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A+ Pet Siting
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Hundreds Enjoy Elkton Pride Day Event
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Shenandoah Valley Gay and
Lesbian Association is to
create a safe, affirming, and
fun environment where
members are empowered
to reach their full human
potential.
———————–
Upcoming Events: (pg. 6)
•Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting
• Equality Virginia Lobby
Day
•Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS
Network
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Beautiful weather, live entertainment, good food and family fun made the first ever Elkton
Pride Day a rousing success. The Stonewall Chapter of the Merck Rainbow Alliance recently held the inaugural event at the J.M. Cooley Conference Center on the grounds of
Merck Stonewall. 407 people from across the area attended the event on Sunday to enjoy a
friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
The main purpose of the Elkton Pride event was to promote diversity, unity, visibility and
self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons and to promote a
positive image in the Elkton area through community activities and services. "We could
not be more pleased with the success of today's event!" says Vice President and Stonewall
Plant Manager Craig Kennedy. "Merck is proud and honored to have sponsored the inaugural Elkton Pride event. It has served, as intended, as a fantastic celebration of basic human rights and the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of sexual orientation.
We are absolutely thrilled to have organized such an inclusive, successful community
event!"
The event was created, planned and orchestrated by the Elkton, Va., chapter of the Merck
Rainbow Alliance ERG in honor of its mission to "inspire and grow an inclusive corporate
environment that supports a vibrant Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender employee network where the professional development of members will ensure that our global network
is a value added business partner to Merck." The successful gathering is a huge tribute to
the planning team's hard work, passion, organization and dedication to making the inaugural Elkton Pride Event a triumphant celebration of diversity and inclusion that will inspire
and foster growth in the community.
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 7)
With your annual dues of
$15.00 (Level One membership), you will receive and di to
SVGLA events.
Send form and payment to the
mailing address above.
Level Two membership is
FREE.
You will receive the newsletter
and announcements about
SVGLA events by email.
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
———————–
Photo: Some Members of the Elkton Pride Planning Team & Volunteers
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Virginia Elects First Openly Gay State Senator
November’s Virginia General Assembly election yielded an historic result when
Delegate Adam Ebbin was elected Virginia’s first out gay Senator with nearly
70% of the vote in his district. Other good election night news was a win by
EV Board member Michael Sutphin in his bid for a seat on the Blacksburg
Town Council.
Make Your Voice Heard on Lobby Day 2012
Lobby Day 2012! Join LGBT and allied folks from across the state in taking a
stand and speaking up fairness at the Library of Virginia in Richmond,
Tuesday, January 24th. Lobby for important bills that will help improve the state
of equality in Virginia, and participate in a day filled with networking and
workshops. For more information on Lobby Day, please write to
lobbyday@equalityvirginia.org
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
�YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is Feb. 15
We’ve Adopted a Highway!
SVGLA has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
It’s fun, it’s good exercise, and it’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Our next outing is Saturday, Jan. 28
(Feb. 4 is the makeup date).
Meet us for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway.
Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�Community Organizations
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransRightsVA/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education
Program
http://www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
orgs.jmu.edu/madisonequality
Network VA: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=211303515073¬es_tab=app_2347471856
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Soulforce
www.soulforce.org
SVGLA
www.svgla.org or SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
www.vapartisans.org/
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 4
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual
and moral witness in the Shenandoah Valley.
HARRISONBURG
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
One Journey, Many Paths
V a l l e y
A I D S
We invite all who search for truth
and meaning with open hearts
and open minds to join us in worship, in mutual support, and in
shared ministry to each other and
to the world.
For more information, contact us
at: http://huuweb.org and (540)
867-0073
N e t w o r k
F u n d r a i s e r
VAN is holding “Mardi Gras Night”, a silent auction and fundraising event on Saturday,
February 18, 2012, 7-9 pm at the Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine Restaurant. Tickets for
this event are $40 and include appetizers, two drinks, entertainment, and the opportunity
to bid on terrific items like gift baskets, gift cards from local restaurants, an authentic
Greek Dinner, gift certificates for services, and much more. These funds help support
the work of VAN. The Valley AIDS Network was established in 1989 and it strives to
compassionately meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. VAN’s goals
are to move its clients toward better health and self-sufficiency, to raise awareness and
prevent the spread of the virus through education, and to serve as an advocate for those
affected by the AIDS epidemic. As housing and medical costs increase, VAN relies on
donations from the local community and fundraisers like “Mardi Gras Night” are crucial
to the on-going effectiveness of VAN. For a closer look at the Valley AIDS Network
and ticket information, visit our web site at http://www.valleyaidsnetwork.org.
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
�
Sunday, Dec. 18:
�
Friday, January 13:
SVGLA Board Meeting, 4-6pm. For location and directions, contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Full pageAnnual
ad SVGLA
for Truth
Wins
Out/Uganda
Membership
Meeting
& First Friday Potluck, Story
6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta
& Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, and Staunton (for location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
�
Monday, January 16 : Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
�
Tuesday, January 24: Equality Virginia Lobby Day in Richmond (see details page 2)
�
Saturday, Jan. 28:
SVGLA Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM SVGLA has adopted a section of
highway near Harrisonburg through the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. Help us be
good neighbors in the community. We will gather at the Little Grill for breakfast at 8am
and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work. Make-up date in case of inclement
weather is Sat.urday, February 4. Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�
Friday, February 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
�
Tuesday, Feb. 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
�
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Valley AIDS Network Fundraiser “Mardi Gras Night” (See details on page 5).
�
Saturday, Feb. 18:
Mr. Gay Harrisonburg & Mr. Harrisonburg M.I. Competition Celebrate with SVGLA
Board member & Mr. Gay Harrisonburg Tim Fitzgerald and his Male Impersonator
counterpart Brysan Haze as they pass their titles on to the next representatives for 2012!
Doors open at 7pm; Showtime at 8pm, Downtown Music, 34 S. Main St, Harrisonburg
�
Wednesday, Feb. 15
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the March issue. Send
advertisements and milestones to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�
Friday, March 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
�
Saturday, March 24:
Miss Harrisonburg Newcomer & Miss Harrisonburg at Large Competition
Join us as we select our new title holders to represent the community for 2012! Doors
Open at 7pm & Showtime at 8pm. Downtown Music, 34 S. Main Street.
�
Friday, April 6:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
�
Saturday, April 14:
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Concert at JMU’s Forbes Center
benefiting the Valley AIDS Network. To order tickets, go to http://www.jmu.edu/
jmuarts/forbescenter/
�
Saturday, April 14:
Equality Virginia’s 9th Annual Commonwealth Dinner, 4pm at the Greater Richmond
Convention Center. For more information, go to www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner
Submit items for the community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
Page 6
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVGLA are:
•
To gather and communicate important community information.
•
To collaborate with allies and inclusive community organizations.
•
To organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational
networking with LGBT people.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVGLA with mailing and administrative costs throughout the
year. A level 1 commitment of support gets you the following:
•
•
•
•
Your choice—a hard copy of the newsletter mailed to your address, an e-mailed version of the newsletter, or both.
A vote for members of the SVLGA Board of Directors (membership renewals due by
December 1 to vote for the 2012 Board).
Advance information about SVGLA events
Level I membership is from July 1, 2011-July 1, 2012.
Level 2 Support—No Cost
Level 2 support keeps you in the loop. A level 2 commitment of support gets you an emailed version of the newsletter and advanced information about all SVGLA events.
Check one of the following levels of support and complete the form below:
�
Level 1 Support (please include a check for $15 for each person)
Mailed hard copy of the newsletter
�
E-mailed version of the newsletter
Both
Level 2 Support (Free)
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
�
E-mail #2:
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Please send this form to: SVGLA, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
�IN THE NEWS…
Massachusetts Bans Gender Identity or Expression Discrimination
The Massachusetts Legislature voted to pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The bill adds
protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to
the state’s hate crimes law. The bill will go into effect 90 days after it is signed by Governor Patrick. Massachusetts will become the 16th state along with the District of Columbia in prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.
Lesbian Activist Honored with Presidential Citizens Medal
Janice Langbehn, who helped secure hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples across the
country received the nation’s second-highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama -- the
Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2007 Langbehn was kept from the bedside of her partner, who lay
dying in a Florida hospital. A story about the ordeal prompted the president to instruct his administration to issue new rules requiring hospitals to abide by the wishes of patients who designate their same-sex partners for visitation rights.
Walmart Adds “Gender Identity” to Nondiscrimination Policy
Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has quietly added language to its employee nondiscrimination policy that
forbids employment bias based on gender identity and expression. A spokesman said the change
was part of a routine review of employment policies and was not related to a complaint.
Quotable:
"I do not think We know
our own Strength
until we have seen
how strong Love makes us.”
—Curly Girl
�HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR LEVEL I
LGBTA Education Program
SVGLA MEMBERSHIP?
The LGBT & Ally Education Program at
Renewal forms were mailed to all Level I JMU is moving to North Campus in the East
members in July.
Tower of the Old Hospital. We will be moving over Thanksgiving break along with the
Level I membership supports the publi- Clinic Services, Student Wellness & Outreach
cation of this newsletter and many imand Substance Abuse Prevention. We will be
portant events in our community (see
located on the 5th floor and will resume ofpage 11 for details).
fice hours after Thanksgiving Break. Come
visit us in our new space in room E506.
THANK YOU for your support of SVGLA.
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
��������������������
Ballots for the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors will be sent to
Level I members in December. Votes must be received by
1/10/12. Results will be announced at the Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting (which coincides with January’s First Friday).
��������������������
�Milestone
��������������������
Civil Rights Pioneer for Modern LGBT Rights Movement Dies
Dr. Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925-October 11, 2011)
Dr. Frank Kennedy was one of the most significant figures in the modern LGBT rights movement in the United
States. In 1957, he was terminated from his position in the federal government because of his sexual orientation,
which led him to a lifetime of activism for LGBT rights. In 1961, he argued his case before the US Supreme
Court, and founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, one of the earliest LGBT organizations in the U.S.
Kameny and Barbara Gittings co-organized demonstrations for gay and lesbian rights at Independence Hall and
the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia each July 4th from 1965 to 1969, where an Historic Marker recognizes the site.
They also protested the annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association in the early 1970s. The APA
voted in 1973 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. In 2006, the Library of Congress acquired Kameny’s papers, documenting his biography and lifetime of civil rights work.
In 2007, the Smithsonian Museum of American History included an exhibit of the original picket signs Kameny
carried in demonstrations in front of the White House. In 2009, his home was designated a DC Historic Landmark. Also in 2009, John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, formally apologized to
Kameny on behalf of the US government and presented Kameny with the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the department’s most prestigious award.
In 2010, Kameny was seated at the front row of the gathering where President Barack Obama signed the “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act.” Also in 2010, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty unveiled street signs designating a section of
17th Street as “Frank Kameny Way” in his honor. On November 2, 2011, Kameny’s house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kameny’s early activism is featured in the documentary Gay Pioneers (www.gaypioneers.com), about the beginnings of the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the US.
��������������������
Milestones
The “Family ConnectShen” is pleased to publish notices of significant events and other milestones (free
of charge) for SVGLA members. The newsletter is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and
December). To submit a milestone (anniversary, birthday, engagement, birth, death, other) for the January 2012 issue of the newsletter, send the following to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com: Full name and
phone number (including area code, for verification purposes), type of milestone, and a brief description
in 75 words or less. SVGLA reserves the right to publish or deny submissions. Incomplete or unverifiable submissions will not be considered.
��������������������
�THANK YOU, Level I Members!
Renew your Level I Membership Now (see page 7).
Thanks to Level 1 members, SVGLA has been able to support a quarterly
newsletter for all SVGLA members, and to provide free advertising or
other support to many great organizations, events, and causes in our
community in 2011, including:
And Justice for All: A Symposium on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Programs and Policies at Virginia Colleges and Universities
Elkton Pride
Equality Virginia
Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C.
JMU Visiting Scholar Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center
Mardi Gras Night Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network
Peterson Toscano’s “Transfigurations” at EMU and “Doing Time” at JMU
P-FLAG National President, Rabbi David Horowitz presentation
Shenandoah Valley Pride
Soulforce/Madison Equality Symposium at JMU
“Too Fabulous” fundraiser for JMU’s LGBTA Education Program
Valley AIDS Network
�Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2012!
��������������������
Join us at the annual SVGLA membership meeting (also
the monthly potluck) on January 13, where we will
announce the 2012 SVGLA Board of Directors.
��������������������
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Family ConnectShen," December 2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2011 newsletter " The Family ConnectShen" published by the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2011, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2011
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
December.2011.SVGLA.newsletter
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2011
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/d2ba4cb68a659b4d3abbdd6d695502d1.pdf
812f6acdff1e2eb655f512269985b1b9
PDF Text
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2011
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Shenandoah Valley Gay and
Lesbian Association is to
create a safe, affirming, and
fun environment where
members are empowered
to reach their full human
potential.
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
2011 Shenandoah Valley Pride
———————–
Upcoming Events: (page 8)
• Equality HRC Meeting in
Harrisonburg in June
• SVGLA Board Meeting
• Conversation & Cuisine
in McGaheysville
• Valley Pride Show at the
Ramada in Harrisonburg
Celebrate with family and friends in SVGLA!
• AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
Symposium
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form page 9)
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
“Pride in the Park”
is scheduled for Sunday, July 24 from
4:00-8:00 PM at Shelters #11 and #12 in Hillandale Park in Harrisonburg. Burgers (vegetarian and meat), snacks, and soft drinks
will be provided (alcoholic beverages are not permitted n the park).
Volleyball and live music will be featured. Pets and family members are welcome. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (See page 7)
See Page 2 for a list of our Valley Pride Co-Sponsors.
In addition to our fifth annual “Pride in the Park,” this year there
will also be a Shenandoah Valley Pride Show. See page 3 for details.
The SVGLA “Family Connectshen” is published quarterly
(in March, June, September, and December).
�Thank You to our Valley Pride Sponsors!
The Artful Dodger, Club 216, Equality Virginia, GayRVA, Miller-Coors
LGBT Employee Group Resources (LAGER), Merck Rainbow Alliance,
Rhinestone Mafia Productions, St. John’s Episcopal Church of
Waynesboro, RAW Learning, ROSMY—Charlottesville, Harrisonburg
Unitarian Universalists, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of
Waynesboro, and the Valley AIDS Network
H arrisonburg
Unitarian Universalists
One Journey , Many Paths
�SHENANDOAH VALLEY PRIDE SHOW
featuring special guest ERICA ANDREWS from Dallas, TX on
Saturday, July 16, 8pm in the Conference Center at the Ramada
Inn (1 Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg, VA. The Pride Show is
sponsored
by
Rhinestone
Mafia
Productions
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Richmond Mayor Bans Discrimination
At EV’s April 16 Commonwealth Dinner, Richmond Mayor Dwight
Jones brought the crowd to its feet when he announced a new antidiscrimination policy for the capital city. Describing an executive
directive he issued the day before, Mayor Jones promised “zero
tolerance” for discrimination by city employees based on sexual
orientation or gender identity. He described his action as making
good on an overdue campaign promise. Jones, an ordained
minister, also supports same-sex marriage. Richmond is now one of
seven Virginia localities with inclusive policies. Read the full text of
the Mayor’s proclamation or watch the video of his announcement.
Find EV on the web at www.equalityvirginia.org
�YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is 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, and it’s great for our planet.
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
Meet for breakfast at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway.
Sign up at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�Community Organizations
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransRightsVA/
Equality HRC
(Harrisonburg & Rockingham County) www.equalityhrc.org
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
JMU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Education
Program
http://www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
www.virginialogcabin.org/
Madison Equality JMU
orgs.jmu.edu/madisonequality
Network VA: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions on Campus
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=211303515073¬es_tab=app_2347471856
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Soulforce
www.soulforce.org
SVGLA
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Valley AIDS Network
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
www.vapartisans.org/
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2011
Page 6
�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
PRIDE-IN-THE-PARK
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Set up Squad
Grill Team
Decorations Troupe
Clean up Crew
Security
Please help us this year.
Contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com to sign up
�SVGLA COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
�
Friday, June 3:
�
Sunday, June 12
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Full pageSVGLA
ad Board
for Truth
Wins
Story
Meeting, 4:00
PM (forOut/Uganda
location and directions contact
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
�
Saturday, June 18:
And Justice For All: A Symposium on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Policies and Programs at Virginia’s Colleges and Universities. To be held at VCU
in Richmond. For info go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/NetworkVirginia/
211303515073?v=wall
�
Tuesday, June 21
Conversation & Cuisine in McGaheysville, 6:30-8:30 PM, At Hank’s Smokehouse,
49 Bloomer Spring Rd, McGaheysville, VA.
�
Thursday, June 23:
Equality HRC Meeting, 6:30pm, Massanutten Regional Library in downtown
Harrisonburg. Contact equalityhrc@gmail.com for more information.
�
Saturday, June 25
The Love Equality Style Festival: Remembering Stonewall will be held at the
Gay Community Center of Richmond from 10 am to 6 pm, featuring art, food, music and
more! The festival is co-sponsored by GCCR and MCC Richmond. [Local favorite Teresa
Whitesell will be performing!] Contact www.gayrichmond.com for more information.
�
Friday, July 8:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
� Saturday, July 16:
Shenandoah Valley Pride Show, 8:00 PM, featuring special guest ERICA ANDREWS,
in the Conference Center at the Ramada Inn (1 Pleasant Valley Road; Harrisonburg, VA.
Sponsored by Rhinestone Mafia Productions (rhinestonemafia@aol.com).
�
Sunday, July 24:
Fifth Annual Valley Pride in the Park, 4:00-8:00 PM, Hillandale Park, Shelters 11 and
12. Celebrate who you are with friends, “family,” and allies right here in the Valley!
�
Friday, August 5:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
�
Monday, August 15
Deadline, SVGLA newsletter submissions for the September issue. Send to
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�
Friday, Sept. 2:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com).
�
Sunday, Oct. 2
Fall Pride in Elkton, 12:00-5:00 PM, Merck Plant South of Elkton (details forthcoming
in the September newsletter)
�
Friday, Oct. 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
and Staunton (for location and directions contact SVGLAssociation@gmail.com)
Submit items for the SVGLA community events schedule to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit advertisements, milestones, and newsletter items to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2011
Page 8
�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
Advance information about SVGLA events
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…
Federal Judge Rules U.S. Constitution Bars Sexual Orientation Discrimination
An Ohio federal district judge ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation is impermissible under the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause. Read
the legal opinion and order at HutchinsonOrderOpinion.pdf
����������������������
Delaware Governor Signs Civil Unions Bill
In May, Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware) signed a civil unions bill granting legal
recognition of same-sex couples across the state. Governor Markell declared:
"Tonight, we say to loving and committed couples across the state who want the
law to endorse the promise that they made long ago in their hearts, 'Your love is
equally valid and deserving. Your family is now equal under the law.’” The law
goes into effect on January 1, 2012.
����������������������
Presbyterian Church USA Votes to Allow Ordination
The Presbyterian Church USA voted to ratify a measure allowing the ordination of
gay, lesbian, and bisexual ministers and lay leaders in same-sex unions, while also
permitting regional church bodies the ability to decide their own policies.
Quotable:
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
And when I am for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?”
—Hillel, Jewish theologian
"If not us, then who?
If not now, then when?"
—U.S. Representative John Lewis, former Freedom Rider
�RENEW YOUR SVGLA
YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
MEMBERSHIP IN JULY
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
2011 renewal forms will be
mailed to Level I members.
$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
Thank you for supporting SVGLA.
Deadline for next newsletter is August 15
See you at Valley Pride.
LGBT Political Advocacy Group Forms in Harrisonburg & Rockingham County
Equality HRC
Equality Harrisonburg & Rockingham County is committed to being the leading
advocacy group for the LGBT population in the Harrisonburg & Rockingham
County community. We lobby political leaders in Harrisonburg & Rockingham
County, as well as Richmond, VA and Washington, DC. Together, we are determined to educate and advocate to achieve equality for the LGBT community.
Next Meeting: June 24, 6:30pm, Massanutten Regional Library in Harrisonburg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/equalityhrc
Web: www.equalityhrc.org
����������������������
Milestones
����������������������
The “Family ConnectShen” is pleased to publish notices of significant events and other milestones (free
of charge) for SVGLA members. The newsletter is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and
December). To submit a milestone (anniversary, birthday, engagement, birth, death, other) for the September 2011 issue of the newsletter, send the following to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com: Full name and
phone number (including area code, for verification purposes), type of milestone, and a brief description
in 75 words or less. SVGLA reserves the right to publish or deny submissions. Incomplete or unverifiable submissions will not be considered.
�AND JUSTICE FOR ALL:
A Symposium on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in
Programs and Policies at Virginia Colleges and Universities
Saturday, June 18, 2011; Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
About the Symposium:
The well publicized deaths of so many young people in recent months – and countless others -- remind us
that our work to end anti-LGBTQ bullying, bias, and other forms of violence and discrimination in academia is vital to our well-being on campus. Eliminating discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and
gender identity requires not only creating inclusive policies, but also ensuring that institutional practices
comply with those policies. The work of bringing about change within institutions of higher education demands our unyielding vigilance, ever-present strategizing, and relentless organizing. Join Network Virginia
for a one-day faculty-staff symposium. We hope you will be revitalized by what we will share and that the
phrase "...and justice for all" will, someday, truly include all of us.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Dr. Susan R. Rankin, Pennsylvania State University, lead author of
The 2010 State of Higher Education for Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People
Sessions Include:
Integrating LGBTQ Advocacy into Broader Diversity-Related Efforts on Your College Campus
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Campus Equal Opportunity Policies and Virginia Law
The Making of Old Dominion University's Gay Cultural Studies Endowment (PANEL)
Effective Grassroots Organizing on College Campuses
Creating a Curriculum in LGBTQ Studies (PANEL DISCUSSION)
Legislative Advocacy and Action
Musical performance, GINGER MOLOKO: THE LOOKING GLASS GETS BETTER…WHEN
Sponsored by: Network Virginia: Building LGBTQQ Coalitions for Change on Campus
Check out Network VA’s Facebook page for Symposium Updates and to Register:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Network-Virginia/211303515073?v=wall
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Family ConnectShen," June 2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
June 2011 newsletter "The Family ConnectShen" published by the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2011, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 2011
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
June.2011.SCGLA.newsletter
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2011
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/7b9123211382e4e4b030d9cd427abe2a.jpg
b04b47b97ec1c07bdd34473e0bc1e07e
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
SVGLA Adopt a Highway Sign
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minority community
Sexual minorities
Description
An account of the resource
Digital image showing the "Adopt A Highway" sign featuring the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: Ephemera Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Undated
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE 0049AdoptAHighwaySign
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/e00779369895bfb10278a985efd5151e.pdf
27148459c22c54604cbd3f8042f77d4e
PDF Text
Text
Volume 24, Issue 1 April 2021
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community
for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
EMPOWER
YOUR
COMMUNITY!
———————–
Join SVE
(Membership pg. 11)
———————–
The Valley
ConnectShen
is published quarterly
———————–
Contact the editor
to advertise and/or
submit event
information:
ShenandoahValley
Equality@gmail.com
———————–
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook
MOVING EQUALITY FORWARD:
Another Historic Virginia Legislative Session
Governor Northam signed several pro-equality bills into
law, which will positively transform Virginia’s legal landscape. Some of the 2021 legislative successes include:
updating the Older Americans Act to designate
LGBTQ older adults as a population with “greatest social need,” which provides equal access to aging services and resources, such as Meals on Wheels, transportation assistance, legal aid, and more
banning the LGBTQ “panic defense,” a harmful legal
strategy that attempts to excuse violence perpetrated
against LGTBQ people
establishing an LGBTQ+ Advisory Board to the Governor on economic, governmental, professional, educational, and cultural issues affecting LGBTQ+ Virginians, especially in rural and underserved areas
allowing confirmatory or second-parent adoption
The first step in repealing Virginia’s constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage
updating Virginia’s HIV law, which will decrease barriers
to prevention and treatment services
See details about these legislative victories at
https://equalityvirginia.org/2021-legislative-victories/
�And still we wait. For a return to a more or less
normal world of connection and community.
Please know that after a year into this pandemic,
SVE is still looking forward to a time when we
can once again safely join together for regular social events.
Even though that time is not yet at hand, important
events (virtually, locally, and across the state) are
still taking place.
Please see pages 6 and 7 of this newsletter for information about local and state-wide community
organizations.
Please know, too, that those in the SVE community who are on Facebook have been and are receiving regular posts, including information about new
laws passed during the 2021 General Assembly
session, election information, and events from other local community organizations.
If you are not currently receiving that information,
you can join the SVE Facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
The evening of celebration is FREE for everyone.
For 16 years, LGBTQ Virginians from across the state have joined together with local political, business, and non-profit leaders and torchbearers
to celebrate the strides towards full, lived equality. After a year unlike
any other, we cannot wait to show you a new dinner unlike any other. EV
will spotlight the 2021 “OUTstanding Virginians,” those who represent
our community with distinction by dedicating their lives to working for
equality. We are also celebrating another historic year of advocacy in the
Commonwealth, and hope you will join us for this special event .
Register and get your free tickets here:
equalityvirginia.org/events/commonwealth-dinner-2021/
Shenandoah Valley Equality is
hosting a virtual table. Please join us!
�Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression Programming
works toward promoting James Madison University's commitment to
diversity through education, support, advocacy and the fostering of
equity for all students, inclusive of all sexual orientation or gender
identity and expression.
sogie@jmu.edu
Like us on Facebook @JMU.SOGIE
Follow us on Instagram @jmu.sogie
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is May 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook. We share information
about local events.
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. After the pandemic, SVE hopes to resume our monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, quarterly breakfast, and annual equality forum.
ADVERTISE in our quarterly newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
TELL US about local events of particular relevance to our community; we will
include them in our monthly e-calendar and quarterly newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
December 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter, The Valley ConnectShen. Share it with a friend.
ORGANIZE, EDUCATE, AND ADVOCATE for equality, justice, and liberation.
Connect with SVE
Non-voting membership is FREE.
