The Mahoning Valley Pride Center Blog

Maine Marks Another Blow To Gay Marriage

2009-11-04T12:58:00.004-05:00

Watch a Time Magazine Video on Gay Marriage in The Heartland

Ooops! They did it again. For the 30th time, the people of a state in our country voted against allowing same-sex marriages. Disappointing? Of Course! A Set-back? Yes! An Earth-shattering Loss? Not Really! Maine was different and there are lessons that can and should be learned from there. First we have to remember that Maine was unique in that it was the first time that gay marriage was made legal through a law passed in the legislature, and not by a court ruling. With some legislative bravery, this could be a HUGE difference. Because it was in Maine, the referendum that was voted upon is basically the equivalent to a Governor's veto. The referendum could be overturned by the legislature when they meet next. The question is, will they? It would require a lot of political capital and bravery to overturn the will of the people they represent, especially when the margin was 6% which is not necessarily small.

Of note, should be that at first glance, it appeared that we were going to win and we didn't. The reason of our early optimism, was that the first precincts to get counted were primarily the cities, towns and suburbs. When the rural votes came in later that had to be hand-counted, is when we lost. To me, that tells a lot about the theory that, "to know us is to love us," and people who know self-identifying people in the LGBT community, tend to vote with us, or at least not against us. That is what Pride is all about. Having pride in yourself and being out and self-identifying is hugely important. It is also hugely scary and granted in some places even dangerous. That is why having a vibrant Pride Center that can be a galvanizing place for our community, a place to come together and fellowship and learn and grow and educate our cities, is so important. Maine shows us that it is also important especially in the smaller towns that the Centers need to be a voice and advocate for our community. Youngstown may be the 5th or so largest city in Ohio, but we have a lot of smaller communities surrounding us, and we need to be their voice and advocate as well.

There was some good news both locally and nationally in yesterdays election as well. In Akron, they just elected their first openly lesbian city official. The state of Washington's voters ratified a law giving their over 6,000 registered domestic partners the same state rights as married couples. Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Houston Texas supported and voted in gay mayors, (although the Houston mayor will face a run-off because of the close vote count.) We also still have marriage bills under consideration in New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. with a federal challenge to California's Prop 8 coming in January. It is not the time to be defeated or give up, but to energize and move forward. We as an individual, a community, and a Pride Center, can make the difference and bring change. We have to, it's the right thing to do.

Halloween At The Pride Center, This Saturday

2009-10-26T12:36:00.000-04:00

HHS to Create National Resource for LGBT Seniors

2009-10-23T10:31:00.002-04:00

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Experts estimate that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older. Agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. The new Resource Center for LGBT Elders will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive supports and services. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs.

The LBGT Resource Center will help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers,
including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other challenges.

The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds. Eligible entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations with experience working on LGBT issues on a national level. The funding announcement for the Resource Center will be made available on the following website very soon.
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Grants/Funding/index.aspx

Thanx For A Great Week of NCOD Events

2009-10-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

Hey Friends, Family, and Allies,

We made it through our second year of National Coming Out Week events, and on behalf of the Pride Center, I would like to thank all of those who worked so hard to make all of these events possible. It was very appreciated to see our Straight Allies, Marguerite Felice, and Steve and Toni Schildcrout at so many events. To our core team, Bob Holmes, Marita Emmert, Liam, Diana Shaheen, Karen and Laura Davis, Anita Davis, Javonne LFontaine and Don Rowinski, you all went above and beyond.

Lunch with a Decision Maker finally got Congressman Tim Ryan to make an appearance at the Pride Center, and David Betras showed as well and re-affirmed his commitment to the LGBT community. Good job Don on arranging the luncheon, and representing us with a contingency in Washington DC for the March for Equality. Pride Youngstown held an excellent panel discussion on working with the police and the LGBT community with excellent speakers from Cleveland and Columbus as well as Pride Youngstown founders Carlos, Anita, and Kim. YSUnity had a couple of good movie showings, but didn’t really have the attendance. In a school of 14k there needs to be more support to their organization. The interesting but enjoyable movie, “Breakfast on Pluto,” was enjoyed by a small group of people at the Pride Center, and each having our own individual microwave popcorn was yummy! Over 15 members of the First Federated Church in North Jackson came to a showing there of, “For The Bible Tells Me So,” always an eye opening movie. Marita brought some great experts on gay adoption and family rights for the panel discussion Thursday night. We all learned a lot and we really learned how All Families Matter. The Cocoa Mocha dance was decorated fantastic and had plenty of food at the Unitarian Church on Friday. Everyone who went had a great time. Saturday we had coffee and wine enjoyed by all as we wrapped up our week of events and again, thanx for everyone who made it possible. There were a lot more donations this year than last, and we are learning more and more each year how to make it better.

