|
|
|
Greetings!
Thanks for all the positive feedback about our new name, look, website and eNewsletter format. If you have friends and family you think would enjoy receiving the eNewsletter, please consider forwarding it on to them. The more people who are on our list, the more connected we are as a community. Please read through the list of events below and consider attending some - it really is the best way to build a strong, positive community - it gets better when we make it better...
Yours in community,
The Out Boulder Team
|
|
|
Record your own "Make it Better so it Gets Better"
Video at the Pride House!
|
|---|
Following the recent suicides of five gay youth across the nation, members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and Allied community are asking how we can positively take action, and engage in efforts to foster nonviolence, safe schools and social change. There have been a variety of online responses, including the "It Gets Better" and "Make it Better Project" campaigns. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InhSGQPuP4ohttp:/.../www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EIev4nd97o&feature=fvwk
http://www.makeitbetterproject.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8aFasAB9x0&feature=related
The "It Gets Better" campaign launched by sex columnist Dan Savage reaches out to LGBT young people who have experienced bullying and harassment, and to assure them that life does "get better" as they get older. Using their website and YouTube channel, the "Make it Better Project" provides youth with the resources to make their school experience better right now.
Using these campaigns as a model, Out Boulder invites members of the LGBT and Allied community to create your own "It Gets Better" and "Make it Better" videos to serve as an example for social change in Boulder County schools, and across the nation. While the recent suicides have been covered closely by the media, the issue of bullying specifically targeting LGBT youth is not a new issue to our community. Through the sharing of life stories, we are highlighting the significance of an issue that deserves immediate attention and our ongoing efforts.
We really want this project to represent the diversity of our community, so we welcome everyone and encourage adults and youth, people of color, those who identify as transgender/bisexual/queer, and allies to please share your stories. We have the equipment, you bring the experiences! **Your story should include actions steps you take to Make it Better so It Gets Better.** We may select some of the videos to post to our website (www.outboulder.org) and Facebook page. Everyone who records a video will be asked to sign a release that says, " I give Out Boulder permission to use my likeness and image, this statement once recorded is property of Out Boulder."
Your story should be no longer than three minutes, so feel free to watch the links posted above to get ideas on how to keep your story concise. We hope you will join us to speak out for social change on the following dates at the Pride House (2132 14th St Boulder).
· October 24th from 2-5 pm and/or
· October 26th from 5-7 pm (before the David Sedaris show at the Boulder Theater)
Make it Better so It Gets Better! Questions? contact lmann@outboulder.org.
|
|
| Have you Received and Filled out your Mail-in Ballot? |
|---|
 Mail-in ballots for voting will be mailed today, Oct 12. Out Boulder opposes ballot measures 60, 61, and 101. According to a Boulder Camera article: "Combined, the effects of Amendments 60 and 61, along with Proposition 101, could mean the need for between $26 million and $54 million in cuts to Boulder's budget within the next four years. Brautigam is working on creating a detailed plan for exactly where those cuts would come from, but in general, they would likely mean reduced hours of city services and more layoffs. " To read the article...
|
|
| Tonight! Thinking about Adopting a Child
or Becoming a Foster Parent?
|
|---|
LGBT Foster and Adoptive Parents Tell it Like it Is! Tuesday, October 12th - 7 to 9pm at the Boulder Main Library (1001 Arapahoe - Boulder Creek Room) Hear from LGBT foster and adoptive parents about their experiences with Boulder County's foster care program and ask your questions in roundtable conversations. Current, former and future foster parents and adoptive and foster children welcome. Light refreshments provided.
Sponsored by Out Boulder: Connecting Boulder County's LGBT Community and Boulder County Housing and Human Service's Three60 Family Support Program. Questions? Contact Gabriel Bernier: gbernier@bouldercounty.org | 303-441-1081
|
|
LGBT-Related Guest Opinions in this week's Daily Camera & Local TV Show on LGBTQ Youth
|
|---|
Thanks to Dr. Glenda Russell for her excellent Guest Opinion piece called, "LGBT suicides: End homophobia, save lives" and to Out Boulder board member, Lester Wall, and Out Boulder staff member, Cathy Busha, for their piece, "Straight People must Come Out, too."
Also, Channel 12 is broadcasting a show this Wednesday at 8:00pm which will focus on the recent suicides of LGBTQ youth around the country. The show on Studio 12 is produced by Eden Lane. She hopes that knowledgeable people will call in and email during the show with personal experiences, resources, and ways to reach this population, especially our youth. PFLAG is represented on the panel by Glenda Russell, with GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) & Rainbow Alley rounding out the panel. |
|
|
How is Boulder Valley School District Dealing with Diversity Issues Now That There Is No Equity Office?
|
|---|
Tuesday, November 9 at 7pm - PFLAG BOULDER PRESENTS SAFE SCHOOLS UPDATE - Mim Campos, BVSD Assistant Director of Language, Culture and Equity, and Sarah Oswick, Assistant Principal, Monarch K-8, will talk about the new model for ensuring equity for marginalized students. They will share their perspectives as members of the Equity Advisory Committee that was formed by the superintendent's office following the removal of the Equity Office, in place since 2000, due to budgetary restrictions.
