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Playing a Part in Making History...

By Mme Alexandria Presentmomentz Divine / Miss Jaqi Robertson

The 11th Annual Philadelphia Trans Health Conference was held in early June 2012. I had received an invitation last year from a dear friend who is an out and proud Transman therapist working with queer youth and establishing a practice for the transgender community there. I went because I have been experiencing soul loss from lack of support and transphobia in my visions for this work in Vermont. I needed to find a connection with people who were doing the advocacy, counseling, and activism I had trained for.

At one point in the conference, I was crowded off the sidewalk by a beauty parade of white muscle men. The general public would not have suspected these men in their 501's and rolled up t-shirts were transsexual. I marveled at how hot they were yet also am aware that real gentlemen don't crowd ladies off the sidewalk, and that is what gave them away. Later in the conference, I had an opportunity to listen to some of their stories. They were filled with examples of familial, community, and vocational difficulties. I found many invisible silenced souls, yet this conference gave them voice. What gives me hope is that their stories were also sprinkled with some fulfilling victories.

I felt people at the conference were aspiring towards lives of greater normalcy vs. being perceived as oddities. In my transsexual career, I can tell you that the majority of trans lives I have known, just want to pass well and blend good enough that they can have the things non trans people accept as normal- housing, jobs, and loving relationships. Transphobia marginalizes many lives, I believe this hatred is a mental illness which should be identified in the DSM. One morning a man I had arrived with, shot a good observation to me. He said "The gender queers, the ones who didn't follow the binary rules were important to observe, listen to, and support." They often get treated like bisexuals do in the gay community-not fully accepted or appreciated. At a conference like this I spotted a handful, and it seemed like they were struggling to be honored and accepted.

It was such a pleasure to find, all stripes of transgenders and advocates contributing to the betterment of this small nation of courageous people through inquiry, spiritual, educational, and advocacy work. The most important thing I got from it all was a text message from one of my little Fairy God Children out in Seattle. She said, "You played a part in the making of history.”

Announcements

VGSA & GLAM Pub Quiz

7pm, Sun, July 1st. House of LeMay Presents: VGSA & GLAM's 1st Annual Pub Quiz at Drink! Gather your friends so you can team up and win fun prizes! This is a free event. 21+ More info

June 27th: National HIV Testing Day

RU12? will be testing all day but you can click here to find a testing site near you.

Vermont CARES: Six-Restaurant Raffle

Join the Six-Restaurant Raffle this month to raise money for National HIV Testing Day - Raffle drawing to occur after Testing Day activities June 28th! DETAILS.

1st Annual VT Stonewall Commemoration

8pm Weds, June 27th. Presented by Pride Vermont: Commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, this solemn event will be held at the UU Church in Burlington. With testimony from 2 Vermonters who were in New York during the riots, and remarks from prominent LGBT Vermonters including Margaret Tamulonis, the Vermont Queer Archivist and a candlelight vigil. More info

Pop-Up! A Queer Dance Party - Stonewall Night

10pm Thurs, June 28th, Club Metronome. Produced by DJ Llu & Chopper, June's event is on the official anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of June 28th, 1969. Come dance with other Vermont queer & allied folks as we celebrate 43 years (and counting) of queer liberation! DJs Alan Perry & Rob Douglas will be on the decks. 21+ $5 at the door. More info

GLAM Events

Sat, June 16th: 11am- Hike

Weds, June 20th: 6:30p- GLAM Meeting- RU12?

Weds, June 27th: GLAMflixx – Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

Sun, July 1st: GLAM/VGSA Pub Quiz @ Drink

Sun, July 22nd: Disc Golf

Sun, July 29th: Echo: The Body Exibit

If you're a young gay, bi, or queer man who would like to get involved, email us at glam@ru12.org or friend us on facebook

Around the State

Report Violence Online

Now people can report discrimination, hate violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual violence through a secure link on the website www.ru12.org. As with any reporting to SafeSpace, the information is confidential and there is the option to remain anonymous.

Dykes on Hikes

Come join Vermont's fastest growing queer women's group! We hike every third Saturday of the month at a different location and it is always an adventure. The group also shares information other outdoors and social events. If you are between the ages of 25 and 45 and want to meet other fun, adventurous, and inspiring women contact Sarah Johnson at sarahlynnj@gmail.com for more information or to join our listserv.