Our only regret was that as nice as all the events were and as much as we liked seeing each other, it was the same dedicated group of active people in our community. National Coming Out Day was founded by someone who wanted us to be able to come out to at least one another in our community and stand up for who we are, and what we want to be. We want our NOCD week-long events to do the same. We want to bring people out to our community that we don’t normally see. People who need the friendship, fellowship and resources, that all of our organizations have to offer. We are taking baby steps growing in visibility, and we look forward to more and more people coming out not only of the closet, but to all of the opportunities the LGBT community in the Mahoning Valley has to offer, which is much more than people realize. Like politics? The Stonewall Democrats are for you. Need family resources and help with others who know what it’s like adopting, creating lives together, and becoming an LGBT family? All Families Matter is the place to go. Mom, Dad, Best Friend, Grandma doesn’t really know how to react to you now that you are an out member of our community? PFLAG gives them a place to talk about it, provide support, and offer many resources. Feel like you are minority in a minority? People of All Colors Together, (PACT,) offers great support and a sense of community within our LGBT community. Out and Proud, and love to organize events and have a good time? Pride Youngstown needs energetic volunteers to make the 2010 Youngstown Pride Festival and their other events a big success and are always looking for motivated members of our LGBT community.

Finally, we at the Pride Center are happy to act as a facilitator and resource group for the entire LGBT community, organizations and our allies. My goal as Chairman is to raise the visibility of our community, get the leaders in all of our associations to work together for a common goal of being out and affirming the good we all can do, and to be a resource for those that are questioning, confused, scared, and need a place to hang out where they can be who they are, among others who understand what they are going through and want to help. Welcome to the LGBT community, tell your friends, and Just Show Up! I hope to see some of you this Wednesday at our regular Pride Center meeting at 7:30. We will be having, support, fellowship and popcorn and a movie.

Scott

Pro Football Player Sticks Up For Our Team

2009-10-06T18:30:00.003-04:00

As we approach National Coming Out Day this Sunday, October 11th, I am becoming more proud each day of our GLBT community and the people that support us. I am probably the farthest thing from a sports guy there is. I hate when they equate masculinity with sports, but thats another story altogether, I just don't want to sit down in front of the TV for hours to watch a stupid game. I just came across this article about Pro Football player from the unbeaten (i'm told,) New Orlean Saints, Scott Fujita, has come out strongly in his support of the march on Washington for gay rights this Sunday. The question and answer article HERE, is very well written, and I am happy to pass it along. Take a second and read it over, even if you are not a sports fan.....S

AIDS Council of New South Wales, Australia Safe Sex Campaign

2009-10-05T13:38:00.002-04:00

From the Adweek daily blog, sometimes, a banana is just a banana. For the AIDS Council of New South Wales in Australia, however, it's the centerpiece of a safe-sex campaign encouraging gay men to "go bananas for condoms." International sportswear label teamm8 is the launch partner for the effort, which uses the tagline, "Slip it on." The goofy Warhol-esque imagery and double-entendre-laden copy in the Aussie push seem especially good-humored and self-aware.

October is GLBT History Month, Watch The Video

2009-10-03T09:59:00.004-04:00

Welcome to GLBT History Month. As important as June is to celebrating our Pride, October is important to reflect on where we came from and where we are going from here. October 11th has been National Coming Out Day for years. Matthew Shepard whose horrific death was another rallying cry in our history similar to Stonewall, died on October 12th. The Pride Center asks you to celebrate and embrace in the history that has come before us, and the changes we can make today to ensure our future.

The Pride Center is honored to be presenting a coalition of GLBT groups from the Mahoning Valley, that are coming together with a week-long series of events surrounding National Coming Out Day. From Saturday, October 10th thru Saturday, October 17th, there will be an event each day that either celebrates our diversity, or reminds us of our history. I invite you to attend at least one of these events, more if possible, and celebrate being part of our community. Click on the poster below for a larger version of all of the dates and times of our events.

I would like to thank PFLAG, PACT, Stonewall Democrats, Pride Youngstown, YSUnity
All Families Matter, The First Universalist Unitarian Church of Youngstown, First Federated Church of North Jackson and all of the hard working volunteers that are making this week possible. The Pride Center invites you to get involved and stay involved in our community. The Pride Center meets twice a month, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 for support, fellowship and fun. There is a business meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 if you would like to become involved even more in the planning of events and helping with the Pride Center's work.

Cleveland Wins Gay Games Over Boston and D.C.

2009-09-29T22:08:00.002-04:00

CLEVELAND ROCKS!!!

On Tuesday, the Federation of Gay Games announced Cleveland as their chosen city to host the 2014 games. The Gay Games, started in San Francisco in 1982, is the world's largest specifically gay sporting and cultural event.

"The City of Cleveland is prepared to roll out the welcome mat to the LGBT athletes, their families and spectators from around the world," said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "Fans of the Gay Games will find that Cleveland is a great place to celebrate sports and culture and that we have tremendous assets and amenities for them to enjoy. The sports and cultural environment here is truly a uniquely Cleveland experience, one they will cherish for years to come."

The Gay Games is a quadrennial sports and cultural festival founded in 1982 by Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell. Drawing as many as 12,000 participants, more than the Olympics, the 2010 Gay Games (www.games-cologne.com) will take place in Cologne, Germany, from July 31 to August 7, 2010.

Cleveland's 2014 Gay Games IX Sports & Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place August 9-16, 2014. The 8-day event will feature 30 sports, 4 cultural events, an Opening and Closing Ceremony and community and cultural events throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. Gay Games generate $50 to $80 million in estimated local economic impact in additional to significant ongoing travel and tourism visibility benefits for the host city.