Each school has as a priority to change school climate to be more accepting of diversity. What is happening at all levels now that the responsibility lies with each school? Mim and Sarah will be prepared to answer that question. PFLAG meetings are free, open to the public and are held in the parlor of the First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce St. Free parking off of 15th Street. Use the northeast entrance.
|
|
|
Sign up for the next SpeakingOUT Training to be
held in Longmont in November
|
|---|
| SpeakingOUT is an all-volunteer LGBTQ and Allied educational speakers' bureau. SpeakingOUT conducts approximately 60 community speaking engagements annually in local middle school, high school, and college classrooms. SpeakingOUT also talks with business, organizations and community groups. By utilizing storytelling and personal connections, SpeakingOUT's mission is to cultivate awareness and understanding of LGBT lives and experiences. To receive more information about the next training, please email jshiller@outboulder.org. |
|
Homo For the Holidays - November 17 at 7:15pm
|
|---|
Holidays can be hard on anyone. The media tells us that they are supposed to be fun, filled with warmth, surrounded by the glow of loving and acceping family members, and the highlight of our year. But if you are "homo for the holidays", that might not be the case. If you are not out to your family, or only to some family members, or if you are out, but your family does not want you to bring your partner home, or if you bring your partner home but cannot sleep in the same bedroom, holidays can be less joyful and more stressful. Perhaps your family struggles to accept your children. Perhaps you simply avoid your family altogether during the holidays. Even removing any LGBT issues, holidays can be extremely stressful and disappointing if our family is dysfunctional, actively alcoholic, insensitive, racist or abusive. Even though we are now adults, gong home for the holidays can bring up all our unresolved chilhood or family issues. This workshop, led by Phyllis Tainey, MSW, LCSW, CAC III, can help participants identify and discuss their fears, concerns or dilemas about going "homo for the holidays." Join us at the Pride House (2132 14th St, Boulder) on Wednesday, November 17 from 7:15 to 8:30pm. A $5 to $10 donation is requested - no one will be turned away. Please rsvp to cbusha@outboulder.org. |
|
| Free Film and Potluck in Longmont with St Vrain Safe Schools Coalition - Monday, October 18 at 6:30pm at the Longmont Library (409 4th Ave) |
|---|
 We will watch the film "Out in the Silence" with a Panel Discussion and
Potluck After the Movie. The Panel will consist of students,
parents, and community members speaking about the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) youth in our community. What is it like to be an LGBTQ student in the St Vrain School District.
Out in the Silence captures the remarkable chain of events that unfold when the announcement of filmmaker Joe Wilson's wedding to another man ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown. Drawn back by a plea for help from the mother of a gay teen being tormented at school, Wilson's journey dramatically illustrates the universal challenges of being an outsider in a conservative environment and the transformation that is possible when those who have long been constrained by a traditional code of silence summon the courage to break it.
Co-sponsored by Out Boulder, Boulder County Public Health, PFLAG Boulder County and OASOS. |
|
There are multiple ballot measures that will have huge impacts on jobs in Colorado, education, health care, and women's health. Be an informed voter! You may want to use this ballot guide to help educate yourself and others. We also have hard copies of the voter guide at the Pride House - drop on by!
|
|
Free Film Screening: Contracorriente (Undertow) - Wednesday, October 13 at 7pm
|
|---|
Free Film Screening: Contracorriente (Undertow)
as part of National Coming Out Week, Latino Heritage Month, and Branch Out 7:00-9:00 pm at the CU Visual Arts Complex Auditorium
In a tiny Peruvian seaside village, where traditions run deep, Miguel (Cristian Mercado), a young fisherman, and his beautiful bride, Mariela (Tatiana Astengo), are about to welcome their first child. But Miguel harbors a scandalous secret. He's in love with Santiago (Manolo Cardona), a painter, who is ostracized by the town because he's gay. After a tragic accident occurs, Miguel must choose between sentencing Santiago to eternal torment or doing right by him and, in turn, revealing their relationship to Mariela-and the entire village.
Sponsors: Bent Lens Cinema, The Center for Multicultural Affairs, The Dennis Small Cultural Center, Department of Ethnic Studies, The GLBT Resource Center, and Latin American Studies Center
|
|
Join MGM (Many Gay Men) October 23rd, 2010 @ 6pm at First Congregational Church of Boulder, 1128 Pine St
WHAT (to bring): As usual, entrance is $5 (unless it's your first MGM or you're a volunteer helping to set up or break down). Plus a food dish for 5 to 6 people and a beverage.
THEME: Harvest / Autumn, etc. (OK, if anyone wants to wear a Halloween costume, they should be encouraged, but really, it's not required by any means ...) -- So bring food befitting a harvest festival - and prepare to enjoy! WEBSITE: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BoulderMGMevents/CONTACT INFO: BoulderMGMevents-owner@yahoogroups.com
|
|
|
Sliding Scale Psychotherapy Available |
|---|
|
Jessica Markowitz is doing her final year of MSW training at the Boulder Institute for Psychotherapy and Research (BIPR), where she provides sliding-scale psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health needs. Her Professional Interests/Specialties include:
- Adult individual therapy using a culturally sensitive psychodynamic lens to explore individual concerns, interpersonal issues, and the ways in which these are mediated by the external context.