Brattleboro

Men's Program Core Group

The Core Group helps guide the Men's Program, and has fun doing it. We welcome and encourage new attendees! Please RSVP to eflash@sover.net or 802.254.4444. Men’s Program Website

Rapid HIV Testing

Everyday, by appointment only. Call (802) 254-4444 to schedule.

GLBT: AA Meeting

Every Thursday 8pm; St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Putney Road, Brattleboro. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for LGBTQ people seeking help, support, and a way out.

Men's Camping Weekend!

Fri, June 15. Mountainside Campground. Tent site: $16 per person per night; camper site or cabin: $32 per person per night. Join the men’s community in this beautiful spot for a relaxing weekend. Limited space and reservations on a first come, first served basis. FMI: visit the Men’s Program Website

The Shondes - concert & dance party

8:00pm, Sat, June 16th. The Stone Church (210 Main St). Sliding scale, $10-15. Brooklyn-based queer band described as "traditional Jewish political pop punk," playing with local Putney group Scrap Iron Spine. After party with DJ JAX (WGDR/WGDH, Goddard College Community Radio). Come on out and see what everyone’s talking about! All ages.

Reel Queer Movie Night: “Kinky Boots.”

7pm. Tues, June 19th, Marlboro Grad Center. Watch queer movies with queer folks! A winning combination. Snacks provided.

Act Up - A History Of Direct Action

7pm, June 22nd at Menspace. This short film and discussion will feature three members of the generation who lived through the worst years of the epidemic. Come hear their stories, and help make sure this part of our community’s history is not forgotten. Men’s Program Website

Dorset

PFLAG Chapter

A chapter of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has been formed in Southern Vermont. PFLAG Dorset, an affiliated chapter of PFLAG, has formed as a local, nonprofit community support and educational outreach group. For more information, please contact Mike Watrous at PFLAG.Dorset@gmail.com or 802.768.1585 More Details

Montpelier

GLBT Parents Group

Spring is coming, which means lots of fun to be had outdoors! This group is for GLBT parents, parents-to-be and kids of all ages. A place to find support, build friendships and have fun. We will plan outings, potlucks and playgroups in the central Vermont area. If you are interested please contact Kara Casey at vtglbtparents@gmail.com or (802) 730-2388. More Details

Outright Vermont: Friday Night Group

From 7-8:30pm, second and fourth Fridays at Black Sheep Books on 5 State Street. Twice a month, there is a support group run for queer youth to talk about, and get support for, the issues they are dealing with in their schools, families, and life in general. Youth get to talk with each other and see that they are not alone in their quest to be accepted and feel supported.

Relax & Renew Class

Sundays 6pm at Geezum Crow Yoga. Sink into bliss and come back to center in this rejuvenating class. Gentle, deeply relaxing poses help us find renewal in body and mind. Floor poses, props, music and hands-on assists abound! More Info

Montpelier Guerrilla Gay Bar

Sunday Nights! Charlie-O's in Downtown Montpelier, VT 7 pm & on. A weekly meeting of the area's finest queer folks! Like GGB on Facebook!

Plainfield and Hardwick

Free & Anonymous HIV Testing Site!

Free and Anonymous HIV Testing in Plainfield. Call 322-6600 to make an appointment. The Health Center, 157 Towne Avenue.

Women-Stirred Radio

Thursdays, 4-6 PM, Goddard College Community Radio (WGDR 91.1 FM Plainfield and WGDH 91.7 FM Hardwick). Hosted by out lesbian Merry Gangemi. Stream it live at http://www.wgdr.org

The Quiet Storm

Thursdays, 12-2 PM, Goddard College Community Radio (WGDR 91.1 FM Plainfield and WGDH 91.7 FM Hardwick). Northern New England's only smooth-jazz/R&B radio show, hosted by out bisexual Skeeter Sanders. Stream it live at http://www.wgdr.org

Rutland

Gay Men of Rutland (GMOR)

GMOR is an informal social group of gay men in Rutland VT who get together for drinks at various local establishments. FMI: email gayrutland@yahoo.com

“Like” GMOR on Facebook to receive updates about upcoming events!

Outright Vermont: Friday Night Group

6:30 1st & 3rd Fridays. 1st Friday of the month we go out on the town like check out the cinema, bowling, coffee...etc. Group will remain traditional on the 3rd Fridays and pizza will still be served. Cairo Cafe at The Pyramid 120 Merchants Row. Contact Adam@outrightvt.org or call 802-865-9677 for info.