Some Items of Note To Our Transgender Friends

2009-09-21T19:30:00.000-04:00

A couple of notes to our Transgendered Friends. First, in the Vindicator on Saturday, came a story about how the state of Ohio made it simpler for transgenders to change their sex designation on their licencse plates, yes, I said OHIO. The story HERE, says how the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, has recently changed policy to make it easier to specify your gender on your state drivers license. While some states required there to be proof of an operation before the change of gender would be issued, Ohio now officially finds that unnecessary and requires only a doctors recommendation that the driver is identifying as their new gender, despite not having an anatomical surgery yet. Way to go Ohio BMV, I will now try to forget my 30 minutes in line the other day while you tried your hardest to pass an old man on his vision part of his license although he was clearly failing. I even took the time to follow him out and see his make and model of car and license plate number, just in case for the future.

Secondly, I got an email today from a woman at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, who is working on a research project for the school, and is looking for transgenders to particpate in the project. Below is the entire content of the email. I ask our friends in the transgender community to look this over if interested. Have a great week friends, 3 weeks to National Coming Out Week activities, check back often for updated information...........S

Dear Colleagues,

My name is Stephanie Budge and I am currently working on a research
project with Dr. Kimberly Howard at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison to study the psychological process of transitioning
for many transgender-identified individuals (e.g., MTF transsexuals,
FTM transsexuals, gender queer/gender variant, cross-dressers, etc.).
The study consists of an online survey and will take approximately
20-30 minutes to complete. To qualify for the study, the participant
would need to identify as transgender, be 18 or older, and live in the
United States. This study has been approved by the University of
Wisconsin-Madison IRB #SE-2009-0403.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PzE69GElC9_2fRhWp139sr1w_3d_3d

If you have any questions or need further information please contact
Stephanie Budge at budge@wisc.edu or at (608) 263-9503.

Thanks so much,

Stephanie Budge

"Sinead's Hand," and Our Fight For Equality, Join The Pride Center

2009-09-15T12:41:00.003-04:00

I can't find a better way to illustrate the frustration of gay marriage and equal rights, than this video that was sent to me today by a friend in our community. It also offers good timing as today in the Ohio legislature, they are going to vote on a bill that would grant protection to sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment. 40 years after Stonewall, and we can still be fired for being gay in Ohio. Makes you think. Supporting your local Pride Center helps make your voice known in our community. I encourage you to come to our business meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, and our support meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. I would love to expand these to every Wednesday once we get enough support and growth in the Pride Center. Stay tuned for information on our National Coming Out Week's Events, October 10 - 17th. We need your help in pulling these events off. Email us at the Pride Center for more information, mahoningvalleypridecenter(at)yahoo(dot)com.....S

Septembers Flying, Wednesday Support/Movie Night, National Coming Out Week Events

2009-09-13T18:17:00.006-04:00

September is going by fast and the Pride Center is excited to be back in the groove after our Summer off. We had a great business meeting where we set the schedule for the rest of the year, and discussed upcoming plans and activities. In 4 short weeks we will be sponsoring National Coming Out Week events, with a coalition of our other LGBT organizations here in the Mahoning Valley. There will be 8 days of events from October 10 through October 17. The last event on the 17th will be a fundraiser for the Pride Center and we need everyone to spread the word. We will be holding a wine and cheese party costs $10 dollars for the tastings and there will be a silent auction and a LGBT Expo featuring many of the Valley's LGBT organizations. The full calendar of events will be posted soon.

This Wednesday, September 16th we will be back at the Pride Center for our twice monthly support meeting. Because of low attendance in the past, (guess we are all getting some great support in our LGBT lives,) we will be combining the support meetings with a movie night as well. Each meeting we will have a choice of LGBT themed movies to choose from; newly released to old favorites. The Pride Center will be open from 7:30 p.m. and the movie will start at 7:40. Bring movie snacks if you wish. Popcorn will be provided and there will be soda for sale for 50 cents. If anyone has anything to talk about, or are in need of some advice and support, we will get together over in the Stonewall side of the building while the movie is playing, and join the movie in progress after we all get to talk it out. Let's really make the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, a time to support, fellowship, and relax with others in the LGBT community and our allies. Allies are always welcome too.

Coming soon is the newly updated Pride Center website. There will be a monthly calendar of events, and we will be asking members to send in their pictures and videos of events. Website launch will be in the next couple of days, we will send an announcement out. Until then, tell your friends about The Mahoning Valley Pride Center, we don't want to be a secret. Have a great week and enjoy life!

California Jumps Another Hurdle on Track To Legalizing Gay Marriage Again

2009-09-10T14:53:00.003-04:00

California is making baby steps to work its way back to legalized gay marriages. Late yesterday the California State Legislature approved by a 23 to 14 vote, a bill that will require California to validate and recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the state prior to November 5, 2008, when Proposition 8 ended same sex-marriage in the Golden State.

Senate Bill 54, authored by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), clarifies California family law to explicitly recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed out-of-state prior to November 5, 2008. The bill would also explicitly recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed out-of-state after that date as carrying all the same rights and responsibilities that spouses receive although without the designation of marriage.

Can Gay Marriage Turn Around An Economy?

2009-09-08T20:07:00.004-04:00

Brian Wells, left this little nugget HERE on his facebook page and I love the story. According to the Advocate magazine, a quaint little town North of Madrid has seen a boom in business and the revitalization of it's economy, by becoming THE place for the LGBT community to get married. The accepting town has even elected an openly gay mayor, who was instrumental in the idea of getting people who couldn't be married by more narrow minded places near the region, even though Spain does allow gay marriage since 2005.

