The September 6, 2008 FORGE social support meeting has been canceled to allow more people the opportunity to see the wonderful transgender (and other!) films at the Milwaukee LGBT Film and Video Festival.  An overwhelming number of you (81%) voted in our recent online survey that you plan on attending the Film Festival.  Since FORGE is co-presenting a film at the same time as our regular social support meeting, it makes logical sense to cancel the support meeting in favor of the one-time screening of Butch Jamie (7:00pm, Saturday, September 6, 2008).

Please plan on attending next month's social support meeting on Saturday, October 4, 2008, focusing on Dis/abilities.  Social support meetings gather at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI), beginning at 6:00pm.

 

For more information about FORGE social support meetings, please go to http://www.forge-forward.org/socialsupport/meetings.php#learnmore
 

As usual, the Milwaukee LGBT Film and Video Festival has an amazing line up of films that fully cover the LGBT spectrum.  Each year, films are carefully selected to represent the broad diversity within our community. 

FORGE is proud to once again be a co-presenter Festival.  Please join us in viewing:

(click on the image for more information about each film)

 

She's a Boy I knew  &  S/he -- 1:00pm, Saturday, September 6, 2008


Butch Jamie -- 7:00pm, Saturday, September 6, 2008


XXY -- 7:00pm, Sunday, September 7, 2008

 

Like many previous years, FORGE will be hosting a "talk back" after one of the films.  This year, we'll gather for discussion following Butch Jamie (film begins at 7:00pm on September 6, 2008, discussion will ensue across the hall after the film's completion).  86% of you who responded to the survey were interested in a talk back.  Last year's talk back attendance was quite high and the discussion deep and inviting. 

 

(For the 57% of you who hoped for time to socialize following the film, please join us for the talk back and then disperse to your favorite coffee shop!)

 

September 4, 2008 launches this year's new season of monthly, drop-in, trauma-informed writing groups for survivors of violence and loved ones.  All survivors and supporters are welcome. These events are intentionally designed to support underserved survivors - including LGBTQA and male sexual violence survivors - in reclaiming and re-creating whole, vibrant, healthy lives. All necessary materials provided. No experience necessary!

Each month will focus on a new topic and move participants to a place of greater healing and integration.  September 4th's topic is Trauma: The Basics.  Please join us in laying the foundation for this year's series -- 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI).

For more information, go to: http://www.forge-forward.org/hopeforhealing/explore.php

In this innovative, creative, and very practical workshop, trauma-informed facilitators will employ creative arts, movement, negotiated touch, partner- and small-group discussions, communication exercises, and introspective techniques to give participants insights, tools, and skills they can use to promote healing and strengthen all of their relationships.

 

Anyone who has experienced trauma and their intimate partner(s), friends and allies. All genders, sexual orientations, relationship configurations welcome.

 

Pre-registration is required.  Download a registration form at http://www.forge-forward.org/hopeforhealing/docs/LTT_registration_semptember08.pdf

 

More information (including a printable flyer) is available at http://www.forge-forward.org/hopeforhealing/love.php

 

FORGE is grateful to our co-sponsors:  Full Circle Counseling, Lesbian Alliance, Lynn Edwards, Metropolitan Community Church, Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, MMK Design, No Safe Distance, Pat Walsh, SAGE, The Tool Shed, and A Woman's Touch.

 

For the first time ever, FORGE has negotiated contracts with both the Shorewood and Nicolet Recreation Departments.  We are thrilled to be offering two very different 6 week courses.

Through the Shorewood Rec. Department's Adult Enrichment program, beginning on September 22, 2008, FORGE is facilitating "Creating Connections: Writing your way to Empowerment"  It is a dynamic, interactive -- yet reflective -- writing group, that provides hope, transformation, and stress relief. Most of us have had experiences that lead us to feel less connected to ourselves and others (due to loss, trauma, violence or abuse), resulting in diminished hope and optimism. Attendees - in a structured, safe, creative and fun setting - will use writing, art, and movement exercises that explore stimulating topics. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of hope, community, and connection with themselves and with others. To contribute to the goal of spurring healing, new growth and empowered creativity, participants can stay connected between sessions via an optional email listserve.  All materials provided, but feel free to bring your favorite healing journals and tools. No experience necessary.

 

To register, please go to

http://www.shorewoodschools.org/main/pk_rec/ or call 414-963-6913

 

For more information, please see FORGE's website at http://www.forge-forward.org/hopeforhealing/create.php

 

[Note: "Building Strong Relationships in Tough Times" will be offered through the Nicolet Recreation Department starting on November 10, 2008.  See http://www.forge-forward.org/hopeforhealing/connect.php for more details.]