Back to School
Back to school has added meaning for area
college students. They are returning to their
coursework this fall, but some are also going
back to high school.
As mentors working under a grant awarded to the
GLCCB by the Baltimore City Health Department,
these college students are working to deliver HIV and
STD prevention education to Gay Straight Alliances
(GSAs) in local high schools by recruiting and training
sexual minority youth at those schools as peer
educators.
HIV infection rates have increased among young
people in the U.S. In Baltimore, it heavily affects
African Americans, especially young men who have
sex with other men (YMSM), followed by African
American women, and injection drug users. Besides
HIV infection, reasearch has show that sexual
minority youth are vulnerable to a host of other
health challenges; substance abuse and addiction,
other STDs, family abuse and neglect, victimization
and abuse, and suicide. For more information about
HIV/AIDS in Maryland, visit the Maryland
AIDS Administration website.
Now in its second school year, the GSA project is
training and connecting mentors from five area
colleges with five Baltimore City high schools to
deliver HIV and STD prevention strategies. Along the
way the GLCCB hopes to identify schools without
GSAs that may want or need them, and develop a
plan to establish them through a future project.
By collaborating with the existing support system
provided by GSAs, this project seeks to decrease HIV
infection among sexual minority youth by increasing
knowledge of perceived risks of HIV and STD
infection and decreasing the frequency of high-risk
behaviors.
If you would like more information, or to get involved,
please contact gsacoordinator@glccb.org.
Visit the Maryland AIDS Administration online
Quick Links...
|
|
Greetings!
At a time of great loss and lingering uncertainty,
the
GLCCB joins countless others accross the country in
expressing our sincerest sympathy for the victims
and those affected by Hurricaine Katrina. Our
thoughts are with them, and especially our sister
LGBT organizations and their constituents in the
region.
|
|
GLCCB and Towson University Team Up
|
|
Beginning this fall, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and
Central Maryland will be the host organization for a
Towson University work-study student. Gary
Wolnitzek will officially join the staff of the Center
this month.
Work-study is a program that is a federal title IV
grant for students pursuing a first bachelor's degree.
The program offers financially challenged students an
opportunity to work in non-profit community settings
and earn money towards their expenses while in
college.
The Center met with Towson University in early June
to discuss the feasibility of hiring a work-study
student. While the student will be an employee of
Towson University with a small portion paid by the
Center, the partnership will afford the GLCCB much-
needed assistance with day-to-day operations. Gary
will assist GLCCB staff with various tasks, including
researching funding opportunities, and providing
programming and administrative support.
The best of both worlds, the program offers students
a way to gain valuable work experience while helping
with their expenses as well as offering small
community-based organizations access to skilled
workers they might not otherwise be able to afford
to hire outright. Welcome Gary!
|
|
Tran*Quility Is Back!
|
|
After a brief hiatus, one of the Center's long-
standing programs for transgender persons is back.
Tran*quility offers support to individuals who are
transgender or who are just seeking information.
Sandy Rawls has accepted the role of lead facilitator
and has brought a lot of energy to the role. Among
her plans for the group is expanded access to
resources. In addition to confidential discussion with
topics ranging from cosmetics and attire to hormones
and other medical issues, referrals to domestic
violence, alcohol and narcotic, legal, and thereputic
services will be made available.
Guest speakers will also be present from time to time
to address topics important to transgender persons.
Tran*quility meets the fourth Saturday of each
month at 8:00 p.m. If you have questions or would
like more information, you may e-mail Sandy at
tranquility@glccb.org.
|
|
Gay Bingo Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
|
|
On September 28, 2005, the GLCCB will celebrate the
third anniversary of its Gay Bingo benefit at the
Hippo.
As reported previously, bingo has raised over $60,000
for the Center in just three years. Hosted by the Hippo, and
featuring the talents of caller Roger Dimick, bingo has
achieved a bit of a cult following in Baltimore, being
featured by the City Paper and the Baltimore Sun
more than once.
Tickets are now on sale for the September 28
anniversary and are available at the Hippo. To
accomodate the expected crowd, bingo will be
held in the Hippo's large room, usually reserved for
dancing. All regular games will guarantee cash prizes
of $100 For more information, or to reserve your
tickets, call the Hippo at (410) 547-0069 or visit
their website via the link below.
|
|
GLCCB Hosts NGLTF Phone-a-thon
|
|
On August 14, 18, and 21, volunteers from the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force staffed phones
at the Center to call voters in key districts in
Massachussetts in support of same-sex marriage.
|
|
Support the GLCCB today!
|
Much of the GLCCB's support comes from individuals
like you! Please take a moment to make a
contribution so we can continue providing valuable
resources and support to Maryland's GLBT community.
USD
Donate Now
|
Tell Me How
|
|
|