Rutland Vistas Potluck

Every second Sunday, Grace Church, 8 Court St., Rutland. LGBTIQ and friends potluck supper and game night. bring a dish to share! FMI 802-345-5255

Saint Johnsbury

Needle Exchange Program

Mondays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm. Other times available by appt, call 802-748-9061, 1235 Hospital Drive Suite 2. Sponsored by Vermont CARES, (802) 748 - 9061. Vermont CARES is proud to be a part of a progressive network of needle exchange programs throughout the country who believe a harm reduction approach in one of the best ways to help prevent future HIV infections.

Williamstown

Central VT Kinky/LGBTQ/Sexual Violence and Safety Discussion Group

6pm, 3rd Thursday of Every Month at Williamstown Masons Lodge, 111 Brush Hill Rd. Williamstown. This new kink-focused discussion group is open to all. It is a chance to discuss safety within lots of different lifestyles, particularly kink. This will be a safe place to express your concerns or fears, and to give your opinions on these subjects. FMI: olderlover60@yahoo.com

New Hampshire

Keene

PFLAG: St. James Episcopal Church

PFLAG-Keene is a local chapter of the national organization Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning People. PFLAG meets the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome! The national organization is committed to helping families stay in loving relationships via support, education and advocacy. Local contact is Roberta "Bobbie" Barry, at bbarry29@ne.rr.com

Lebanon

GLBT Book Club

The GLBT reading group is now meeting on the 7pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the café in Books a Million in W. Lebanon. For questions or more info please email staylongtalkmuch@hotmail.com

New York

Severance

Tidy Whitie Dance

Sat, June 16th at Rainbow Woods Campground Severance, NY. Dance the evening away in your favorite undies, come show off your breifs and have fun. Full Details

RU12? Spotlight

Are You One Too?

Full List of Support Groups

All events take place at RU12? Community Center, 20 Winooski Falls Way, unless otherwise specified.

Check out RU12?’s Facebook Fan Page for news, status updates, and blog postings. “Friend” our Facebook Event Page if you’d like us to invite you to RU12? and other community events. Yes, we’ve got Twitter too!

Friday, June 15th

Every Friday the RU12? Community Center closes at 2pm. Please enjoy our drop-in space, cyber center and lending library. Free Anonymous HIV Testing Available by appointment.

Saturday, June 16th

GLAM Hikes to Libby's Look in Bolton with VGSA

Both VGSA and GLAM planned a hike for the same day so we thought we'd join forces and hike together. GLAM folks will meet at RU12? at 10:30 and we'll caravan/carpool to the mountain together. If you'd rather meet us there please contact Mike RU12? at 860-RU12 (7812) or email michael@ru12.org for directions or visit the Event Page

Monday, June 18th

The Open Door Support Group

This informal gathering welcomes all adults from the LGBTQ spectrum as well as allies. All topics are free to discuss and nothing is too taboo. The group will meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at RU12? From 6-7:30pm. If you have any questions about this group please call (802) 860-7812. Or email thecenter@ru12.org

Click Here for Full List of Support Groups

Tuesday, June 19th

Walk-in HIV Testing Hours 11am-6pm

Protect your partner

KNOW YOUR STATUS

Drop-in Rapid Testing: Tuesdays: 11am-6pm, Wednesdays: 12-4pm, Thursdays: 11am-6pm * Every Day by appointment! Results in just 20 minutes. Are condoms and safer sex materials getting too expensive? Stock up for free at RU12? For possible wait time or other questions, call us at 860-7812 or email Mike at michael@ru12.org or Jean-Denis at jean-denis@ru12.org.

Social-Support Group for LGBTQ Individuals with Disabilities

Come together to talk, connect, and find support around a number of issues including: Coming Out, Socializing. Challenges around employment. Safe Sex. Self Advocacy. Choosing Partners. Discovering who you are. And anything else you want to talk about! Meetings are Tuesdays, 4:30 pm at the RU12? Community Center in the Champlain Mill in Winooski. For more information contact Brenda or call RU12? at 860-7812

Check Out Our Calendar of Events!

