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What's coming up? |
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APRIL 2009
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4/2/09 6:30pm WOW! Writing Ourselves Whole
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4/4/09 6:00pm FTM+/SOFFA support
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4/4/09 7:30pm Social Support: Topic: Staying Alive: Alternatives to Suicide
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4/14/09 10:00am UWM Anti-Violence Resource Fair
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4/17/09 Transgender Aging All Day Intensive (Chicago)
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4/25/09 3:00pm Volunteer meeting for Pridefest
MAY 2009
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5/2/09 6:00pm FTM+/SOFFA Support
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5/2/09 7:30pm Social Support: Topic: The "Tranny Tax"
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5/7/09 7:00pm Truth and Transformation (writing group)
(more info: www.forge-forward.org/calendar.php)
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| Other Trans Community Events |
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4/5/09 9:15am - 5:15pm Actorslashmodel Concert & Sermon (@ Unitarian Universalist Church West
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4/18/09 10:00 - noon Milwaukee Unity Group (@ Alterra on 1st Street)
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4/19/09 5:00pm Uneven Libidos with Helen Boyd (@ the Tool Shed 2427 N. Murray Ave)
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4/20/09 2:00pm Workshop with Helen Boyd (@ UWM - Union Room 191)
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4/20/09 7:00pm Queer Heterosexuals w. Helen Boyd (@ UWM Union Fireside Lounge)
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| Remember, FORGE social support meetings aren't just for the boys! |
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The line up for the first Saturday of each month is:
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6:00 - 7:15 -- FTM+/SOFFA Support.
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7:30 - 9:00 -- Center Stage Main Event (Main topic - April = Staying Alive: Alternatives to Suicide)
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9:00 - 9:30pm -- Social Time
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Join Our List
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| Writing Ourselves Whole (WOW!) |
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Shorewood Intermediate School - 3830 North Morris Blvd., Shorewood, WI
Cost: $5 Join FORGE and the Shorewood Recreation Department  for a cross-community, diverse celebration of writing and wholeness. This fast-paced and reflective program will offer engaging, innovative and dynamic ways to mend the wear and tear of living in our stressful world through greater self-awareness. We will use writing, art and movement exercises that explore stimulating topics. You will leave ignited with new insights and connections to yourself and others. No writing experience necessary. All materials supplied.  Shorewood's Learning Never Ends evening is specifically intended for adults to get a feel of what types of programs are offered through the Recreation Department. The evening gives adults a chance to explore an interest, learn something new, or participate in a program they would enjoy. Register onsite at the Shorewood Intermediate School, 3830 North Morris Blvd., Shorewood 53211. Programs are just $5. Child Care is provided! For more information: http://www.shorewoodschools.org/documents/Winter-Spring%202009%20-%20Full%20Version.pdf NOTE: FORGE's regularly scheduled, monthly Truth and Transformation writing group will not be held on April 2, 2009. The next workshop is scheduled for May 7, 2009 @ 7:00pm (Milwaukee LGBT Community Center).
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| Staying Alive: Alternatives to Suicide |
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Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm Where: Milwaukee LGBT Community Center 315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI Topic: Staying Alive: Alternatives to Suicide Topic Description: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, as well as tough economic  times, challenges with identity and social prejudice, can stimulate suicidal feelings. This sensitive, facilitated time will address some of the reasons that lead people to feel suicidal or hopeless; amply discuss alternatives to suicidal behavior (and ideas about how to decrease suicidal feelings); and explain how to construct a safety plan (for yourself, or with a friend). A hearty portion of time will be devoted to how we, as a community, respond to depression, suicide, and individuals who are struggling and questioning. For a complete list of 2009 social support meetings, please go to http://forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/2009_calendar.pdf. |
| Transgender Aging Network Intensive (Chicago) |
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April 17, 2009 (Friday)
It's not too late to still register! FORGE's Transgender Aging Network and SAGE-Chicago will host an all-day, provider-focused intensive at the Center on Halsted on April 17, 2009. The day will start with a transgender 101 to give us all common language and concepts before diving into trans elder-specific needs and concerns, and end with concrete advice about designing or adapting aging or transgender services for transgender elders. Along the way we'll review data, use case studies, problem-solve around concerns you bring in, and spend plenty of time sharing experiences. The Intensive fee of $100 includes lunch and snacks, a take-home reference binder, a CEU certificate, and tools and concepts you can use in your day-to-day work. If you're traveling from out of state, a discounted rate at a nearby hotel is available; email tan@forge-forward.org for details. Pre-registration is required; register online at http://www.forge-forward.org/tan/intensive.php Questions? Email tan@forge-forward.org or call 414-559-2123.
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| Volunteer meeting for FORGE @ Pridefest |
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April 25, 2009
This year, FORGE will be involved with Pridefest in a number of very exciting ways. Please join us on Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center at 3:00pm to learn more.
Who should attend?
What's the agenda?
- Free food
- Learn about what FORGE has already planned for Pridefest
- Contribute your ideas to shape what else will happen!
