:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 16 for how to join ).
Saturday, April 11:
INDIGO WOMEN’S DANCE PARTY, Must be at least 21 years of age to enter.
See page 14 for details. Contact Teri Beasley (alaskabeas@yahoo.com) with questions.
Saturday, April 11:
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.
Saturday, April 18:
EV’s 12 Annual Commonwealth Dinner, 4:00 PM, Celebrate Equality Virginia’s 25th
anniversary with LGBT folks and allies from across the state. For more information, call
804-643-4816 or go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/event/commonwealth-dinner/
April 24-26:
Women’s Weekend at Blue Haven 151 Farm, B&B, and Retreat Center. Cost: $100
per person/weekend – includes 2 nights, breakfast, bonfire, and dance/music on Saturday
night. Reservations required for guest house and “glamper” lodging. "Bring your own tent"
sites are $25 per tent per night. We are offering a brew and wine trail tour on Saturday for
$15, not including cost of libations. www.bluehavenfarmandbb.com and 434-688-4391
Friday, May 1:
Thursday, May 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 11 for how to join ).
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting for parents, family, friends, and allies
of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At Blue Ridge Hall, Room 325, on JMU cam
pus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coincide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley
Youth Group. For more information about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-4051227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org, or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 12
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, June 5:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 16 for how to join).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, June 4:
Thursday, June 4:
July 25 and 26:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coin
cide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more information
about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org,
or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Shenandoah Valley Pride Weekend, If you’re interested in taking part in the planning
and preparations for this community event, please email shenandoahvalleypride@gmail.
com or join the Shenandoah Valley Pride Facebook group
Submit items for the monthly SVGLA e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items for the June
2015 issue by May 15 to SVGLAssociation@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 June newsletter is May 15
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 13
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:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter
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 — FREE
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 and please send
this form to: SVGLA, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
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.
Level 2 Support - email your name and state that you are at least 18 years of age or
older to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
All SVGLA members must be at least 18 years of age to join.
Transgender Law Center announces Expansion in the South
Transgender Law Center, one of the US’s leading transgender advocacy organizations,
and Southerners on New Ground (SONG), the largest LGBTQ grassroots organization
in the South, officially announced TLC@SONG, a collaboration of Transgender Law
Center’s long history of legal, policy and trans-specific expertise and SONG’s wellrespected southern base-building and organizing shop. “As the largest regional grassroots LGBTQ organization in the South, SONG sees TLC@SONG as a way to add
new capacity in the South to work against the violent attacks on trans and gender nonconforming communities with integrity and accountability to our region” said Caitlin
Breedlove, SONG Co-Director.
“…[O]ne-third of LGBTQ people in the entire country [live] in the South...”
said Kris Hayashi, Executive Director at Transgender Law Center. “Our hope is that
TLC@SONG will be a step towards supporting trans leadership in the South to win
campaigns and protections that are needed.” For more information, visit:
www.transgenderlawcenter.org.
Quotable:
“Let’s trade in all our
judging for appreciating.
Let’s lay down all our
righteousness and be
together.”
—Ram Dass—
Sponsors & Volunteers Needed
Shenandoah Valley Pride will take place the weekend of July 25-26,
2015. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. E-mail ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com to be involved with the planning.
Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Pride
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
T HE FAMILY CONNECT SHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
2015 General Assembly Session Wraps Up:
No Legislative Gains or Losses
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.
———————–
Community Events
(see details inside)
VAN Auction Benefit
Equality Virginia reports the following from the 2015 Virginia General Assembly session: “We were successful in killing two bad bills
this session, but unfortunately none of the bills that we support
passed out of the House this session. Bills to protect LGBT public
employees (SB 785) and to update language in the code (SB 1211)
passed the Senate, only to be killed in a House subcommittee.”
All of the proposed legislation specifically related to sexual orientation and gender identity issues failed in in this year’s General Assembly, including:
Women’s Dance Party
Valley Pride Planning
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 16)
———————–
The SVGLA “Family
Connectshen” is published quarterly (in
March, June, September, and December).