Voting membership is $15 a year.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See pg. 11 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
Born Perfect Virginia/Love Actually Won (community of conversion therapy survivors
and allies in Virginia)
www.facebook.com/LoveActuallyWon/
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
Free Mom Hugs Virginia—Shenandoah Valley
facebook.com/groups/456758691888492
Friendly City Transgender Alliance
www.facebook.com/Friendly-CityTransgender-Alliance-100565454864352/
He She Ze and We (P eer-to-peer support group for adult caregivers of transgender and nonbinary family members) www.heshezewe.org
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU SOGIE Programming
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/sogie
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
JMU Student Organizations
Madison Equality
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
Queers United for Educating STEM Together
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/quest
Shades of Pride
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/shadesofpride
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Parents and Allies of LGBTQ Students in Rockingham County Public Schools
www.facebook.com/groups/241142777675519
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�Community Organizations
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Transgender Education Association of Northern Virginia
www.tgeagw.org
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Action Group
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
[State-wide intersectional social justice advocacy organization]
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Additional Resources:
Education/support: Bisexual and Pansexual
biresource.org and robynochs.com
Education/support: Asexual
www.asexuality.org
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
www.nclrights.org
The National Center for Transgender Equality
transequality.org
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�2021 Elections in Virginia
ARE YOU REGISTERED
TO VOTE?
Key elections will be held for three
state-level offices:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
All 100 seats in the Virginia House
of Delegates are up for election.
Primary elections: June 8
General election: November 2
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/
�Friendly City Transgender Alliance
Friendly City Transgender Alliance is a
collective of individuals, who personally
identify as Transgender and/or any form of
self-expression that challenges
traditional binary gender roles.
As an alliance we do not define or
categorize individuals’ personal expressions.
www.facebook.com/Friendly-City-TransgenderAlliance-100565454864352/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for next newsletter is May 15
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
______
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
_____
E-mail #2:
_____
[Check Box] I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information
about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�"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 informal group where members get
together or in smaller groups for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and
other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
_________________________________
_
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses & organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
��PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
Need Support?
“Once social change begins,
it cannot be reversed.
You cannot un-educate a person
who has learned to read.
You cannot humiliate
the person who feels pride.
You cannot oppress the people
who are not afraid anymore.
We have seen the future,
and the future is ours.”
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the
National Farm Worker Association
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
__________________________________
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," April 2021
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
April 2021 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2021, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
April 2021
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.April.2021
Volume 24, Issue 1, April 2021
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/14d7c058ecbeddd19f8a35cfdefc2147.pdf
eb44cea57fc5e593aafa67e2e4565228
PDF Text
Text
Volume 19, Issue 4, December 2016
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
EV Day of Action
SVE Potlucks
Madison Equality’s Annual
Charity Ball
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 13)
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
What Next? Shifting our Gaze to State-Level
Legislation & 2017 State Elections
Presidential elections generate intense citizen engagement;
however, it is VITAL that we focus our attention also on
state-level politics, so that we are informed and engaged in
two specific areas:
1. Proposed legislation affecting our community will be
considered in the 2017 General Assembly session
(starting in January)
2. There are extremely important state-wide and state-level
elections in 2017. In November, Virginia will elect a
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
In addition, all 100 seats of the House of Delegates are
up for election. Delegates serve 2-year terms. Virginia
will not hold any state Senate elections in 2017.
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine Robinson, to
advertise and/or submit event information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
In 2016, legislators in the Virginia General Assembly considered 17 bills and resolutions that were favorable to our
community and an unprecedented 9 anti-LGBT bills. None
of the proposed legislation (pro or con) passed into law.
How can you be informed and engaged in 2017? See
pages 6-7 about how to stay informed about legislation
affecting our community and ways you can advocate
for equality and support fair-minded candidates.
�SAVE THE DATE:
Madison Equality’s annual Charity Ball
WHAT:
Charity Ball dance/concert/fundraiser
WHEN:
February 3, 2017 from 7:00-10:00PM
WHERE:
Madison Union Ballroom (5th floor of Warren
Hall), on campus at James Madison University
ADMISSION:
$10
DRESS:
Casual or Semiformal
2017 DESIGNATED CHARITY:
CONTACT:
To be Decided
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
or madisonequality@gmail.org
�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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is Feb. 15
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
SVE has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through VDOT.
It’s fun. It’s good exercise. It’s great for our planet.
Join us—our next outing is Saturday, April 22.
Meet us for breakfast at the Little Grill at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward. We’ll provide vests, bags, and gloves.
Renew Your Level I Membership
SVE Level I Membership renewals were sent
to all of Level I members in July.
Please renew (or join) as a Level I member by
December 1, 2016 to vote for (or serve on)
the 2017 SVE Board of Directors.
See page 13 for our membership form.
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee 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.logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
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 Equality (formerly SVGLA) ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
& www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 19, Issue 4, December 2016
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
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 ion EV’s Day
of Action at the Library of Virginia on 800 East Broad St. in
Richmond, on Tuesday, February 7, 2016. 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
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
�Could Virginia become the next North Carolina for LGBT People?
Governor Terry McAuliffe warns that his successor could sign legislation
similar to North Carolina’s HB2. Read the article here: thinkprogress.org/
virginia-next-north-carolina-mcauliffe-hb2-73ceb2727384#.19u15eqil
HOW TO BE INFORMED AND ENGAGED IN ADVOCATING
FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY IN VIRGINIA
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the
Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s
LGBTQ community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and voice your
support or opposition to specific bills by joining Equality Virginia’s email
list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events. Provide your
email address to EV here: www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
RESOURCES FOR THE 2017 VIRGINIA ELECTIONS FOR
GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Equality Virginia
equalityvirginia.org
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
http://pofev.org
Virginia Organizing
virginia-organizing.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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
�SVE’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck hosted by SVE in Harrisonburg/
Rockingham County/Staunton/Augusta County (occasionally Mount Jackson)
for the LGBTQA+ community. Every month the event rotates to a different
location. Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
send location information ONLY to our email list of SVE members and do not
post it through social media or public email lists. To receive emails about FF
and other local SVE events, you can join as a Level 2 member (for free) or as
a Level 1 member (for $15). See page 13 for details on how to join.
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 (SVE’s membership requirement)
to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com – we will add you to our email list.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 10-11.
Volunteer to host in 2017.
Email us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for information about Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meetings.
Thurs., December 1:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, December 2:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For info, join SVE as a Level I or II member
(See page 13 for details).
Saturday, Dec. 3:
Benefit Drag Show, Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network. 7:00pm at The Artful
Dodger Coffeehouse & Cocktail Lounge, 47 Court Square, Harrisonburg.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
World AIDS Day Speaker Andrew Frasier, “HIV/AIDS Trends and Treatment.”
8:00-9:00 PM at the Student Success Center, Room 4044 at James Madison University.
Sponsored by the LGTBQ and Ally Education Program. Andrew Frasier is an HIV Testing counselor and phlebotomist and has extensive experience working in the areas of
HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Please join us at Capital Ale
House at 41 Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg. RSVP to David Lane at
lanedj@jmu.edu if you plan to join us so he can make a reservation. Join SVE for updated
information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Dec. 15:
Friday, January 6 or 13: First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For date and location of the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 13 for how to join).
Monday, Jan. 18:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Please join us at Cracker Barrel
on 121 Pleasant Valley Road. RSVP to lanedj@jmu.edu if you plan to join us so we can
make a reservation. Join SVE for updated information about C&C events by email (See
page 13 for how to join).
Thursday, Jan. 19:
Volume 19, Issue 4, December 2016
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, February 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 13 for how to join ).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Friday, February 3:
Annual Charity Ball, sponsored by Madison Equality at JMU; see details on page 2
Tuesday, February 7:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 6 for details and contact information.
February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, Feb. 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com.
Submit events for the March issue of the newsletter (events for March, April, and May)
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Please join us at Pano’s, 3190
South Main Street in Harrisonburg. RSVP to lanedj@jmu.edu if you plan to join us so we
can make a reservation. Join SVE for updated information about C&C events by email
(See page 13 for how to join).
Thursday, Feb 16:
Saturday, April 1
14th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Reservation information will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Saturday, April 22 :
SVE Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM We gather at the Little Grill for
breakfast and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work afterward. Join us! We provide safety vests, gloves, and bags. In case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.
Saturday, April 22 :
“Trails 4 Tails” Dog Walk/Run Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network. See page
15 for details.
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community resources for
the newsletter and events that would be of interest to our community for the calendar. This
is a vital service; it helps to make our community stronger and improves the quality of life for
individual members. Send information to us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of each
month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit ads and events for the March issue (covering March, April, and May) of The
Valley ConnectShen by February 15 to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Volume 19, Issue 4, December 2016
Page 11
�"Out in the Boondocks"
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
SVE wishes to thank
local businesses and
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Date me!
Book a Tupperware party today and earn
FREE TUPPERWARE! The higher your party’s sales,
the more you earn FREE!
Partying since 1948!
Shannon Huffman
Independent Tupperware Consultant
Bwaterguy05@gmail.com
shannonhuffman.my.tupperware.com
540-421-7017
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with
LGBTQ people, and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and national
communities.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVE 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 SVE 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 SVE 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: Shenandoah Valley Equality, 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 first and last name and state that you are at least 18
years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
You must be at least 18 years of age to join SVE.
�People of Faith for Equality in Virginia is interested in finding
or forming a network of faith-based social justice advocates, congregational representatives and clergy in the Shenandoah Valley.
We need this group to be ready to provide supportive testimony,,
letters, and your presence during the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session in January. Please contact Paula Prettyman, Director,
POFEV at paula.prettyman@pofev.org or (703) 867-7560.
POFEV is an interfaith network of clergy and lay people who have been working together since 2006 for equality for LGBT Virginians. Our mission is to:
Achieve equality for all Virginians regardless of sexuality, gender, and gender
identity and expression
Insure all individuals and families are honored, and
Work together to create and sustain open and welcoming communities of faith
To fulfill our mission, we:
Build and maintain an interfaith network of laypersons and clergy working for
equality and inclusion of all LGBT Virginians in our social, political and religious
life;
Challenge religiously-based intolerance by offering an alternative vision of what
Virginia can be - “the beloved community” that includes and celebrates all and
heals injuries based on sexuality, gender, gender identity and expression, and
related forms of oppression;
Organize congregations, advocate for change, offer educational and devotional
resources, sponsor workshops and forums, host interfaith worship services and
other events, and maintain an active online presence to provide regular faithbased messaging for equality and justice.
http://www.pofev.org/
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 13 for details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“If you want to
change the world,
start with your own
neighborhood.”
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline: www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
—Harvey Milk—
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�“Trails 4 Tails”
Dog Walk/Run
APRIL 22, 2017 at 8am, JMU Festival Patio
Fundraiser for the
Valley AIDS Network
For more information, contact VAN
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Contact us
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit in person:
601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor, Suites
322/323/324, Harrisonburg, VA
Mailing Address:
VAN, JMU/IIHHS MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�Vote for the 2017 SVE
Board of Directors
Ballots for the 2017 SVE Board of Directors will be
sent in the new year to Level I members who renewed their membership by December 1, 2016.
Results will be announced at the Annual SVE
Membership Meeting (which will coincide with
the February First Friday potluck).
Thank you for supporting us!
�Peace, Love, and Equality
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," December 2016
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2016 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2016, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2016
Rights
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COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
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SVE.Newsletter.December.2016
Volume 19, Issue 4, December 2016
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/54fcd5eb49f324446f909b86ba07a4c7.pdf
deb42a12bfb148fb88ca0285ef4b2092
PDF Text
Text
Volume 21, Issue 4, December 2018
www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community for
LGBTQ people in the
Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Visiting Scholar Brynn
Tannehill
SVE Friday Potlucks
EV Day of Action
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 19)
———————–
“Valley ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December)
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
And find us on Facebook
Historic Victories for LGBTQ Candidates &
the 2019 General Assembly Session
November’s election resulted in a “rainbow wave” - historic
gains for LGBTQ representation in Congress and in state-wide
elections across the country. Arizona elected the first-ever
openly bisexual person to serve in the United States Senate—
Kyrsten Sinema and Colorado elected Jared Polis, the first
openly gay person to be elected governor in the US. Over 150
LGBTQ candidates were elected in November, doubling our
community’s representation in the US Senate.
Looking ahead: it is especially important to communicate with your representatives in Virginia (state Senator,
Delegate, and Governor) about bills during the Virginia
General Assembly session in 2019. Who are your representatives and how can you contact them?
virginiageneralassembly.gov/
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the General Assembly and advocates on behalf of
Virginia’s LGBTQ community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us
backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and
voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining
EV’s email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and
events. Sign up to receive information from EV here:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
�Visiting Scholar Brynn Tannehill, author of
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans
(But Were Afraid to Ask)
Monday, January 28, 7:00-8:00pm
Madison Union 256 (in the old Warren Hall building of Madison Union )*
James Madison University
8:15pm: Book signing and light refreshments
(The JMU Bookstore will have books for sale at the event.)
“How Research is (Mis)Used to Support the
Marginalization of Transgender People”
Brynn Tannehill graduated from the Naval Academy with a B.S. in computer science in 1997. She earned her
Naval Aviator wings in 1999 and flew SH-60B helicopters and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft during three deployments between 2000 and 2004. She served as a campaign analyst while deployed overseas to 5th Fleet
Headquarters in Bahrain from 2005 to 2006. In 2008 Brynn earned a M.S. in Operations Research from the Air
Force Institute of Technology and transferred from active duty to the Naval Reserves. In 2008 Tannehill began
working as a senior defense research scientist in private industry. She is the co-founder of SPART*A,
which advocates for and supports our actively-serving LGBT military members and veterans and their families,
while working to ensure the military provides equal opportunity for all service members regardless of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sponsored by:
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Department of Justice Studies (JMU)
Cross Disciplinary Studies and Diversity Engagement (JMU)
University Health Center—The Well, SOGIE Programming (JMU)
Center for Multicultural Student Services (JMU)
Parking: Grace Street Parking Deck is closest—you do NOT need a JMU parking
permit to park there for this event. See map below for parking deck.)
*Campus Map: https://www.jmu.edu/map/ (click on “Madison Union” on
the map to see which building is “Warren Hall”)
Questions: Contact Dr. Christine Robinson at robin2cm@jmu.edu
�No one can erase your existence.
Take a deep breath.
Remember,
we have been around since the beginning of people.
And we will be around until the end of people.
The struggle is long, but we are strong. Resilient.
We do not take no for an answer.
Ever.
For goodness sake,
we challenged the very first pronouncement
ever made about us.
We even questioned the evidence our bodies presented to us
as we began to redefine the beauty of our selves
and our bodies…
We continuously confound our society and our culture,
and we ignore what we have been told is the norm.
We live on the edges
and we defy the definitions of others.
We are far more than the names we have been called.
We are Blessed by the breath of the Divine
and we are made in the image
of something much larger than ourselves.
We are Whole
and we are Holy.
And we are here.
By Reverend Emma Chattin
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is Feb. 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast,
and an annual equality forum. We also share information about other local events.
st
nd
HOST our Friday Potluck (1 or 2 Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship,
park...You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
SHARE (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our community and we will include them in our monthly e-calendar and newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations due Dec. 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter.
CHECK OUT our Facebook page.
COMMUNICATE with your representatives in the 2019 General Assembly session.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 19 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
http://www.logcabinrepublicansva.org/index.html
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�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 and public accommodations to people
based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
every year, Virginia lawmakers introduce (but fail to pass) several bills
that could help our communities?
Make Your Voice Heard
on EV’s Day of Action and
throughout the 2019 General Assembly session.
Join folks from across Virginia for EV’s Day of Action at the Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad St. in Richmond, on Tuesday,
January 29, 2019. Lobby your elected representatives for bills
that will help improve the state of equality in Virginia, and participate in a day filled with networking and workshops.
For the detailed event schedule and to register, go to
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/dayofaction/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�EV has launched a new Community Education Program (CEP) to gain nondiscrimination protections in housing and public employment – and here are two ways YOU can help.
Have you experienced discrimination in housing and/or public employment? Do you support non-discrimination protections for LGB and Trans* Virginians? Equality Virginia
wants to hear from you! Contact smeadows@equalityvirginia.org to find out how your
voice can make an impact on trans rights in VA.
Sharing your story in one 15 minute phone call with Equality Virginia is a small action with
a big impact. Many people don't know that, in Virginia, gay and trans folks are not protected in housing and public employment. With one call, you can share how this has affected
you or someone you love. Show your support by contacting smeadows@equalityvirginia.org
or go to https://www.equalityvirginia.org/transgenderequality/cep/ to learn more.
Many people (including legislators) especially need more education about transgender issues.
We also know that sharing stories has the power to change hearts and minds. So, EV is looking
for people who are willing to chat with them for 15 minutes about why you support nondiscrimination protections in housing and public employment.
EV is especially eager to connect with transgender folks, families, and allies who have experienced discrimination or who simply support bills that protect all people from discrimination
based on gender identity and sexual orientation. CEP is an impactful way to empower our
community and make changes in the General Assembly. Check out EV’s website for other
ways you can help. www.equalityvirginia.org/transgenderequality/cep/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the Valley
for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the
event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we email location information to SVE members only and do not publicly share or post
it through social media. To receive emails about the potluck and other events, join
as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member (for $15). See pg. 19 to
join SVE.
Would you like to host the potluck in your home, workplace, house of worship,
or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, eating utensils, and soft dr inks.
Guests bring a dish to share.
We need a host for March. Please
email David if you are willing to volunteer:
lanedj@jmu.edu
�SAVE THE DATE:
Madison Equality’s annual Charity Ball
raises funds for local non-profits working to
support the LGBTQ local community.
WHEN:
Saturday February 9, 2019
WHERE:
Madison Union Ballroom (5th floor of Warren
Hall), on campus at James Madison University
ADMISSION:
To be Decided
DRESS:
Casual or Semiformal
2019 DESIGNATED CHARITY:
CONTACT:
To be Decided
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
or mcgeehs@dukes.jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, December 14
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 19 for details).
Thursday, Dec. 20
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Wood Grill Buffet
at 1174 Reservoir St. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to
David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, Jan. (Date TBA) SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 19 for details).
Thursday, Jan. 17:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Traditions Family
Restaurant at 625 Mt. Clinton Pike in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space,
please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Saturday, January 19
SVE Quarterly Breakfast, 8:00 AM At The Little Grill, 621 N. Main St. in
Harrisonburg. Meet up with Shenandoah Valley Equality members and friends for
breakfast. RSVP by noon on the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Monday, January 21:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 28:
Visiting Scholar Brynn Tannehill “How Research is (Mis)Used to Marginalize
Transgender People.” At 7:00-8:00pm (Book signing at 8:15pm following the event)
Madison Union 256 (in Warren Hall) at JMU in Harrisonburg. Sponsored by Shenandoah
Valley Equality, the Department of Justice Studies (JMU), the Office of Cross Disciplinary Studies and Diversity Engagement (JMU), University Health Center—The Well,
SOGIE Programming (JMU), and the Center for Multicultural Student Services (JMU).
(See page 2 for more information).
Tuesday, January 29:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 8 for details and contact information.
Friday, Feb. 1:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 19).
Saturday, February 9
Annual Charity Ball, 7:00-11:00PM, Madison Union Ballroom at JMU. Sponsored by
Madison Equality at JMU. All proceeds go to a designated charity of the year. Food, fun,
music and dancing. Contact Hailey McGee for more information: mcgeehs@dukes.jmu.edu
February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day
Volume 21, Issue 4, December 2018
Page 13
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
February 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions. Empower your community. SVE invites
you to send us information for our quarterly (March-May) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen" about local LGBTQA community organizations, resources, and free events and
we'll include this information for free. This is a vital service; it helps to make our communi
ty stronger and improves the quality of life for individual members. Send information to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Thursday, Feb. 21:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday at
111 Burgess Road in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to
David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, March TBA
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 16).
We need a HOST for March’s SVE Friday Potluck. Please email David at
lanedj@jmu.edu if you are willing to host the potluck.
Thursday, March 21
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Vito’s Italian Kitch
en at 1047 Port Republic Rd. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please
RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Saturday, DATE TBA
16th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Event Date and Reservation infor
mation will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Send ads for the March issue (covering March, April, and May) by
Feb. 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 21, Issue 4, December 2018
Page 14
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Impulse Gay Social Club
Primary Care
Behavioral Health
Dental
Women’s Health
Prenatal Care
Care Management (formerly The Valley
AIDS Network)
hburgchc.org
Coming to Waynesboro
in 2019
https://impulse-gsc.com/
��What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at a
local Valley restaurant to share a meal. Each
person pays for their own meal. Join SVE for
free or as a voting member (see page 19) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Voting is easy and marginally useful, but it is a
poor substitute for democracy, which
requires direct action by
citizens.”
—Howard Zinn, historian
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�Affirming Religious Communities in the Valley
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists
4101 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
540-867-0073; office@huuweb.org; www.huuweb.org
RISE: a United Methodist Faith Community
60 W. Market St., Harrisonburg 22801
540-324-3241; riseharrisonburg@gmail.com; www.riseharrisonburg.com
Trinity Presbyterian Church
725 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; 540-434-9556
stephanie@trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org
www.trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org/
Stephens City
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley
6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655
(540) 869-6965; minister@uushenandoah.org; www.ushenandoah.org
Waynesboro
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro
565 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 942-5507; minister@uufw.org or mpnash1@gmail.com; www.uufw.org
Winchester
St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Episcopal Church
1527 Senseny Rd., Winchester, Virginia 22606
(540) 667-8110; stpaulswinchester@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/pg/StPaulsWinchester
Want to be listed here? Take Equality Virginia’s survey:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/faith-communities/
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
[Check Box]
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
��
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," December 2018
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2018 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2018, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2018
Rights
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SVE.Newsletter.December.2018.pdf
Volume 21, Issue 4, December 2018
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/596a91caebc1a284829b4305b5bdd87a.pdf
072298d6c2ec4ac5f0d4f7938f5729ad
PDF Text
Text
Volume 22, Issue 4 December 2019
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community
for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events
(inside)
EV Day of Action
Charity Ball
SVE Friday Potlucks
———————–
EMPOWER
YOUR
COMMUNITY!
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook
Equipping Our Community:
2020 Equality Forum in Harrisonburg
SVE and Equality Virginia will co-host a forum to
equip our community to advocate for equality and to
educate about bills pertaining to sexual orientation
and gender identity in the 2020 Virginia legislative session. The event will be held on Sunday, January 12, 3:00
-4:30pm at Beth El Synagogue, 830 Old Furnace Road.
The panel includes:
William Martin, EV’s Trans* Advocacy Speakers Bureau
Join SVE
Grayson Sless, Board Member of SVE
(Membership pg. 15)
James Parrish, Executive Director, Equality Virginia
———————–
“The Valley
ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September, and December)
———————–
Contact the editor
to advertise and/or
submit event
information:
ShenandoahValley
Equality@gmail.com
Questions? ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Event updates at SVE’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
�SAVE THE DATE:
Madison Equality’s annual Charity Ball
raises funds for charity.
WHEN:
Saturday February 8, 2020
WHERE:
Madison Union Ballroom (5th floor, Warren
Hall), on campus, James Madison University
ADMISSION: To be Decided
2020 DESIGNATED CHARITY: To be Decided
CONTACT:
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
or mcgeehs@dukes.jmu.edu
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
Did you know that, in Virginia...
it is LEGAL to fire someone based on sexual orientation
and gender identity?
it is LEGAL to evict or deny housing and service in public
places based on sexual orientation and gender identity?
THIS YEAR, we have an extraordinary opportunity to
move equality forward?
Make your voice heard at EV’s Day of Action and
throughout the 2020 legislative session.
Join folks across Virginia for EV’s Day of Action, Library of Virginia, 800
E. Broad St. in Richmond, on Tuesday, February 4. Lobby your elected
representatives for bills that will move equality forward in Virginia,
and participate in a day of networking and workshops.
For the detailed schedule and to register (FREE), go to
www.equalityvirginia.org/dayofaction/
MOVING EQUALITY FORWARD
�Vibrant Menders is an LGBTQIA+ action organization that developed around the
happenings at the 2019 Special Meeting of the General Conference of the United
Methodist Church. This group was started with the intention of bridging the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the Christian communities in the Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia. Vibrant Menders offers a variety of programs under its "roof,"
which is held up by 3 pillars:
1. Visibility: Working to help allies and LGBTQIA+ people know that LGBTQIA+
affirming Christians are in our local area.
2. Support: Offering a variety of support groups, both in person and online, for
LGBTQIA+ persons, their families and friends, and allies.
3. Education: Developing resources including lecture series, book discussions, panel
discussions, and websites to help to educate the community (both affirming and
non-affirming persons) about the LGBTQIA+ community and the struggles they face,
specifically regarding misinformation and religious-based harm.
Our "home base" is at RISE UMC's space, located at 60 West Market Street in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and we are considered a ministry of RISE UMC. However, all are
welcome, and we will be working with churches and LGBTQIA+ organizations and
groups throughout the Valley.
Contact us at vibrantmendersVA@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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is Feb. 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast, and an annual equality forum. We also share information about local events.
HOST our Friday Potluck at your home, workplace, local park, house of worship…
You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our quarterly newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
SHARE (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our community; we will
include them in our monthly e-calendar and quarterly newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
December 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter. Share it with a friend.
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook.
ORGANIZE, EDUCATE, LOBBY, and ADVOCATE for equality, justice, & liberation.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See pg. 15 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU SOGIE Programming
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/sogie
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Action Group
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the
Valley for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
e-mail location information to SVE members only and do not publicly share
or post it through social media. To receive e-mails about the potluck and other
events, join as a non-voting member (FREE) or as a voting member (for $15).
See pg. 15 for information about how to join SVE.
Are you willing to host the potluck in your home, workplace, community center, park, house of worship, or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, utensils, and soft drinks. Guests bring a dish to share.
Please e-mail David if you are willing to host:
lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, January 3:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, January 6:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casu
al group for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Saturday, January 11:
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Sunday, January 12:
2020 Equality Forum in Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley Equality and Equality Virginia
will co-host a forum to equip our community to advocate for equality and to educate about
bills pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity in the 2020 Virginia legislative session. 3:00-4:30pm at Beth El Synagogue in Harrisonburg. See page 1 for additional details.
Monday, January 13:
Vibrant Menders Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Facilitated by VM coordinators
and two mental health professionals. Meets monthly on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St. H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each month
by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and future
potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 15).