- Volunteer to be part of making a difference at 2009's Pridefest
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| Celebrate around the Maypole! -- Joint Community Auction |
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From May 3 to 17, the Milwaukee LGBT Consortium (composed of FORGE, Lesbian Alliance, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, SAGE/Milwaukee and Vets Do Ask Do Tell) is conducting its inaugural Queen of the May online auction. The focus of the auction is to celebrate the season of new growth and possibility, the love and devotion of motherhood, and the achievements and dreams of our graduates. In addition, this event will help our respective organizations to raise the much needed funds for our programs and services.
We need your support!
We're asking you to participate in one of the following ways...
Donate.
We need auction items to add to our Queen of the May catalog. If you have valuable merchandise, rare collectibles, business or personal services or access to unique events, we could use your contribution today. Email michael munson @ FORGE to inquire about donating an item or service -- info@forge-forward.org or 414-559-2123. Please contact us no later than Monday, April 20, 2009.
Tell Your Friends.
Do you know someone who would be interested in supporting the partnering organizations of the Milwaukee LGBT Consortium? Please share the news of the Queen of the May online auction with your friends so they can be part of the excitement. Refer a Friend to our auction so they can get involved. Thank you in advance for your continued support! We look forward to your item donations and online bids!
It's All about Community!
The goal of the Queen of the May online auction is to support the mission and programs of the partnering organizations of the Milwaukee LGBT Consortium. They bring to the LGBT community of metro Milwaukee the following:
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FORGE advocates for the rights and lives of transgender individuals.
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Lesbian Alliance supports the development and well-being of women who love women.
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Milwaukee LGBT Community Center promotes the quality of life of LGBT people.
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SAGE/Milwaukee addresses the needs of LGBT elders.
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Vets Do Ask Do Tell educates LGBT veterans of programs that are targeted to their specific needs |
| Food drive and hygiene supplies for Project Q Youth |
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Many of the youth of Project Q do not have regular meals or even a steady place to call home. In order to address some of the more immediate needs of the youth, Lesbian Alliance is collecting hygiene items and ready-to-eat food to be distributed on an as-needed basis to PQ youth. Please donate non-refridgeratable food items (such as granola bars, popcorn, peanut butter, soup, juice, Easy Mac, or single-serving-sized fruit cups) or hygiene products (including: deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, tampons, baby wipes). Items or monetary donations can be brought to the LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee) and left with a staff member or volunteer at the front desk, or may be brought to any Lesbian Alliance event. For more information, contact Lesbian Alliance at 414-272-9442 or lesbian_alliance@yahoo.com.
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| Milwaukee Community Events Highlight |
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Would Jesus discriminate?
Date: Friday, April 3 at 7:00pm
Location: Milwaukee MCC, 1239 West Mineral Street in Milwaukee
Beginning with the month of May, Milwaukee MCC is asking the question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" More important, we are asking, "Would we?"
Whether you view Jesus as the incarnation of God, a
 prophet, or as a historical figure who said some pretty good things, we believe that the answer to the first question is an adamant "NO!" Yet, we have always used our churches to discriminate against those who are different from ourselves. And - we have used the scriptures to justify that discrimination. Slavery, the property status of women, the treatment of immigrants, from the Irish to the Japanese and Hispanic peoples, the hatred of Islamic people and the current campaigns against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have all been justified by reference to scripture. Yet, Jesus associated with those who were the outsiders of his day: the Samaritans, lepers, poor folk and even women!
Today, we, all of us discriminate against those who are different. We ignore those who are differently-abled. We avoid people who are of different races from ourselves. We demean those whose first language is not American English. We exult those who have money, physical beauty or athletic ability. In addition, religious beliefs inform political and social stances. This is particularly true when the question involves the issue of sexuality and gender identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face alienation from family, expulsion from their religious communities, loss of employment, and even physical abuse. Perhaps it is time to challenge people to examine those beliefs. Are they truly religious, or are they socio-politically informed biases?
Milwaukee MCC is publicly asking the question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" We invite you to join us. You may want to explore the website wouldjesusdiscriminate.com to get an overview of the campaign. Then we invite you to attend an informational meeting on Friday, April 3 at 7:00pm at Milwaukee MCC, 1239 West Mineral Street in Milwaukee.
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Contribute to Gearbits! |
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Have you attended a FORGE event that you'd like to share with others? FORGE is looking for contributors to briefly share highlights or reflections on FORGE events so others who were unable to attend can get a flavor for the experience.
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| What do the symbols mean?? |
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Although everyone is welcome at any FORGE meeting, some meetings are designed with particular audiences in mind. These symbols indicate the focus of particular events and meetings.
Geared towards the entire transgender/gender non-conforming community and SOFFAs
Geared towards trans-masculine folks and SOFFAs
Reverse Inclusion: A trans+/SOFFA organization is hosting an event that welcomes the broader LGBTQIA (and straight) community. | |
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About FORGE
FORGE is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities. FORGE PO Box 1272 Milwaukee, WI 53201 www.forge-forward.orginfo@forge-forward.org414-559-2123 |
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