Could you imagine if Youngstown and our surrounding Mahoning Valley became THE place for the LGBT community to feel welcome? It's difficult to imagine but not impossible. After all, both Warren and Youngstown city councils passed supporting the equal rights bills currently in the Ohio legislature. What if we took these new green zones and cheap housing and turned them into gayborhoods. Keep the energy positive, if you think you cant, you surely wont, but if you think it's possible, it surely is, and if you work to making it true, it definitely will be. Thanx Brian for the link.

More Gay ice Cream!

2009-09-05T09:20:00.003-04:00

Sorry about your luck, but when you get a chubby chairman writing the blogs, there are bound to be food stories more often than not, lol. So to bookend the last blog post about Ben and Jerrys celebration of Vermont marriage with Hubby Hubby ice cream, I now bring you the BIG GAY ICE CREAM TRUCK! I came across the truck on my day job as a marketing consultant. I was reading an article on how LGBT owned small businesses were being creative to get through the current recession. Doug Quint, a musician who had summers off from performing was looking for a way to make money during the off season. He came up with the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, with toppings from Toasted Coconut Curry to Wasabi Pea Dust. He has caught on big around the streets of New York, and using social media like blogging and twitter to let customers know where the truck will be that day, he is getting more followers daily. Doug's twitter account has over 3,000 followers and he just started the business in June. You can check out their Big Gay Ice Cream Truck Blog and their Twitter Feed, and you can check out their story on video below. Let's hear it for Gay Ingenuity!! We Rock!!...S

Ben and Jerry's Welcomes Gay Marriage to Vermont...Mmmmm Ice Cream

2009-09-02T10:30:00.003-04:00

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream makers in Vermont has announced on their website.....In partnership with Freedom to Marry we are gathered here to celebrate Vermont and all the other great states where loving couples of all kinds are free to marry legally. We have ceremoniously dubbed our iconic flavor, Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby in support, and to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality. Check out our press release. If you live in Vermont, or visiting, you’re invited to celebrate the pride-filled occasion with an all naturally fabulous union of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough ice cream, fudge and pretzels.

North Jackson Churches Makes it Official For LGBT Community

2009-08-29T10:26:00.004-04:00

First Federated Church at 10786 Mahoning Avenue in North Jackson, OH has made it official. After airing a welcoming commercial on television showing all are welcome at the congregation, including a gay couple, the Executive Board of the Church voted this past Thursday, August 27th, to officially designate the church a "Welcoming Church," to the LGBT community. This makes a third church that I know of to create such a designation. Our close ally, First Unitarian Church in Youngstown, All Saints Church in Cortland, and now First Federated Church in North Jackson brings to my mind a triangle around the area of affirming places of worship. The triangle is known as the strongest geometrical shape known and often represents body, mind and spirit. It is fitting that this triangle now encompasses a large portion of the Mahoning Valley, and our LGBT community, we can only hope to strengthen and grow this spirit, to encompass all churches to whom our community wishes to worship with.

First Federated Church welcomes a new Pastor, Jeff Davis, who begins his work for his congregation this Tuesday, I would like to welcome him and wish him all the best from the Mahoning Valley Pride Center. I encourage anyone in our community who is looking for a place of worhship, and has not found what feels right to themselves, to give this church, or one of the other welcoming churches in the area.

As a reminder, National Coming Out Day is always October 11th, and for the second year, the MV Pride Center is sponsoring, and being aided with a coalition of most of the LGBT organizations in the Valley, a week-long series of events, promoting the theme this year of, "Celebrating Our Diversity." There will be much more information coming out about these events shortly. There will be a planning meeting of the coalition, tomorrow, Sunday August 30th, at 1pm at the Pride Center.

CenterLink Issues an Action Alert!!

2009-08-26T14:25:00.001-04:00

Action Alert: Help Reauthorize The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act

On September 30, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act is set to expire. With millions of Americans living with HIV/AIDS completely dependent for their medical care on the Ryan White programs, it is vital that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act is reauthorized by Congress.

Visit our website to automatically send an e-mail to your members of Congress.

Enacted in 1990, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act, named after a teenager infected with HIV who became a national spokesman for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, is an attempt at making care available to those patients that cannot afford treatments by any other means. It is the largest federal program for helping people with HIV/AIDS. Starting with 220 million dollars in 1990, funding of the Ryan White programs in 2005 increased to 2.1 billion dollars with roughly one-third of the funding going to AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, which provide HIV-treatment drugs to low income patients in all fifty states.

The programs funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act provide vital medical care and counseling and are “payer of last resort,” meaning they help people living with HIV/AIDS who have no other way of paying for their medication and treatments. Without the programs funded by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act these people would literally be unable to afford their medical care.

Please help us educate members of Congress on this important issue: fill out your information on our website and send an e-mail to your elected officials in Washington D.C. and urge them to support the reauthorization for three years of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act.

Visit our website now and send an e-mail to your members of Congress.

For more information read the HIV/AIDS Community Consensus on the Future of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act from the CAEAR (Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief) coalition.