Friday, January 17:
Friday, January 17:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Thursday, Jan. 16 or 23: Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their own
meal). Join SVE at Francesco’s in Bridgewater. So we can reserve enough space, please
RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Sunday, January 19:
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center’s Monthly Potluck, held from 5:00-7:00pm at 13 W.
Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Contact the Center at :(540) 466-3320
or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Sunday, January 19:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg- open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
These are planning meetings and meetings where we do debriefing. These occur on the 3rd
Sunday of every month at 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St.
in Harrisonburg. For more information, email vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Monday, January 20:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Volume 22, Issue 4 December 2019
Page 9
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, January 20:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual
support group for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health
professionals). Meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Saturday, January 25:
SVE Quarterly Breakfast, 8:00 AM At The Little Grill, 621 N. Main St. in
Harrisonburg. Meet up with Shenandoah Valley Equality members and friends for
breakfast. RSVP by noon on the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Saturday, January 25:
Support Group meeting for Families and Youth under 16 (at 4:15pm) and Support
Group meeting for youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the
4th Saturday at the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton.
Support groups are facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project.
Questions: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, January 27:
Vibrant Menders Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Facilitated by VM coordinators
and two mental health professionals. Meets monthly on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St. H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Monday, February 3:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual
group for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 4
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 3 for details.
Friday, February 7 :
Peer-to-peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Sponsored by the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center Contact: (540) 466-3320 or
hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Friday, February 7 :
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 15).
Saturday, February 8:
Annual Charity Ball, Madison Union Ballroom at JMU. Sponsored by
Madison Equality at JMU. All proceeds go to a designated charity. See page 2. Contact
Hailey McGee for more information: mcgeehs@dukes.jmu.edu
Saturday, February 8:
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, February 10:
Vibrant Menders Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Facilitated by VM coordinators
and two mental health professionals. Meets monthly on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St. H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Volume 22, Issue 4 December 2019
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
February 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions. Empower your community! SVE invites
you to send information for our quarterly (March-May) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen"
about local LGBTQA organizations, resources, and free events.
Sunday, February 16:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg- open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
These are planning meetings and meetings where we do debriefing. These occur on the 3rd
Sunday of every month at 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St.
in Harrisonburg. For more information, email vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Monday, February 17:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Groups in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual
groups for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Thursday, February 20:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their own
meal). Join SVE at Wood Grill Buffet in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space,
please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, February 21:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, February 22:
Support Group meeting for Families and Youth under 16 (at 4:15pm) and Support
Group meeting for youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the
4th Saturday at the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton.
Support groups are facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project.
Questions: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, February 24:
Vibrant Menders Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Facilitated by VM coordinators
and two mental health professionals. Meets monthly on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St. H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Monday, March 2:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual group for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Friday, March 6:
Peer-to-peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Friday, March 6 or 13:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 15).
Volume 22, Issue 4 December 2019
Page 11
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 14:
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Sunday, March 15:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg- open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
These are planning meetings and meetings where we do debriefing. These occur on the 3rd
Sunday of every month at 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St.
in Harrisonburg. For more information, email vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Monday, March 16:
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual group for LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 West Market St., H’burg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Thursday, March 19:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their own
meal). Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please
RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, March 20:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, March 28:
17th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters. This is
our year! Mark your calendar for a celebration of equality. Held in Richmond.. Ticket sales
begin on January 1. Visit www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Saturday, March 28:
Support Group meeting for Families and Youth under 16 (at 4:15pm) and Support
Group meeting for youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the
4th Saturday at the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton.
Support groups are facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project.
Questions: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Send ads and events for the March issue of our newsletter (covering Dec.-Feb.) by
February 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule and the Facebook calendar
by the 25th of each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu and
Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Volume 22, Issue 4 December 2019
Page 12
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
��EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue
as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf.
The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
______
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
_____
E-mail #2:
_____
[Check Box] I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information
about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at a
local Valley restaurant to share a meal. Each
person pays for their own meal. Join SVE for
free or as a voting member (see page 19) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Civility is the
recognition that
all people have dignity
that’s inherent to
their person, no matter
their religion, race, gender,
sexuality, or ability.”
― Opal Tometi,
co-founder, Black Lives Matter
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�Peace, Love, and Equality
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," December 2019
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2019 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2019, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2019
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.December.2019.FINAL
Volume 22, Issue 4, December 2019
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/400f2c783cd7feea05c4a1b5ab3f76ae.pdf
407bb33fe0ef49df7a548ce3ee87e678
PDF Text
Text
Volume 25, Issue 1 January 2022
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Join us on Facebook
Facebook.com/groups/6028241093
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community
for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
EMPOWER
YOUR
COMMUNITY!
———————–
Join SVE
(Membership pg. 12)
———————–
Visit us on
Facebook
www.facebook.com/
groups/60282410939
———————–
Contact the editor
to advertise and/or
submit event
information:
ShenandoahValley
Equality@gmail.com
———————–
The 2022 Virginia General Assembly Session:
Sustaining and furthering progress depends on us.
So much is at stake.
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors LGBTQ-related
legislation introduced to the Virginia General Assembly
and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ community. EV works to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backward. The
session goes from January 12-March 12.
Your voice matters.
EV amplifies the voices of LGBTQ communities by engaging thousands of Virginians in grassroots advocacy
and connecting constituents with their legislators.
Engage.
Join EV’s email list: Stay updated on our efforts to bring
equality to the Commonwealth. We will send information on
how to take action to make change.
Host a speaker: Connect with a transgender or non-binary
Virginian in your local community from our speaker’s bureau
to build understanding.
Give now: Help us build a stronger movement to make positive change for LGBTQ people in Virginia.
Get a ticket for EV’s Commonwealth Dinner: (See page 4
for information about the event scheduled for March 26.)
https://equalityvirginia.org/get-engaged/
�The Friendly City Safe Space
serves the LGBTQ+ Community in Harrisonburg and
Rockingham County. Located on the second floor of the Ice House
in Harrisonburg, VA (217 South Liberty Street, Suite 203).
Visit their Facebook page (address below) for drop-in hours.
FCSS seeks more volunteers. Whether you want to sign
up for a time slot, host events, or help with advertising
and media, FCSS has a space for you.
Find FCSS on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/FriendlyCitySafeSpace/
FCSS is a program of the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.
�SVE is still looking forward to a time when we can once
again safely join together for regular social events. Even
though that time is not yet at hand, important events
(virtually, locally, and across the state) are still taking
place, including:
the 2022 Virginia General Assembly session, (which
runs from January 12-March 12);
the 2022 elections for the US House of Representatives,
local school boards, and city councils;
and events sponsored by local and state-wide community organizations (see pages 8 and 9 of this newsletter
for information).
Members of the SVE community who are on Facebook
have been and are receiving regular posts, including
about events by other local community organizations; information about local, state, and federal elections; new
laws passed during the 2021 General Assembly session;
ways you can impact legislation in Virginia; and opportunities to support our communities locally and sustain and
advance our movement in Virginia and nationally.
If you are not receiving that information, join Shenandoah
Valley Equality’s Facebook group at
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 19th annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black tie gathering for our community. Enjoy live
entertainment, a silent auction, a dance, and network with others. At
the dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have contributed to the equality movement and represented our community with
distinction. We hope you can join us for this special event.
�2022 Elections
Equality is always on the ballot.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Key elections will be held for seats in:
The US House of Representatives
Local School Boards
City Councils
Primary election: June 21, 2022
General election: November 8, 2022
Register to vote
Check your registration status
Find your polling place
Apply to vote absentee by mail
For more information, go to
vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
�Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression Programming
works toward promoting James Madison University's commitment to
diversity through education, support, advocacy and the fostering of
equity for all students, inclusive of all sexual orientation or gender
identity and expression.
sogie@jmu.edu
Like us on Facebook @JMU.SOGIE
Follow us on Instagram @jmu.sogie
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook. We share information about local
events, opportunities to connect, and ways to sustain and advance equality.
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year.
CONNECT. Local events are happening. After the pandemic abates, SVE hopes to resume our monthly potlucks and dinners, quarterly breakfast, and annual equality forum.
ADVERTISE in our newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
TELL US about local events and organizations of particular relevance to our communities; we will share information about them on our Facebook page and the newsletter.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
December 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ and share our newsletter, The Valley ConnectShen at www.svgla.org
ORGANIZE, EDUCATE, ENGAGE, AND ADVOCATE for equality, justice, & liberation.
Connect with SVE
Non-voting membership is FREE.
Voting membership is $15 a year.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See pg. 12 for membership information.
Follow Shenandoah Valley
Equality on Facebook
We share information about local events
and organizations, opportunities to connect, and ways to sustain and advance
our progress and well-being.
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
Love Actually Won (community of conversion therapy survivors and allies in Virginia)
www.facebook.com/LoveActuallyWon/
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
Free Mom Hugs Virginia—Shenandoah Valley
facebook.com/groups/456758691888492
Friendly City Safe Space
facebook.com/FriendlyCitySafeSpace/
Friendly City Transgender Alliance
www.facebook.com/Friendly-CityTransgender-Alliance-100565454864352/
He She Ze and We (P eer-to-peer support group for adult caregivers of transgender and nonbinary family members) www.heshezewe.org
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU SOGIE Programming
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/sogie
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
JMU Student Organizations
Madison Equality
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
Queers United for Educating STEM Together
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/quest
Shades of Pride
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/shadesofpride
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Parents and Allies of LGBTQ Students in Rockingham County Public Schools
www.facebook.com/groups/241142777675519
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�Community Organizations
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Transgender Education Association of Northern Virginia
www.tgeagw.org
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Action Group
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
[State-wide intersectional social justice advocacy organization]
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Additional Resources:
Education/support: Bisexual and Pansexual
biresource.org and robynochs.com
Education/support: Asexual
www.asexuality.org
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
www.nclrights.org
The National Center for Transgender Equality
transequality.org
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�Friendly City Transgender Alliance
Friendly City Transgender Alliance is a
collective of individuals, who personally
identify as Transgender and/or any form of
self-expression that challenges
traditional binary gender roles.
As an alliance we do not define or
categorize individuals’ personal expressions.
www.facebook.com/Friendly-City-TransgenderAlliance-100565454864352/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
______
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
_____
E-mail #2:
_____
[Check Box] I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information
about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�"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 informal group where members get
together or in smaller groups for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and
other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
_________________________________
_
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses &
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
�Hope House of the Shenandoah
The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, in partnership with Valley Community Services
Board, has received a grant to address homelessness for young people ages
18-24 who are not living with their parents or guardians. Working together, we
will provide rapid rehousing, rent assistance, and optional wraparound services
to help these young people develop the skills they need to thrive. This program
provides housing options in Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro,
Rockbridge County, Lexington, Buena Vista, Bath County, Highland
County, Rockingham County, and Harrisonburg. For more information,
email hopeshenandoah@gmail.com or call/text the Hope Line at 540 -2453321. To apply for services, visit:
https://www.shenlgbtqcenter.org/hope-house
Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to participate in our Youth Advisory
Council. Ideally, we would like participants from across our service area which
we
are
broadly
calling
"North"
(Harrisonburg/Rockingham)
"Central"
(Augusta/Staunton/Waynesboro/Highland) and "South" (Rockbridge/ Lexington/Buena Vista/Bath). We especially need a representative of school districts
from each of the three areas as well as mental health & social services providers. Participants with lived experiences of youth homelessness are also encouraged. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating, please
fill out an application at this link:
https://forms.gle/cK8qYhsTD1gtM8669
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“If you are neutral in
situations of injustice,
then you have chosen
the side of
the oppressor.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," January 2022
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
January 2022 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2022, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
January 2022
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.January 2022
Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2022
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/65c3f98ba5724001dba13c0b5f9b12db.pdf
11d0b462a76bcb80a0d282f429b8bf3a
PDF Text
Text
Volume 20, Issue 2, June 2017
Website: www.svgla.org
THE VALLEY CO NNECTSHEN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
First Friday Potlucks
National Equality March
Shenandoah Valley Pride
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 12)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine Robinson, to
advertise and/or submit event information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
7 Ways to Empower Your Community
1. JOIN SVE (or renew) as a Level I member (only $15/
year). We rely on your support to cover administrative
costs and sponsor events, such as our annual Shenandoah Valley Equality Forum.
2. CONNECT. SVE organizes the monthly First Friday
potluck and Conversation & Cuisine dinner in the Valley.
3. HOST the potluck. You provide the space, plates, utensils, soft drinks, ice, & cups — guests bring the rest.
4. ADVERTISE in our newsletter. SUPPORT our advertisers with your business.
5. SHARE information with us about events of particular
relevance to our community and we will include them in
our monthly e-calendar and newsletter free.
6. NOMINATE yourself for SVE’s Board of Directors
(nominations are due Dec. 1). All nominees must be
Level I members.
7. READ the newsletter and stay informed about local organizations and events that support our community.
�Join the National Equality March
June 11, 2017
On June 11, 2017, we will gather in Washington DC from all
across our country. We will march. We will leave empowered
to do the work that needs to be done in every community
across this nation.
Our single demand: Equal protection in all matters governed
by civil law in all 50 states.
www.facebook.com/National-Equality-March-88564194359/
�SAVE THE DATE!
Sponsors & Volunteers Needed
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival
2-8pm, Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA
Parking
Park in any of the downtown parking lots on Water St., Wolf
St., and the lot beside Turner Pavilion/Farmer’s Market.
Sponsored by
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
http://www.shenandoahvalleypride.org/
shenandoahvalleypride@gmail.com
�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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN
THE 2017 ELECTIONS?
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
& all 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates
WILL YOU SUPPORT
EQUALITY on November 7?
Every year, EV monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia
General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ
community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and
voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s
email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE!
$15/issue or $50/year (4 issues): Business Card
$25 per issue or $80/year: Quarter Page
$50/issue or $175/year: Half Page
$100 for a Full Page ad per issue
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is Aug. 15
Local and Vocal in Staunton, Virginia
A new group that meets twice a month to write letters to
elected officials and other leaders. A starting point for political action, as well as a place for people to connect. At
least once a month, we visit with YOUR group in YOUR
location (house of worship, community center, school).
localandvocalstaunton@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/localandvocalstaunton
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com & www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is August 15
�SVE’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck organized by SVE in
Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Staunton, and Augusta County
for the LGBTQA+ community. Every month the event rotates to a
different location. Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private
property, we send location information ONLY to our email list of
SVE members and do not post it through social media or public
email lists. To receive emails about FF and other local SVE events,
you can join as a Level 2 member (for FREE) or as a Level 1 member (for $15). See page 12 for details on how to join.
See upcoming potlucks on page 9.
We need more hosts!
Email David to host the potluck: lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Contact PFLAG directly to find out about monthly PFLAG meetings during the summer months (See page 4).
Friday, June 2:
Sunday, June 11
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For info, join SVE (See page 12 for details).
National Equality March in Washington, DC. For details, go to www.facebook.com/
National-Equality-March-88564194359/
Thursday, June 22
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Taj of India,
34 S. Main St. (downtown) in Harrisonburg. RSVP by 6/21 to lanedj@jmu.edu.
Friday, July 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 12).
Thursday, July 20:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Brothers Pizza,
Pasta, and Subs, 1059 S. High St. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by 7/19 to lanedj@jmu.edu.
Saturday, July 22:
“When We Rise.” Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival, 2-8 PM, At Court Square in Harrisonburg sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance. Volunteers and sponsors
needed. For more information go to www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Friday, August 4
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 12).
August 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com.
Submit events for the September issue (events happening in Sept., Oct. and Nov.)
Thursday, August 24:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Olive Garden at
45 Burgess Rd. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by 8/23 to lanedj@jmu.edu.
Thursday, Sept. 14:
Shenandoah Valley Equality Forum, Location (in Harrisonburg) and Time TBA.
Tuesday, Nov. 7
VIRGINIA ELECTIONS FOR GOVEROR, LIEUT. GOV., ATTORNEY GENERAL, & ALL 100 SEATS OF THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community resources and events. Empower
your community. Submit ads for the September issue (covering September, October, and November) by
August 15 to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of each month to
lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 20, Issue 2, June 2017
Page 10
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Contact VAN
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit: 601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor,
Suites 322/323/324, Harrisonburg
Mailing Address: VAN, JMU/IIHHS
MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website: www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with
LGBTQ people, and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and national
communities.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVE 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 SVE 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 SVE 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: Shenandoah Valley Equality, 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 first and last name and state that you are at least 18
years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
You must be at least 18 years of age to join SVE.
�What is SVE’s
“Conversa on & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 13 for details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“If you are neutral
in situations of
injustice, you have
chosen the side of
the oppressor.”
—Desmond Tutu—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline: www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Shenandoah Valley Pride, 2-8pm
Courthouse Square
Harrisonburg, VA
Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com
www.ShenandoahValleyPride.org
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
�Thank you to our Level I Members
.
We rely on your annual dues to keep
SVE operating.
Renewal forms for current Level I members will
be mailed during the month of June. Renew by
December 1 to vote for the 2018 SVE Board of Directors. If you are a Level II member, please consider a Level I membership.
2017 Shenandoah Valley Equality Board of Directors
JoAnn Benjamin
Rob Johnson
David Lane
Vickie Lynn
Christine Robinson
Grayson Sless
Jackie Walker
Teresa Whitesell
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital Format, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," June 2017
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
June 2017 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2017, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 2017
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.June.2017.pdf
Volume 20, Issue 2, June 2017
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/afb8c1623178dcc687caaa47f854a077.pdf
d0e44ea90ad8cf8d477357ac1acb0242
PDF Text
Text
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
Transgender Students Win in Two Federal
Court Cases in Late May
In late May, a federal judge in Virginia denied a motion by
the Gloucester County (Virginia) School Board to dismiss
———————–
Gavin Grimm’s lawsuit against it. Grimm is an 18-year-old
Community Events (inside)
transgender man who, while in high school, sued his district
TIES Pop-Up in Winchester
for the right to use the boys’ bathroom. In 2014, in response
SVE Friday Potlucks
to a complaint from parents, school officials prohibited
Pride Events in the Valley
Grimm from using the boys’ bathroom and required him to
———————–
use a unisex bathroom. The ruling means that Grimm’s lawEMPOWER YOUR suit may now proceed to a district court.
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 14)
———————–
“Valley ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December)
Also in May, a federal appeals court (the 3rd Circuit Court of
Appeals) ruled in favor of the right of transgender students to
use facilities that align with their gender identities. The court
rejected a lawsuit brought by a non-transgender student and
their parents in Boyertown, PA, who alleged that school policies allowing trans students to use bathrooms that correspond
with their gender identities infringe on their right to privacy
in bathrooms and locker rooms.
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Boyertown’s school district implemented a policy to comply
with the Obama administration’s legal guidance which directed schools to allow students to use bathrooms that align
with their gender identity. The Trump administration reversed that guidance in February 2017.
�Transgender Information & Empowerment Summit
Pop-Up in Winchester
Virginia is a big state, and we know it’s not always convenient for
folks to join Equality Virginia in Richmond for our annual TIES
conference. That’s why EV is taking TIES on the road this summer to Norfolk, Roanoke, and Winchester. TIES Pop-ups will provide the best of what TIES has to offer, including:
trans-affirming mental health and medical consultations
a name and gender marker change clinic
employment readiness resources
how-to-tell-your-story advocacy workshops
tabling and community-building opportunities
This event is FREE—REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/tiespopup/
Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester
Saturday, July 14 from 4:00-9:00pm
We hope to see you there!
�SAVE THE DATE!
Sponsors & Volunteers Needed
Saturday, July 21, 2017
Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival
2-8pm, Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA
Parking
Park in the downtown parking lots on Water St., Wolf St., or
the lot beside Turner Pavilion/Farmer’s Market.
Sponsored by
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
http://www.shenandoahvalleypride.org/
shenandoahvalleypride@gmail.com
�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
Meeting Information : The first Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00PM at the Campbell
Building (formerly Emergicare) in Room 1120, 755 Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway.
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
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is Aug. 15
EMPOWER YOUR COMMUNITY.
1. JOIN SVE (or renew) as a voting member (only $15/year). We rely on your support to
cover administrative/event costs, such as our annual Shenandoah Valley Equality Forum.
2. CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly Potluck and a “ Conversation & Cuisine” dinner at
a local restaurant in the Valley.
3. HOST SVE’s Friday Potluck (1st or 2nd Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship, park...You provide space, plates, utensils, soft drinks, ice, & cups — guests bring the
rest.
4. ADVERTISE in our newsletter. SUPPORT our advertisers with your business and referrals.
5. SHARE information with SVE about (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our
community and we will include them in our monthly e-calendar and newsletter FREE.
6. NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations due Dec. 1 every year). All nominees must be voting (Level I) members of SVE.
7. READ the newsletter and stay informed about organizations and events that support
and empower our community.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 14 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
http://www.logcabinrepublicansva.org/index.html
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia NOW
http://vanow.org/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN
THE 2018 ELECTIONS?
WILL YOU SUPPORT
EQUALITY on November 6?
Every year, EV monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia
General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ
community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and
voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s
email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�How can you help EV’s work in Virginia?
Phone bank. Help us connect with more supporters of LGBT people. We’ll provide a quick and fun tutorial on phone banking before it happens – the best part
is that you can do this from the comfort of your home.
Donate to support our organizing efforts – even $5 goes a long way!
Pledge to make your neighborhood more LGBT-inclusive. Here are two ways:
Equality Means Business: EMB is an opportunity for locally-owned businesses to publicly state that they don’t discriminate against customers or employees who are gay or
transgender. EMB members make a promise that their business is a safe and welcoming
place for LGBT people to work and shop. Ask your favorite locally-owned business to join
EMB. Here’s a link to the online membership form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexJZhNlh5yWN4DcCioa0r-fZG-t58BORTW4niPUKkpE6gj2w/view
You can print and mail a PDF version of the form:
virginiafairness.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Updated-EMB-Form-8-24-17.pdf
To see who’s already a member, go to this link to view the directory:
virginiafairness.org/equality-means-business-2/emb-online-directory/
Reach out to Local Leaders: These elected officials have signed EV’s statement supporting legislation and policies that include adding sexual orientation and gender
identity in workplace, housing, and public accommodation policies:
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/what-we-do/connecting-with-elected-officials/resources-for-connecting-with-localleaders/local-leaders-for-fairness/
You can ask any locally-elected official in your area to sign the statement of support
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Local-Leaders-for-Fairness-Statement-of-Support.pdf
(Remember, this only applies to locally-elected leaders, not state-level representatives).
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is August 15
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually on the First or Second Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the
Valley (usually in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Staunton, or Augusta County) for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the
event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we email location information to SVE members ONLY and do not publicly share or
post this through social media. To receive emails about the potluck and other
events, join as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member (for $15.
See pg. 14 to join SVE and pgs. 11-12 for the schedule of events.
Would you like to host the potluck in your home, workplace, house of worship,
or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, eating utensils, soft dr inks, &
cups. Guests bring a dish to share (BYOB if you prefer wine or beer).
Email David to volunteer to host: lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thurs., June 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 Campbell Building in
Room 1120 (formerly Emergicare), 755 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Harrisonburg. For
more information, visit www.pflagblueridge.org/ or contact pflagbr@gmail.com.
Friday, June 8:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 14).
Saturday, June 9:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Thursday, June 14:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. THIS DATE IS TENTATIVE; LOCATION TBA. Join SVE (see pg. 14) to receive updated event information.
Saturday June 23
Winchester Pride. Visit www.facebook.com/Winchester-Pride-882419518630234/
for details.
Saturday, June 23
Lost River Pride (West Virginia). Visit www.facebook.com/events/357845618022356/
for details.
Thurs., July 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 Campbell Building in
Room 1120 (formerly Emergicare), 755 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Harrisonburg. For
more information, visit www.pflagblueridge.org/ or contact pflagbr@gmail.com
Friday, July 13:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 14).
Saturday, July 14 :
Transgender Information & Empowerment Summit Pop-Up in Winchester, 4:009:00pm at Shenandoah University in Winchester. (1460 University Drive) Join Equality
Virginia for workshops, including: trans-affirming mental health and medical consultations,
a name and gender marker change clinic, employment readiness resources, advocacy work
shops, community-building and networking. This event is FREE, registration required. For
more information, go to www.equalityvirginia.org/tiespopup/
Saturday, July 14:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM, At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact f
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Friday, July 20:
Miss Shenandoah Valley Pride Pageant., sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride
Alliance. Visit www.facebook.com/events/582152972159383/ for details.
Saturday, July 21:
Shenandoah Valley Pride. 2:00-8:00PM, Court Square in Harrisonburg. Volunteers and
Sponsors Needed. Contact ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com and visit
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org. Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance.
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
Page 11
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 26:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. THIS DATE IS TENTATIVE; LOCATION TBA. Join SVE (see pg. 14) to receive updated event information.
Thurs., Aug. 2:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. Support Group for parents, family,
friends, and allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM. At the Campbell Building in
Room 1120 (formerly Emergicare), 755 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Harrisonburg. For
more information, visit www.pflagblueridge.org/ or contact pflagbr@gmail.com
Friday, August 3:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 14).
Saturday, Aug. 11:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Wed., August 15:
SVE NEWSLETTER DEADLINE. We invite you to send information for our quarterly (September-November) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen" about local LGBTQA
community organizations and free events and we'll include this information free. This is a
vital service; it helps to make our community stronger and improves the quality of life for
individual members. Send information to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
August 17-19
Annual Twin Oaks Women´s Gathering (Louisa, VA). The Gathering is a celebration of
empowerment, healing and sisterhood. The weekend includes workshops, free time to net
work, drum, dance, meditate, strategize, walk in the forest, and generally live it up with new
and old friends. You can offer to lead morning yoga, set up a collaborative art project, host
a spiritual retreat space, share a zine on political organizing-whatever you can imagine, you
can create and share! Together, we refuel our collective spirit in preparation for the next
task: changing the world. Cooperative childcare is available, and registration fees are on a
sliding scale. Find out more, including how to register, at www.womensgathering.org
Thursday, August 23:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. THIS DATE IS TENTATIVE; LOCATION TBA. Join SVE (see pg. 14) to receive updated event information.
Tuesday, Nov. 6
ELECTION DAY
Send ads for the September issue (covering Sept., Oct., and Nov.) by
August 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
Page 12
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Contact VAN
Main Phone: (540) 432-3308
Testing:
(540) 432-3308
Español:
(540) 908-1889
LOCATION:
963 Reservoir Street, Second Floor,
Harrisonburg
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
[Check Box]
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 15 for
details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Human progress is neither
automatic nor inevitable...
