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We specialize in books and DVDs of interest to the LGBT community. |
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Serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Community in Southwest Michigan
Issue #4 | March 2010
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From the Director 
Spring is finally here and everyday I can feel the energy and excitement growing in our community. The OutCenter Float Build is off to a tremendous start. Already, 24 volunteers have put in hundreds of hours toward creating another show-stopping float for the Blossomtime Parade. Stop by the build site and lend a hand!
In response to overwhelming requests from the community for programming that addresses sexual orientation in faith communities I am happy and excited to invite each of you to join us April 24 for the first ever Out of the Closet, Into the Light conference on sexuality, inclusion and spirituality. The conference will feature a variety of workshops and keynote speaker Jon Hoadley, Former ONE Kalamazoo Campaign Manager, who will talk about the campaign and the unexpected personal spiritual journey he embarked on as a result of the campaign. Register now by clicking here!
Jennifer C. HsuExecutive DirectorOutCenter |
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OutCenter Events
 Out of the Closet, Into the Light: a conference on sexuality, inclusion and spritituality
Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Brookview School (501 Zollar Drive; Benton Harbor, MI). 10am-4pm, lunch will be served.
Have you ever wondered how religion and LGBT communities can support one another? Have you ever wanted to learn more about what LGBT-affirming faith leaders in your community are saying today? Do you want to learn how to make your faith community more welcoming?
Come join us in a thought-provoking, informed forum where we begin to explore the positive relationship between spirituality and sexuality.
Workshops will be led by local clergy and community members and will include topics such as:
What Scripture Says about Sexual Orientation
Creating (more) Welcoming Faith Communities
Exploring Your Religious Options
Talking to Religious Family & Friends
Conference Schedule: 10:00am Plenary Speaker Jon Hoadley 11:15am Workshop Session I 12:30pm Lunch 1:15pm Workshop Session II 2:45pm Workshop Session III Blossomtime Float Build
Every Saturday, through the end of April from 9AM to 5PM
at 739 Paw Paw Avenue in Benton Harbor (Across from Benton Harbor
Public Works). Come help build another show-stopping float for the
Blossomtime Parade. This year's theme: Michigan Where Dreams Bloom.
Check out the video from our first build day. For more information contact info@outcenter.org
Out Girls
Friday, April 23 at Santaniello's (2262 W. Glenlord Rd., Stevensville, MI) starting at 7:00 p.m.
Out Girls began as an offshoot of
our women's support group, designed to be a relaxed gathering
that is open to all lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied women of
our community. All lesbian, bi, queer, transgender, and allied women
are invited to attend this program.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Gloria at glosunshine7@att.net
ALIVE Youth Group
Sundays, 7-9pm at the OutCenter. One of the guiding principles of promoting
effective change is to provide youth with a safe and nurturing environment.
Allies and LGBTQ Individuals Visualizing Equality (ALIVE) is a weekly youth group
for youth 14-20 years old who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
or questioning and their allies. Have fun, learn and make a difference in the community!
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Help Queer the Census
For those of you procrastinators or rebels who have not yet turned in your Census forms, swing by the OutCenter for a FREE Queer the Census Sticker. We waited and waited and finally received our packet (a little late due to high demand, sorry!).
Over 10,000 stickers have been sent to various city organizations so
far. According to the Queer the Census website, "The data collected impacts issues critical to
every American - like our health care, our economic stability, and even
our safety. And when LGBT people aren't counted, then we also don't
count when it comes to services, resources ... you name it." (http://www.queerthecensus.org/)
Even if you've turned in your Census forms you can go to the website and sign the petition!
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Community Events
G2H2 - Guys & Gals Happy Hour
Wednesday, April 14, 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Rivers Edge Bar & Grill (653 West Main Street; Benton Harbor, MI). Drink specials include $3.50/sm pitchers and $6/lg pitchers. G2H2 is a
community social event that provides an LGBT-friendly venue in which all people are welcome to attend and
meet other LGBT and allied community members.
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Support Groups
OutCenter Adult Support Group
Each Monday, from 7-9 p.m. at the OutCenter.
CARES HIV+ Support Group
Each Wednesday, 4-6pm. 629 Pioneer Street, Kalamazoo, MI. For more information call 269.381.2437 or visit www.caresswm.org.
PFLAG St. Joseph/Berrien County
The second Sunday of every month from 2-4pm at at the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4340 Lincoln Ave, St Joseph, MI. Email pflagberriencounty@yahoo.com for more information. | |
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Volunteer Orientation
OutCenter was started in 2003 through the hardwork of passionate and committed volunteers. Today, we rely on the contributions of active volunteers to make our work possible. Volunteers serve as group facilitators, front-office greeters, part-time librarians, event organizers, committee members and more.
Interested in volunteering? Come join us for a one-hour orientation to learn how you can get more involved with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally community in southwest Michigan.
We will be offering volunteer orientations the first Saturday of each month at noon here at the OutCenter. RSVP required to info@outcenter.org
The next volunteer orientation will be taking place at noon, April 3 at the OutCenter. |
Gay Male Sex Attitudes Survey
A team of researchers from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA are conducting a study to better understand the ever-changing gay community.
Volunteers are needed to complete a short survey about sexuality among gay and bisexual men and among same-sex couples. Participation takes about 15-25 minutes and is completely anonymous and voluntary. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old and a gay or bisexual man. CHANCE TO WIN!! 2 iPod Nanos and 4 $50 Visa Gift Cards! TO TAKE THE SURVEY, or for more information about the project or the researchers, please visit: www.GaySexAttitudes.org
or contact us at: gaysexattitudes@yahoo.com
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OutCenter, a program of Affirmations, does not represent or endorse the accuracy
or reliability of any of the advertisements (collectively),
i.e. links, downloads, distributions or other information accessed directly or
indirectly from host advertisements
contained on this newsletter (Service), nor the quality of any products, information or other materials
displayed, purchased
or obtained by any consumer, as a result of an advertisement or any other information
or offer in connection with the service or products. You, the consumer, acknowledge that any reliance upon any materials shall
be at your sole risk.
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