New Chairman For Mahoning Valley Pride Center

2009-08-25T14:33:00.002-04:00

Greetings Friends,

An emergency Board meeting was called and it is with regret that both Brian Wells and Nicole Peterson decided to step down as co-chairs to attend to their busy lives after graduation from college this past June. I am proud and humbled to have been nominated and voted-in to fulfill their remaining term as Chairman. We definitely want to thank them for their years of hard work bringing the Pride Center from the basement of the Unitarian Church to it’s new facility, thanks to Don Rowinsky and his generous donation, and wish them well in their futures. I want to personally thank them for all they have done, and I am excited to come aboard and embrace their goals of making the Pride Center a welcoming place for all of the Mahoning Valley’s LGBT community.

Our first goal is to increase the Pride Center’s membership, and create a solid foundation for future growth. With the great success of Youngstown’s first Gay Pride Celebration this past June, we are looking forward to building on that visibility and creating a safe place to meet, fellowship, counsel, learn, grow, and accept. We must build on the successes of the past and work together throughout our LGBT community, to show the Mahoning Valley that we are here, and a resource to those that are questioning themselves or are afraid they have no where to go and no one to talk to. My vision is to create a Pride Center that serves as a meeting place and resource to all of our organizations as we seek to grow in the community. To do that we will need active members, enthusiastic volunteers, wise counsel, and a commitment to get it done.

I wish to thank the Pride Center Board for having faith in me to help lead the organization. Along with the retiring co-chairs, I would like to thank my fellow officers, Secretary Louis Gastelum, Treasurer Joey Kramar, Trustee K Davis, Trustee Laura Price, and Constant Volunteer Laura Davis, for keeping their commitment to the Pride Center during this transition. I hope you will join us for our first support meeting as we come out of the Summer Break, on Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:30pm at the Pride Center. The Board will also be meeting that evening at 6:30pm if you would like to come and give your support, suggestions, and volunteer for future activities. I look forward to seeing our Pride Center grow more and accomplish more as we keep to our mission of promoting community development, and a sense of security among our LGBT community and to any in the Mahoning Valley questioning their identities. Please feel free to email or call me at anytime for any questions, discussions, suggestions, or help.

Sincerely,
Scott Fullerton
Mahoning Valley Pride Center Chairman
MahoningValleyPrideCenter(at)yahoo.com or Ytownredux(at)yahoo.com

P.S. The Mahoning Valley Pride Center is now on Twitter. Our account name is "MVPrideCenter" I hope all our LGBT Tweeters out there will follow us for updates, announcements, and reminders.

Canada's Provacative AIDS Campaign

2009-08-24T19:50:00.003-04:00

Just some FYI, Canada has a new AIDS awareness campaign that's been launched, focusing on how it's not just who you sleeping with, but who THEY have slept with as well. It takes a provacative picture and uses it bring across their point.

This comes at a time where the US has announced that the number of AIDS cases has dropped dramatically here. We must still be diligent and not stop in our search for a cure and a better quality of life. We were the leaders in the world on addressing this issue, and taking care of and informing our own community. We must not slow down, and keep information out there, not to scare, but to inform

Rain Stays Away For Annual Picnic At Craigs Beach

2009-08-24T00:21:00.003-04:00

The annual summer picnic at Craig Beach was held this past Saturday from 10-5pm. Special thanks to Laura Davis, K. Davis, and Joey Kramar for taking charge of the event. Not only did they buy all of the supplies and cook all of the hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone, they were also at the campsite before 9 to set it all up and even circled the tables and laid out tablecloths.

The event drew about 20 people. More were expected but a lot of people were scared off due to threat of rain, and there was another picnic up in Geneva that was put on by Erie Pride. Everyone had a great time, the sky was blue most of the day, it got warm, but not too hot, and there were a few that took advantage of the cool lake to splash around a bit. Thanx to everyone that attended, and we are looking for bigger and bigger turn-outs at future events. Pictures will be posted soon.

Spring Fling 2009

2009-05-01T10:52:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone. Tomorrow is our annual Spring Fling Party! Here is the flyer for the event:

We look forward to seeing everyone there and eating some delicious food!

Generous Donations..

2008-12-23T23:09:00.002-05:00

Recently at a community planning meeting the idea of a "Wish List." Well thanks to the generosity of a few people two of the biggest items on our wish list were recently donated.

Have a look..

Brian and I were happy to go and pick up the donated refrigerator for the Pride Center.

We were a bit nervous while driving down the steep icy hill by the Pride Center, but we made it.

Brian and I were so excited to the the brand new stove that was donated.

Here is the fridge in its new home.

Youngstown Cityscape generously donated flower bulbs to beautify the outside of the Pride Center.

After all of the moving and cleaning of appliances we were so excited about the turn out for Movie Night. The movie we watched was Mamma Mia and there were a total of 18 of us there. The food was great and so was the company, this was the largest movie that we have had so far!

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND PARTICIPATION.

Grand Opening of the Stonewall Community Center

2008-12-06T23:49:00.002-05:00

This morning I had to get up early to start cooking the cake for the grand opening of the Stonewall Community Center. We were also celebrating our annual holiday party. I made a double layer white cake with strawberry and cream frosting. It was soooo good!

Plenty of people showed up and brought so much delicious food. I also made a huge pot of haluski.

