MESSAGE FROM CECE
June brings us into a month filled with gay pride celebrations across the county. On June 28, 1969, drag performers and LGBT patrons of New York City's Stonewall Inn rose up against police harassment and brutality, sparking what has become known as the Stonewall riots and the recognized public launch of the modern LGBT rights movement. Before Stonewall, there were significant public and private demonstrations for equality by groups including the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis. While Stonewall was pivotal for the mobilization and motivation of our community, the earlier contributions of many who had the courage to stand up and speak out helped set us on a path toward some of the achievements we enjoy today.
During this Pride month, Resource Center reflects, celebrates and commits to continue its mission to serve the LGBT communities and all people affected by HIV. We are grateful for those who have come before us and for all of you who support the Center's clients and programs. By doing so, you are helping improve lives in our community.
Regards, Cece
HEALTH: Product donations provide boost to meals programs
For years, the Center, with the help of volunteers and donors, has provided a hot and nutritious lunch to over 100 people living with HIV/AIDS every weekday. The program has long enjoyed strong community support, and more and more businesses recognize the importance of this Center program and are donating their excess perishable products. On May 15, representatives of Brinker International toured the hot meals program. Once a week, Brinker donates excess products from its restaurants to the program. Several Starbucks locations donate pastries for lunchtime desserts. Local Kroger, Whole Foods and Albertsons grocery stores donate fruit, prepared salads and baked goods. And, an area Pizza Hut occasionally provides the meals program with unsold pizzas and pasta. All of these donations give clients greater variety at lunch and supplement the Center's nutrition budget, while keeping these products from simply being thrown away.
COMMUNITY: New faces, new programs at Fuse
The Center's Fuse program for gay and bi men ages 18-29 has new leadership. John Sanders and Grayson Gosnell are the new program coordinators. Sanders describes himself as "a big nerd" who enjoys science fiction and has a background in the hospitality industry and fraternity recruitment. Gosnell is a fan of reading and video games, has worked in photography and videography, and says he "spends too much time watching shows on Netflix." Fuse's twice-monthly game nights and Core Group meetings are drawing increased attendance through the help of a strong social media presence. The group is starting to plan its large events for the summer, and will be starting weekly yoga classes Fuse for members. For more information about Fuse, call 214-540-4435 or email fuse@myresourcecenter.org.
ADVOCACY: Helping Houston achieve equality
 At the request of LGBT advocates in Houston and Austin, the Center's Rafael McDonnell addressed the Houston City Council on May 28 as that body voted 11-6 in favor of adopting an equal rights ordinance. Their ordinance, like similar ones in Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin cover employment and public accommodations nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The vote came after about nine hours of community comments and debate. Houston was the largest city in the county without an equal rights ordinance. Since 2010, the Center has actively led efforts to add LGBT-specific public sector employment protections in North Texas at venues ranging from DFW International Airport to the North Texas Tollway Authority to the Dallas County Community College District with the support of the North Texas community. More than 50,000 public sector workers have those added employment protections thanks to the Center's work.
MEMBERSHIP: Making a difference 365 days a year
"We're proud to be able to support the Center's mission through our monthly gifts and love the fact that we have a say in where our funds are directed. In our case, it's the Center's Youth First program which is very close to our hearts." Jerrett Morris & Jef Tingley
As a 365 Club member, your monthly contribution provides predictable and reliable income to help sustain Center programs such as our nutrition programs, HIV/STD testing, dental clinic, counseling, Youth First and Gray Pride programs.
Join the 365 Club and receive an invitation for an exclusive behind the scenes tour from CEO Cece Cox, and discounts on Center events!
Visit myresourcecenter.org or contact Dean S. Wilson at 214-540-4424 or email dwilson@myresourcecenter.org to add your name to the list of community leaders making a difference in the lives of our clients every day!
SAVE THE DATE Upcoming Resource Center events.
Razzle Dazzle Dallas: June 4-7. Resource Center is a beneficiary of this event. Find more details here, Razzle Dazzle Dallas.
National HIV Testing Day
In observance of National HIV Testing Day 2014, Resource Center Prevention Programs will conduct the following activities. Fun giveaways and snacks will be provided at many of the events.
All events below will be conducted at Nelson-Tebedo Clinic, 4012 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas 75219
Tuesday, June 24
7-9 p.m. - HIV 101
Thursday, June 26
10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Expanded drop-in HIV/STD testing hours
10 p.m.-midnight - UBE drop-in HIV/STD testing hours
Friday, June 27
10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Expanded drop-in HIV/STD testing hours
Saturday, June 28
9 a.m.-4 p.m. - Drop-in HIV/STD testing hours
Check the Center's website calendar here for a complete list of events.
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