Strengthening, Supporting, and Celebrating Our Diverse LGBTQ+ Community | Photo: Panels of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt on display at the Center, Dec 2023 | World AIDS Day - December 1st | |
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to unite as a community and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, support individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and raise awareness about the global impact of the virus.
First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is also a call to action for individuals, communities, and government agencies to take action, fostering a collective commitment to achieving an HIV-free world by promoting education about safe practices, eradicating discrimination, and supporting those who have been affected by the virus.
The Center is hosting a World AIDS Day Eve Service of Remembrance on November 30th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Old Dutch Church in Uptown Kingston. Event details are below and on our website events calendar.
Learn more and get involved:
aidsmemorial.org
glaad.org/publications/worldaidsday
hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/world-aids-day
|
|
Introducing: Richard Heyl de Ortiz | |
|
In December 2023, Richard is joining the Center’s team as our new Executive Director, bringing with him a 30+ year career devoted to equity, inclusion, social justice, advocacy, and community-building.
His life’s work has focused on issues that are central to the LGBTQ+ community:
- fostering cultural competence
- supporting and incorporating diverse communities and perspectives
- working to create a sense of belonging and overcome bias based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and socio-economic status
Starting on December 6th, as Richard gets settled into his new role at the Center, he will be onsite at the Center and will soon be a very visible presence in our community.
Learn more:
Meet our New Executive Director
Richard Heyl de Ortiz - biography
Read the full announcement from the Board of Directors
| | | |
Giving Tuesday PSA from Beverly
Last week, our Programs Director, Beverly, recorded a Giving Tuesday message that was aired on Radio Kingston on November 28th.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. It was created as a response to the consumer-focused events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and aims to shift the focus towards charitable giving and philanthropy. This movement has been transformative for so many nonprofits and the communities they serve.
Thank you to all who donated to the Center on Giving Tuesday!
| |
|
December Awareness Days
-
December 1st: World AIDS Day
-
December 3rd: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
-
December 8th: Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day
| |
December Event Highlights | |
Please Note: The Center will be closed Sunday, Dec. 24th, through Tuesday, Jan. 2nd. No programs will be meeting during that time. We will resume normal hours and programs on Wednesday, Jan. 3rd. | |
|
|
|
World AIDS Day Eve
Service of Remembrance
Join us for a Service of Remembrance at the Old Dutch Church.
After the service, all are invited to the Center to view panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt, which will be on display during December. The selected panels were made in New York State, and they honor and remember the names of friends and loved ones lost to AIDS.
In partnership with Old Dutch Church.
Thursday, November 30th
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Old Dutch Church
272 Wall Street, Kingston
| | | |
|
|
|
Uptown Kingston Snowflake Festival
The family-friendly annual event, hosted by KUBA, includes holiday dance and musical performances, fire twirlers, jugglers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus and more!
This year, stop by the Center to warm up and enjoy the harmony and fun of Key of Q, the LGBTQ+ and Allied a cappella singers of the Hudson Valley. They will be performing winter-themed secular music throughout the evening.
Panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display that evening in honor of World AIDS Day (Dec 1st).
We hope to see you there!
Friday, December 1st
6:00 pm - FREE
Uptown Kingston, NY
| | | |
|
|
|
Trans-Formations
Counselor facilitated support and discussion group for adults starting or considering gender transition.
Mondays
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Virtually - Zoom
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: counseling@lgbtqcenter.org
| | | |
|
|
|
Sisterhood Support & Sanctuary
An intersectional space to celebrate the diversity of womanhood and explore what life can be like outside of the male gaze, traditional gender roles, and conformity.
Tuesdays
4:30 - 6:00 pm
300 Wall Street, Kingston
Second Floor - Conference Room
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: sabbykee@gmail.com
| | | |
|
|
|
The Queer BIPOC Intersection
Welcoming all QTBIPOC! This group will have 3 overall goals: education through facilitated group discussion, community building through bonding exercises, and mental health check-ins through self-care and mindfulness. Let's promote healing on all fronts.
Tuesdays
6:30 - 8:00 pm
300 Wall Street, Kingston
Second Floor - Conference Room
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: sabbykee@gmail.com
| | | |
|
|
|
The Rainbow Lounge
Please join us for a “hip” meetup for adults 50+. This group is primarily a place to relax and share ourselves with others. Further, as a group with rich experience, we can anticipate that there will be no lack of topics of interest that will be generated as we move forward. Let’s enjoy our time together!
Hosted in partnership with SAGE
Thursdays
3:00 - 4:30 pm
300 Wall Street, Kingston
Well Being Institute - 2nd Floor
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: michaelerp128@gmail.com
| | | |
|
|
|
Mankind: The Men's Group
Calling all Men, ages 18-80 (including non-binary and trans men, of course)! Share your unique life-embracing insights with thoughtful, like-minded men in a supportive and uplifting group discussion!
Thursdays
5:30 - 7:00 pm
300 Wall Street, Kingston
Second Floor - Conference Room
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: michaelerp128@gmail.com
| | | |
|
|
|
Early Gen-Z Queer Hangout
Welcome to the Early Gen-Z Queer Hangout! All who identify with the LGBTQ+ community and are the ages of 18-24 are welcome! It’s hard finding community and friends, especially for some who are not in school. This group’s goal is to establish a safe space to connect with people, express yourself and learn from others.
Saturdays
3:00 - 4:30 pm
300 Wall Street, Kingston
For any questions and to RSVP, Email: phoenixlaxton@gmail.com
| | | |
With your support, the Center can continue offering vital advocacy, services, and resources to ensure that everyone in our LGBTQ+ community can grow and thrive. Thank you for supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Hudson Valley! | | | | |