Every step toward the goal
of justice requires sacrifice,
suffering, and struggle;
the tireless exertions and
passionate concern of
dedicated individuals.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�
Thank you for supporting SVE.
We rely on donations and dues-paying
memberships to keep SVE operating.
Renewal forms for current Level 1 (voting) SVE
members will be mailed in early July.
Renew by December 1 to vote for and/or nominate yourself to serve on the 2019 Shenandoah
Valley Equality Board of Directors.
If you are a non-voting member, we hope you will
consider a voting membership or donation if you
are able to contribute.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," June 2018
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
June 2018 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2018, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 2018
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.June.2018.pdf
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/762256c6bf2fdb206390a6727592e70f.pdf
eae7155dc2d4772d767eab81324eea59
PDF Text
Text
Volume 22, Issue 2
June 2019
www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community for
LGBTQ people in the
Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
PRIDE Events
SVE Friday Potlucks
June 11 Primary Election
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 15)
———————–
“Valley ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December)
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook
SVE Partners with JMU to Create the
Shenandoah Valley LGBTQ Archive and
Oral History Project
Shenandoah Valley Equality is collaborating with James
Madison University to launch a community engagement
venture to document and preserve the Valley’s LGBTQ history. JMU Professor and SVE Board member (ex officio)
Christine Robinson is coordinating the Shenandoah Valley
LGBTQ Archive and Oral History Project, with support from the
Department of Justice Studies and the Office of Digital Projects
and Pedagogy in the JMU Libraries. The idea to create the archive began in a meeting of SVE’s Board of Directors in 2018.
Originally, the goal was to preserve SVE’s history. SVE was
founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995. In 2017, the Board voted to change the name,
and to revise the mission and goals, to better reflect the organization’s diverse membership and vision.
The digital archive will initially include historical documents,
such as SVE/SVGLA newsletters, that can be viewed online
once the website is opened for public viewing. Beginning in
2020, LGBTQ and allied organizations in the Valley will be invited to contribute materials for the archive. In addition, Robinson hopes to begin oral history interviews with community
members in the Valley, with the goal of making digital recordings and/or transcripts available through the archive’s website.
SVE will provide updates on the project’s progress, including
invitations to share materials for the digital archive and requests for volunteers to participate in oral history interviews.
�ShenanArts in Staunton presents:
For tickets and other information, visit:
http://shenanarts.org/angels-in-america.html
ShenanArts Wins "Best in Virginia" Award
from Virginia Living Magazine
ShenanArts has been voted as one of the Best Performing Arts
Companies in the Shenandoah Valley region by Virginia Living’s
readers in the Best of Virginia 2019 reader’s survey.
��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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is Aug. 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast,
and an annual equality forum. We also share information about other local events.
st
nd
HOST our Friday Potluck (1 or 2 Friday) at your home, workplace, local park, house
of worship...You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our quarterly newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
SHARE (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our community; we will
include them in our monthly e-calendar and quarterly newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
Dec. 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter. Share it with a friend.
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook.
EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, ORGANIZE, and VOTE for equality, justice, & liberation.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 15 for membership information.
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN
THE 2019 ELECTIONS?
WILL YOU SUPPORT EQUALITY
on June 11 and November 4?
June 11: Virginia Primary Elections. Visit
https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2019 for information
about candidates running for office
Every year, EV monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia General
Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ community,
helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose
bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and voice your
support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s email list for their
monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
http://www.logcabinrepublicansva.org/index.html
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for September newsletter is August 15
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the
Valley for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
e-mail location information to SVE members only and do not publicly share
or post it through social media. To receive e-mails about the potluck and other
events, join as a non-voting member (FREE) or as a voting member (for $15).
See pg. 15 for information about how to join SVE.
Are you willing to host the potluck in your home, workplace, community center, park, house of worship, or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, utensils, and soft drinks. Guests bring a dish to share.
Please e-mail David if you are willing to host:
lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, June 7:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 15 for details).
Saturday, June 8:
GNC and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings, sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Peer-to-peer discussion facilitated by Augusta Resources for Resilience, Opportunity, and Wellness- ARROW
Project. Come celebrate your joys and share your struggles. We are here to listen and sup
port each other. 4:15 pm - Gender Non-Conforming & 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT
Contact information: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Tuesday, June 11
Virginia Primary Elections. See https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2019 for
information. (Polling hours 6:00 am until 7:00 pm)
June 14-16 & 21-23:
Angels in America. ShenanArts in Staunton, VA is performing Part One of Tony Kushner’s award-winning play. Go to http://shenanarts.org/angels-in-america.html for info.
Monday, June 17:
Roanoke LGBT Policy Town Hall with Equality Virginia. Policy affects LGBT people
in our daily lives - in healthcare, access to housing and employment, education, and many o
other areas. Come out to talk about what policies you're passionate about changing and
learn how to get plugged in to advocacy opportunities. Join us and make your voice heard!
See more at https://www.facebook.com/events/2352254954834424/
Saturday, June 22
Lost River Pride, 12-6 PM, At Lost River Retreat Center, 2015 Mill Gap Road, Lost
River, WV (venue provided by Lost River Guesthouse). A day of art, music, food, field
games, hiking, and fun. For more information, go to www.lostriverpride.com
Saturday June 29:
Winchester Pride. See www.facebook.com/Winchester-Pride-882419518630234/
Thursday, June 20:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday at
111 Burgess Rd. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to
David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, July 12:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 18).
Saturday, July 13:
GNC and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings, sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Peer-to-peer discussion facilitated by Augusta Resources for Resilience, Opportunity, and Wellness Project.
4:15 pm - Gender Non-Conforming & 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT
Contact information: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Thursday, July 25:
SVE’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley
Equality members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Each person pays for
their own meal. Location TBA (Join our email list or Facebook group for updated information). So we can reserve space, RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before.
Volume 22, Issue 2
June 2019
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 2 or 9:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, Staunton,
and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each month by Shenandoah
Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and future potlucks, join SVE for free
or as a voting member (See page 15).
August 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions. Empower your community! SVE invites you to
send information for our quarterly (Sept.-Nov.) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen" about local
LGBTQA organizations, resources, and free events and we'll include this information free. This is a
helps to make our community stronger and improves the quality of life for individual members.
August 16-18
Annual Twin Oaks Women´s Gathering (Louisa, VA). The Gathering is a celebration of empow
erment, healing and sisterhood. The weekend includes workshops, drumming, dancing, meditating,
and more. Together, we refuel our collective spirit in preparation for the next task: changing the
world. Cooperative childcare available; registration fees are on a sliding scale. Find out more, includ
ing how to register, at www.womensgathering.org
Thurs., Aug. [TBA]:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality members
and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their meal). Location TBA
(Join our email list or Facebook group for updated information). So we can reserve space, RSVP to
David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Saturday, Aug. 24:
GNC and Adult LGBT Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings, sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Peer-to-peer discussion facilitated by the
ARROW Project. Come celebrate your joys and share your struggles. We are here to listen and sup
port each other. 4:15 pm - Gender Non-Conforming & 5:30 pm - Adult LGBT
Contact information: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Friday, Sept. 13:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg, Staunton,
and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each month by Shenandoah
Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and future potlucks, join SVE for free
or as a voting member (See page 15).
Saturday, Sept. 14:
Charlottesville Pride Festival, See http://cvillepride.org/pride-events/cville-pridefestival-2019/ or more information.
Saturday, Sept. 21:
Shenandoah Valley Pride in Harrisonburg. Visit www.shenandoahvalleypride.org for information.
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance.
Saturday, October 19:
Transgender Information & Empowerment Summit (TIES), 9 AM- 5 PM. Sponsored
by Equality Virginia. Hosted at a new location this year by the University of Richmond (28
Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA). For more information and to register, visit
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
Tuesday, Nov. 5:
ELECTION DAY See https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2019 for information.
(Polling hours are 6:00 am until 7:00 pm)
Send ads and events for the Sept. issue (covering Sept.-Nov.) by August 15 to Christine at
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of each month to David at
lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 22, Issue 2
June 2019
Page 11
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Impulse Gay Social Club
Coming to Waynesboro
in 2019
https://impulse-gsc.com/
��How can you help EV’s work in Virginia?
Pledge to make your community more LGBT-inclusive in two ways:
Do you know a local business committed to non-discrimination? Contact the business owner and ask them to join Equality Means Business—it’s free and easy.
Equality Means Business: EMB is an opportunity for locally-owned businesses
to publicly state that they don’t discriminate against customers or employees who are gay
or transgender. EMB members make a promise that their business is a safe and welcoming
place for LGBT people to work and shop. Ask your favorite locally-owned business to
join EMB. Here’s a link to the online membership form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexJZhNlh5yWN4DcCioa0r-fZG-t58BORTW4niPUKkpE6gj2w/view
You can print and mail a PDF version of the form:
virginiafairness.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Updated-EMB-Form-8-24-17.pdf
To see who’s already a member, go to this link to view the directory:
virginiafairness.org/equality-means-business-2/emb-online-directory/
Do you know a local elected official (city or county) who supports equality under
the law? Ask them to sign EV’s statement saying so.
Reach out to Local Leaders: These elected officials have signed EV’s statement supporting legislation and policies that include adding sexual orientation and gender
identity in workplace, housing, and public accommodation policies:
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/what-we-do/connecting-with-elected-officials/resources-for-connecting-with-local-leaders/local-leaders-for-fairness/
You can ask any locally-elected official in your area to sign the statement of support
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Local-Leaders-for-Fairness-Statement-of-Support.pdf
(Remember, this only applies to locally-elected leaders (city or county)
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
[Check Box]
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�
Thank you for supporting SVE.
We rely on donations and dues-paying
memberships to keep SVE operating.
Renewal forms for current Level 1 (voting) SVE
members will be mailed in early July.
Renew by December 1 to vote for and/or nominate
yourself to serve on the 2020 Shenandoah Valley
Equality Board of Directors.
If you are a non-voting member, we hope you
will consider a voting membership or donation
if you are able to contribute.
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at a
local Valley restaurant to share a meal. Each
person pays for their own meal. Join SVE for
free or as a voting member (see page 19) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“We didn’t stop.
We weren’t afraid.
We weren’t going to be
oppressed anymore.”
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
—Sylvia Rivera, reflecting on
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
the 1969 Stonewall Riots
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Shenandoah Valley Pride
Harrisonburg, VA
Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com
www.ShenandoahValleyPride.org
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," June 2019
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
June 2019 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2019, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 2019
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.June.2019.FINAL
Volume 22, Issue 2, June 2019
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/e221b65e25fe0684e34fee4015764414.pdf
bb53fd0f5353368d2cf946ac150bfdd7
PDF Text
Text
Volume 20, Issue 1, March 2017
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
DC Gay Men’s Chorus
Chili’s Benefit for Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
INDIGO Women’s Dance
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 15)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine Robinson, to
advertise and/or submit event information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Trump Admin. Rescinds Transgender Student Guidance:
Gavin Grimm of Virginia to Supreme Court in March
The Trump Administration withdrew the Obama Administration’s legal guidance protecting transgender students under Title IX. The
guidance provided clarity on obligations to students —schools:
may not prohibit transgender students from using bathrooms
that correspond with their gender identity;
may not exclude transgender students from school activities;
may not punish students for not conforming to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity;
must give current and former students an opportunity to update
their records with accurate name and gender information; and
may not violate a current or former students’s privacy by disclosing their transgender identity to others.
The Administration’s letter stated "...withdrawal of these guidance documents does not leave students without protections… All
schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are
able to learn and thrive in a safe environment."
Gavin Grimm, the transgender teen from Virginia whose school
bathroom access case will be heard by the Supreme Court, said,
"Thinking about transgender students everywhere, hearing that
your presidential administration has gone out of its way just to further discriminate against you... is very upsetting..."
The letter did not and could not repeal Title IX.
The letter did not and could not require schools to discriminate
or stop complying with the guidance. Local school districts and
states can still follow it, and do more to support trans students.
The letter invited those who have questions or comments on this
letter to contact the Department of Education at ocr@ed.gov or 800
-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339); or the Department of Justice at
education@usdoj.gov or 877-292-3804 (TTY: 800-514-0383)." We
urge our members to take the opportunity to share your views.
�Private party for women only. Must be 21 to enter.
All women 21 and older welcome.
�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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
SVE has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through VDOT.
It’s fun. It’s good exercise. It’s great for our planet.
Join us—our next outing is Saturday, April 22.
Meet us for breakfast at the Little Grill at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward. We’ll provide vests, bags, and gloves.
Local and Vocal in Staunton, Virginia
A new group that meets twice a month to write letters to
elected officials and other leaders. A starting point for political action, as well as a place for people to connect. At
least once a month, we visit with YOUR group in YOUR
location (house of worship, community center, school).
localandvocalstaunton@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/localandvocalstaunton
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 14th annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black tie gathering for our community. Enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, a dance, and
meet/network with others. Every year at the dinner, EV also
recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have represented our
community with distinction and have contributed to the equality movement. We hope you can join us for this special event.
For more information or to make reservations, go to
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/14th-annual-commonwealthdinner/commonwealth-dinner-2017/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com & www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
�Could Virginia become the next North Carolina for LGBT People?
Governor Terry McAuliffe warns that his successor could sign legislation
similar to North Carolina’s HB2. Read the article here: thinkprogress.org/
virginia-next-north-carolina-mcauliffe-hb2-73ceb2727384#.19u15eqil
HOW TO BE INFORMED AND ENGAGED IN ADVOCATING
FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY IN VIRGINIA
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the
Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s
LGBTQ community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and voice your
support or opposition to specific bills by joining Equality Virginia’s email
list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events. Provide your
email address to EV here: www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
RESOURCES FOR THE 2017 VIRGINIA ELECTIONS FOR
GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Equality Virginia
equalityvirginia.org
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
http://pofev.org
Virginia Organizing
virginia-organizing.org/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
www.vapartisans.org/
�“Trails 4 Tails”
Dog Walk/Run
APRIL 22, 2017 at 8am, JMU Festival Patio
Fundraiser for the
Valley AIDS Network
For more information, contact VAN
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Contact us
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit in person:
601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor, Suites
322/323/324, Harrisonburg, VA
Mailing Address:
VAN, JMU/IIHHS MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
�SVE’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck hosted by SVE in Harrisonburg/
Rockingham County/Staunton/Augusta County (occasionally Mount Jackson)
for the LGBTQA+ community. Every month the event rotates to a different
location. Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
send location information ONLY to our email list of SVE members and do not
post it through social media or public email lists. To receive emails about FF
and other local SVE events, you can join as a Level 2 member (for FREE) or
as a Level 1 member (for $15). See page 15 for details on how to join.
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 (SVE’s membership requirement)
to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com – we will add you to our email list.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 12-13.
Volunteer to host.
Email us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�God Save the Queens: A Salute to Rock Royalty
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 8:00pm, Forbes Center
TICKETS
Two vocal
ensembles
will sing
music by
American &
British rock
legends
Elvis,
Queen,
Prince,
Madonna,
Adele &
more!
Regular &
Subscribers
$25
Seniors &
JMU Fac./
Staff $24
JMU Students
$18 (Purchase
in person only.
One per ID.
Cash only, 90
minutes before
show)
Online: www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/tickets/tickets.shtml
Box Office: In person at 147 Warsaw Ave, Harrisonburg
Phone: 540.568.7000
A benefit performance
for the Valley AIDS
Network
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thurs., March 2:
Friday, March 3:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For info, join SVE as a Level I or II member
(See page 15 for details).
Thursday, March 16:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Chili’s on 1752 E.
Market Street in Harrisonburg. 10% of all of the proceeds from Chili’s sales on March
16 will go to the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance (see details on page 14).
March 26-29
Virginia Women’s Music Festival. Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for
women, located just off Interstate 64, in Kents Store, VA. Music, dancing, a 5k run, bon
fires and more. Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early. Go to campoutva.com for
details and ticket information. Note: The business office is not located at the campground.
Saturday, April 1
INDIGO Women’s Dance Party (Private party for women only). Upstairs at the Mill
Street Grill in Staunton, 8PM, $15 Cover, Cash Bar, MUST BE 21 TO ENTER. For ques
tions, contact indigoparty@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 1
14th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Reservation information will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Saturday, April 1
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. “God Save the Queens!”: music by American
and British rock legends Elvis, Queen, Prince, Madonna, Adele, & more. 8:00 PM at the
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU in Harrisonburg. Benefit Concert for the
Valley AIDS Network. Ticket information at www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/tickets.
Thurs., April 6:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, April 7:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For date and location of the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 15 for how to join).
Volume 20, Issue 1, March 2017
Page 12
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 20:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE for updated
information about C&C events (See pg.15 for how to join).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Saturday, April 22 :
SVE Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM We gather at the Little Grill for
breakfast and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work afterward. Join us! We provide safety vests, gloves, and bags. In case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.
Saturday, April 22 :
Thurs., May 4:
Friday, May 5:
Monday, May 15:
“Trails 4 Tails” Dog Walk/Run Fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network. See page
8 for details.
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For date and location of the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 15 for how to join).
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com.
Submit events for the June issue of the newsletter (events for June, July, & August)
Thursday, May 18:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE for updated
information about C&C events (See pg.15 for how to join).
Saturday, July 22:
Shenandoah Valley Pride. 2:00-8:00PM, Court Square in Harrisonburg. Volunteers and
Sponsors Needed. Contact ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com and visit
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org. Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance.
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community resources for the
newsletter and events that would be of interest to our community for the calendar. This is a vital
service; it helps to make our community stronger and improves the quality of life for individual
members. Send information to us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of each month to
lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit ads and events for the June issue (covering March, April, and May) of The Valley
ConnectShen by May 15 to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Volume 20, Issue 1, March 2017
Page 13
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE wishes to thank
local businesses and
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with
LGBTQ people, and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and national
communities.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVE 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 SVE 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 SVE 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: Shenandoah Valley Equality, 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 first and last name and state that you are at least 18
years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
You must be at least 18 years of age to join SVE.
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 13 for details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Let each person do [their]
part. If one citizen is
unwilling to participate, all
of us are going to suffer. For
the American idea, though it
is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us.”
—June Jordan—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline: www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�In the News...
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (JMU alum, class of 2004) supported
LGBTQ issues on the campaign trail, and now he hopes to see Richmond designated as a top tourist destination in the Nat West British
LGBT awards. The annual British LGBT awards ceremony supports
causes in the UK and around the world, honoring people, organizations and places in almost 90 categories with about 100,000 votes
submitted every year.
“In 2014 we did something no other city ever did, we came out of
the closet,” said Stoney. “OutRVA represents more than just a marketing campaign, it’s a welcoming way of life.” Stoney was invited to
be a part of the video in connection with the city’s LGBTQ tourism
campaign, OutRVA. Created by VCU students in 2014, the Richmond Region Tourism has used the campaign to help show RVA is a
great place to be no matter who you love. “Richmond, VA, is truly
for all lovers… now is the time to let the world know how welcoming Richmond is.” Cast your vote here:
http://britishlgbtawards.com/vote_now/
�SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Shenandoah Valley Pride, 2-8pm
Courthouse Square
Harrisonburg, VA
Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com
www.ShenandoahValleyPride.org
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," March 2017
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2017 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2017, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2017
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.March.2017.pdf
Volume 20, Issue 1, March 2017
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/f346c427aa65833298dd82e7531e82c4.pdf
d5a6dc6ab3699e7e2f39417e4f2ae6aa
PDF Text
Text
Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2018
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Indigo Women’s Dance
SVE Friday Potlucks
Transgender Visibility Day
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Federal Court rules Sexual Orientation
Discrimination violates Civil Rights Act
The Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled in February that the
1964 Civil Rights Act bans workplace discrimination based on sexual
orientation. The decision contrasts with the Trump administration,
which argued against a gay employee. The Court ruled, “We now
hold that sexual orientation discrimination constitutes a form of discrimination ‘because of . . . sex,’ in violation of Title VII,” overturning a lower court ruling. The decision could have nation-wide impact.
The Supreme Court is the remaining appellate court.
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 13)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Meanwhile, in the 2018 General Assembly Session:
No Legislative Gains or Losses Thus Far…
For the first time in years, there were no anti-LGBT equality bills.
However, despite increasing bipartisan support for some pro-equality
bills in the Virginia Senate, most of these have been killed by committees in the House of Delegates. The session is winding down, but
not yet over.
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to
the Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s
LGBT community. EV works to introduce and support pro-equality
legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards. Stay informed about legislation affecting our community by joining EV’s
email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events.
You can find details of all bills EV is following in 2018 at this link:
www.equalityvirginia.org/equality-virginia-at-the-general-assembly/
�Canvas for the Cause: Transgender Visibility Day
The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, 209 Monticello Rd., Charlottesville
Contact: info@thebridgepai.org or (434) 984-5669
Join Planned Parenthood, Bridge PAI, and local artist Golara Haghtalab as we
create a community canvas to raise awareness for Transgender Visibility Day.
TDOV is a day to show your support for the trans community. It brings attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the globe while
fighting cissexism and transphobia by spreading knowledge of the trans community. Trans activists Mia Mason and Donna Price will speak about why the
day is important to them and how allies can stand with the trans community.
We will then contribute to a community canvas, expressing through art why
we stand with #TransThriving.
All are welcome to contribute. Canvas and paint supplies will be provided.
�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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�Private party for women only. Must be 21 to enter.
All women 21 and older welcome.
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
Shenandoah Valley Equality Needs YOU.
1. JOIN SVE (or renew) as a voting member (only $15/year). We rely on your support to
cover administrative/event costs, such as our annual Shenandoah Valley Equality Forum.
2. CONNECT. SVE organizes the monthly SVE Friday potluck and Conversation & Cuisine dinner in the Valley (and join us for our new “Breakfast & Conversation” event).
3. HOST SVE’s Friday Potluck (1st or 2nd Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship, park...You provide space, plates, utensils, soft drinks, ice, & cups — guests bring the
rest.
4. ADVERTISE in our newsletter. SUPPORT our advertisers with your business.
5. SHARE information with us about (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our
community and we will include them in our monthly e-calendar and newsletter free.
6. NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due Dec. 1
every year). All nominees must be voting (Level I) members of SVE.
7.
READ the newsletter and stay informed about local organizations and events that sup-
Connect with Our Community
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 13 for our membership form.
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com & www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 15th annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black tie gathering for our community. Enjoy live
entertainment, a silent auction, a dance, and network with others. At
the dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have
contributed to the equality movement and represented our community with distinction. We hope you can join us for this special event.
For more information or to make reservations, go to:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner2018/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
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.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
�SVE’s Friday Potluck
Every month, usually on either the First or Second Friday, SVE organizes a
potluck in the Valley (usually in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Staunton, or Augusta County) for the LGBTQA+ community. The event rotates to
a different location each month and is scheduled to accommodate the volunteer host’s preference). Please bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
email location information to SVE members ONLY and do not publicly share
or post it through social media. To receive emails about the potluck and other
local events, join as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member
(for $15). See page 13 for membership information and pages 10-11 for
events schedule.
We need potluck hosts for September and October.
Please let us know if you can host on the
1st or 2nd Friday of either month.
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, March 9:
Saturday, March 10:
Thursday, March 22:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 13).
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Vito’s Italian
Kitchen, 1047 Port Republic Rd. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to
lanedj@jmu.edu
Thurs., April 5:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, April 6:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 13).
Saturday, April 14:
15th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Reservation information will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Saturday, April 14:
INDIGO Women’s Dance Party (Private party for women only). Upstairs at the Mill
Street Grill in Staunton, 8PM, $15 Cover, Cash Bar, MUST BE 21 TO ENTER. For ques
tions, contact indigoparty@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 14:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM, At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact f
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Thursday, April 19:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Wood Grill Bufffet, 1711 Reservoir St. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Thurs., May 3:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2018
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, May 4:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 13).
Saturday, May 12:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Tuesday, May 15:
Thursday, May 24:
May 25-28:
Saturday, July 21:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Chili’s Grill &Bar
at 1752 East Market St. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Virginia Women’s Music Festival. Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for
women, located just off Interstate 64, in Kents Store, VA. Music, dancing, a 5k run, bon
fires and more. Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early. Go to campoutva.com for
details and ticket information. Note: The business office is not located at the campground.
Shenandoah Valley Pride. 2:00-8:00PM, Court Square in Harrisonburg. Volunteers and
Sponsors Needed. Contact ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com and visit
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org. Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance.
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community
resources and events for the calendar. This is a vital service; it helps to make
our community stronger and improves the quality of life for individual members. Empower your community. Send information to us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send ads for the June issue (covering June, July, and August) by May 15 to
Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
We’re on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2018
Page 11
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Contact VAN
Main Phone: (540) 432-3308
Testing:
(540) 432-3308
Español:
(540) 908-1889
NEW LOCATION:
963 Reservoir Street, Second Floor,
Harrisonburg
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
[Check Box]
E-mail #2:
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 15 for
details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“If you wish to heal your
sadness or anger, seek to heal
the sadness or anger of others. They are looking to you
for guidance, help, courage,
strength, understanding, and
for assurance. Most of all,
they are looking to you
for love.”
—Ana Castillo—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�May 25-28
Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for women,
located in Kents Store. Music, dancing, a 5k run, bonfires and
more. Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early.
2018 MUSIC LINEUP
Jamie Anderson • Crys Matthews • Mama's Black Sheep •
Christine Havrilla • Someone's Sister • Kristen Ford •
Sharon Katz & the Peace Train • Bele Bele Rhythm Collective •
Wicked Jezabel • Sister Funk • Alma Hesson
Indigie Femme • Christy Snow • One Third Wish • SONiA disappear fear
See website for information about tickets, map,
worker registration & vendor registration
Group campsites are available for groups of 8 or more. Contact us via email or
send in all tickets at the same time to reserve yours.
Tent Rentals: Set up and take down provided by CampOut Staff. Sleeps up to 4
for $100 and includes 2 chairs at the site. Request a tent on the ticket order
form at
http://www.campoutva.com/music-festival.html
Other items available for rent (applies to tent rental campers only):
Hammock - $15 • Ice Chest - $5
�
The 2018 SVE Board of Directors
Eleanor Baker
Aaron Hagmaier
David Lane
Grayson Sless
Jackie Walker
Thank you for supporting us!
�SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Shenandoah Valley Pride, 2-8pm
Courthouse Square
Harrisonburg, VA
Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com
www.ShenandoahValleyPride.org
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," March 2018
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2018 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2018, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2018
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.March.2018.pdf
Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2018
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/971bcc2898143a1595e8ee43c6bf0f10.pdf
8a956783ea6f9acc90a7f3c060332e08
PDF Text
Text
Volume 22, Issue 1, March 2019
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community for
LGBTQ people in the
Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Indigo Women’s Dance
Party
SVE Friday Potlucks
EV Commonwealth Dinner
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 18)
———————–
“Valley ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December)
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Keep up with us on Facebook
The 2019 General Assembly Session
Wraps Up
The 2019 session yielded one legislative win, which extends
protections to same-sex couples so they can more easily grow
their families. Delegate Sullivan's assisted conception bill, HB
1979, is on the way to the Governor's desk and will become
law in July.
See the important letter from James Parrish, Executive
Director of Equality Virginia, on the next page.
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced
to the Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of
Virginia’s LGBT community. EV works to introduce and support
pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards. Support EV’s work to connect with elected officials,
strengthen our communities, create inclusive schools, increase
transgender visibility, and engage with businesses.
You can find details of all bills EV is followed in 2019 at:
www.equalityvirginia.org/equality-virginia-at-the-generalassembly/
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community and
join EV’s email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts,
and events throughout the year.
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
�Dear Shenandoah Valley Equality,
I want to thank you for showing up on day one and throughout session on a regular basis to support our efforts in the General Assembly. While we are not ending where we wanted to, we are
celebrating a key legislative win which extends protections to same-sex couples so they can more
easily grow their families! Delegate Sullivan's assisted conception bill, HB 1979, is on the way to
the Governor's desk and will become law in July!
Even though we did not achieve victories in housing and public employment nondiscrimination, we
were more visible than ever during this General Assembly session. From our Kick Off event on the
first day of session, to our annual Day of Action, and regular Crowd the Capitol rallies - you were
there with us every step of the way.
Thank you - your visibility and voice mattered!
We believe we put together a robust showing of support for these bills from top to bottom in Virginia's communities and a clear path to victory.
We launched Virginia Beach for Fairness to build diverse support among residents and business
owners for nondiscrimination protections in key districts.
We released polling showing that a majority of Republican voters in Virginia support nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender Virginians in housing and public employment.
We had a Republican sponsor our Fair Housing Act bill in the House and the necessary number
of Republican co-patrons to show the bill had majority support in committee and on the floor.
The Senate versions of our priority bills passed the Republican controlled Senate for the fourth
year in a row with a super majority - Housing (SB 1109) 31-9 and Public Employment (SB 998)
28-12.
We collected thousands of postcards for Speaker Cox from residents across the Commonwealth
who shared their own stories of discrimination and why they support nondiscrimination protections for LGBT Virginians.
Despite all of this, at the end of the day Speaker Kirk Cox, Majority Leader Todd Gilbert and
House General Laws Chairman Chris Peace refused to listen to their colleagues, their base, and
Virginians who support these commonsense nondiscrimination protections in housing and public
employment for gay and transgender Virginians. House Leadership knew we had the votes in the
committee and House floor to pass these bills - that is why they denied these bills a fair hearing. At the end of last session, we developed a strategy to show that Republicans cared about
these issues.
Seeing that key legislators in power continue to ignore commonsense legislation that the majority
of Virginians support, it is clear that new leadership is needed. Today we are starting to work towards that goal and hope you will join us in our efforts in the coming months.
Yours for equality,
James Parrish
Executive Director, Equality Virginia
�INDIGO: A Party for Women
Private party for women only
Must be 21 to enter
ALL Women (21 and older) welcome
Saturday, March 30, 8:00 pm
$15 cover (cash only at the door)
Music by DJ Jammin’ Jackie
Mill Street Grill (upstairs), Staunton
Private Bar (cash/credit cards accepted)
Questions? Indigoparty@hotmail.com
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast,
and an annual equality forum. We also share information about other local events.
st
nd
HOST our Friday Potluck (1 or 2 Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship,
park...You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
SHARE (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our community and we will
include them in our monthly e-calendar and quarterly newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations due Dec. 1
every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter.
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook.
EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, ORGANIZE, and VOTE for equality, justice, and liberation.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 18 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
http://www.logcabinrepublicansva.org/index.html
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�International Transgender Day of Visibility,
created by trans advocate Rachel Crandall in
2009, is observed every year on March 31. ITDV
recognizes transgender people around the globe
and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, brings attention to the discrimination
and violence trans people face, and, importantly,
also celebrates our successes and triumphs.
Find (or create) an event near you:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/transvisibility/
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 16th annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black tie gathering for our community. Enjoy live
entertainment, a silent auction, a dance, and network with others. At
the dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have
contributed to the equality movement and represented our community with distinction. We are celebrating 30 years of advocacy in the
Commonwealth and hope you can join us for this special event.
For more information or to make reservations, go to:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner2019/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the
Valley for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we
e-mail location information to SVE members only and do not publicly share
or post it through social media. To receive e-mails about the potluck and other
events, join as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member (for
$15). See pg. 17 to join SVE.
Would you be willing to host the potluck in your home, workplace,
house of worship, or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, eating
utensils, and soft drinks. Guests bring a dish to share.
Please e-mail David if you are willing to host:
lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, March 8:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 18 for details).
Thursday, March 21:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday at
111 Burgess Rd. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to
David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Saturday, March 30:
INDIGO Women’s Dance Party (Private party for women only). Upstairs at the Mill
Street Grill in Staunton, 8:00PM, $15 Cover (cash only at the door). Must be 21 to enter.
ALL women 21 and older welcome. Contact Indigoparty@hotmail.com for more info.
April 8-12 :
JMU Dukes Pride Week, sponsored by Madison Equality, JMU’s student-led LGBTQ+
organization. Details of events TBA at https://www.facebook.com/madisonequalityjmu/
and http://www.jmu.edu/events/
Friday, April 12:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See page 18).
Saturday, April 13:
16th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Find details and purchase tickets at:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner2019/
Thursday, April 18:
SVE’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley
Equality members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Vito’s
Italian Kitchen at 1047 Port Republic Rd. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough
space, please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Saturday, April 27:
SVE Quarterly Breakfast, 8:00 AM Location in Harrisonburg (TBA). Meet up with
Shenandoah Valley Equality members and friends for breakfast. So we may reserve
enough space, please RSVP to lanedj@jmu.edu by noon on the day before if you plan
to join us. For information about the location of this and other events, join SVE for FREE
or as a voting member (See page 18 for details).
Friday, May 10:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 18).
Volume 22, Issue 1, March 2019
Page 12
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
May 15:
Thursday, May 23:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions. Empower your community. SVE invites
you to send us information for our quarterly (June-August) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen" about local LGBTQA community organizations, resources, and free events and
we'll include this information for free. This is a vital service; it helps to make our communi
ty stronger and improves the quality of life for individual members. Send information to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Chili’s Bar & Grill,
1752 E. Market St. in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space, please
RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
May 24-27:
Virginia Women’s Music Festival. Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for
women, located just off Interstate 64, in Kents Store, VA. Music, dancing, a 5k run, bon
fires and more. Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early. Go to campoutva.com for
details and ticket information. Note: The business office is not located at the campground.
Saturday, Sept. 21:
Shenandoah Valley Pride in Harrisonburg (details forthcoming). Volunteers and Spon
sors needed. Contact ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com and visit
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org. Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance.
Send ads and events for the June issue (covering June, July, & August) by
May 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 22, Issue 1, March 2019
Page 13
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Impulse Gay Social Club
Primary Care
Behavioral Health
Dental
Women’s Health
Prenatal Care
Care Management (formerly The Valley
AIDS Network)
hburgchc.org
Coming to Waynesboro
in 2019
https://impulse-gsc.com/
��What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at a
local Valley restaurant to share a meal. Each
person pays for their own meal. Join SVE for
free or as a voting member (see page 19) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“I believe that
telling our stories,
first to ourselves,
and then to one another
and the world, is a
revolutionary act.”
—Janet Mock
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�Affirming Religious Communities in the Valley
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists
4101 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
540-867-0073; office@huuweb.org; www.huuweb.org
RISE: a United Methodist Faith Community
60 W. Market St., Harrisonburg 22801
540-324-3241; riseharrisonburg@gmail.com; www.riseharrisonburg.com
Trinity Presbyterian Church
725 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; 540-434-9556
stephanie@trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org
www.trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org/
Stephens City
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley
6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655
(540) 869-6965; minister@uushenandoah.org; www.ushenandoah.org
Waynesboro
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro
565 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 942-5507; minister@uufw.org or mpnash1@gmail.com; www.uufw.org
Winchester
St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Episcopal Church
1527 Senseny Rd., Winchester, Virginia 22606
(540) 667-8110; stpaulswinchester@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/pg/StPaulsWinchester
Want to be listed here? Take Equality Virginia’s survey:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/faith-communities/
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
[Check Box]
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�May 24-27
Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for women,
located in Kents Store. Music, dancing, bonfires and more.
Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early.
2019 MUSIC LINEUP
Jamie Anderson • Crys Matthews • Mama's Black Sheep
Bettenroo • The Storyweavers • Kristen Ford • Lisa Lim
Summer Osborne • Bele Bele Rhythm Collective •
Wicked Jezabel • Alma Hesson • Heather Mae
Indigie Femme • Christy Snow • SONiA & disappear fear
Gaye Adegbalola
See website for information about tickets, map,
worker registration & vendor registration
Group campsites are available for groups of 8 or more.
Tent Rentals: Set up and take down provided by CampOut Staff. Sleeps up to 4
for $100 and includes 2 chairs at the site.
http://www.campoutva.com/music-festival.html
Other items available for rent (applies to tent rental campers only):
Hammock - $15 • Ice Chest - $5
�
The 2019 SVE Board of Directors
Eleanor Baker
Deb Bixler
Aaron Hagmaier
David Lane
Grayson Sless
Jackie Walker
Thank you for supporting us!
�SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Shenandoah Valley Pride
Harrisonburg, VA
Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
ShenandoahValleyPride@gmail.com
www.ShenandoahValleyPride.org
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," March 2019
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2019 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2019, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2019
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.March.2019.FINAL
Volume 22, Issue 1, March 2019
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/8b8859c3a73af7cf7d07c6c31fdc6e9c.pdf
40e3ee2807952c316294d9f8e43535b1
PDF Text
Text
Volume 23, Issue 1 March 2020
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community
for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events
(inside)
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook
MOVING EQUALITY FORWARD:
A Historic Virginia General Assembly Session
Several pro-equality bills have passed both houses of the
General Assembly and are expected to be signed by the
Governor. Some of these bills include:
INDIGO Dance Party
SVE Potlucks
Pi Day Party
Trans Day of Visibility
Dukes Pride Week
Staunton Pride
A bill prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and credit
A bill to ban “conversion therapy” on minors
———————–
A bill to add gender identity, sexual orientation, gender,
and disability to Virginia’s hate crime law
A bill to make it easier to change the gender marker on
birth certificates
A bill to repeal Virginia’s statute banning same-sex marriage and other forms of relationship recognition
EMPOWER
YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership pg. 15)
———————–
“The Valley
ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September, and December)
———————–
Contact the editor
to advertise and/or
submit event
information:
ShenandoahValley
Equality@gmail.com
See more at
www.equalityvirginia.org/equality-virginia-at-the-general-assembly/
��Self-Expression Closet Accepting Donations
Once each semester JMU’s SOGIE Programming accepts donations
to the clothing closet. Located in the Lavender Lounge (SSC Room
1310 on campus), this is a free closet for JMU students to use. We
accept gently-used binders, bras, shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, shoes, purses/bags and other accessories (belts,
hats, gloves, scarves, jewelry, etc.). Donations will be accepted between March 13-March 18. Drop off items to the labeled box in
the Lavender Lounge (SSC 1310).
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 17th annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black tie gathering for our community. Enjoy live
entertainment, a silent auction, a dance, and network with others. At
the dinner, EV also recognizes OUTstanding Virginians who have contributed to the equality movement and represented our community with
distinction. We are celebrating a historic year of advocacy in the Commonwealth and hope you can join us for this special event.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to:
https://www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner2020/
�INDIGO: A Party for Women
Private Party for Women Only
Must be 21 to enter
ALL Women (21 and older) welcome
Saturday, March 21, 8:00 pm—midnight
$15 cover to enter (cash only at the door)
Music by DJ Jammin’ Jackie
Mill Street Grill (upstairs), Staunton
Bar (cash/credit cards accepted)
Questions? Indigoparty@hotmail.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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for JUNE newsletter is May 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast, and an annual equality forum. We also share information about local events.
HOST our Friday Potluck at your home, workplace, local park, house of worship…
You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our quarterly newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
TELL US about local events of particular relevance to our community; we will
include them in our monthly e-calendar and quarterly newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
December 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter, The Valley ConnectShen. Share it with a friend.
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook.
ORGANIZE, EDUCATE, AND ADVOCATE for equality, justice, and liberation.
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See pg. 15 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
Friendly City Transgender Alliance
www.facebook.com/Friendly-CityTransgender-Alliance-100565454864352/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU SOGIE Programming
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/sogie
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Action Group
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Welcome, Friendly City Transgender Alliance!
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�Friendly City Transgender Alliance
Friendly City Transgender Alliance is a
collective of individuals, who personally
identify as Transgender and/or any form of
self-expression that challenges
traditional binary gender roles.
As an alliance we do not define or
categorize individuals’ personal expressions.
www.facebook.com/Friendly-City-TransgenderAlliance-100565454864352/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for June newsletter is May 15
�Trans Day of Visibility with ALOK:
A Political Workshop and Performance
Tuesday, March 31, 5:00-7:00pm
Festival Highlands Room at JMU
Trans Day of Visibility is an annual
celebration of trans and non-binary
individuals. This year's event will feature
Alok Vaid-Menon
https://www.alokvmenon.com/
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the
Valley for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the potluck is usually held in private homes or on private property,
we e-mail location information to SVE members only and do not publicly
share or post it through social media. To receive e-mails about the potluck and
other events, join as a non-voting member (FREE) or as a voting member (for
$15). See pg. 15 for information about how to join SVE.
Are you willing to host the potluck in your home, workplace, community center, park, house of worship, or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, utensils, and soft drinks. Guests bring a dish to share.
Please e-mail David if you are willing to host:
lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, March 2 & 16: LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual group for
LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by coordinators and mental health professionals). Meets
monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60
West Market St., H’burg. Sponsored by Vibrant Menders: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Friday, March 6:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, March 9 & 23: Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of
LGBTQ+ people (all ages) welcome. Sponsored and facilitated by Vibrant Menders’ coordinators and two mental health professionals. Meets the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00- 8:15pm
at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 W. Market St. vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Friday, March 13:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each month
by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and future
potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See www.svgla.org/membership).
Saturday, March 14
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBTQ Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC/Trans and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBTQ. Sponsored by
the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, March 14
Pi Day Party in Staunton, 6-10pm at Cana Barn, 339 Walnut Hills Road. A night of
fun, dancing, pies! Fundraiser for the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center. Take Out 250 is serv
ing a delicious dinner of savory and sweet pies. Tickets must be pre-purchased at
www.canabarn.com In addition to meal tickets, which include drinks, there will be a cash
bar. Wear your dancing boots. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/
events/653183508556812/ Hosted by Cana Barn and the Shenandoah LGBT Center.
Sunday, March 15:
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center’s Monthly Potluck, held from 5:00-7:00pm at 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Contact info:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Sunday, March 15:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg. Open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
Meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month, 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60
West Market St. in Harrisonburg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 19:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their own
meal). Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday in Harrisonburg. So we can reserve enough space,
please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Friday, March 20:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, March 21:
Indigo Women's Party. 8:00-11:59 pm. Private dance party for women only (ALL women, at least 21 to enter). Upstairs, Mill Street Grill in Staunton, VA. Music by D.J. Jammin'
Jackie. $15 cover at the door (cash only). Private bar (credit cards accepted).
https://www.facebook.com/events/121012419336953/
Volume 23, Issue 1 March 2020
Page 12
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 28:
17th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters. This is
our year! Mark your calendar for a celebration of equality. Held in Richmond. For details
and to purchase tickets, visit www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Saturday, March 28:
Support Group meeting for Families (at 4:15pm) and Support Group meeting for
youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the 4th Saturday at the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Support groups are
facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project. Questions: (540) 4663320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
JMU Dukes Pride Week, sponsored by Madison Equality, one of JMU’s student-led
LGBTQ+ organizations. Details of events TBA at www.jmu.edu/events/
March 30-April 2:
Tuesday, March 31
Trans Day of Visibility with ALOK: A Political Workshop and Performance, 5:00pm
in the Festival Highland Room at JMU. Trans Day of Visibility is an annual celebration of
trans and non-binary individuals. This year's event will feature Alok Vaid-Menon (https://
www.alokvmenon.com/). Sponsored by SOGIE Programming at JMU.
Friday, April 3:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Friday, April TBA:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored monthly by
Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the date and location of this and
future potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (www.svgla.org/membership).
Monday, April 6 & 20:
LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual group for
LGBTQ+ persons. Sponsored and facilitated by the coordinators of Vibrant Menders and
mental health professionals. Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at
RISE United Methodist Church, 60 W. Market St., H’burg. vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Saturday, April 11:
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBTQ Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC/Trans and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBTQ. Sponsored by
the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, April 13 & 27:
Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of
LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Sponsored and facilitated by Vibrant Menders’ coordinators and two mental health professionals. Meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 W. Market St. H’burg. For more information, contact vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Thursday, April TBA:
Shenandoah Valley Equality’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month
SVE members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their
own meal). Join SVE for dinner (LOCATION and DATE TBA via email and SVE’s Face
book group). So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
by the day before if you plan to attend.
Volume 23, Issue 1 March 2020
Page 13
�COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, April 17
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, April 18:
State-wide S.T.A.R.S. (GSA) Summit, for LGBTQ+ youth and supportive teachers and
adults in Virginia. 9:00am-4:30pm in Richmond. For Details and to register, go to
http://www.sidebysideva.org/stars
Sunday, April 19:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg. Open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
Meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month, 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60
West Market St. in Harrisonburg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Sunday, April TBA:
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center’s Monthly Potluck, usually held from 5:00-7:00pm at 13
W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Contact:(540) 466-3320, hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org or
visit https://www.shenlgbtqcenter.org/calendar
April 24- April 26:
Staunton Pride Festival. Details will be updated at www.stauntonpride.com and https://
www.facebook.com/StauntonPride/
Saturday, April 25:
Support Group meeting for Families (at 4:15pm) and Support Group meeting for
youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the 4th Saturday at the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Support groups are
facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project. Questions: (540) 4663320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Friday, May TBA:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-8:30 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each month
by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the location of this and future
potlucks, join SVE for free or as a voting member (See www.svgla.org/membership).
Friday, May 1:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for YOUTH, 1st Friday of every month, starting at 4:15pm.
Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the Shenandoah
LGBTQ Center Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, May 4 & 18:
LGBTQ+ Support Group in Harrisonburg (ages 14 and older). Casual group for
LGBTQ+ persons (facilitated by Vibrant Menders’ coordinators and mental health profess
sionals). Meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00-8:15pm at RISE United Methodist
Church, 60 W. Market St., H’burg. Contact info: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Saturday, May 9:
Gender Non-Conforming and Adult LGBTQ Peer-to-Peer Support Group Meetings,
held monthly on the second Saturday, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Facilitated by
the ARROW Project. 4:15 pm - GNC/Trans and 5:30 pm - Adult LGBTQ. Sponsored by
the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: (540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Monday, May 11 & 25: Family and Friends Support Group in Harrisonburg. Family members and allies of
LGBTQ+ people (of all ages) welcome. Sponsored and facilitated by Vibrant Menders’
coordinators and two mental health professionals. Meets the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:008:15pm at RISE United Methodist Church, 60 West Market St. Contact information:
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Volume 23, Issue 1 March 2020
Page 14
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, May 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions. Empower your community! Shenandoah
Valley Equality invites you to send information for our quarterly (June-August) issue of
"The Valley ConnectShen" about local LGBTQA organizations, resources, and free events.
Friday, May 15:
Peer-to-Peer Support Group for FAMILIES, 3rd Friday of every month, starting at
4:15pm. Held at the Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Sponsored by the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.Center:(540) 466-3320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Sunday, May 17:
Vibrant Menders Action Group in Harrisonburg. Open to anyone who wants to help us
create programming and events under our three pillars - support, visibility, and education.
Meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month, 1:00 PM at RISE United Methodist Church, 60
West Market St. in Harrisonburg. Contact information: vibrantmendersva@gmail.com.
Thursday, May TBA:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant (each person pays for their own
meal). Join SVE for dinner (DATE & LOCATION TBA via email and SVE’s Facebook
group). So we can reserve enough space, please RSVP to David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the
day before if you plan to attend.
Sunday, May (date TBA): Shenandoah LGBTQ Center’s Monthly Potluck, held from 5:00-7:00pm at 13 W. Bev
erley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Check the Center’s calendar for updates at https://
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org/calendar or contact the Center at :(540) 466-3320
May 21-25:
Virginia Women’s Music Festival. Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for
women, located just off I-64, in Kents Store, VA. Music, dancing, games, bonfires, food,
and more. Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early. Go to campoutva.com for details
and ticket information. Note: The business office is not located at the campground.
Saturday, May 23:
Support Group meeting for Families (at 4:15pm) and Support Group meeting for
Youth ages 16-25 (at 5:30pm), sponsored by and held monthly on the 4th Saturday at the
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, 13 W. Beverley St., 5th floor, Staunton. Support groups are
facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project. Questions: (540) 4663320 or hello@shenlgbtqcenter.org
Saturday, June 20:
Winchester Pride, noon-5:00pm. Details at
https://www.facebook.com/events/605682566880223/
Send ads and events for the March issue of our newsletter (covering June-August)
by May 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule and the Facebook calendar
by the 25th of each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu and
Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Volume 23, Issue 1 March 2020
Page 15
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
______
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
_____
E-mail #2:
_____
[Check Box] I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information
about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�"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 informal group where members get
together or in smaller groups for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and
other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses & organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
��Staunton Pride Festival
April 24-26
Volunteers needed:
www.stauntonpride.org/volunteer
Details will be updated at
www.facebook.com/StauntonPride/
& www.stauntonpride.org
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�May 21-25, 2020
Held at Camp Out, a secluded natural getaway for women,
located in Kents Store. Music, dancing, bonfires and more.
Camping, cabin and RV spaces sell out early.
2020 MUSIC LINEUP
Jamie Anderson • Crys Matthews • Mama's Black Sheep
The Storyweavers • Wicked Jezabel • Christina Havrilla
Bela Bela Rhythm Collective • Red Letter Day • Sister Funk Trio
Indigie Femme • Christy Snow • Heather Mae • SONiA & disappear fear
Gaye Adegbalola • Lana Puckett and Kim Person
See website for information about tickets, map,
worker registration & vendor registration
Group campsites are available for groups of 8 or more.
Tent Rentals: Set up and take down provided by CampOut Staff.
http://www.campoutva.com/music-festival.html
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at a
local Valley restaurant to share a meal. Each
person pays for their own meal. Join SVE for
free or as a voting member (see page 19) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Asking you to give me
equal rights implies that
they are yours to give.
Instead, I must demand
that you stop trying to
deny me rights that
all people deserve.”
― Elizabeth Peratrovich, 1911-1958,
Civil Rights Pioneer for Alaskan First Nations,
helped pass the first non-discrimination
law in the US
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
__________________________________
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," March 2020
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2020 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2020, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2020
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.March.2020.FINAL
Volume 23, Issue 1, March 2020
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/93fd8b0fe68406899d2b704e42d70509.pdf
1fcd59cbb06bbb04cbd47472ecda376d
PDF Text
Text
Volume 24, Issue 2 October 2021
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of
Shenandoah Valley
Equality is to build
inclusive community
for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
EMPOWER
YOUR
COMMUNITY!
On November 2nd, Virginia voters will elect the next
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, all
100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates, and
some local school board members (varies by locality).
So much is at stake for our community.
Election Information and Deadlines
(Membership pg. 13)
———————–
Visit us on
Facebook
www.facebook.com/
groups/60282410939
ShenandoahValley
Equality@gmail.com
———————–
Register to vote or apply for a ballot online:
www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/
The deadline to register to vote is October 12.
The deadline to request a ballot to be mailed to you is
Oct. 22. Your request must be received by 5:00pm.
You may vote early in person NOW through October 30
at your local registration office, Mondays-Fridays (except
holidays), and on two Saturdays (Oct. 23 & 30).
See who is on your ballot - follow the link below.
———————–
Contact the editor
to advertise and/or
submit event
information:
Find us on Facebook
NOVEMBER ELECTIONS:
Equality is always on the ballot.
———————–
Join SVE
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
For details about the information above, go to:
www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/calendarsschedules/upcoming-elections.html
Your vote matters.
�LIVING QUEER HISTORY
LECTURE:
A Conversation Celebrating LGBTQ History Month
featuring author, activist, and public historian
Dr. Gregory Samantha Rosenthal
October 28, 4:00-6:00 PM EST
LIVE VIA ZOOM
Join us for Eastern Mennonite University’s inaugural LGBTQ+ History Month Lecture, including university- and community-based partnerships from across the Shenandoah Valley. Dr. Rosenthal will be speaking about their forthcoming book, Living Queer History:
Remembrance and Belonging in a Southern City, where they discuss their own journey –
coming out and transitioning as a transgender woman – in the midst of working on a
community-based history project.
Queer history is a living practice. Talk to any group of LGBTQ
people today, and they will not agree on what story should be
told. Many people desire to celebrate the past by erecting
plaques and painting rainbow crosswalks, but queer and trans
people in the 21st century need more than symbols—they need
access to power, justice for marginalized people, spaces of belonging. Approaching the past through a lens of queer and trans
survival and world-building transforms history itself into a tool
for imagining and realizing a better future.