Laura got up and explained her wish for everyone to participate in Operation Holiday Cheer. Laura worked hard to provide every one at the party with cards and addresses of local soldiers who are serving overseas. Laura delivered two touching speeches about the importance of letting the soldiers know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Everyone was listening carefully to Laura's instructions on how to send a card and holiday cheer to our troops. Laura stressed that we are all her extended family.

After her speech we got back to eating listening to music and talking! Everyone was full of food and getting tired close to 9:30PM.

At about 5 minutes till 10:00PM there was a loud smash and the sound of glass shattering stopped the laughter and music.
After a few seconds everyone ran outside to see two men wearing hooded sweatshirts walking far down the street proud of the fact that they just shattered our window and knocked down our "Pride Center Event" sign. The men were too far away to identify and they disappeared.

Here are pictures of the rest of the grand opening of The Stonewall Community Center and holiday party.

We got all the shattered glass cleaned up.

I am not sure why but the police man asked if we even wanted to make a police report. He said they would probably never find out who did it (even though the tracks in the snow were clear as day).

After we DID CHOOSE TO MAKE A POLICE REPORT we were given this piece of paper.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

National Day of Protest Against Prop 8 in Y-Town

2008-11-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of the local protest against Prop 8.

Here is the story from the Jambar. I would like to correct the number of participants the reporter stated in the story. There were actually close to 50 people there.

Two Proud Mothers...

2008-11-16T18:30:00.004-05:00

The soldier pictured in the story below is the son of our very own Laura Bentley-Davis and Kay Davis. Care packages are a wonderful way to brighten these soldier's holidays away from home. If you can send any of the supplies listed in the article below or even a Christmas card it will show how much we appreciate and care.

"SPC E4 Joshua J. Bentley
HH C1-21 IN BN
Camp Liberty, Iraq

APO AE 09344

Serving as a gunner on a mine roller in Iraq.

Attended Austintown Fitch High School.

Resident of Columbiana. Son of Karen and Laura Bently-Davis, also of Columbiana."

"Operation: Holiday Cheer — Now the fun begins

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Family and friends responded to our promotion of Operation: Holiday Cheer by providing their soldiers’ addresses.

Now, the fun begins for the readers. Spread your holiday cheer with cards, letters or gifts to these servicemen and -women. Parents and teachers, you can help your children and students experience the spirit of giving. Club members, it’s a perfect project for the holidays. While you’re at it, send us pictures of your project, and we’ll post them online.

For kids and grownups alike, it’s an opportunity to convey the best gift of all — your support and thanks for the sacrificing they’re making on our behalf. To view the information for each soldier, mouse over the photos or gift box icon above.

USPS TIPS AND GUIDELINE FOR SENDING PACKAGES

The U.S. Postal Service offers the free Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box for sending packages to military personnel serving overseas. Features include:

• Measures 12-by-12-by-51⁄2 inches.

• Features the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block.

• Postage is only $10.95 when used to send to APO/FPO addresses.

USPS also offers free package pickup from your home or office at a time and place convenient for you. To schedule pickup or for other pickup options, visit usps.com.

Packaging:

There are certain things to keep in mind when sending packages overseas:

• Temperatures in the desert often exceed 100 degrees.

• The box should be strong. Cushion contents with plastic foam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. Fragile items should be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.

• Battery-powered items can get turned on during shipping. Remove batteries and wrap them separately.

• To seal the box, tape the opening and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape, using clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.

ADDRESSING:

Print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion.

Be sure to include a return address.

Cover the address with clear tape to protect against moisture.

SEND BY:

To ensure delivery of your cards, letters and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the USPS recommends the following deadlines for mailing:

APO/FPO AE Zip Codes 090-092, 094-098, 340, 962-966:

• Express Mail by Dec. 18.

• First-Class Mail (cards and letters) and Priority Mail by Dec. 11.

• Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) by Dec. 4.

• Space Available Mail (SAM) by Nov. 28.

APO/FPO AE Zip 093:

• Express Mail not available.

• First-Class Mail (cards and letters) and Priority Mail by Dec. 4.

• Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) by Dec. 1.

• Space Available Mail (SAM) by Nov. 21.

REMEMBER:

Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail. Before sending a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, visit http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/mailingrestrictions.htm, contact your local post office or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at (800) 810-6098.

APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR SOLDIERS

The two items most requested by soldiers, especially those in Iraq, are baby wipes and phone cards (international cards are the best value). Other items that are favorites of our troops:

FOOD/SNACKS

(No pork or pork products;

nothing that can melt)

Cookies and hard candy.

Fruit-and-cereal bars.

Dried fruits.

Trail mixes.

Nuts.

Beef jerky and Slim Jims.

Chewing gum.

Coffee and powdered creamer.

Drink mixes.

PERSONAL

(No aerosol containers)

Toothpaste and brushes.

Shaving gel and razor.

Deodorant.

Hand sanitizer and hand soap.

Combs.

Aspirin or Tylenol.

Eyewash drops.

Sunscreen.

Lip balm with sunscreen.

Hand and body lotions; face moisturizers.

Baby powder and foot powder.

MISCELLANEOUS

CDs and DVDs.

Video games.

Games and cards.

Magazines and books.

Sunglasses.

Flip flops.

Paper, pens and stamps.

Gym shorts, socks and T-shirts."