- Child and adolescent therapy, including working with family members and/or guardians to develop a better understanding of the family system and the ways in which the child's needs can be best addressed.
- Group therapy to develop empathy, gain an appreciation for common bonds, and experience a collaborative treatment approach.
- Treatment with LGBTQ and questioning clients to explore issues of gender, sexuality, and identity development, with attention paid to sociocultural context.
- Work with individuals and/or family members of individuals with Autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities to develop skills and deepen understanding.
For more information, contact Jessica Markowitz, BA
|
|
 Co-Presented by Out Boulder, "TransFormations" is a one-actor play about transgender people, their lives and stories. With truth and a generous amount of humor, as well as touches of activism and politics, "TransFormations" is a poignant theatrical experience and a statement of transgender pride. It was written, and is performed, by Martie van der Voort, a Tucson actor and therapist who developed the script through formal interviews, advocacy work, and friendships with members of the transgender community.
The Dairy Center for the Arts (2590 Walnut St. Boulder)
303-440-7826
October 28, 29, 30
$17 general admission
$15 students, seniors, and groups of 5 or more
transformationstucson@gmail.com |
|
Repeat Showing of
"Faces and Facets of Transgender Experience" |
|---|
Did you miss the first screening of the PFLAG Boulder County-produced documentary "Faces & Facets of Transgender Experience?" If so - or if you want to enjoy it again - join the Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for a repeat showing. The film features 18 people and their families sharing touching stories about the journey from despair and loss to the joy of being the gender they were meant to be.
"Faces & Facets of Transgender Experience" follows families through their changing lives as they progress through their transitions. Co-directed by Gus Spheeris and Carol Christenson, the homegrown film was produced by PFLAG Boulder County and funded by several organizations in Colorado, including the Boulder Valley Safe Schools Coalition and Boulder County Safehouse Alliance.
The film will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1241 Ceres Drive in Lafayette, followed by a panel of transgender people and family members sharing some of their journey. Refreshments will be provided
The presentation of this film and panel discussion is sponsored by the Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Welcoming Congregation Group. For more information, e-mail Kris Zoellner at welcomecon@gmail.com.
|
|
|
A benefit concert for the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center featuring Robert Seeley's anti-war work, BraveSouls and Dreamers. Saturday, October 30 at 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce St., Boulder. All are welcome. Suggested donation is $15-$50. Tickets may be obtained in advance online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/132620 or through the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, and will be available at the door.
Further information: resonancechorus.org or 303-473-8337
|
|
LGBTQ and Allied Parents (and parents-to-be) Group - New Night, New Time, New Structure!
|
|---|
So it turns out Monday mornings aren't a great time for LGBTQ and Allied parents to gather - so let's try this again :) Please join us Monday, October 25th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Parenting Place (1235 Pine Street Boulder - just a few blocks from the Pride House). Join us for an opportunity to meet and connect with other LGBTQ and Allied families. There's no planned program - just a space to connect. Drop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time...and feel free to bring a snack to share. There are indoor and outdoor play areas - so your children are welcome! Questions? Contact Cathy Busha: cbusha@outboulder.orgor Louise Haimowitz: louise@myparentingplace.org
|
|
|
Save the Date! Boulder County's First Transgender Awareness Week will be November 14 to November 20. Join us for the next planning meeting!
|
|---|
Thanks to the over 15 people who attended the first planning meeting for Transgender Awareness Week - what a great turnout and discussion! If you missed the first meeting, it's not too late to join us - our next meeting is Tuesday, October 19 at 7pm at the Pride House (2132 14th St, Boulder). Please rsvp to cbusha@outboulder.org so you can be added to the email list.
|
|
Return of the Women's Group at the Pride House!
|
|---|
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, October 14th 7:30-9pm. Open to all women - for more information, contact Syndi at 303-588-1857.
|
|
Free Screening of 9500 Liberty
|
|---|
Thursday, November 4th 6:30 to 8pm at Boulder High Auditorium, followed by a panel featuring
Joe Pelle, Hans Meyer (Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition) and Mekela Goehring (Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network)
Prince William County, Virginia becomes ground zero in America's explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopt a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have "probable cause" to suspect is an undocumented immigrant. 9500 Liberty reveals the startling vulnerability of a local government, targeted by national anti-immigration networks using the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. Alarmed by a climate of fear and racial division, residents form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual townhalls, setting up a real-life showdown in the seat of county government.
For more information on the movie...
Hosted by: City of Boulder Human Relations Commission, CIRC, Boulder County CAP, Out Boulder, El Centro Amistad, Boulder VOICE, the Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County, El Comité and RMIAN
|
|
|
Some of the events, views and opinions expressed in the elert are solely those of their authors and/or organizations, and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by Boulder Pride. We encourage you to contact the event sponsor for more information.
|
|
|