Living Queer History tells the story of an LGBTQ community in
Roanoke, Virginia, a small city on the edge of Appalachia. Interweaving historical analysis, theory, and memoir, Gregory Samantha Rosenthal tells the story of their own journey—coming
out and transitioning as a transgender woman—in the midst of
working on a community-based history project that documented
a multigenerational southern LGBTQ community. Based on over
forty interviews with LGBTQ elders, Living Queer History explores how queer people today think about the past and
how history lives on in the present.
Gregory Samantha Rosenthal is Associate Professor of History at
Roanoke College and co-founder of the Southwest Virginia
LGBTQ+ History Project.
Sponsored by the EMU Office of DEI
(CODI@emu.edu)
�The Friendly City Safe Space
serves the LGBTQ+ Community in the Harrisonburg and
Rockingham County area. Find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/FriendlyCitySafeSpace/
�And still we wait. For a return to a more or less
normal world of connection and community.
Please know that SVE is still looking forward to a
time when we can once again safely join together
for regular social events.
Even though that time is not yet at hand, important
events (virtually, locally, and across the state) are
still taking place.
Please see pages 9 and 10 of this newsletter for information about local and state-wide community
organizations.
Please know, too, that those in the SVE community
who are on Facebook have been and are receiving
regular posts, including information about new
laws passed during the 2021 General Assembly session, upcoming election information, and events
from other local community organizations.
If you are not currently receiving that information,
you can join the SVE Facebook group at
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939
�The 8th annual Transgender Information & Empowerment Summit
October 20-23, 2021
TIES is a free conference sponsored by Equality Virginia and the
Virginia Equality Bar Association and serves the needs and interests of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming Virginians of all ages, as well as their friends, family members,
partners, and allies. Register today! The conference will be virtual. Last year’s virtual format allowed more people than ever
to make connections, get information, and access resources.
The event is FREE. Registration is required.
To register, volunteer, and see the schedule, visit
equalityvirginia.org/events/ties-2021
�2021 Elections in Virginia
ARE YOU REGISTERED &
READY TO VOTE?
Key elections will be held for 3 state-level offices:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General,
All 100 seats in the House of Delegates,
and some local school board offices
General election: November 2
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ
community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and
to oppose bills that move us backwards. Stay informed and voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s email list for their
monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
�Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression Programming
works toward promoting James Madison University's commitment to
diversity through education, support, advocacy and the fostering of
equity for all students, inclusive of all sexual orientation or gender
identity and expression.
sogie@jmu.edu
Like us on Facebook @JMU.SOGIE
Follow us on Instagram @jmu.sogie
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
LIKE and FOLLOW Shenandoah Valley Equality on Facebook. We share information
about local events.
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. After the pandemic, SVE hopes to resume our monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, quarterly breakfast, and annual equality forum.
ADVERTISE in our newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
TELL US about local events of particular relevance to our community; we will share
them on our Facebook page.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due
December 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our newsletter, The Valley ConnectShen. Share it with a friend.
ORGANIZE, EDUCATE, AND ADVOCATE for equality, justice, and liberation.
Connect with SVE
Non-voting membership is FREE.
Voting membership is $15 a year.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See pg. 13 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
Love Actually Won (community of conversion therapy survivors and allies in Virginia)
www.facebook.com/LoveActuallyWon/
Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
Free Mom Hugs Virginia—Shenandoah Valley
facebook.com/groups/456758691888492
Friendly City Safe Space
facebook.com/FriendlyCitySafeSpace/
Friendly City Transgender Alliance
www.facebook.com/Friendly-CityTransgender-Alliance-100565454864352/
He She Ze and We (P eer-to-peer support group for adult caregivers of transgender and nonbinary family members) www.heshezewe.org
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU SOGIE Programming
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/sogie
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
JMU Student Organizations
Madison Equality
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
Queers United for Educating STEM Together
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/quest
Shades of Pride
beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/shadesofpride
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Parents and Allies of LGBTQ Students in Rockingham County Public Schools
www.facebook.com/groups/241142777675519
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
�Community Organizations
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Transgender Education Association of Northern Virginia
www.tgeagw.org
Vibrant Menders LGBTQ+ Action Group
vibrantmendersva@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
[State-wide intersectional social justice advocacy organization]
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Additional Resources:
Education/support: Bisexual and Pansexual
biresource.org and robynochs.com
Education/support: Asexual
www.asexuality.org
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
www.nclrights.org
The National Center for Transgender Equality
transequality.org
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should
be listed here? Tell us.
�Friendly City Transgender Alliance
Friendly City Transgender Alliance is a
collective of individuals, who personally
identify as Transgender and/or any form of
self-expression that challenges
traditional binary gender roles.
As an alliance we do not define or
categorize individuals’ personal expressions.
www.facebook.com/Friendly-City-TransgenderAlliance-100565454864352/
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
______
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
_____
E-mail #2:
_____
[Check Box] I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information
about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and last name and
state that you are at least 18 years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�"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 informal group where members get
together or in smaller groups for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and
other events.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
_________________________________
_
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses & organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
��PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Need Support?
Quotable:
“Change does not roll
in on wheels of
inevitability,
but comes through
continuous struggle.”
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
___________
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
_______________________________
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
__________________________________
—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," October 2021
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
October 2021 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2021, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
October 2021
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.October.2021
Volume 24, Issue 2, October 2021
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/2e02b9c350286958927787940c67ff23.pdf
1dc169383ceaaf7aa9a0f3efcadf3a67
PDF Text
Text
Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2016
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Town Hall Forum
SVE Potlucks
Dr. Sue Rankin Lecture at
JMU
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 13)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine Robinson, to
advertise and/or submit event information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Empowering Our Community:
Town Forum in Harrisonburg
On Thursday, October 6, from 7:00-8:30pm, Shenandoah Valley Equality and Equality Virginia will co-host a
town forum called “Empowering our Community” at
the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center (620
Simms Ave.) in Harrisonburg for the LGBTQ community and our allies in the Valley.
This forum is designed to help our community prepare
for the November elections and the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session, and learn how members of our
community can best advocate for equality.
The primary focus of the forum is the 2017 General Assembly session and the main speaker is James Parrish,
Executive Director of Equality Virginia. Every year, EV
monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s
LGBTQ community, helping to introduce and support
pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us
backwards.
Please join us for this important event.
�“The State of Higher Education for LGBTQ People:
Implications for Campus Policies and Programs”
The Madison Caucus for Gender Equality’s annual Dominion Lecture
Dr. Sue Rankin
Wednesday, September 14, 7:00pm, JMU
Madison Union Ballroom (Warren Hall, 5th floor)
Dominion Lecture description: Dr. Rankin will review several of the challenges
facing LGBT faculty, staff, and students. The foundation of the discussion is based
on Dr. Rankin’s 30 years of LGBT research and over 170 campus climate assessments. She will suggest actions that can promote social justice interventions and
policies to critically transform higher education environments.
Dr. Sue Rankin is the Senior Research Associate of Rankin & Associates Consulting and recently retired as Associate Professor of Education in the College Student Affairs Program at
Penn State. She served as a faculty member and researcher at Penn State for nearly 30 years
and also served the administration overseeing Diversity efforts. She has published widely on
the impact of sexism, racism, heterosexism, and transgender oppression in the academy. Dr.
Rankin is a pioneer in campus climate research and is best known for her research assessing
institutional climate and providing program planners and policy makers with recommendations
and strategies for improving the campus climate for underserved communities. Her life’s work
has led to meaningful, measurable differences in the quality of campus life, especially for gender minority and sexual minority faculty, staff, and students in higher education in the U.S.
Contact: Kristi McDonnell, (540) 568-7998 or madisoncaucus@jmu.edu.
Parking will be available in the Grace Street Parking Deck (258 E. Grace St.)
Thank you to our sponsors at JMU:
Office of the Provost
Office of Access and Inclusion
Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Development
Office of Cross Disciplinary Studies and Diversity Engagement
Justice Studies Department
Madison Equality
Visiting Scholars Program
LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
�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 website for meeting information.)
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. Check the website and/or Facebook page for meeting dates.
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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is Nov. 15
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
SVE has adopted a section of highway near Harrisonburg through VDOT.
It’s fun. It’s good exercise. It’s great for our planet.
Join us—our next outing is Saturday, November 5.
Meet us for breakfast at the Little Grill at 8am, then we’ll tidy up the highway afterward. We’ll provide vests, bags, and gloves.
Membership renewals were sent to all Level I
members in July.
Please remember to renew (or join) prior to
December 1, 2016 to vote for (or serve on)
the 2017 Board of Directors.
See page 13 for our membership form.
�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 Employee 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
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly SVGLA) ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
& www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
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—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2016
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Page 6
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 3rd annual Transgender Information
and Empowerment Summit
WHEN:
Saturday, October 22, 2016
WHERE:
VCU Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave., Richmond, VA 23284)
WHAT:
A full day full of workshops, resources, and
community building.
Registration is OPEN and FREE. For more information or
to register, go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
SHENANDOAH VALLEY EQUALITY
is proud to be listed as a “Community
Voice” in support of this event.
�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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is November 15
�SVE’s First Friday Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck hosted by SVE in Harrisonburg/
Rockingham County/Staunton/Augusta County (occasionally Mount Jackson)
for the LGBTQA+ 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 or on private property, we
send location information ONLY to our email list of SVE members and do not
post it through social media or public email lists. To receive emails about FF
and other local SVE events, you can join as a Level 2 member (for free) or as
a Level 1 member (for $15). See page 13 for details on how to join.
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 (SVE’s membership requirement)
to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com – we will add you to our email list.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 10-11.
Volunteer to host the potluck.
Email us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Please visit www.pflagblueridge.org and www.svyesalliance.org for information
about Harrisonburg
Support
Group
Meetings
and Shenandoah
Valley YES!
Full pagePFLAG
ad for
Truth
Wins
Out/Uganda
Story
Alliance Youth Group Meetings.
Friday, September 9:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For info, join SVE as a Level I or II member
(See page 13 for details).
Wednesday, Sept. 14:
Lecture by Dr. Susan R. Rankin, “The State of Higher Education for LGBTQ People:
Implications for Campus Policies and Programs,” at 7:00pm in the Madison Union Ball
room (Warren Hall, 5th floor) at James Madison University. FREE event. The Madison
Caucus for Gender Equality at JMU. Parking will be available in the Grace Street Parking
Deck (258 E. Grace Street). If questions, contact Kristi McDonnell at 540.568.7998 or
madisoncaucus@jmu.edu.
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Location TBA. Join SVE for
updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Sept. 22:
Thursday, October 6:
Empowering our Community: Town Hall Forum, 7 PM. At Lucy Simms School in
Harrisonburg. Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Equality and Equality Virginia
(EV). Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia Gen
eral Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ community. EV works to in
troduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Join us for this forum to prepare for November elections and the 2017 General Assembly
session and learn how members of our community can best advocate for equality.
Friday, October 14:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 13 for how to join ).
Saturday, October 15:
Blue Toad Central Virginia Pride Day, 1-8:00 PM. At Blue Toad Cidery, 462 Winery
Lane, Roseland, VA. For more information, go to CiderFarm@BlueToadHARDCider.com
or 434-760-9200
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. This date is tentative. Location
TBA. Join SVE for updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Oct. 20:
Saturday, October 22
3rd Annual Equality Virginia Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit.
Held at VCU Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave., Richmond). For more information and
to register (FREE), go to www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2016
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, November 4
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro . Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information about the potluck, join SVE as
a Level I or II member (See page 13 for how to join ).
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Saturday, Nov. 5:
SVE Adopt-A-Highway Service Project, 8:00 AM We gather at the Little Grill for
breakfast and then head out for 45 minutes of clean-up work afterward. Join us! We pro
vide safety vests, gloves, and bags. In case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: ELECTION DAY. Make your vote count.
Friday, Nov. 11:
Comic Emma Willman, 8:00 PM. At Court Square Theatre in downtown Harrisonburg.
$15 in advance/$18 at the door . For more information, go to
http://www.valleyarts.org/performances/unitednationsofcomedy/emmawillmann
Tuesday, Nov. 15:
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Thursday, Nov. 17:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. This date is tentative. Location TBA. Join SVE for updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 to join).
Thursday, Dec. 1:
DEADLINE to renew your Level I membership with Shenandoah Valley Equality
in order to vote for or serve on the 2017 Board of Directors (See pg.13 to join).
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit ads and events for the December issue of the Valley Connectshen
by November 15 to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2016
Page 11
�"Out in the Boondocks"
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
SVE wishes to thank
local businesses and
organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Date me!
Book a Tupperware party today and earn
FREE TUPPERWARE! The higher your party’s sales,
the more you earn FREE!
Partying since 1948!
Shannon Huffman
Independent Tupperware Consultant
Bwaterguy05@gmail.com
shannonhuffman.my.tupperware.com
540-421-7017
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with
LGBTQ people, and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and national
communities.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVE 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 SVE 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 SVE 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: Shenandoah Valley Equality, 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 first and last name and state that you are at least 18
years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
All SVE members must be at least 18 years of age to join.
�Blue Toad Central Virginia Pride Day
October 15, 2016, 1:00pm - 8:00pm
At the beautiful High View Farm
462 Winery Lane, Roseland, Virginia
(Just off Route 664)
Questions? Contact us at
CiderFarm@BlueToadHARDCider.com
or 434-760-9200
Www.BlueToadHARDCider.com
�People of Faith for Equality in Virginia is interested in finding
or forming a network of faith-based social justice advocates, congregational representatives and clergy in the Shenandoah Valley.
We need this group to be ready to provide supportive testimony,,
letters, and your presence during the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session in January. Please contact Paula Prettyman, Director,
POFEV at paula.prettyman@pofev.org or (703) 867-7560.
POFEV is an interfaith network of clergy and lay people who have been working together since 2006 for equality for LGBT Virginians. Our mission is to:
Achieve equality for all Virginians regardless of sexuality, gender, and gender
identity and expression
Insure all individuals and families are honored, and
Work together to create and sustain open and welcoming communities of faith
To fulfill our mission, we:
Build and maintain an interfaith network of laypersons and clergy working for
equality and inclusion of all LGBT Virginians in our social, political and religious
life;
Challenge religiously-based intolerance by offering an alternative vision of what
Virginia can be - “the beloved community” that includes and celebrates all and
heals injuries based on sexuality, gender, gender identity and expression, and
related forms of oppression;
Organize congregations, advocate for change, offer educational and devotional
resources, sponsor workshops and forums, host interfaith worship services and
other events, and maintain an active online presence to provide regular faithbased messaging for equality and justice.
http://www.pofev.org/
�
Call for 2017 SVE Board Member Nominations
SVE wants your ideas and energy.
Would you like to serve on the 2015 SVE Board of Directors?
Nominate yourself by December 1.*
Name: ________________________________________
Address ________________________________________
Phone: (____)___________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
E-mail self-nominations to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
*To serve on or vote for the 2017 SVGLA Board, make sure
you have renewed your Level I Membership by December 1
(see pg. 13 for membership form).
Date me!
Book a Tupperware party today and earn
FREE TUPPERWARE! The higher your party’s
sales, the more you earn FREE!
Partying since 1948!
Shannon Huffman
Independent Tupperware Consultant
Bwaterguy05@gmail.com
shannonhuffman.my.tupperware.com
540-421-7017
�Lesbian comic Emma Willmann in Harrisonburg in November
On November 11th you won't want to miss a United Nations
of Comedy Series and Tour production, featuring national
comic Emma Willmann at the Court Square Theater in Harriosonburg at 8pm. For more information about show, go to:
http://www.valleyarts.org/performances/unitednationsofcomedy/emmawillmann
$15 in advance/$18 at the door
One of the top comedians coming out of NYC, Emma Willmann has a variety of projects, including her own comedy show, The Check Spot, on
SiriusXM starting in March. Recently selected to perform at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, she’s also appeared at The
Glasgow International Comedy, the SiriusXM South Beach Comedy Festival, and the New York Comedy Festival. Willmann has been named one
of the “10 Funniest Comics in NYC” in the New York’s Funniest Competition by Caroline’s on Broadway and was named by Time Out NY as one
of the “10 Funniest Woman in NYC.” She was also listed as one of the
“100 Woman We Love,” by GO Magazine. Emma is a crowd favorite at
the Pride Festivals.
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members are invited to meet at a local restaurant in the Valley to share a meal together
and enjoy each other’s company. Join SVE
(see page 17 for details) to receive information about C&C events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“All human beings
are born free and
equal in dignity
and rights.”
�“Trails 4 Tails”
Dog Walk/Run
APRIL 22, 2017 at 8am, JMU Festival Patio
Fundraiser for the
Valley AIDS Network
For more information, contact VAN
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
Contact us
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit in person:
601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor, Suites
322/323/324, Harrisonburg, VA
Mailing Address:
VAN, JMU/IIHHS MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�
In Memory of Dr. Justin Ross Brown
We are sad to share the news that we have lost a beloved member of our community. Dr. Justin Brown passed away on August 11, 2016. Justin was a visiting assistant
professor of Geophysics in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at James Madison University during the 2014-2015 academic year. More recently, he was employed at Kate's Natural Foods.
Justin was an active member of the JMU LGBTQ Employee Group and the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality), and
frequently attended social events and gatherings for both organizations. He was a
good friend to his friends, a witty conversationalist, a fantastic cook, and played a
mean game of tag.
For those who are able and would like to make a contribution in memory of Justin,
please consider making a donation to The Trevor Project (http://www.
thetrevorproject.org/). Click on “Donate,” then “Dedicate my donation in honor or
in memory of someone” and enter his name in the "In memory of . . ." box on the
website.) Shenandoah Valley Equality has donated $100 to The Trevor Project in
memory of Justin.
Justin's family would also like us to encourage those who knew him to become an
organ donor. In the state of Virginia, organ donation is linked to your driver's license. Go to Donate Life Virginia (https://www.donatelifevirginia.org/)
to register as an organ donor.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," September 2016
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
September 2016 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2016, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
September 2016
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.September.2016
Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2016
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/b1a6d400a69fc4afd025bf41f9d80894.pdf
ef061a2f80965f986291ad9564ca8702
PDF Text
Text
Volume 20, Issue 3, September 2017
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Miss Gay Harrisonburg
Pageant
Free Film Screening of
“Training Rules”
Transgender Information &
Education Summit
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Equipping Our Community:
Town Hall Equality Forum in Harrisonburg
Thursday, September 28, 6:30-8pm, Shenandoah Valley Equality, Equality Virginia, and Shenandoah Valley
Pride will co-host a forum called “Equipping our Community” at the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education
Center (620 Simms Ave.) in Harrisonburg, for the
LGBTQ community and our allies in the Valley.
This forum is designed to better prepare our community
to advocate for equality in Virginia in anticipation of the
November 7 elections (for Governor, Lieut. Governor,
Attorney General, and members of the Virginia House
of Delegates) and proposed legislation affecting our
community in the 2018 Virginia General Assembly.
(Membership Form pg. 15)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine Robinson, to
advertise and/or submit event information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
The primary focus of the forum is two-fold: candidates’
positions on LGBT equality and discussion of the bills
that are likely to be introduced to the Virginia General
Assembly in 2018. Learn how to support pro-equality
candidates and legislation and to oppose bills that move
us backwards.
Please join us for this important event.
��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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact: Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN
THE 2017 ELECTIONS?
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
& all 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates
WILL YOU SUPPORT
EQUALITY on November 7?
Every year, EV monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia
General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ
community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and
voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s
email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�Film Screening:
“Training Rules: No Drinking, No Drugging, No Lesbians”
Monday, October 9, 6:00pm, Grafton-Stovall Theatre, JMU
Free and Open to the Public
This film examines how women's collegiate sports, caught in a
web of homophobic practices, collude in the destruction of the
lives and dreams of many of its most talented athletes. Jennifer
Harris, featured in the film, later transferred to JMU to play basketball. She will be present for a discussion after the film.
Sponsored by the Madison Caucus for Gender Equality at JMU
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality
�Sponsors of the 2017 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival
Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA__________________________
Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists
Sara Festivals, Inc
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
Trevor Project
Human Rights Campaign
H.C. LoveCrafts
PFLAG Blue Ridge
RISE United Methodist Faith Community
BB&T
Mama's Caboose
The annual
pride
festival is
organized
by
Shenandoah
Valley
Pride.
Shenandoah Valley Wine Growers Association
KB&T Services
Litt'l TLC Antiques
Rocktown Rollers
Walmart #1344
Rainbows & Stuff
LuLaRoe Martha Kent
Thank you
for
supporting
our
community.
Cricket Wireless
Prism Learning Community
NOVA Pride
Equality Virginia_______________________________________
Shenandoah Valley Equality
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Rainbows & Stuff
Anicira
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Renew Rocktown
Planet Fitness
Harrisonburg Democratic Party
Blue Toad Hard Cider
BoBoKo Indonesian Cafe
Nerdy Dogs Rescue
Dans Concessions
Orange Gerberas
Valley Subaru
MillerCoors
Sentara RMH Medical Center
St. Stephen's United Church of Christ
Rotary Club of Harrisonburg
Valley AIDS Network
LGBT Virginians for Vogel
Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing
Harrisonburg Indivisible
The Gay United States Pageantry System, LLC
Please
support
these
organizations.
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is Nov. 15
Call for 2018 SVE Board Member Nominations
Shenandoah Valley Equality Needs YOU.
Will you volunteer to serve on the 2018 SVE Board of Directors? Nominate
yourself by December 1.* Send your name, phone number, and email address to us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
*To serve on or vote for the 2018 SVE Board, make sure you have joined or renewed
SVE as a Level I Member by December 1 (see pg. 15 for membership form)
Membership renewals were sent to all Level I
members in July.
Please remember to renew (or join) prior to
December 1, 2017 to vote for (or serve on) the
2018 Board of Directors.
See page 15 for our membership form.
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com & www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
�Every October, transgender and gender nonconforming folks are joined
by friends, family, and allies for TIES. The most important aspect of the
Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit is community.
To us, community means trust, solidarity, and a shared respect for people
who are transgender and gender diverse. The summit is an opportunity to
build that community – to learn from and with each other in an intentional
and empowering space. TIES offers information that is designed to meet
the interests and needs of transgender individuals, partners, parents,
youth, and allies to strengthen the transgender community across Virginia!
EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
EV’s 4th annual Transgender Information & Empowerment Summit
WHERE: VCU Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave., Richmond)
WHAT: A full day full of workshops, resources, and community building.
Registration is OPEN and FREE. For more information or to
register, go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
SHENANDOAH VALLEY EQUALITY is proud to be
listed as a “Community Voice” in support of this event.
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is November 15
�SVE’s “First Friday” Community Potluck
First Friday is a monthly community potluck organized by SVE in
Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Staunton, and Augusta County
for the LGBTQA+ community. Every month the event rotates to a
different location. Bring a dish to share.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private
property, we send location information ONLY to our email list of
SVE members and do not post it through social media or public
email lists. To receive emails about FF and other local SVE events,
you can join as a Level 2 member (for FREE) or as a Level 1 member (for $15). See page 15 for details on how to join.
See upcoming potlucks on pages 12-13.
We need hosts!
Email David to host the potluck: lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thurs., Sept. 7:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. For parents, family, friends, and all
ies 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. For more info. contact
facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, Sept. 8:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For info, join SVE (See page 15 for details).
Saturday, Sept. 16
Miss Gay Harrisonburg Pageant, 8-11 PM. At Court Square Theatre in downtown
Harrisonburg. Sponsored by Rhinestone Productions. $5.00 Admission. For more infor
mation and to purchase tickets, go to www.valleyarts.org/performances/2017/9/16/missgay-harrisonburg-pageant-2017-2018
Thursday, Sept 21
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Pano’s Restaurant
& Lounge, 3190 S. Main St. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Thursday, Sept. 28
Equipping our Community: Equality Forum, 6:30-8:00 PM. At Lucy Simms Center,
620 Simms Ave., Harrisonburg. Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Equality and Equality
Virginia, and Shenandoah Valley Pride. Forum is designed to equip our community to
advocate for equality in Virginia ahead of the November 7 elections (for Governor,
Lieut. Governor, Attorney General, and Virginia House of Delegates) and the 2018 Virginia
General Assembly. Help us support pro-equality candidates and legislation in Virginia.
Thurs., Oct. 5:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, Oct. 6:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 15).
Monday, Oct. 9:
Film Screening of Training Rules, 6:00-9:00 PM, at Grafton-Stovall Theatre at JMU;
Free and Open to the Public. Sponsored by the Madison Caucus for Gender Equality,
JMU. This film examines how women's collegiate sports, caught in a web of homophobic
practices, collude in the destruction of the lives and dreams of many of its most talented
athletes. Jennifer Harris, featured in the film, later transferred to JMU to play basketball.
Ms. Harris will be present for a discussion after the film.
Mon., Oct. 16 DEADLINE to register to VOTE on November 7.
Are you registered?
Volume 20, Issue 3, September 2017
Page 12
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Oct. 19:
Saturday, October 21:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join us at Jimmy Madison’s
Southern Kitchen and Bourbon Bar, 121 S. Main St. in downtown Harrisonburg. RSVP by
10/18 to lanedj@jmu.edu
4th Annual Equality Virginia Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit.
Held at VCU Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave., Richmond). For more information and
to register (FREE), go to www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
Thurs., November 2:
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 the
JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. For more info. contact facilitator Mark
at 540-405-1227, mitchmarke@aol.com, or go to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, November 3:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 15).
Tuesday, Nov. 7
ELECTION DAY—VIRGINIA ELECTIONS FOR GOVEROR,
LIEUT. GOV., ATTORNEY GENERAL, & ALL 100 SEATS OF
THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Nov. 15:
Thursday, Nov. 16 :
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Dec. 1:
DEADLINE to renew your Level I membership with Shenandoah Valley Equality
in order to vote for or serve on the 2018 Board of Directors (See pg.13 to join).
Dec. 1:
First Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 15).
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Capital Ale
House at 41 Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg. RSVP by 11/15 to lanedj@jmu.edu
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community resources and events. Empower your community. Submit ads for the December issue
(covering December, January, and February) by November 15 to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 20, Issue 3, September 2017
Page 13
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Contact VAN
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit: 601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor,
Suites 322/323/324, Harrisonburg
Mailing Address: VAN, JMU/IIHHS
MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website: www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with
LGBTQ people, and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and national
communities.
Level 1 Support—$15 per person
Level 1 support helps SVE 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 SVE 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 SVE 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: Shenandoah Valley Equality, 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 first and last name and state that you are at least 18
years of age to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
You must be at least 18 years of age to join SVE.