Source: http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/nov/16/operation-holiday-cheer/?print

Join the Impact/National Protest against Prop 8 Preparation

2008-11-14T10:04:00.003-05:00

Family and friends gathered last night at the Mahoning Valley Pride Center to prepare for the national protest against Prop 8. The one overall feeling that I took away from last night was that we are normal people. We are NORMAL PEOPLE, last night we came together to make signs that we will use to convey our messages of equality, but intermingled among ideas for quotes and statements to put on signs were concerns about missing Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty. Intermingled among the fumes of markers and glue being used to construct signs were conversations about how our work days went, how our grandchildren are doing and how it was way past our bedtimes. We are normal people is what I got out of yesterday, we fight for equality, and we are normal people.

Here are some pictures from last night, have a look:

Amazing end to an amazing week....

2008-10-13T10:20:00.006-04:00

Last night, the week culminated in a candlelight vigil honoring the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard. We had a wonderful lineup of speakers including: Rev. Martha Munson , Dr. Cyndy Anderson, Bob Holmes, Chris Campf, Nicole Peterson, Brian Wells, Diana Shaheen, Kim Welter, Rev. Jim Ray, and a musical tribute by Rob Joki.

Personally, I was moved by every single one of the speakers. Each of them did a wonderful job providing information and sharing personal experiences.

Here are a few pics of the speakers...

After the speakers were done there was a moving performance by Robert Dennick Joki and a candlelight vigil. Here are some pictures...

Oh yeah there was a dessert buffet and I must say GRAPES + CREAM CHEESE + CRUSHED UP BUTTERFINGERS = "OH NO SHE DIDN'T" I think I personally ate about 4 lbs of that!

Here are some pictures of the COME OUT DANCING event from the night before.

(***I just wanted to say that this was a celebration of the GLBTQ community & our AMAZING allies, so I must include this disclaimer appearance on this website does not imply sexual orientation, if any one's picture appears on this blog and you would like it removed please contact us and we will remove it immediately.****)

Pride Week...

2008-10-09T08:45:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe that Pride Week is more than half way complete. The events that I have attended for the Mahoning Valley Pride Week have been emotional, educational and enlightening. For me, the thing that I have felt the most is a feeling of unity. At a few of the events I have heard the phrase used, "You are family." To me that phrase has left a lasting impression. More than one attendee has said that they were worried about feeling like an outsider, but after that they said that they were welcomed and it was apparent to them that we were all a family.

If you can make it to any of our events we urge you to do so. I guarantee that you will leave feeling educated, proud, and with an overwhelming sense of family.

Progress on Planning Meetings

2008-09-12T08:56:00.006-04:00

This past weekend we had our third planning meeting for National Coming Out Week. It was the first one we had in our new home at 1523 Poland Avenue. I think that we've made tremendous progress because of our great sponsors and the enthusiasm everyone brings to the meetings. If you would like to check out the events we have planned for the week and see the list of our sponsors go to http://www.mvprideweek.com/. Our next planning meeting will be September 28 at 1 P.M. at the new Utopia Video Nightclub. We have directions to the center on our website at http://www.mvpridecenter.org or if you have any question feel free to email us at mahoningvalleypridecenter@yahoo.com. Until next time everyone, take care.

Nicole Peterson
(Co-Chair of The Mahoning Valley Pride Center)

Craig Beach Picnic...

2008-08-24T08:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the Pride Center's annual Craig Beach picnic. It was such a great time with delicious food! We had a good turn out and everyone had a fun day! There were hotdogs, hamburgers, cheesy potatoes, pasta, hummus, tabouli, and a lot more food!

The weather was perfect and warm for swimming and enjoying the beach.

Bees could not stop us from playing games!

After sniffing ever inch of our picnic area Lucy was ready to rest. That puppy energy only lasts so long.

Here are some people returning from swimming to feast on some lunch!

More games.

And she is out!

One Wall Down... A Few to Go

2008-08-20T08:54:00.001-04:00

Early yesterday morning Tom and I met at the the new pride center space to paint. Brian and I picked out a nice neutral color to paint the old wooden paneling. I brought bagels, sweet tea, and water for everyone, but I also forgot to call Laura and Kay who were anxiously waiting at home for my call so they could report for painting duty. OOPS!

Tom and I made quick work out of painting and finished a little after noon. Have a look.

I like the color that we picked out it is a nice neutral color that really lightens the atmosphere.

After carefully taping down the drop cloth Tom carefully paints the edging.

Here is a finished wall.

And another angle.

It is so exciting to see this space come together! Don and his friends have put so much work into making this space ready for us to use that the transformation is amazing. We are excited to start having events here.

Speaking of events we will be having our first support group meeting here tonight!

Good Old Fashioned Painting Party!

2008-08-18T16:24:00.001-04:00

This sunday a few members of the MVPC met up at the new building for a painting party. I (Louis) felt like a lazy beast when next to Kay who was a painting machine! Have a look! We started off by base coating the old paneling with KILZ. KILZ will seal the surface and prep it for a nice neutral color, which Brian and I will go and pick out after work today.

I had to take Lucy, if she stayed at home then she would have been in her kennel all day long and I just couldn't have that. She quickly made herself at home in the new Pride Center. She was running laps and sniffing everything. I even heard people saying that she should be our mascot!

Here is the wall almost completely coated with KILZ. We had a few fans going and it was not warm at all.

