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Richmond Business Alliance is making strides in 2013!
The Richmond Business Alliance is working towards joining the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, which will benefit all of our members.
Your membership dollars directly go towards national affiliation and future programming.
All members receive these perks:
- Premium directory listing
- Free access to networking events
- The opportunity to be featured as a spotlighted business and event host.
- The opportunity to serve on RBA's programming and membership committees.
Sign up today!
Questions?
Send Us An Email!
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GCCR Participates in CFC, CVC, and LGS Campaigns
 GCCR is pleased to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign, the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign for State employees, and the Local Government and Schools Campaign.
Our charity numbers are: CFC: 74787 CVC: 3802 LGS: 8183 GCCR is listed in these directories under our legal name: "Richmond Gay Community Foundation." We thank all the Federal, State and local government employees who support our work by selecting GCCR during the enrollment period.
Click these links to learn more about the CFC, CVC, and LGS campaigns.
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GCCR Committee Volunteers Wanted!
I nterested in being on a Committee at GCCR? We are looking for someone just like you! Talented and or Passionate about Programming, Marketing, and other areas? Please contact Bill Harrison for details.
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Event or Meeting Space Needed?
The Gay Community Center of Richmond has meeting, conference and event space for groups from 10 to 500. Our gallery has four rooms suitable for receptions, group discussions and meetings up to 40 people. Our Event Hall can accommodate up to 500 guests for concerts, trade shows, community meetings, banquets and much more.
Click the links below for pictures and floorplans of our facilities.
Event Hall
Gallery
Classroom
Already know the space you want to rent out?
Fill out the rental application
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Add your events
to our Calendar!
Have an upcoming event? Our events calendar is seen on GayRichmond.com. Submit the details of your upcoming event and we'll help you get the word out.
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GLBT SUPPORT GROUP AT McGUIRE MEDICAL CENTER
GLBT SUPPORT GROUP @ V.A.
~ Safe Sharing for we who Served ~
ANNOUNCING:VETERAN SUPPORT GROUP
for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered
WHERE: Room 1D-113
Mcquire Medical Center, Richmond VA
WHEN:1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY @ 3:00
CONTACT: Jennifer Lumpkin, Psy.D., 804/675-5000, x2792 OR Jae Yeon Jeong, Ph.D., 804-675-5152
Please feel free to contact for information, directions, or questions.
Click Here for More Hunter McGuire Website
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Receive the Latest Local LGBT News and Event Information Biweekly! 
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 A Message From Our Executive Director
I Think The "Straight" Community Could Learn A Thing Or Two From Us About Marriage
The fear mongers scream that if our unions become legal, "traditional marriage" will be destroyed. I called Victoria Cobb of the Family Foundation several years ago after I heard her make that comment. I asked her just how could same-sex marriage diminish what she and her husband enjoyed. She finally hung up on me.
Every year our nation realizes a 50% divorce rate among heterosexuals. And just look at the support heterosexuals receive. From the time we are born, we are surrounded with messages from our families, communities of faith and society that we should do several things: get an education, get married and then have children.
When heterosexuals date, their families are usually excited about the new girl or boyfriend. When they marry, they are blessed by family, God and the government. If their marriages face problems, they can discuss it with mom and dad, their minister or the folks at the water cooler. They can put pictures of their spouses on their desks at work, talk freely about what they did over the weekend and hold hands in public. They can snuggle at the movies and even benefit when filing taxes. And yet, so many of these folks still can't muster what it takes to hold a marriage together.
Not until recent years has our community enjoyed a fuller acceptance. We all know couples who met years ago when their love was considered a mental illness, but through some strange means, have managed to hold it together. Could it be that GLBT folks know something about marriage that our straight counterparts don't? Or could it be that we have a stronger appreciation for "coupling" than our heterosexual friends? Have the hard-knock life lessons we endured just trying to find ourselves, much less a mate, instilled in us a greater appreciation of family?
I don't know all the answers but what I do know is that once our marriages become legal (and they will) our married heterosexual friends will pay no penalty. If they watch, they just might learn a thing or two.
Best,
Bill Harrison
Bill.Harrison@LGBTRichmond.net
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GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF RICHMOND UPDATES
TERRY EISE ART SHOWCASED AT GCCR GALLERY
You only have a few days left to see the extraordinary works of local artist Terry Eise as the show closes April 12. Don't miss your chance to stop by and see this fantastic exhibit!
The gallery is located at 1407 Sherwood Avenue, 23220 and is open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, please enter the gallery through Diversity Thrift. For more information, call 804-622-4646, ext. 20 or 804-353-8890.
UPCOMING GCCR EVENTS
OWLS - Older, Wiser Lesbians Support Group
Monday, April 15 at GCCR, 7:00-8:30 P.M. For lesbian or bisexual women ages 40 plus. Discuss topics of interest to the group. For more information, contact Beth Marschak at marschak@juno.com
LESBIAN MEDIA GROUP - exploring books and movies that inform the lives of lesbians
When: Monday April 29, 2013 at 7 pm (4th Monday)
Where: Gay Community Center, 1407 Sherwood Ave, Richmond (Main Entrance)
What: Movie and Discussion
Rated by some to be in the top 5 lesbian films, "the movie is funny in spots....very tender and passionate.....beautifully photographed....and the acting is first rate."