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 15 for
details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline: www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�People of Faith for Equality in Virginia is interested in finding
or forming a network of faith-based social justice advocates, congregational representatives and clergy in the Shenandoah Valley.
We need this group to be ready to provide supportive testimony,,
letters, and your presence during the 2018 Virginia General Assembly session in January. Please contact Paula Prettyman, Director,
POFEV at paula.prettyman@pofev.org or (703) 867-7560.
POFEV is an interfaith network of clergy and lay people who have been working together since 2006 for equality for LGBT Virginians. Our mission is to:
Achieve equality for all Virginians regardless of sexuality, gender, and gender
identity and expression
Insure all individuals and families are honored, and
Work together to create and sustain open and welcoming communities of faith
To fulfill our mission, we:
Build and maintain an interfaith network of laypersons and clergy working for
equality and inclusion of all LGBT Virginians in our social, political and religious
life;
Challenge religiously-based intolerance by offering an alternative vision of what
Virginia can be - “the beloved community” that includes and celebrates all and
heals injuries based on sexuality, gender, gender identity and expression, and
related forms of oppression;
Organize congregations, advocate for change, offer educational and devotional
resources, sponsor workshops and forums, host interfaith worship services and
other events, and maintain an active online presence to provide regular faithbased messaging for equality and justice.
http://www.pofev.org/
�The Shenandoah Valley Equality Board of Directors sends our love and gratitude to Vickie Lynn,
who served on our Board last year and has moved
from the area.
Best wishes to you, Vickie Lynn!
Thank you to our Level I Members
.
We rely on your annual dues to keep
SVE operating.
Renewal forms for current Level I members were
mailed in July. Renew by December 1 to vote for
the 2018 SVE Board of Directors.
If you are a Level II member, please consider a
Level I membership. See page 15 for details.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," September 2017
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
September 2017 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2017, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
September 2017
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.September.2017.pdf
Volume 20, Issue 3, September 2017
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/b2ba344d786340dabbdee8fda348a870.pdf
ce9b6b361c7eb8b08a965d73bda1a3e9
PDF Text
Text
Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2017
Website: www.svgla.org
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Equality in the Valley
SVE Friday Potlucks
Madison Equality’s Annual
Charity Ball
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 13)
———————–
“Valley Connectshen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December).
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
NEW e-mail address:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Historic Victories in Virginia’s Elections,
“Equality in the Valley,” &
the 2018 General Assembly Session
The November 2017 elections yielded historic electoral victories
for Virginia’s General Assembly, including the first openly
transgender person, Danica Roem, and the first openly lesbian
person, Dawn Adams, in the House of Delegates. Equality Virginia’s Executive Director, James Parrish, has been appointed to
Governor-elect Ralph Northam’s transition team.
Looking ahead: it is important to communicate with your elected representatives in Virginia (the Senate, House of Delegates,
and Governor) about bills/proposed legislation during the Virginia General Assembly in 2018. Who are your representatives
and how can you contact them? virginiageneralassembly.gov/
Join EV for “Equality in the Valley” on
Dec. 12 in Staunton and Dec. 13 in Waynesboro.
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors all legislation introduced to the
Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s
LGBTQ community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality
legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and voice
your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s email list
for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events.
You can sign up to receive information from EV here:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
�“EQUALITY IN THE VALLEY”
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6pm at Staunton Public Library (1 Churchville
Road, Staunton, VA) and
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6pm at the Waynesboro Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship (565 Pine Ave., Waynesboro, VA)
hosted by Equality Virginia
Join EV, your neighbors and friends who support equality for our communities to
take action to pass nondiscrimination protections in Virginia’s General Assembly.
The November elections provide an opportunity like we have never had to move
equality forward.
However, Delegate Dickie Bell, who represents Staunton and
Waynesboro, stands in our way.
Last year, only 8 of Delegate Bell’s constituents used EV’s action platform to let
him know they support equality for LGBT Virginians. We need to change that, and
with you, we can. The majority of Virginians support equality for our community.
Staunton’s daily newspaper’s Editorial Board at The News Leader wrote “Virginia
needs to catch up in guaranteeing LGBT rights” and called on local legislators to
sign EV's nondiscrimination statement.
www.newsleader.com/story/opinion/editorials/2017/09/29/virginia-needs-catch-upguaranteeing-lgbt-rights/714246001/
Join us Dec. 12 in Staunton and Dec. 13 in Waynesboro
Together we will call on Delegate Bell to sign the legislative office nondiscrimination statement and strategize on ways to bring more voices together. You know
Staunton and Waynesboro better than we do and we need your help expanding our
outreach and meeting folks in the community.
Remember, when we are visible — we win!
Together, we will seize this moment and win in 2018.
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
��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
Meeting Information : The location of Harrisonburg PFLAG meetings will be changing in
the future; please visit www.pflagblueridge.org for current information
Contact:
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
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
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is Feb. 15
Shenandoah Valley Equality Needs YOU.
1. JOIN SVE (or renew) as a voting member (only $15/year). We rely on your support to
cover administrative and event costs, such as our annual Shenandoah Valley Equality Forum.
2. CONNECT. SVE organizes the monthly SVE Friday potluck and Conversation & Cuisine dinner in the Valley (and join us for our new “Breakfast & Cuisine” event).
3. HOST SVE’s Friday Potluck (1st or 2nd Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship, park... You provide space, plates, utensils, soft drinks, ice, & cups — guests bring the
rest.
4. ADVERTISE in our newsletter. SUPPORT our advertisers with your business.
5. SHARE information with us about (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our
community and we will include them in our monthly e-calendar and newsletter free.
6. NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations are due Dec. 1
every year). All nominees must be voting (Level I) members of SVE.
7. READ the newsletter and stay informed about local organizations and events that sup-
Connect with Our Community
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 13 for our membership form.
�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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
logcabin.org/chapter/virginia-northern-virginia/
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Equality
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com & www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�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 and public accommodations to people
based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Virginia?
every year, Virginia lawmakers introduce several bills that could harm
our communities?
every year, Virginia lawmakers introduce several bills that could help our
communities?
Make Your Voice Heard
on EV’s Day of Action and
throughout the 2018 General Assembly session.
Join folks from across Virginia for EV’s Day of Action at the Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad St. in Richmond, on Monday,
February 5, 2018. Lobby your elected representatives for bills
that will help improve the state of equality in Virginia, and participate in a day filled with networking and workshops.
For the detailed event schedule and to register, go to
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/dayofaction/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for March newsletter is February 15
�SVE’s Friday Potluck
Every month, usually on either the First or the Second Friday, SVE
organizes a potluck in the Valley (usually in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Staunton, or Augusta County) for the LGBTQA+ community. The event rotates to a different location each month and is
scheduled to accommodate the volunteer host’s preference). Please
bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private
property, we send location information ONLY to our email list of
SVE members and do not post it through social media or public
email lists. To receive emails about the potluck and other local SVE
events, you can join as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member (for $15). See page 13 for details on how to join.
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thurs., Dec. 7:
Harrisonburg PFLAG Support Group Meeting. For parents, family, friends, and all
allies of the LGBT community. 6:30-8:00 PM at Blue Ridge Hall, Room 325, on the
JMU campus, 601 University Blvd in Harrisonburg. For more info. contact facilitator Mark
at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go to www.pflagblueridge.org
Tuesday, Dec. 12:
Fundraiser supporting the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance (see pg. 3 for details)
Dec. 12 & Dec. 13
“Equality in the Valley,” 6:00 PM at the Staunton Public Library, 1 Churchville Ave.
on Dec. 12 in Staunton and Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6pm at the Waynesboro Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship (565 Pine Ave, Waynesboro). Sponsored by Equality Virginia.
Join EV, your neighbors and friends who support equality for our communities to take ac
tion to pass nondiscrimination protections in Virginia’s General Assembly. The November
elections provide an opportunity like we have never had to move equality forward. Togeth
er, we will seize this moment and win in 2018. Light refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, Dec. 14:
Saturday, Dec. 16:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at El Charro, 1580 S.
Main St. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Thurs., January 4
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Friday, January 12:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 12).
Monday, January 15:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Thursday, Jan. 18:
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Dragon Palace,
129 South Carlton Street in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
Saturday, Jan. 20
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM, At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact f
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Thurs., February 1:
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. For
more information contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or mitchmarke@aol.com or go
to www.pflagblueridge.org
Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2017
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, February 2:
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 12).
Friday, February 2:
Annual Charity Ball, sponsored by Madison Equality at JMU; see details on pg. 14
Monday, February 5:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 7 for details and contact information.
February 14
February 15:
Thursday, Feb. 15:
Happy Valentine’s Day
Saturday, Feb. 17
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Saturday, Feb. 24
SVE’s Breakfast & Conversation, 8:00 AM At The Little Grill, 621 N. Main St. in
Harrisonburg. Meet up with Shenandoah Valley Equality members and friends for
breakfast. RSVP by noon on the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu.
Saturday, April
DEADLINE, SVE newsletter submissions to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE at Ruby Tuesday at
111 Burgess Rd. in Harrisonburg. RSVP by the day before to lanedj@jmu.edu
15th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and our supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Reservation information will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
The Valley ConnectShen invites you to submit information about community resources
and events for the calendar. This is a vital service; it helps to make our community
stronger and improves the quality of life for individual members. Empower your community. Send information to us at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit ads for the March issue (covering March, April, and May) by February
15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Submit items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2017
Page 11
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Contact VAN
Main Phone: (540) 432-3308
Testing:
(540) 432-3308
Español:
(540) 908-1889
NEW LOCATION:
963 Reservoir Street, Second Floor,
Harrisonburg
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
[Check Box]
E-mail #2:
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�SAVE THE DATE:
Madison Equality’s annual Charity Ball
raises funds for local non-profits working to
support the LGBTQ local community.
WHEN:
Friday, February 2, 2018
WHERE:
Madison Union Ballroom (5th floor of Warren
Hall), on campus at James Madison University
ADMISSION:
To be Decided
DRESS:
Casual or Semiformal
2018 DESIGNATED CHARITY:
CONTACT:
To be Decided
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
or madisonequality@gmail.org
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 15 for
details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“To every person who’s
ever been singled out,
who’s ever been stigmatized,
who’s ever been the misfit,
who’s ever been the kid in the
corner, who’s ever needed
someone to stand up for them
when they didn’t have
a voice of their own,
this one is for you.”
—Danica Roem—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�People of Faith for Equality in Virginia is interested in finding
or forming a network of faith-based social justice advocates, congregational representatives and clergy in the Shenandoah Valley.
We need this group to be ready to provide supportive testimony,,
letters, and your presence during the 2018 Virginia General Assembly session in January. Please contact Paula Prettyman, Director,
POFEV at paula.prettyman@pofev.org or (703) 867-7560.
POFEV is an interfaith network of clergy and lay people who have been working together since 2006 for equality for LGBT Virginians. Our mission is to:
Achieve equality for all Virginians regardless of sexuality, gender, and gender
identity and expression
Insure all individuals and families are honored, and
Work together to create and sustain open and welcoming communities of faith
To fulfill our mission, we:
Build and maintain an interfaith network of laypersons and clergy working for
equality and inclusion of all LGBT Virginians in our social, political and religious
life;
Challenge religiously-based intolerance by offering an alternative vision of what
Virginia can be - “the beloved community” that includes and celebrates all and
heals injuries based on sexuality, gender, gender identity and expression, and
related forms of oppression;
Organize congregations, advocate for change, offer educational and devotional
resources, sponsor workshops and forums, host interfaith worship services and
other events, and maintain an active online presence to provide regular faithbased messaging for equality and justice.
http://www.pofev.org/
�Vote for the 2018 SVE
Board of Directors
Ballots for the 2018 SVE Board of Directors will be
sent in the new year to Level I (voting) members
who renewed their membership by December 1,
2017. Results will be announced at the Annual SVE
Membership Meeting (which will coincide with
February’s SVE Friday Potluck).
Thank you for supporting us!
��
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," December 2017
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2017 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2017, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2017
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.September.2017.pdf
Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2017
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/cb6a41b67990d7e409180ea29650af7a.pdf
d84ee7bfc20707de3a0bf0dd3fd10064
PDF Text
Text
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
www.svgla.org
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
TH E VALL EY C O N N EC TSH EN
THE VALLEY CONNECTSHEN
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Mission Statement:
The mission of Shenandoah Valley Equality is to
build inclusive community for LGBTQ people in
the Shenandoah Valley.
———————–
Community Events (inside)
Staunton Pride
SVE Friday Potlucks
Transgender Summit
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVE
(Membership Form pg. 16)
———————–
“Valley ConnectShen”
is published quarterly
(March, June, September,
and December)
———————–
Contact the editor,
Christine, to advertise
and/or submit event
information:
ShenandoahValleyEquality
@gmail.com
Judy Shepard stumping for Valley
Congressional Candidate Jennifer Lewis
Judy Shepard & Jennifer Lewis: A Reception
Judy Shepard is visiting the Valley for a fundraising
reception in support of Jennifer Lewis, Congressional Candidate for the US House of Representatives.
Judy Shepard, advocate for LGBTQ rights and
mother of Matthew Shepard, has been an unrelenting champion in the fight against bigotry and inequality. This year marks the 20th year since Matthew
Shepard was fatally tortured near Laramie, Wyoming. Judy and her husband, Dennis, are devoting
even more of their time to their life’s mission - and
Judy is supporting Jennifer Lewis for Congress, a
candidate who shares their vision for a world without
hatred...
The event is September 13, 2018, from 6-8pm at
Mill Street Grill in Staunton: 1 Mill Street. Staunton,
VA (second floor). Hors d'oeuvres will be served,
and guests may enjoy the cash bar.
Tickets are available at
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sheplew
This event is open to the press.
�First Pride Festival in Staunton
Friday, October 5
Pride movie screening. Details and ticket information TBA
Saturday, October 6
Main stage events, vendors, beer garden, food trucks, drag show
Volunteers needed:
www.stauntonpride.org/volunteer
Hosted by:
Staunton Pride
LGBT Technology Partnership and Institute
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
SAW Citizen Action Network
Details will be updated at
www.facebook.com/events/1124439161065915/ &
www.stauntonpride.org
�Every October, transgender and gender-nonconforming folks are joined by
friends, family, and allies for a full day of workshops at the Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit. The most important aspect of TIES
is community. To us, community means trust, solidarity, and a shared respect for people who are transgender and gender diverse. The summit is an
opportunity to build that community – to learn from and with each other in
an intentional and empowering space. TIES offers information that is designed to meet the interests and needs of transgender individuals, partners,
parents, youth, and allies to strengthen our community across Virginia. This
event is FREE—registration required: Visit www.equalityvirginia.org/
ties/ to register and see the schedule.
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
1651 E. Parham Road in Richmond (Free/accessible parking)
Shenandoah Valley
Equality
is proud to be a
“Community Voice”
in support of TIES
every year.
�PFLAG Blue Ridge
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
Charlottesville Trans* Families Group Meetings
When: 3r d Satur day of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: ASG, 315 Tenth St. NE, Char lottesville, VA
22902 (corner of 10th & Jefferson)
Contact: Facilitator Kar en at 434-882-3453 or
karenmeandering@gmail.com
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.
SIDE BY SIDE is dedicated to
creating supportive communities
where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth
can define themselves, belong,
and flourish.
See our website for C’ville
youth group meetings
http://www.sidebysideva.org/
Youth Support Line:
888-644-4390
�Affirming Religious Communities in the Valley
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists
4101 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
540-867-0073; office@huuweb.org; www.huuweb.org
RISE: a United Methodist Faith Community
60 W. Market St., Harrisonburg 22801
540-324-3241; riseharrisonburg@gmail.com; www.riseharrisonburg.com
Trinity Presbyterian Church
725 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; 540-434-9556
stephanie@trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org
www.trinitypresbyterianharrisonburg.org/
Stephens City
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley
6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655
(540) 869-6965; minister@uushenandoah.org; www.ushenandoah.org
Waynesboro
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro
565 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 942-5507; minister@uufw.org or mpnash1@gmail.com; www.uufw.org
Winchester
St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Episcopal Church
1527 Senseny Rd., Winchester, Virginia 22606
(540) 667-8110; stpaulswinchester@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/pg/StPaulsWinchester
Want to be listed here? Take Equality Virginia’s survey:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/faith-communities/
�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
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is Nov. 15
WAYS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
JOIN SVE. Non-voting membership is FREE; voting membership is only $15/year
CONNECT. SVE organizes a monthly potluck and dinner meet-up, a quarterly breakfast,
and an annual equality forum. We also share information about other local events.
st
nd
HOST our Friday Potluck (1 or 2 Friday) at your home, workplace, house of worship,
park...You provide space, plates, utensils, and soft drinks — guests bring the rest.
ADVERTISE in our newsletter (see this newsletter for ad prices and sizes)
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS with your business and referrals.
SHARE (non-commercial) events of particular relevance to our community and we will include them in our monthly e-calendar and newsletter FREE.
NOMINATE yourself to serve on SVE’s Board of Directors (nominations due Dec. 1 every year). All nominees must be voting members.
READ our quarterly newsletter.
SIGN UP on our Facebook page
VOTE for candidates who support equality for our community on November 6
Connect with SVE
Voting membership is $15 a year.
Non-voting membership is FREE.
You must be at least 18 to join.
See page 16 for membership information.
�Community Organizations
Alliance for A Progressive Virginia
apvonline.org
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
https://www.facebook.com/michellemarie51/
Equality Virginia
www.equalityvirginia.org
EMU Safe Space
www.emu.edu/studentlife/clubs/safe-space/
JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
www.jmu.edu/lgbtfacultystaff
JMU LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
www.jmu.edu/lgbta/
JMU Madison Caucus for Gender Equality
www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
lgbtvadem.org/
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
http://www.logcabinrepublicansva.org/index.html
Madison Equality JMU
www.facebook.com/madisonequality
PFLAG Blue Ridge
pflagblueridge.org and pflagbr@gmail.com
Safe Zone JMU
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
www.shenlgbtqcenter.org
Shenandoah Valley Equality
www.svgla.org
Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
Staunton Pride
www.stauntonpride.org
Students Out Understanding & Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin College
www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
Southerners on New Ground—Harrisonburg
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Department of Health—Transgender Health Services and Support
www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/diseaseprevention/transgender-health-services-support/
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
w w w .vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Do you know of a local or state-wide organization that should be listed here? Tell us.
�EV is Virginia’s state-wide, non-partisan education, outreach,
& advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN
THE 2018 ELECTIONS?
WILL YOU SUPPORT
EQUALITY on November 6?
Every year, EV monitors all legislation introduced to the Virginia
General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s LGBTQ
community, helping to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backwards.
Stay informed about legislation affecting our community, and
voice your support or opposition to specific bills by joining EV’s
email list for their monthly newsletter, action alerts, and events:
www.equalityvirginia.org/resources/
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
www.equalityvirginia.org
�How can you help EV’s work in Virginia?
Phone bank. Help us connect with more supporters of LGBT people. We’ll provide a quick and fun tutorial on phone banking before it happens – the best part
is that you can do this from the comfort of your home.
Donate to support our organizing efforts – even $5 goes a long way!
Pledge to make your neighborhood more LGBT-inclusive. Here are two ways:
Equality Means Business: EMB is an opportunity for locally-owned businesses to publicly state that they don’t discriminate against customers or employees who are gay or
transgender. EMB members make a promise that their business is a safe and welcoming
place for LGBT people to work and shop. Ask your favorite locally-owned business to join
EMB. Here’s a link to the online membership form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexJZhNlh5yWN4DcCioa0r-fZG-t58BORTW4niPUKkpE6gj2w/view
You can print and mail a PDF version of the form:
virginiafairness.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Updated-EMB-Form-8-24-17.pdf
To see who’s already a member, go to this link to view the directory:
virginiafairness.org/equality-means-business-2/emb-online-directory/
Reach out to Local Leaders: These elected officials have signed EV’s statement supporting legislation and policies that include adding sexual orientation and gender
identity in workplace, housing, and public accommodation policies:
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/what-we-do/connecting-with-elected-officials/resources-for-connecting-with-localleaders/local-leaders-for-fairness/
You can ask any locally-elected official in your area to sign the statement of support
http://www.equalityvirginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Local-Leaders-for-Fairness-Statement-of-Support.pdf
(Remember, this only applies to locally-elected leaders, not state-level representatives).
�We are a lay-led, religious community offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“Standing on the Side of Love”
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 ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Deadline for December newsletter is November 15
�HCHC offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, behavioral health, care
management (formerly the Valley AIDS Network), women’s health, and primary care
(pediatrics through adult). Interpretation services are available for patients in all areas of
health and dental services.
Visit hburgchc.org or contact by phone:
SCHEDULING
Main Site: 540-433-4913
Dental: 540-236-3688
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL
540-433-4913
�SVE’s monthly Friday Potluck
Every month, usually the 1st or 2nd Friday, SVE organizes a potluck in the Valley
for the LGBTQA+ community. Volunteer members of SVE rotate hosting the
event. Guests bring a dish to share. No RSVP needed.
Because the event is usually held in private homes or on private property, we email location information to SVE members only and do not publicly share or post
it through social media. To receive emails about the potluck and other events, join
as a non-voting member (for FREE) or as a voting member (for $15). See pg. 16 to
join SVE and pgs. 11-12 for the schedule of events.
Would you like to host the potluck in your home, workplace, house of worship,
or other setting? Hosts provide paper plates, eating utensils, and soft dr inks.
Guests bring a dish to share (BYOB if you prefer wine or beer).
We need a host for November and December—
email David to volunteer: lanedj@jmu.edu
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, September 7
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 16).
Thursday, Sept. 13:
Judy Shepard & Jennifer Lewis: A Reception, 6:00-8:30pm at The Mill Street Grill in
Staunton. See page 1 for details. Tickets are availa ble at:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sheplew
Saturday, Sept. 15:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Thursday, Sept. 20:
October 5-7
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE (see pg. 16) to receive
updated event information about the location. So we can reserve enough space, please
email David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
Staunton Pride Festival. See page 2 for information; visit www.stauntonpride.org for updated information.
October 11
National Coming Out Day
Friday, October 12
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 16).
Saturday, Oct. 13:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM, At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact f
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Saturday, Oct. 20 :
5th Annual Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit, sponsored by
Equality Virginia. To be held J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond.
To register and for details, go to www.equalityvirginia.org/ties/
October 21-23
Beyond Pink & Blue: Transitions & Transgender Care: A Regional Pastoral Care
Confer ence. Sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA) in Charlottesville
REGISTRATION IS OPEN. The event website is being updated as the event is being
planned: https://innovation.sfts.edu/transgender-care/ The goal of the conference is to
increase awareness, support, and compassion for members of the trans community and
allies. Contact Winston Barham (barhawk@gmail.com) if you have questions.
October 26
Intersex Awareness Day
Tuesday, November 6: VIRGINIA ELECTION DAY, Virginia’s members of the US House of Representatives
and one of Virginia’s two US senators will be elected, as well as candidates for local (city
and county) governments
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
Page 13
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 2 or 9
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 16).
We need a HOST for November's SVE Friday Potluck. Please email David at
lanedj@jmu.edu if you are willing to host the potluck.
Saturday, Nov. 10:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
Tuesday, Nov. 13
November 15:
Thursday, Nov.15:
JMU Transgender Day of Remembrance Speaker; 7-9PM in the Madison Union Ball
room. Open to members of the JMU community and the general public.
SVE NEWSLETTER DEADLINE. We invite you to send information for our quarterly (December-February) issue of "The Valley ConnectShen" about local LGBTQA
community organizations and free events and we'll include this information free. This is a
vital service; it helps to make our community stronger and improves the quality of life for
individual members. Send information to ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month Shenandoah Valley Equality
members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Join SVE (see pg. 16) to receive
updated event information about the location. So we can reserve enough space, please
email David at lanedj@jmu.edu by the day before if you plan to attend.
December 1
Friday, Dec. 7 or 14
World AIDS Day
Saturday, Dec. 8:
Charlottesville Trans Families Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM At ASG, 315 Tenth St., NE,
Charlottesville (at the corner of 10th and Jefferson). For more information, contact
facilitator Karen by email at karenmeandering@gmail.com or by phone at 434-882-3453
SVE Friday Potluck, 6:30-9:00 PM, Augusta & Rockingham Counties, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, and Waynesboro. Potluck for the LGBTQA community sponsored each
month by Shenandoah Valley Equality. For information, join SVE (See page 16).
We need a HOST for December's SVE Friday Potluck. Please email David at
lanedj@jmu.edu if you are willing to host the potluck.
Send ads for the December issue (covering Dec, Jan. and Feb.) by
Nov. 15 to Christine at ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
Send items for the monthly SVE e-mail events schedule by the 25th of
each month to David at lanedj@jmu.edu
Volume 21, Issue 2, June 2018
Page 14
�"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 informal group where members get together or in smaller groups
for meals, hiking movies, live performances, kayaking, and other events.
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVE thanks businesses
& organizations that
advertise in our
newsletter.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list
for events, send your name and e-mail
address to Claire Hollady at
clhollady@gmail.com
Impulse Gay Social Club
Primary Care
Behavioral Health
Dental
Women’s Health
Prenatal Care
Care Management (formerly The Valley
AIDS Network)
hburgchc.org
Coming to Waynesboro
in 2019
https://impulse-gsc.com/
�EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
We need your support to continue as a viable and evolving community
presence working on your behalf. The goals of SVE are:
to gather and communicate important community information;
to collaborate with allies and LGBTQ-friendly organizations;
to organize events within the greater Valley area for social and educational networking with LGBTQ people; and
to advocate for full LGBTQ equality, dignity, and inclusion in the Valley, state, and
national communities.
Level 1 (voting) Membership $15 per person (from July-July)
Your support helps with administrative costs through the year. Members receive:
An e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about SVE events
A vote for members of the SVE Board of Directors (MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE
BY DECEMBER 1 TO VOTE FOR AND/OR SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS).
Level 1 Membership: Please include a check for $15 for each person and send this
form to: Shenandoah Valley Equality, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Name #1
Name #2
Address #1:
Address #2:
E-mail #1:
E-mail #2:
[Check Box]
I/we verify that I am/we are at least 18 years of age.