• June 19th: Safe Sex Talk
• June 26th: Video Games
• July 10th: Movie and Popcorn- Group decides the movie
• July 17th: Meet at Echo Center and walk the bike path

Wednesday, June 20th

*New Time* Walk-in HIV Testing Hours 12pm-4pm

Drop-in Rapid Testing: Tuesdays: 11am-6pm, Wednesdays: 12-4pm, Thursdays: 11am-6pm and every day by appointment. Results in just 20 minutes. Call us at 860-7812 or email Mike at michael@ru12.org or Jean-Denis at jean-denis@ru12.org.

GLAM Core Group at RU12?

Every Wednesday 6:30pm. We're looking for young gay and bi & Trans guys who are inte’rested in putting together great events, meeting new people, and reaching out to other guys! Core Group runs our program, and we want your input!

If you're a young gay, bi, or queer man who would like to get involved, email us at glam@ru12.org or friend us on facebook

Trans Support Group

6:30-8pm, Every first and third Wednesday, RU12? Community Center, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Champlain Mill 2nd Floor, Winooski. This peer-led, informal group is open to all trans people and to any discussion topics raised. It is a respectful and confidential space for socializing, support, and discussion. Click Here for Full List of Support Groups

Thursday, June 21st

Walk-in HIV Testing Hours 11am-6pm

Results in just 20 minutes. Are condoms and safer sex materials getting too expensive? Stock up for free at RU12? For possible wait time or other questions, call us at 860-7812 or email Mike at Michael@ru12.org or Jean-Denis Jean-Denis@ru12.org .

Friday, June 22nd

RU12? Goes to the Dog Park

6pm, Fri, June 22nd at S. Burl Community Dog Park. Join RU12? as we invade the Dog Park with our furry friends! Come together to visit with old friends and make new ones while our pooches get an excellent dose of exercise and socialization. For more information, lick here, call 802.860.7812 or email thecenter@ru12.org .

This Week in Chittenden County

Friday, June 15th

Outright Drop-In Hours

Tues- Sat 12-8p.m. For LGBTQ youth 22 & under. Contact Adam@outrightvt.org or check out Outright VT for info.

Outright Dance Class

Tear up the dance floor, cut the rugs, pop the top on the canned heat and get down. Outright is hosting free and fun dance classes on Thursdays at 4:00pm. Bring your boogie shoes and get up to get down. From the jitterbug, to the duggie, we will cover all the different types of dance moves and teach them to you. For more info contact ARYN (dance instructor) at randyoconnor@yahoo.com or visit Outright's drop-in center.

Friday Night Group at Outright

Every Friday, 7- 8:30 pm, Outright VT, McClure MultiGen Center, Burlington. Chill with other bisexual, gay, trans, lesbian, queer and allied youth at Outright Vermont. Free pizza!

VGSA Gayme Night

7:30PM. Colchester. A spectacular evening of fun, games, drinks & tasty treats! FMI: visit the

VGSA Website.

Bob Bolyard's Karaoke

8-10pm. Friday nights at the St. John's Club in Burlington's South End. Club member Bob Bolyard hosts karaoke, free and open to the public. St. Johns Club, 9 Central Avenue, Burlington

Queer Youth Movie Night

Every 3rd Friday, Roxy Cinemas (Downtown Burlington) Free movie for queer youth ages 13-22 at the Roxy. We walk or drive from Outright VT at 8:30 pm or you are welcome to meet us there. Contact info@outrightvt.org for more information.

Saturday, June 16th

Hike to Libby's Look in Bolton with VGSA (and GLAM)

Join VGSA for a hike to Libby's Lookout in Bolton. Meet at the home of 2 fabulous VGSA members at 11:00 AM. The trail will take us up to panoramic vistas, including views of CRAG-VT Upper Cliffs and Preston's Pond. Afterward, we will adjourn to Jim and Kevin's for a bite to eat - no need to bring anything; our hosts have it covered. Email info@vgsa.com for directions.

Outright Drop-In Hours

Tues- Sat 12-8p.m. For LGBTQ youth 22 & under. Contact Adam@outrightvt.org or check out More Details.

