June 2015

 MESSAGE FROM CECE 

 Happy Pride month! Later in June, a greatly-anticipated Supreme Court decision about marriage equality could make this a Pride month to never forget. Or, the outcome could leave us disappointed. Even when the right to marriage equality is recognized, our community will continue to face employment discrimination, stigma, bullying and isolation. Resource Center will, with your help and support, continue to address these challenges in North Texas and beyond through advocacy, education and programs serving the LGBT communities and persons affected by HIV. We are grateful for your support as we meet the changing needs today and beyond.     

    

Best regards, Cece

 

HEALTH: TACKLING HUNGER DISPARITIES

Resource Center is partnering with a medical student from UT-Southwestern Medical Center to look at ways to decrease food insecurity among the Center's HIV-positive clients. Food insecurity happens when an individual does not have consistent access to affordable, adequate nutrition. Neha Gaddam, a UT-Southwestern student and Schweitzer Foundation fellowship winner, will conduct workshops connecting Center clients with resources and information to improve access to quality nutrition. In 2014, the Center served over 1,900 clients through its pantry and hot lunch program, which breaks down to nearly 31,000 pantry visits and over 18,000 meals. The pantry is the Center's oldest continually-operating program, started in 1985, and enjoys broad community and corporate support. 

 

COMMUNITY: GEAR AWARDS  
The Center's GEAR (Gender Education, Advocacy and Resources) program recognized several members of the transgender community at the program's annual awards ceremony May 2. Terry Allen, a client services specialist with the Center and one of the leaders of GEAR's programs for trans men, received the Trail Blazer award for his efforts. Rebekka Ouer received the ally award for providing counseling services to the transgender community. Former GEAR program coordinator Blair High received a newly-created lifetime service award, named after her, for her contributions to the program as well as to the Center. Finally, former Center volunteer Nell Gaither was given the Kathryn Walton Award for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the transgender community across North Texas. Mara Keisling founding executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, delivered remarks at the ceremony.

       

  

ADVOCACY: HARVEY MILK DAY        
The North Texas LGBT community came together on May 22 to honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist and icon Harvey Milk with a rally at the Legacy of Love monument.  The event featured readings from Milk's interviews and letters. P.J. Moton and Jalenzski Brown from the Center's United Black Ellument program, Cody Sanders from the Center's Fuse program, and GEAR program member Leslie McMurray addressed the crowd at the rally.  The celebration culminated with a march down Cedar Springs Road. The Center was a community partner of the second annual event, held on what would have been Milk's 85th birthday.

HEALTH: 20TH ANNUAL NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY   
2015 marks the 20th annual National HIV Testing Day, a time to promote one of our best tools for HIV prevention. Too many people - one in six - who are living with HIV are not aware of it, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That means they are not getting the treatment they need to stay healthy and may unknowingly pass the virus on to others. On Saturday, June 27th, Resource Center will recognize National HIV Testing Day by offering free testing at Nelson-Tebedo Clinic, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and at the Rainbow Family Day event at Dallas City Hall from 4-7 p.m. Tell your friends about National HIV Testing Day!



GIVE:   
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COUNCIL- Morgan Hare is committed to LGBTQ youth in North Texas!

"I could have used a place like the Center's Youth First program as a young gay kid growing up in Lubbock, TX. I'm proud to be a member and play a small part in making sure LGBTQ youth in North Texas have a safe haven in a world that's not always so safe." -Morgan Hare

Click here for information about how to get involved with the Centers' Young Professionals Advisory Council!
 
5 FACTOR SPONSORSHIP- Become a sponsor of the Center's 5 Factor this September! Your event sponsorship helps the Center to honor five of North Texas' most noteworthy people or groups, and in turn provides valuable support for Center programs and services. Contact Cameron Hernholm, chief development officer, at 214-540-4421 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Resource Center events.  

 

   









 
Check the Center's website calendar here for a complete list of events.  
 
Resource Center
 
 
 
 

ABOUT RESOURCE CENTER:
Resource Center, a United Way Agency, operates the John Thomas LGBT Community Center, Nelson-Tebedo Clinic, Youth First and United Black Ellument. For over 30 years, the Center has provided programs of interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community members and critical assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS and their families. The programs of Resource Center promote understanding of the LGBT community and aim to eradicate the spread of HIV and AIDS. 
  
MISSION:
Resource Center is a trusted leader that empowers the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities and providing transformative education and advocacy.