Level 2 (non-voting) Membership— FREE
Level 2 members receive an e-mailed version of the newsletter and advance information about all SVE events. To join as a non-voting member, email your first and
last name and state that you are at least 18 years of age to
ShenandoahValleyEquality@gmail.com
�What is SVE’s
“Conversation & Cuisine”?
Once a month, Shenandoah Valley Equality
members (and friends) are invited to meet at
a local restaurant in the Valley to share a
meal together. Join SVE (see page 14 for
details) to receive information about C&C
events by e-mail.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project
works to address and end violence,
with a specific focus on LGBTQ
communities across Virginia.
Call our LGBTQ Partner Abuse
and Sexual Assault Helpline:
1.866.356.6998 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm
Quotable:
“Fight for things that
you care about,
but do it in a way
that will lead others to
join you.”
—Ruth Bader Ginsburg—
Need Support?
Trevor Crisis Intervention Line
(LGBT+): www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Trans Lifeline:
www.translifeline.org
1-877-565-8860 (staffed by trans*
people for trans* people in crisis)
I'm alive support chat:
www.imalive.org
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
�
Thank you for supporting SVE.
Renewal forms for current Level 1
(voting) SVE members were mailed
in July.
Renew by December 1 to vote for
and/or nominate yourself to serve on
the 2019 Shenandoah Valley Equality
Board of Directors.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Valley ConnectShen," September 2018
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
September 2018 newsletter "The Valley ConnectShen" published by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association).
The newsletter is incorrectly titled "June 2018" on the header of the periodical. It is also incorrectly categorized as "Issue 2."
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2018, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
September 2018
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE.Newsletter.September.2018.pdf
Volume 21, Issue 3, September 2018
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/ec2262daf771ade7ccbf2850ab86ddca.pdf
dd868a434d663868b9a732918ae69af5
PDF Text
Text
Equipping Our Community:
2020 Equality Forum in Harrisonburg
On Sunday, January 12, from 3:00-4:30pm, SVE and Equality
Virginia will co-host a forum in Harrisonburg (specific location
TBA soon) for the LGBTQ community and our allies. This event
will prepare our community to advocate for equality and to learn
about bills in the 2020 Virginia legislative session regarding
sexual orientation and gender identity. The panel will include:
William Martin, EV’s Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau
Grayson Sless, Board Member of SVE
James Parrish, Executive Director, Equality Virginia
Please join us for this important event.
Event updates at SVE’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/groups/60282410939/
Moving Equality Forward
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
2020 Equality Forum Announcement
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
Digital announcement and description advertising "Equipping Our Community: 2020 Equality Forum" held in Harrisonburg Virginia on January 12 2020.
The event was hosted by Shenandoah Valley Equality with the assistance of Equality Virginia.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: Ephemera Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
January 2020
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE0048 2020.Equality.Forum
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/54d9e4b6176ed2803e09c4b5aa53ffd8.pdf
f75c6ad0c87d73e94d23b1ae8a8ebbc8
PDF Text
Text
VIEW OBITUARIES
MCMULLEN FUNERAL HOME
Robert "Bob" Francis Green
April 12, 1944 - July 10, 2023
SHARE:
SEND FLOWERS
SEND A
CARD
GUESTBOOK
ORDER
FLOWERS
FOR
THE
FAMILY
SHOW
YOUR
SYMPATHY
TO
THE
FAMILY
PLANT TREES
IN
REMEMBRANCE
ROBERT "BOB"'S OBITUARY
CONDOLENCES
Robert Francis “Bob” Green, 79, formerly of Singers Glen, Virginia passed away
July, 10, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was born April 12, 1944 , in Burlington, Vermont. Bob got his BS at Syracuse
University, NY in Political Science and his MBA at George Washington University
in Washington DC. Bob spent his entire working career at the US Government
Printing Office in Washington DC in their Labor Relation Department.
Bob had so many dear friends that loved to party with him at his Singers Glen
House, in Singers Glen Virginia where he lived for 28 years. They would get
together and play Bridge at all hours of the night.
Bob is survived by his sisters, Karla Young of Virginia, Pamela Clift of Arizona; and
his brother Adam Green of Nevada.
A Celebration of Life for Robert “Bob” Francis Green will be held on Sunday, July
16, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Harrisonburg Unitarian Fellowship,
4101 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Harrisonburg/Rockingham SPCA, PO Box, 413, Harrisonburg, VA 22803.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting
www.mcmullenfh.com.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
REST IN PEACE.
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�VIEW OBITUARIES
MCMULLEN FUNERAL HOME
SEND FLOWERS
Express your condolences with
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family
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REMEMBRANCE
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trees in their memory.
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Share your thoughts and
memories of Robert "Bob"
Share your thoughts and
memories with family and
friends of Robert "Bob"
VIEW & SIGN
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MCMULLEN FUNERAL HOME
5784 Greenmount Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
(540) 833-2891
(540) 833-6121
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�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Robert Green Obituary
Subject
The topic of the resource
Green, Robert "Bob" Francis (1944-2023)
Description
An account of the resource
Digital obituary for Robert "Bob" Francis Green of Singers Glen Virginia.
Bob was a leader of Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association) and served as secretary of that organization for many years.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Unknown
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: Ephemera Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 2023
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Relation
A related resource
SVE0048 2020.Equality.Forum
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVE0050 Obituary _ Robert _Bob_ Francis Green _ McMullen Funeral Home_SVGASecretary
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/c561ad8e07fb458ddd9b7c00cd413efa.pdf
cf4de36b75d980f77cb704144a673a93
PDF Text
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 18, Issue 4, December 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
LGBTQ Historic Places in Virginia
Mission Statement:
In 2014, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced
The purpose of the
a new National Park Service Heritage initiative to identify
Shenandoah Valley Gay
and Lesbian Association places and events associated with LGBTQ individuals for inis to create a safe, affirm- clusion in the parks and programs of the agency. As a result,
ing, and fun environment the LGBTQ Heritage Advisory Group was created in Virginwhere members are emia’s State Historic Preservation Office and has collected inpowered to reach their
formation for a LGBTQ Historic Resources Map which will
full human potential.
continually be updated.
———————–
Community Events
(see details inside)
Charity Ball
First Friday Potlucks
EV Day of Action
———————–
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
According to the DHR (www.dhr.virginia.gov/NewDominion/
indexLGBTQ.htm), the goals of this initiative include:
Engaging scholars, preservationists and community members to identify, research, and tell the stories of LGBTQ associated properties;
Encouraging national parks, national heritage areas, and
other affiliated areas to interpret LGBTQ stories associated
with them;
Identifying, documenting, and nominating LGBTQassociated sites as National Historic Landmarks
Increasing the number of listings of LGBQ-associated
properties in the National Register of Historic Places.
DHR has posted an online form to receive suggestions, stories, or other facts about the LGBTQ movement in Virginia.
The agency will use the information gathered to update the
resources and the Virginia LGBTQ Heritage Map, which currently includes hospitals, restaurants, clubs, religious organizations, art galleries, and more.
�SAVE THE DATE:
Madison Equality’s annual Charity Ball
WHAT:
Charity Ball dance/concert/fundraiser
WHEN:
February 5, 2016, TIME TBA
WHERE:
Madison Union Ballroom (5th floor of Warren Hall),
on campus at James Madison University
COST:
$10 for non-Madison Equality dues-paying members
DRESS:
Casual or Semiformal
2016 DESIGNATED CHARITY:
To Be Announced
CONTACT: madisonequality@gmail.org
�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 March newsletter is February 15
Help us be good neighbors in our community.
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.
Join us—our next outing is Saturday, March 19.
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 March newsletter is Feb. 15
�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
www.jmu.edu/safezone/
Shenandoah Valley Pride
www.shenandoahvalleypride.org
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—Harrisonburg
SVGLA
southernersonnewground.org/harrisonburg/
www.svgla.org and SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
1.866.356.6998 (helpline) & virginiaavp.org/
Virginia Organizing
www.virginia-organizing.org/issues
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 18, Issue 4, December 2015
www.vapartisans.org/
www.faith4equality.org/
Page 6
�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 ion EV’s Day
of Action at the Library of Virginia on 800 East Broad St. in
Richmond, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. 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
Equality Virginia: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
�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 March newsletter is February15
�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.
Volunteer to host in 2016.
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 10:
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.
Full page ad for Truth Wins Out/Uganda Story
Thursday, Dec. 17:
SVGLA’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month SVGLA members and
friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant . This date is tentative. Location TBA. Join
SVGLA for updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Jan. 7:
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, Jan. 7.
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
Saturday, Jan. 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, Jan. 15:
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 ).
Monday, Jan. 18:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 21:
SVGLA’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month SVGLA members and
friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant . This date is tentative. Location TBA. Join
SVGLA for updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Feb. 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
Volume 18, Issue 4, December 2015
Page 10
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
Thursday, Feb. 4:
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
Friday, February 5:
Charity Ball, sponsored by Madison Equality at JMU; see details on page 2
Tuesday, February 9:
Equality Virginia Day of Action, See page 7 for details and contact information.
Friday, February 12:
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 ).
Sunday, Feb. 14:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Monday, Feb. 15:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
SVGLA’s Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-8:30pm. Once a month SVGLA members and
friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant . This date is tentative. Location TBA. Join
SVGLA for updated information about C&C events (See pg.13 for how to join).
Thursday, Feb. 18:
Friday, March 4:
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, March 19:
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.
Saturday, April 16
13th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and their supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Reservation information will be available in January at www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/
Submit items for the monthly SVGLA e-mail events schedule by the 25th
of each month to lanedj@jmu.edu
Submit events, ads and other items for the March issue of the newsletter
by February 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 18, Issue 4, December 2015
Page 11
�Call for 2016 SVGLA
Board Nominations*
Support our Advertisers,
Empower your Community.
SVGLA needs your
SVGLA wishes
to thank local
businesses and organizations that advertise in
our newsletter.
ideas and energy.
To nominate yourself to serve
on the 2016 SVGLA Board of
Directors, send your name and
phone number to
SVGLAssociation@gmail.org
by January 15.
*Level I members who have
joined or renewed their membership by December 1, 2015 are eligible to nominate and/or vote.
�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.
�Valley AIDS Network
FREE HIV/AIDS TESTING
VAN offers quick and free testing here in Harrisonburg.
READY TO HELP?
Consider volunteering or making an online donation.
FOOD PANTRY
VAN has an on-site food pantry for those in need. We’re
here to help!
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE
Need help getting around? VAN offers transportation
access to and from doctor appointments.
Contact us
Main Phone:
Testing:
Español:
(540) 568-8838
(540) 568-8832
(540) 568-8834
Visit in person:
601 University Blvd., 3rd Floor, Suites
322/323/324, Harrisonburg, VA
Mailing Address:
VAN, JMU/IIHHS MCS 9108, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website:
www.valleyaidsnetwork.org
�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
Public Comment Period for Virginia Gender Marker Change
Equality Virginia and the National Center for Transgender Equality have asked
the Virginia Department of Health to make it easier for a transgender person
born in Virginia to get their gender changed on their birth certificate. The details
of the request will be posted to www.townhall.virginia.gov. Public comment will be accepted between December 14 and January 4 and may be
posted online or sent to the State Board of Health. A decision will be made
within 90 days of January 4, 2016.
Quotable:
“I have three messages. One
is we should never give up.
Two is you are never too old
to chase your dreams. And
three is it looks like a solitary
sport, but it takes a team.”
Diana Nyad,
World Record Marathon Swimmer
�The Old Furnace Artist Residency in Harrisonburg
(oldfurnace.tumblr.com/) is planning to host a workshop titled Invasive: Queer Kudzu with artist Aaron
McIntosh in January or February of 2016.
For the workshop, participants would transpose our
(queer) life stories over onto fabric kudzu leaves. The
leaves will be later assembled for future exhibitions to
uplift the lives, stories, and memories of queer southerners. The details of the workshop (time/location) are not
yet available.
If you are interested in participating or have questions,
contact Jon Henry at henryjw@dukes.jmu.edu
No arts background is needed or required.
For more information about the artist, Aaron McIntosh,
and the workshop, visit wwwinvasivequeerkudzu.com/
�Vote for the 2016 SVGLA
Board of Directors
Ballots for the 2016 SVGLA Board of Directors will
be sent in March to Level I members who renewed
their membership by December 1, 2015. Results
will be announced at the Annual SVGLA Membership Meeting (which will coincide with SVGLA’s
April First Friday potluck).
Thank you for supporting us!
�Happy Holidays and Good Tidings for 2016!
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Family ConnectShen," December 2015
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
December 2015 newsletter "The Family ConnectShen" published by the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2015, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2015
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVGLA Newsletter December 2015 FINAL
Volume 18, Issue 4, December 2015
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/87a83eb6abbc5713ae7d11fba507b076.pdf
cc6f887654a153fa302ab82984d1f49b
PDF Text
Text
A+ Pet Siting
Volume 17, Issue 1, March 2014
Website:
www.svgla.org
THE FAMILY
CONNECTSHEN
T HE FAMILY CONNECT SHEN
Mail:
P.O. Box 1023
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Email:
SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Bostic v. Rainey Historic Marriage Ruling in Virginia
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)
Indigo Dance Party
Rebecca Kling
Gay Men’s Chorus
———————–
EMPOWER YOUR
COMMUNITY!
Join SVGLA
(Membership Form pg. 12)
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
———————–
The SVGLA “Family
Connectshen” is published quarterly (in
March, June, September, and December).
A federal court decision on February 13, 2014, found Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, but
stayed enforcement of that decision pending appeal. This landmark decision ends with a conclusion worth pondering, a conclusion memorable both for its awareness of history and its emotional force. It follows below.
Each of the parties before the Court recognizes that marriage is a sacred social institution.
The commitment two individuals enter into to love, support each other, and to possibly
choose to nurture children enriches our society. Although steeped in a rich, tradition- and
faith-based legacy, Virginia's Marriage Laws are an exercise of governmental power. For
those who choose to marry, and for their children, Virginia's laws ensures that marriage provides profound legal, financial, and social benefits, and exacts serious legal, financial, and social obligations. The government's involvement in defining marriage, and in attaching benefits that accompany the institution, must withstand constitutional scrutiny. Laws that fail that
scrutiny must fall despite the depth and legitimacy of the laws' religious heritage.
The Court is compelled to conclude that Virginia's Marriage Laws unconstitutionally deny
Virginia's gay and lesbian citizens the fundamental freedom to choose to marry. Government
interests in perpetuating traditions, shielding state matters from federal interference, and favoring one model of parenting over others must yield to this country's cherished protections
that ensure the exercise of the private choices of the individual citizen regarding love and
family.
Ultimately, this is consistent with our nation's traditions of freedom. "[T]he history of our
Constitution ... is the story of the extension of constitutional rights and protections to people
once ignored or excluded." United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, 557 (1996). Our nation's
uneven but dogged journey toward truer and more meaningful freedoms for our citizens has
brought us continually to a deeper understanding of the first three words in our Constitution: we the people. "We the People" have become a broader, more diverse family than once
imagined. Justice has often been forged from fires of indignities and prejudices suffered. Our
triumphs that celebrate the freedom of choice are hallowed. We have arrived upon another
moment in history when We the People becomes more inclusive, and our freedom more perfect.
Almost one hundred and fifty four years ago, as Abraham Lincoln approached the cataclysmic rending of our nation over a struggle for other freedoms, a rending that would take his
life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of others, he wrote these words: "It can not have
failed to strike you that these men ask for just. . . the same thing—fairness, and fairness only. This, so far
as in my power, they, and all others, shall have. "
The men and women, and the children too, whose voices join in noble harmony with Plaintiffs today, also ask for fairness, and fairness only. This, so far as it is in this Court's power,
they and all others shall have.
Arenda L. Wright Allen, United States District Judge
February 13, 2014 Norfolk, Virginia
�An Evening with Artist-Educator Rebecca Kling
Monday, March 17, Taylor Down Under, JMU
Rebecca Kling is a transgender artist and educator who explores gender and identity through solo pieces and educational
workshops. Her multidisciplinary performances incorporate
conversational storytelling, personal narrative, humor, movement, video projection, and more. Kling takes the position that
sharing accessible queer narrative with a wide audience is a
form of activism and that understanding combats bigotry
Sponsored by Madison Equality
��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:
Where:
Contact:
Note:
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Hall, Room 309, 601 University Blvd, JMU (note new location)
Facilitator Mark at mitchmarke@aol.com or 540-405-1227
Meetings coincide with Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Youth Group
Charlottesville
When:
Where:
Contact:
3rd Saturday of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (note our new day and time)
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 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 June newsletter is May 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.
�Community Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
acluva.org/tag/equal-rights/
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 and Loving Sisters (SOULS) at Mary Baldwin
College www.mbc.edu/student_activities/clubsandorgs/#cultural
NEW Listing!
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
Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
People of Faith for Equality in Virginia
Volume 17, Issue 1, March 2014
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.
EV’s 11th Annual Commonwealth Dinner
is the state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the Virginia LGBT
community and supporters. This year will be spectacular because EV
will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. 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 5, 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.
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 10 and 11.
Would you like to host
First Friday in 2014?
Email us at SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
See page 6 for weekly Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meeting Information
Full pagePFLAG
ad Harrisonburg
for Truth
Wins Out/Uganda Story
Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At the Blue Ridge Hall,
Thursday, March 6:
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
Friday, March 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, March 8:
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.
Monday, March 17
Rebecca Kling, Transgender Artist & Educator. 8pm, Taylor Down Under at JMU.
Sponsored by Madison Equality (www.facebook.com/madisonequality). See page 2.
Thursday, March 20
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-9:00 PM. Join friends and "family" in SVGLA at Hanks
Southern Cuisine and Barbeque on 49 Bloomer Springs Road (just off Route 33 a few miles
east of Harrisonburg) in McGaheysville. For more info go to www.hankssmokehouse.com/
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 Saturday, March 29.
Saturday, March 22:
INDIGO WOMEN’S DANCE PARTY, See page 3 for details and contact info.
March 24-29
COMING OUT WEEK EVENTS, Mary Baldwin College, sponsored by Students
Out Understanding and Loving Sisters. See page 6 to contact SOULS for details.
Monday, March 31
Awareness through Performance: Transgender Stories, Time TBA, 2105 Harrison
Hall, sponsored by the JMU LGBT & Ally Education Program See page 13 for details.
Thursday, April 3:
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, April 4:
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, April 5:
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, 8:00 PM at the JMU Forbes Center in Harrison
burg. This event is a fundraiser for the Valley AIDS Network. See page 7 for details.
Saturday, April 5:
11th Annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is EV’s signature event and the
state’s largest black-tie gala gathering for the LGBT community and their supporters.
Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. See page 8 for details and go to
www.equalityvirginia.org/dinner/ for more info and to make reservations.
Volume 17, Issue 1, March 2014
Page 11
�COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULE
See page 6 for weekly Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance Meeting Information
Tuesday, April 8
FREE Seminar. Estate Planning: Why it is Important for the LGBTQ Community
Full page7pm,adNorthside
for Truth
Out/Uganda
Library, 300Wins
Albemarle
Square, Charlottesville. Story
Learn about wills,
powers of attorney & advance medical directives. Contact Jessica at (434) 219-9896 or
Jessica@EstatePlanningofCharlottesville.com. RSVP to receive $50 off an Estate Plan.
Saturday, April 12:
Men’s “Second Saturday” Potluck, 7:00-9:30 PM Potluck for gay/bi/trans-friendly men
Bring food or beverage for 5 people. Meet at 7:00, dinner at 7:30. Meet at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, 717 Rugby Rd. Contact cville_gmsc@yahoogroups.com for info.
Thursday, April 24
Conversation & Cuisine in the ‘Burg, 6:30-9:00 PM. Join friends and "family" in
SVGLA at Clementine Café in downtown Harrisonburg at 153 South Main Street. For
more information go to http://clementinecafe.com/
Thursday, May 1:
Friday, May 2:
PFLAG Harrisonburg Support Group Meeting, 6:30-8:00 PM At Blue Ridge Hall,
Room 309, 601 University Blvd at JMU. Contact facilitator Mark at 540-405-1227 or
mitchmarke@aol.com for more information.
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, May 10:
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, May 15:
DEADLINE, SVGLA newsletter submissions. Send to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Thursday, May 22
Conversation & Cuisine, 6:30-9:00 PM. Join friends and "family" in SVGLA at Hanks
Southern Cuisine and Barbeque on 49 Bloomer Springs Road (just off Route 33 a few miles
east of Harrisonburg) in McGaheysville. For more info go to www.hankssmokehouse.com/
Thursday, June 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
Friday, June 6:
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, June 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, June 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, June 28.
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 June issue by
May 15 to SVGLAssociation@gmail.com
Volume 17, Issue 1, March 2014
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:
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
�Awareness through Performance: Transgender Stories
Monday, March 31 (Time TBA), JMU, Harrison Hall Room 2105
In coordination with Transgender Day of Visibility, the JMU LGBT &
Ally Education Program is hosting Awareness through Performance:
Transgender Stories.
This is an event in which stories and experiences from members of the
trans* community will be performed. We want to create a more trans*inclusive community and hope this event will provide an opportunity
for those who identify as trans* to share their stories and be heard, as
well as give others the opportunity to hear about and learn from the
experiences of those who identify as trans*. It is important to note that
this event is not meant to speak for all members of the diverse trans*
community, but to promote awareness by creating a platform for those
who wish to share their stories and experiences through performance.
Contact the Program for more information at 540-568-5428
(JMU-LGBT) or jmulgbta@gmail.com
Quotable:
“And this for the 36 million people
who have lost the battle to AIDS
and to those of you out there who
have ever felt injustice because of
who you are or who you love, tonight I stand here in front of the
world with you and for you.”
—Jared Leto, accepting an Oscar
for his performance in
“Dallas Buyer’s Club”
�Eastern Mennonite University Safe Space Seeks Stories Until May
Dear Family and Friends of EMU Safe Space,
First, we would like to thank you for your commitment to Safe Space and Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) equality in your own context. We realize this work can be hard and strenuous, but also joyous and renewing. Thank you for
your continued support and strength as we strive to create a more just world that seeks to
empower all people.
As some of you may know, EMU has committed to entering into a six month listening process around the hiring policy in regards to LGBTQ persons. Safe space has
committed itself to being an active participant in this process with conversations, raising
awareness, and most importantly story telling. In one of our most recent meeting we
asked the question, “Why we are still committed to the mission and vision of Safe
Space?” Almost everyone in attendance referenced a narrative of someone else that has
been marginalized or kept from achieving their fullest potential because of policies like
the one EMU has. We came to the realization that it has been in carrying those stories we
have been able to find sustainable strength and encouragement, and we want our campus
to hear.
Now we turn to you. It has been said, the power of any movement is the ability to
share a story, to share humanity. Safe Space needs some of that power as we engage this
listening process. All we ask is that you write either anonymously or with your name.
Write your story of pain, sorrow, hurt, and those of great joy, encouragement, and belonging as a LGBTQ person or someone who has experienced LGBTQ people. Tell us
your journey of coming out, or your journey with someone else coming out. Write a poem or a song. We want to collect these stories and put them up for campus to see and/or
read them for people to hear. Your story, my story, our stories are important and need to
be heard.
For the next two months until May we will be collecting stories from you, our community.
Send them to emusafespace@gmail.com. Remember, this can be sent anonymously or with a name, the choice is yours. We hope to put up these stories for our campus to see and experience. We hope to give these stories a voice and a body to be shared
as people listen. We need your voice and your story. Help us further the cry of inclusion
at EMU.
�LGBT Alumni Chapter at JMU
The LGBT & Ally Education Program, Madison Equality,
and LGBT Faculty Staff group at James Madison University
have been working with JMU’s Alumni Office to create a
LGBT & Ally Alumni Chapter.
A focus of the chapter is on professional networking amongst
alumni and recent graduates. Also, we will be developing a
mentorship program with current students.
Possible events for the chapter include receptions at Alumni
Weekend, panels about being Out in the Workplace, GayMU
Month, and participation in JMU’s Lavender Graduation.
We are hoping to find more Alumni who are interested in helping to shape and launch the chapter.
We are tentatively calling the group the JMU Lambda Alumni Chapter.
Those interested in join the chapter can sign up through: http://goo.gl/hwmtxQ or contact
Jon Henry henryjw@dukes.jmu.edu with questions.
“Forte”
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.
Saturday, April 5th, 8 pm
Concert Hall of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
James Madison University
In this special concert, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC presents two vocal ensembles, Potomac Fever and Rock Creek Singers. They will perform some of their best
material, showing off their distinctive styles. These ensembles perform 60 concerts annually from The White House to the Vice President¹s residence to venues large and small.
Songs include “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Scarborough Fair” and “Danny Boy.”
Ticket prices: $23–$24 and $12 for Students
Advance tickets can be purchased online, at jmuforbescenter.com, by phone, at 540-5687000, or at the box office (Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and 1 ½ hours prior to performance). Major credit cards, cash, and checks accepted.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Family ConnectShen," March 2014
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2014 newsletter "The Family ConnectShen" published by the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2014, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2014
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVGLA Newsletter March 2014 Final
Volume 17, Issue 1, March 2014
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia
-
https://archives.countylib.org/files/original/be75d207a3b1f18bcb006f4ec159ffba.pdf
aacd3f93193f4119e31135b7966374dc
PDF Text
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
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains materials produced by Shenandoah Valley Equality (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Gay & Lesbian Association). Among other items is the organization's newsletter.
Shenandoah Valley Equality is dedicated to building an inclusive community for LGBTQ people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Founded as the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association in 1995, it changed its name to Shenandoah Valley Equality in 2016.
The organization regularly held events designed to build strong community including potlucks, breakfasts, and forums. It also published a regular newsletter and maintained a website with resources for the Valley community.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Not Evaluated
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Shenandoah County Library. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Digital File, PDF
Periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"The Family ConnectShen," March 2015
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sexual minorities
Gays - Virginia
Lesbians - Virginia
Transgender people - Virginia
Bisexuals - Virginia
Sexual minority community
Description
An account of the resource
March 2015 newsletter "The Family ConnectShen" published by the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association (now Shenandoah Valley Equality).
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Digital Folder: 2015, Newsletter Series, Shenandoah Valley Equality Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Shenandoah County Library
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2015
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SVGLA Newsletter March 2015 FINAL(1)
Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2015
LGBTQ
Shenandoah Valley
Virginia