SINORGY @ Half Lounge

10pm, DJ Qdo, Karen Okun and Rachel Repstad. It's the.... Who's Your Daddy Edition of SinOrgy in honor of the Fathers day event which will begin as the clock strikes midnight! Enjoy a night of music and fun that just might leave you saying " Who's your daddy?"More Details

Sunday, June 17th

Volleyball with VGSA

5pm. All levels of play welcome and encouraged. All levels of play welcome and encouraged. Now outside at Bayside Park in Mallett’s Bay, weather permitting. Rain site: inside at Mater Christi School, Burlington. $5 per person. FMI email info@vgsa.com

Women’s Indoor Pick-Up Soccer

Every Sunday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. women from all over Chittenden County (and beyond) come to the Miller Recreation Center in the New North End to have a good time. More Info.

Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous 7pm

7pm Sundays @ church in Winooski (can't miss the steeple!) across from TD bank parking lot by rotary, side door. Click for more information about SLAA (www.slaanei.org), then call 881.7240 (men) or 578.2393 (women).

Monday, June 18th

HIV Testing at Vermont CARES - Burlington

Every Monday, 4-7pm, 187 St. Paul St. Free, anonymous, oral HIV testing. Check out Vermont CARES for more information.

Tuesday, June 19th

Outright Drop-In Hours 12-8pm

Outright VT HIV Testing

Outright offers free and anonymous HIV testing to anyone, no matter their age, orientation or identity. Testing is available from 12pm-8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and from 12pm-6pm on Fridays.

Proud and Sober AA--Burlington

7-8pm. Turning Point Center, corner of Bank and Center Streets, on the 2nd floor, Burlington. Weekly LGBTQ-specific AA group. Please call (802) 861-3150 for more information.

Wednesday, May 20th

Outright Drop-In Hours

Tues- Sat 12-8p.m. For LGBTQ youth 22 & under. Contact Adam@outrightvt.org or check out Outright VT for info.

Outright VT HIV Testing

Outright offers free and anonymous HIV testing to anyone, no matter their age, orientation or identity. Testing is available from 12pm-8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and from 12pm-6pm on Fridays.

Squeer Dancing

Wrangle up a partner for Squeer Dancing at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, 228 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington. Everyone is welcome: gay, lesbian, bi, trans, straight, couples, singles, young, old and dance experience is not necessary. (Every Wednesday) More Details

Thursday, June 21st

Queer Affirming Cardio Blast Class

7am-8am at All Wellness, 128 Lakeside Ave, Ste 103, Burlington. ($10 or pay what you can) FMI:: email yogavibes.vament@gmail.com or call 206-355-3923. More Info

Outright Drop-In Hours 12-8pm

Outright VT HIV Testing

Outright offers free and anonymous HIV testing to anyone, no matter their age, orientation or identity. Testing is available from 12pm-8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and from 12pm-6pm on Fridays.

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing at Safe Recovery--Burlington

Every Thursday, 1-5pm, 45 Clark St. Burlington. Support, needle and syringe exchange, and Education Program.

Free, anonymous walk-in Hep C and HIV testing, or by appointment. Call 802.488.6067 for more information.

Thursday Night Roving LGBTQ Pinochle

Every Thursday 7pm. For additional information call Matthew at 802-735-5362 or Cathy at 802-922-4550 More Details

Pride Night at Venue

Every Thursday Night at Venue in Colchester is a benefit for PRIDE VERMONT! 18+ NO COVER!! Presented by DJ Papi Javi And Jadyn Nicole Marshall! Come out and join us for a night of good music, good times, awesome drinks and amazing performances...

More Info

Friday, June 22nd

Outright Drop-In Hours

Tues- Sat 12-8p.m. For LGBTQ youth 22 & under. Contact Adam@outrightvt.org or check out Outright VT for info.

Friday Night Group at Outright

See Friday June 15th

Bob Bolyard's Karaoke

See Friday June 15th

Employment Opportunities

Bank Teller- Burlington

Vermont Federal Credit Union is searching for a qualified individual for the position of full-time Teller in our Burlington Market. This position receives and processes member financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals and loan payments; sells money orders and traveler's checks to members; transfers amounts from member accounts as directed and signs official checks as required. All transactions should be processed accurately.

Visit www.vermontfederal.org for info

Rentals

Secluded Cabin in the Woods

A rustic cabin getaway for your honeymoon or special anniversary. Five rooms, including: a deep-soaking tub for 2, cozy stone fireplace, king-sized bed, and kitchen. A secluded swimming hole with a sandy beach, and hidden in the woods, a waterfall and gorge.

Visit SecretCabin.net for info

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Contact: 802.860.7812 or thecenter@ru12.org