The Legal Department will not let us tell you the name of the movie, but here are some hints:
1."She finds her redemption and resurrection in the love of a beautiful woman."
2. Un filmdu Canada.
3. This is the director's second feature length lesbian film.
4. They were as different as night and day.
Correctly guess the name of the movie and be eligible for prize. Drawing in case of
multiple correct entries. Send entries and/or requests for information (except for the name of the movie) to: GALS-Richmond@comcast.net Must be present to win.
Women's Coming Out Support Group
The Women's Coming Out Support Group meets the first Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30pm at the Gay Community Center, 1407 Sherwood Avenue. The group is a forum for open discussion about the coming out process for women. Whether you are newly out, still coming out, have been out for a while or are questioning... all are welcomed! The group is sponsored by Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond, (MCC), www.mccrichmond.org and The Gay Community Center of Richmond (GCCR), www.gayrichmond.com. For more information, please contact facilitators Loretta Mountcastle, rollinroletta@aol.com, or Martha Ann Spruill, maspruill@me.com.
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WELCOME GCCR VOLUNTEER APRIL BENNETT
 April Bennett is a busy woman, but she fits giving back to the community into her schedule as she believes "GCCR is the perfect representation of the values and principles that I stand for." Being is school would be enough to keep most busy, but April manages to donate time to causes she believes in while actively completing a Masters of Education with a Community Counseling concentration. Her enthusiasm is contagious. "I am full of life, energetic and I have a fun-loving personality. I remain positive, no matter what the circumstance. Coupling professionalism with a great spirituality is one of my best attributes."
"I am grateful to offer service at the Center and look forward to building relationships with those at GCCR."
April's favorite quote is by James Dean. "Dream as if you will live forever and live as if you will die today."
For information about how to volunteer, contact Bill.Harrison@LGBTRichmond.net or call 622.4646, ext. 20.
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RICHMOND BUSINESS ALLIANCE UPDATE
RICHMOND BUSINESS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES APRIL EVENT
 On Thursday, April 18th, join the Richmond Business Alliance for a community education program with the Richmond SPCA. Since 1891, the Richmond SPCA has been a national leader in the humane treatment and services including those dedicated to adoption, rehabilitation, sterilization and education. The organization saves lives of about 3,500 homeless animals each year and care for about 350 cats and dogs daily. We will be hosting a pet supply drive to benefit the SPCA. Checks for monetary donations can be made payable to the SPCA. Top needs for the SPCA:
- Dog toys, especially tough toys
 - Large blankets for dogs
- Dry dog and cat food (unopened, any brand)
- Martingale dog collars, especially medium/large sizes
- Photo paper for color printer
- For a full list of needs, visit bit.ly/sVmSBS
After the tour, we will meet at nearby Hardywood Brewery at 2408 Ownby Lane. Food and libations will be available for purchase at the brewery's Food Truck Court.
For more details, visit www.richmondbusinessalliance.com.
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UPCOMING RICHMOND EVENTS
"EDIE AND THEA: A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT" AIRING AT RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS Airing Underwritten by Law Offices of Katie D. Fletcher, Esq.  "Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement," a film about the couple whose relationship was an instigator in the present Supreme Court case of same-sex marriage, will air on Sunday, April 14th, 7:00 PM at Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, 23230. The event is being sponsored by SAGE, a program of the Richmond Gay Community Foundation. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. What began as two girls meeting at a party in New York in the 1960's has become a major reason that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is now being debated by the Supreme Court of the United States. After a 40-year engagement, Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, were married in Canada in 2007. The couple resided in New York, a state that recognizes same-sex marriages from other localities. Two years later when Spyer died, Windsor was required to pay $363,000 in federal estate taxes on her inheritance from her life-partner. Federal law does not require different-sex marriages to pay such taxes. The film is narrated by the couple while in their 70's. They reminisce about their lives, their childhoods, how they met, their first vacation. The film has received numerous awards and won Best Documentary at Outfest in 2009. Windsor noted in a recent statement that when she "met her partner nearly fifty years ago, they never dreamed their marriage would land before the Supreme Court as an example of why gay couples should be treated equally and not like second-class citizens," noting that her now deceased life-partner would be proud, "The truth is I never expected any less from my country," she added. Following the movie, local attorney Katie D. Fletcher will discuss the Supreme Court case. The film showing is being underwritten by Law Offices of Katie D. Fletcher, Ltd. For more information, call 622-4646, ext. 20.
ROSMY'S ANNUAL SPRING TIME EVENT: A JAZZY AFFAIRSave the date for Springtime: A Jazzy Affair on April 20 to benefit ROSMY's programming that supports LGBTQ youth in Central Virginia. For more information, visit: http://www.rosmyspringtime.org/  RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS' PRESENTS "THE PRIDE"
 One of the most acclaimed new works in recent years, The Pride is a gorgeously-drawn time-bending play that alternates between 1958 and 2008, and features the same three people living similar yet also radically different lives in each of those eras.