Contact the editor
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Two bills that would have allowed for blatant discrimination
against LGBT individuals and families in Virginia
A second parent adoption bill to ensure that all children have the
protection of two legal parents
3 bills to update Virginia’s legal code to reflect marriage equality
A bill to prohibit sexual orientation change efforts
A bill to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state
hate crime law
2 bills to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity
A bill to study housing discrimination against LGBT people in
Virginia
Details of all bills EV followed during the 2015 session can be found
at: www.equalityvirginia.org/equality-virginia-at-the-general-assembly
"Out in the Boondocks"
LGBTQ Valley Meet-up Group
If you're a member of the
LGBTQ community living in the
boondocks in or around the
Shenandoah Valley, come meet
up with us.
This is a casual group where
members get together or in
smaller groups for meals, movies, live performances and other
events.
www.meetup.com/Out-in-the-Boondocks/
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVGLA thanks local
businesses and
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
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 support groups for parents, family, friends, and allies.
of the LGBT community. If you are a parent, family member, friend, or ally 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 PFLAG support group for parents, families, friends, and allies of the LGBT Community
When:
Where:
Contact:
Note:
Once a month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (See meeting dates on pages 11-13)
Blue Ridge Hall, Room 325, 601 University Blvd, JMU campus, Harrisonburg
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When:
Where:
Contact:
3rd Saturday of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Facilitator Karen at karenmeandering@gmail.com or 434-882-3453
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meetings
The Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group holds a meeting once a
month for LGBTQ+ and questioning folks between 14-20 years old from 6:30 to
8:00pm at Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, 601 University Blvd. on the campus of
JMU. See meeting dates in the schedule on pages 10 and 11.
We aim to provide a safe and confidential space for youth to talk, listen, laugh,
share, and reflect on what it's like for us to live in the Shenandoah Valley.
PFLAG Blue Ridge (www.pflagblueridge.org/harrisonburg.html) also holds
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!
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. It’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, March 21
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward.
Community Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
acluva.org/tag/equal-rights/
Bi Gay Lesbian & Allies Against Discrimination (Blue Ridge Community College)
catalog.blueridgectc.edu/
BC Allies (Bridgewater College) www.bridgewater.edu/student-life/activities-andorganizations/clubs-organizations-and-honor-societies
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
transgenderrightsva.org/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBT & 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
PFLAG Blue Ridge
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.svyesalliance.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground of Virginia
SVGLA
southernersonnewground.org/
www.svgla.org and SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Page 7
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
th
EV’s 12 Annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the Virginia LGBT
community and supporters. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, a
silent auction, a dance, and the opportunity to meet and network with
other members of the LGBT community and allies.
Every year at the Commonwealth Dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have represented the LGBT community with
distinction and have made contributions to the equality movement.
We hope you can join us at the Greater Richmond
Convention Center (403 N. Third Street in Richmond) on
Saturday, April 18, for this special evening.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
VIP Reception
General Registration & Silent Auction Opens
Dinner Program Begins
After Dinner Dance
For more information or to make reservations, go to
www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
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.
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
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.
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 June newsletter is May 15
SVGLA’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck hosted by SVGLA in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County/Staunton/Augusta County (occasionally Mount
Jackson) for the LGBTQ+ and Ally community. Every month (usually, but
not always, the first Friday) the event rotates to a different location (thanks to
generous volunteers who offer to host). Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes, we send location information ONLY to our email list of SVGLA members and do not post it through
social media or public email lists. To receive emails about FF and other local
SVGLA events, you can join SVGLA as a Level 2 member (for free) or as a
Level 1 member (for $15). You can read about the difference on page 16.
If you want to join for free, send an email with your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age (SVGLA’s membership requirement) to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com – we will add you to our mailing list.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 11-13.
We need potluck hosts! Would you like
to host First Friday in 2015?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 5:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coin
cide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more information
about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org,
or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, March 5:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Friday, March 13:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored by
SVGLA. For information, join SVGLA as a Level I or II member (See page 16 ).
Saturday, March 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.
Saturday, March 21:
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 Saturday, Oct. 25.
Saturday, March 21:
Silent Auction Benefit, 7:00-9:00 PM, To support the Valley AIDS Network. Hosted
by L’Italia Restaurant, 815 East Market Street in Harrisonburg. Live music by Kat and the
Travelers. For information and tickets, visit www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
March 26 & 27:
Mr. Gay United States 2015 Pageant in Harrisonburg (see details on page 14).
March 28 & 29:
Miss. Gay United States 2015 Pageant in Harrisonburg (see details on page 14).