After a pizza break we were ready to go back to work. Okay, I was not ready to go back to work but as I previously mentioned Kay is a painting machine! I was ready for a nap.

Lucy had to supervise absolutely everyone and everything that was going on at the new center and as you know an afternoon's worth of supervising can wear a girl out.

Moving Day!!!

2008-08-16T18:29:00.000-04:00

Today the Mahoning Valley Pride Center officially moved from the basement of the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Youngstown to our own building in Youngstown. It was an exciting morning moving the packed boxes to the new building here are a few pictures.

Here is a picture of our old space. It was a good home to the Mahoning Valley Pride Center for quite a few years.

All of the boxes were packed up and ready to be moved.

All of our belongings are packed in the back of our Trailblazer (Big Ethel) ready to be moved into our new home.

Tomorrow we are going to go to paint the inside of the new Pride Center I will post new pictures then!

New Pride Center Space

2008-08-04T21:09:00.001-04:00

Today Brian, Nicole, and I (Louis) were able to tour the new space that the Pride Center is going to be located. I will say that when I first saw the building I was a bit scared! Don and his team have really worked their magic and have put hours of work into it. It looks amazing compared to when we first saw it. It was exciting to view the space as a blank canvas and we get to put our personal touches on it with paint colors and furniture. I am so excited that we will get to personalize this space and make it a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone.

Here is the side of the building, Nicole is waiting patiently...

This is going to be the common area. We plan on cleaning and painting the walls. The wooden panels on the walls will get a coat of lighter paint to make the space look bigger.

This area is in the back, we plan on making this the office area that will house office supplies, paper and forms, and possibly a kitchen.

Here is one last view of the common area from the other side of the room...

Let us know what you think!!!

Pride Week

2008-08-03T20:46:00.000-04:00

Today I was excited to take part in a planning meeting for Mahoning Valley Pride Week. The meeting consisted of people from several community organizations such as The Mahoning Valley Pride Center, P-Flag, Stonewall Democrats, and various members of the Unitarian Church. There were so many great ideas and everyone was full of energy. The week of October 5-12 will be filled with an array of events at YSU, The Unitarian Church and in the community. We have such things planned as showings of For the Bible Tells Me So, panel discussions, and candlelight vigil. We have another meeting in 2 weeks from now on Sunday August 17, 2008 from 1pm-3pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown. Please email mahoningvalleypridecenter@yahoo.com for more information if you would like to attend. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress we are making. Until next time take care everyone.

Nicole Peterson

(Co-Chair of The Mahoning Valley Pride Center)

Tennessee Unitarian Church Shooting, Local Reaction...

2008-07-29T07:21:00.000-04:00

Sad story from Tennessee... :(

Tennessee Shooting Reaction

Police say fifty-eight year old Jim Adkisson opened fire during a children's performance Sunday morning at a church in Knoxville Tennessee. It appears now, that the target may have been selected because of the liberal nature of the Unitarian Universalist Church.

At a Monday press conference, Sterling Owen of the Knoxville Police Department told reporters that, "It appears that what brought him to this horrible event was his lack of being able to obtain a job, his frustration over that and his stated hatred for the liberal movement."

Being open and accepting to anyone is what the church stands for. Members of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown are sad to such a tragedy happen.

Susie Beiersdorfer, a member of the Youngstown church tells us, "I am sad that they are so closed. that they are not able to feel community, or get the help. It's mental illness and that's helped by people being together and forming communities."

Brian Wells, co-chair of the Mahoning Valley Pride Center feels one reason acts of violence like this happen, are due to a mentality in people that needs to change. "People have an us versus them mentality. We need to have a we or an us mentality. Because that's how we're going to accomplish great things and solve many of the problems we are facing right now."

Members there hope at least some good can come out such a devastating incident.

"I think one of the few good things that could come out of a tragedy this extreme would be for people to realize that they can always seek out help. They never have to act in these extreme irrational ways. And that there are a lot of avenues out there to get psychological and spiritual help." Says Ed Goist, a trustee for the Youngstown Church.

They say the shooting will not change the fact that their church is open and welcoming to anyone.

The alleged shooter Jim Adkisson remains in jail on one million bond."

-http://www.wkbn.com/home

-http://www.wkbn.com/news/local/26001854.html

Re-blogged "Good Day"

2008-07-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

I just though this event was such a moving experience of acceptance and highlighted the hard work of the committee who made it possible for this to happen.

"This Sunday we went to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown, Ohio. They had a party to celebrate their new status as a Welcoming congregation. That means that they do not condemn GLBTQ individuals and they are all welcoming. The speech by Reverend Susan was very inspiring and moving, there were quite a few misty eyes in the audience.

Here is Reverend Susan with the committee who worked countless hours making this day possible.

My friend Kris commissioned me to make a cake for the celebration, I decided that since it was a celebration of acceptance of the GLBTQ community that I should make a fondant rainbow on the top. I used this easy recipe and had good success, I think that you can tell it is my first experience using fondant. I got rave reviews for the cake and some requests for my contact info.

Welcome to the Pride Center Blog

2008-07-17T10:41:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the official blog of The Mahoning Valley Pride Center. We envision this blog to be useful to convey messages, news, and ideas. Please feel free to post replies and suggestions.

Welcome,

Louis J. Gastelum