In 1958, Philip is married to Sylvia, who is illustrating Oliver's most recent children's book. There is a noticeable tension between Philip and Oliver when they first meet as they skirt around what cannot be explicitly said. In 2008, fed up with his inscrutable infidelity, Philip leaves Oliver, alone and drowning his sorrows in role-play and scotch. Oliver enlists Sylvia, who introduced them, to counteract his loneliness.
As the play evolves, we realize that these characters not only share the same names, but are shadows of one another. Philip, Oliver and Sylvia are all fighting for what they hope will be an easier life than the one they have known.
Examining changing attitudes toward sexuality over a period of fifty years, The Pride is an exploration of intimacy, identity, and the courage it takes to be who you really are. Get your Tickets Now! Opening Night Thursday, April 4; performances Thursday - Saturday Evenings at 8 pm through April 27; Sunday matinees at 4 pm on April 4 and 21. Low-Priced Preview Wednesday April 3 ($16); Tickets for Opening Night and Fri-Sat Eves $26; all other performances $21 CIRCLE CENTER ADULT DAY SERVICES HOSTS YOU CAN! LIVE WELL, VIRGINIA WORKSHOPS
You Can! Live Well, Virginia workshops start April 9! Manage your condition instead of it managing you. Learn a variety of necessary day-to-day management skills needed to maintain and /or increase life's activities in order to lead a healthier and happier life while dealing with chronic conditions, and avoid excessive stress and depression.
These free workshops start at 3:00 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013, for 2 ½ hours once a week for six weeks. Kelly Hickock and Cindy Bray are excellent trainers. You will learn a lot and feel empowered and relieved. Regular attendance is expected. Space is limited so please sign up early: Circle Center Adult Day Services 4900 West Marshall Street Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 355-5717 (ask for Molly to reserve a space)
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CALLING ALL BEARS! WE NEED YOU!
 As part of his doctoral work in counseling, Roanoke student, Gregory Turner is conducting a study about gay men who identify as bears.
Interviews will be conducted by Turner at the Gay Community Center. For more information, contact Gregory Turner at 540-819-1758 or e-mail Gregory at gturner23@capellauniversity.edu.
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NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASKFORCE HOSTS WEEKEND OF EVENTS
 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is celebrating 40 years in the LGBT movement. As part of this celebration, Pink & Purple Weekend triumphantly returns with a lineup of events that is sure to kick your summer off into high gear a little earlier than you expected!
From dancing under the stars to honoring leaders and allies, Pink & Purple Weekend is a celebration of who we are as a community, how far we've come and looks ahead to where we're going as a movement.
There's something for everyone. Don't miss a minute!
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LEGAL CORNER WITH KATE FLETCHER
 In this issue: Should you itemize?
Tax season is upon us. For some the decision whether to itemize is difficult. As the filing deadline approaches you may be tempted to take the standard deduction, but is that the best choice? Here are some tips to help you decide.
The decision is based on whether you have more deductible expenses than the standard deduction amount which is $5950 if you are single. Deductions include home mortgage interest, medical expenses, student loan interest, business use of vehicle or home, mileage to non-profit volunteer activities, unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable donations, moving expenses, state and local taxes, personal property tax payments among others.
These can add up quickly and if they total more than $5950 you should itemize. Some deductions are limited because they have to total a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income. As always there are exceptions to consider. Check with your tax preparer if you have questions.
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LGBT NEWS AND VIEWS
THE GAY AIRMAN WHO TOOK ON THE US MILITARY
 (From BBC) In 1975 an air force sergeant made history when he came out, to challenge the ban on homosexuals in the US military. Leonard Matlovich became a figurehead for gay rights, but he could not have foreseen that in 2013 the US Supreme Court would be considering whether to overturn a ban on same-sex marriages. Read more here >> PRIEST ADMITS TO BEING LONGTIME BOYFRIEND OF SCOTTISH CARDINAL (From Queerty) It's nothing new. Some of our worse enemies are closeted homosexuals who rail out against us. Read below where a Catholic priest dedicated much of his life to condemning the GLBT community. Then read who he was sleeping with. Read more here >> ROBBIE ROGERS FEELS FREE AFTER REVEALING HE IS GAY  (From the NY Times) The computer document was named LetterOfLife. Robbie Rogers, a former member of the United States national team and a professional soccer player in England, wrote it one night last December, pounding on his keyboard while sitting in bed. When he finished, he saved it on the main screen of his laptop and it stayed there, for more than two months, while Rogers alternately pondered it, ignored it and agonized over whether he could make it public. Read more here >>
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VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR BOOKS!
 The Virginia Historical Society is looking for donations of gently used hard and soft cover, fiction and nonfiction books. We are asking that they be in good condition and have a historical connection.
All books collected will be sold at deeply discounted prices during the VHS Summer Book Sale on Saturday, June 15.
Books may be donated at the VHS Museum Shop during regular business hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Donations are tax deductible. All money raised from the book sale will be used to support VHS educational initiatives.
If you have questions about book donations or the sale, please contact the Museum Shop at 804.342.9671.
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