Thursday, April 2:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM at Blue Ridge Hall, Room
325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meet
ings coincide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more infor
mation about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to
www.pflagblueridge.org, or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Thursday, April 2:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 11
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 7:
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting for LGBTQ+ or questioning
youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326, on the JMU
campus, 601 University Blvd in H’burg. For more info about the YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Saturday, May 9:
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
Friday, May 15:
Friday, April 3:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 16 for how to join ).
Saturday, April 11:
INDIGO WOMEN’S DANCE PARTY, Must be at least 21 years of age to enter.
See page 14 for details. Contact Teri Beasley (alaskabeas@yahoo.com) with questions.
Saturday, April 11:
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.
Saturday, April 18:
EV’s 12 Annual Commonwealth Dinner, 4:00 PM, Celebrate Equality Virginia’s 25th
anniversary with LGBT folks and allies from across the state. For more information, call
804-643-4816 or go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/event/commonwealth-dinner/
April 24-26:
Women’s Weekend at Blue Haven 151 Farm, B&B, and Retreat Center. Cost: $100
per person/weekend – includes 2 nights, breakfast, bonfire, and dance/music on Saturday
night. Reservations required for guest house and “glamper” lodging. "Bring your own tent"
sites are $25 per tent per night. We are offering a brew and wine trail tour on Saturday for
$15, not including cost of libations. www.bluehavenfarmandbb.com and 434-688-4391
Friday, May 1:
Thursday, May 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 11 for how to join ).
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting for parents, family, friends, and allies
of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At Blue Ridge Hall, Room 325, on JMU cam
pus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coincide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley
Youth Group. For more information about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-4051227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org, or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 12
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, June 5:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the GLBT and Ally community sponsored each
month by SVGLA. For information about the potluck, join SVGLA as a Level I or II
member (See page 16 for how to join).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, June 4:
Thursday, June 4:
July 25 and 26:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 325, on the James Madison University campus, 601 University Blvd. Meetings coin
cide with the YES! Alliance Shenandoah Valley Youth Group. For more information
about PFLAG, contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or go to www.pflagblueridge.org,
or contact Mark by email at mitchmarke@aol.com
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group Meeting, Youth group for LGBTQ+
or questioning youth between 14-20 years old. 6:30-8:00 PM in Blue Ridge Hall, Room 326,
on the JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. Meetings coincide with
PFLAG. For more information about the Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance, go to
www.svyesalliance.org, or email Jo at svyesalliance@gmail.com
Shenandoah Valley Pride Weekend, If you’re interested in taking part in the planning
and preparations for this community event, please email shenandoahvalleypride@gmail.
com or join the Shenandoah Valley Pride Facebook group
Submit items for the monthly SVGLA e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items for the June
2015 issue by May 15 to SVGLAssociation@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 June newsletter is May 15
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
Page 13
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:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter
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 — FREE
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 and please send
this form to: SVGLA, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
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.
Level 2 Support - email your name and state that you are at least 18 years of age or
older to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
All SVGLA members must be at least 18 years of age to join.
Transgender Law Center announces Expansion in the South
Transgender Law Center, one of the US’s leading transgender advocacy organizations,
and Southerners on New Ground (SONG), the largest LGBTQ grassroots organization
in the South, officially announced TLC@SONG, a collaboration of Transgender Law
Center’s long history of legal, policy and trans-specific expertise and SONG’s wellrespected southern base-building and organizing shop. “As the largest regional grassroots LGBTQ organization in the South, SONG sees TLC@SONG as a way to add
new capacity in the South to work against the violent attacks on trans and gender nonconforming communities with integrity and accountability to our region” said Caitlin
Breedlove, SONG Co-Director.
“…[O]ne-third of LGBTQ people in the entire country [live] in the South...”
said Kris Hayashi, Executive Director at Transgender Law Center. “Our hope is that
TLC@SONG will be a step towards supporting trans leadership in the South to win
campaigns and protections that are needed.” For more information, visit:
www.transgenderlawcenter.org.
Quotable:
“Let’s trade in all our
judging for appreciating.
Let’s lay down all our
righteousness and be
together.”
—Ram Dass—
Sponsors & Volunteers Needed
Shenandoah Valley Pride will take place the weekend of July 25-26,
2015. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. E-mail ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com to be involved with the planning.
Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Pride