File #51826: "SVGLA.Newsletter.June.2015.FINAL.pdf"
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
T HE FAMILY CONNECT SHEN
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)
SVGLA potlucks
Youth Summer Camp
PFLAG meetings
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 13)
———————–
The SVGLA “Family
Connectshen” is published quarterly (in
March, June, September, and December).
Contact the editor
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Shenandoah Valley Pride
seeks volunteers
A new organization, Shenandoah Valley Pride, is
hosting a pride event in downtown Harrisonburg
and needs volunteers to help with planning the
event. Contact SVP by email at ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com for more information.
Youth Leadership Camp on “Breaking Gender Stereotypes” at JMU
The Office on Children and Youth at JMU is offering its first summer camp focusing on gender stereotypes and youth leadership. Students will create their own gender stories through
film, poetry, and art. If you are a teen looking to better understand yourself, others, and your
community, then we hope you will participate in this fun, engaging, and challenging youth leadership camp.
Students will work with trained youth workers from The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program to learn organizing, communication, and leadership skills, and will also participate in
JMU’s ropes and adventure course. The cost is $15, but there are scholarships available.
This is an LGBTQ and trans-friendly camp. The building where it will be held has single-stall
gender-inclusive restrooms and is accessible for people in wheelchairs or who have mobility
challenges. Transportation can be provided for participants.
Registration information: http://www.theocy.org/summer-camp/
Contact Kati Derrick with any questions at derrickc@jmu.edu or 540-568-7685.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender and
queer communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm.
Help end violence in Virginia.
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 11-12)
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 on pages 11-12.
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!
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 Sept. newsletter is August 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. It’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, June 20
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/activitiesand-organizations/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
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
Shenandoah Valley Pride
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
(NEW)
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
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 Anti-Violence Project (NEW)
Virginia Organizing
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 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.
Resources for our Community
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
New to Virginia: Did you just move to the state? Follow the web link above for a primer for everything you need to know about being an LGBT person in Virginia
Need Support: These are national, statewide and local resources that provide social outlets, support,
health services, and advocate on behalf of the LGBT community
Legal Advice: Equality Virginia provides this directory to LGBT Virginians seeking legal representation and to attorneys working with the LGBT community.
Coming Out: Coming out is not only a critical component of a LGBT individual’s well-being, but of
the well-being of the entire LGBT community. Support is here.
Transgender Resources: Find support and information on gender marker changes and voter laws
that may impact the community. EV believes in a truly inclusive commonwealth where all are equally
welcomed and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Looking for a Faith Community: A stronger network of affirming faith communities counters the
tension between LGBT rights and religious freedom. Find affirming communities recommended by
EV’s membership.
Building a Family: While Virginia does not recognize relationships between same-sex couples, there
are still ways to make sure that your family is protected. Although Virginia’s LGBT families may face
challenges in adoption and foster care, there are resources for those looking to start the process.
Facing Discrimination: Have you faced discrimination in employment or housing or have been denied service at a business? Learn more about your rights, Virginia’s laws and what is protected. Find
resources and toolkits to create positive change for LGBT Virginians.
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 September newsletter is August 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 13.
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 11-12.
We need potluck hosts!
Can you host in 2015 or 2016?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 4:
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, June 4:
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, 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 by
SVGLA. For information, join SVGLA as a Level I or II member (See page 13 ).
Saturday, June 13:
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, June 20:
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. In case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.
Thursday, July 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, July 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
Friday, July 10:
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 13 for how to join ).
Saturday, July 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, July 25:
Shenandoah Valley Pride, If you’re interested in taking part in the planning for this com
munity event, please email shenandoahvalleypride@gmail. com or join the Shenandoah
Valley Pride Facebook group
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Page 11
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, August 1:
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 13 for how to join ).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, August 7:
Thursday, August 7:
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 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
Saturday, August 9:
Friday, August 15:
Thursday, Sept. 3:
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4/11
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
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
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 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
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 13 for how to join ).
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 September 2015
issue by August 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Page 12
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.
Public Support for Marriage Equality Increases:
Supreme Court to Announce Ruling Soon
One month before the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the
constitutionality of states’ same-sex marriage bans, public support for
marriage equality has reached a record 60%, according to a Gallup survey
released in May. This is up from 55% in 2014 and is the highest Gallup
has found on the question since it was first asked in 1996. Public support
for legalizing marriage for same-sex couples first reached a majority in
2011, when 53% supported it. Since then, support has ranged from 48%
to 55%. The five-percentage-point increase in this year’s poll, conducted
in May of 2015, is the largest year-to-year climb since 2011, when public
support rose by nine points.
Quotable:
“Everyone deserves to be
loved for who they are…
We are going to change
the world.”
—Bruce Jenner—
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
T HE FAMILY CONNECT SHEN
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)
SVGLA potlucks
Youth Summer Camp
PFLAG meetings
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 13)
———————–
The SVGLA “Family
Connectshen” is published quarterly (in
March, June, September, and December).
Contact the editor
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Shenandoah Valley Pride
seeks volunteers
A new organization, Shenandoah Valley Pride, is
hosting a pride event in downtown Harrisonburg
and needs volunteers to help with planning the
event. Contact SVP by email at ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com for more information.
Youth Leadership Camp on “Breaking Gender Stereotypes” at JMU
The Office on Children and Youth at JMU is offering its first summer camp focusing on gender stereotypes and youth leadership. Students will create their own gender stories through
film, poetry, and art. If you are a teen looking to better understand yourself, others, and your
community, then we hope you will participate in this fun, engaging, and challenging youth leadership camp.
Students will work with trained youth workers from The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program to learn organizing, communication, and leadership skills, and will also participate in
JMU’s ropes and adventure course. The cost is $15, but there are scholarships available.
This is an LGBTQ and trans-friendly camp. The building where it will be held has single-stall
gender-inclusive restrooms and is accessible for people in wheelchairs or who have mobility
challenges. Transportation can be provided for participants.
Registration information: http://www.theocy.org/summer-camp/
Contact Kati Derrick with any questions at derrickc@jmu.edu or 540-568-7685.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender and
queer communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm.
Help end violence in Virginia.
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 11-12)
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 on pages 11-12.
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!
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 Sept. newsletter is August 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. It’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, June 20
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/activitiesand-organizations/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
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
www.pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
Shenandoah Valley Pride
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
(NEW)
Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
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 Anti-Violence Project (NEW)
Virginia Organizing
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 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.
Resources for our Community
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
New to Virginia: Did you just move to the state? Follow the web link above for a primer for everything you need to know about being an LGBT person in Virginia
Need Support: These are national, statewide and local resources that provide social outlets, support,
health services, and advocate on behalf of the LGBT community
Legal Advice: Equality Virginia provides this directory to LGBT Virginians seeking legal representation and to attorneys working with the LGBT community.
Coming Out: Coming out is not only a critical component of a LGBT individual’s well-being, but of
the well-being of the entire LGBT community. Support is here.
Transgender Resources: Find support and information on gender marker changes and voter laws
that may impact the community. EV believes in a truly inclusive commonwealth where all are equally
welcomed and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Looking for a Faith Community: A stronger network of affirming faith communities counters the
tension between LGBT rights and religious freedom. Find affirming communities recommended by
EV’s membership.
Building a Family: While Virginia does not recognize relationships between same-sex couples, there
are still ways to make sure that your family is protected. Although Virginia’s LGBT families may face
challenges in adoption and foster care, there are resources for those looking to start the process.
Facing Discrimination: Have you faced discrimination in employment or housing or have been denied service at a business? Learn more about your rights, Virginia’s laws and what is protected. Find
resources and toolkits to create positive change for LGBT Virginians.
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 September newsletter is August 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 13.
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 11-12.
We need potluck hosts!
Can you host in 2015 or 2016?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 4:
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, June 4:
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, 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 by
SVGLA. For information, join SVGLA as a Level I or II member (See page 13 ).
Saturday, June 13:
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, June 20:
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. In case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.
Thursday, July 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, July 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
Friday, July 10:
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 13 for how to join ).
Saturday, July 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, July 25:
Shenandoah Valley Pride, If you’re interested in taking part in the planning for this com
munity event, please email shenandoahvalleypride@gmail. com or join the Shenandoah
Valley Pride Facebook group
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Page 11
COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, August 1:
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 13 for how to join ).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, August 7:
Thursday, August 7:
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 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
Saturday, August 9:
Friday, August 15:
Thursday, Sept. 3:
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4/11
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
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
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 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
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 13 for how to join ).
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 September 2015
issue by August 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2015
Page 12
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.
Public Support for Marriage Equality Increases:
Supreme Court to Announce Ruling Soon
One month before the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the
constitutionality of states’ same-sex marriage bans, public support for
marriage equality has reached a record 60%, according to a Gallup survey
released in May. This is up from 55% in 2014 and is the highest Gallup
has found on the question since it was first asked in 1996. Public support
for legalizing marriage for same-sex couples first reached a majority in
2011, when 53% supported it. Since then, support has ranged from 48%
to 55%. The five-percentage-point increase in this year’s poll, conducted
in May of 2015, is the largest year-to-year climb since 2011, when public
support rose by nine points.
Quotable:
“Everyone deserves to be
loved for who they are…
We are going to change
the world.”
—Bruce Jenner—