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AELCCA eNews FEBRUARY 2008 Brrrrrrrrrrr Our Mission: To develop and sustain coalitions of bi-sexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals, their friends and families, promoting through advocacy and education a positive and healthy presence in the larger community.
In This Issue:
MEN’S POT LUCKS 2008 SAVE THIS LIST!!!!!!! FEB 13TH LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FEB 15TH KAREN LOVELY’S CONCERT & DANCE FOR BRO EQUALITY PAC FEB 18TH EQUALITY & DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATION MAY 10TH THE FIFTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BAR-B-QUE SUMMER CAMPOUTS AT CAMP TELEQUA NOT STRAIGHT NOT SURE LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS & OTHERS THE CENTER’S NEW BOARD MEMBERS BASIC RIGHTS EQUALITY PAC: FEB ’08 UPDATE FROM SOUTHERN OREGON ONGOING ART EXHIBIT: QUIET FIRE CHILDREN’S ART CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH SESSIONS: NOT A GRAMMAR CLASS “NEW!” NEW CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISIT
News You Can UseMEN’S POT LUCKS 2008SAVE THIS LIST!!!!!!!
Gay Men's Potlucks for 2008 Generally, they’re the second Sunday from 4 to 9pm. Bring food and drinks to share.
For general information call Larry Crain at 779-9462
Feb 10 Peter & Mark, 2955 Camp Baker Rd., South Medford 535-5071 (do not call before noon)
Mar 9 Dennis, 405 St. Claire Way, Eagle Point 941-6419
Apr 13 Rex, 480 Charlotte Ann Rd., Medford 821-6665
May 11 Gary, 562 A St, Ashland 482-4394 Should this be changed to May 18?
Jun 8 Mark, 10665 Redwood Hwy, Wilderville 471-0765
Jul 13 Larry & Mike, 43 Dardanel, Gold Hill 855-1819
Jul 27 A second one will be added if a host can be found
Aug 10 George, 215 Renault, Medford 608-0133
Aug 24 A second one will be added if a host can be found
Sep 14 Iain, 396 Helman St., Ashland 488-0068
Oct 12 Scott, 407 Park Ave., Medford 772-6519
Nov 8 Mario, 830 W 12th St., Medford 324-9200
Dec 14 Jim & David, 333 Mountain View #95, Talent 535-5319
FEB 13TH LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Jackson County Democrats LGBTQ Caucus
***** Organizational Meeting *****
Feb 13th, Wednesday
6:00 PM
The OEA (Oregon Education Association) Office at 2495 S. Pacific Highway in South Medfordis our new meeting location.
(OEA is located next to the Medford Grange COOP)
Laura Calvo, Treasurer of the Multnomah County Democrats will come down from Portland to help us get our caucus up and running. Laura also serves as Treasurer of the Democratic Party of Oregon GLBT Caucus, Board of Directors Member of the National Stonewall Democrats, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon Credentials Committee, and Secretary of the Democratic Party of Oregon's 3rd Congressional District Committee.
At our first meeting we will decide on our name, adopt the bylaws and elect interim officers. By the way, once organized, we become the Jackson County Chapter of the Democratic Party of Oregon Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus (DPO GLBT Caucus), which is a duly recognized caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon and the National Stonewall Democrats! Laura helped Lane County get organized as recently as December 2007 and she's excited about getting us on track as well.
If you are interested in receiving a copy of the bylaws that we'll use to form our caucus, or if you have any questions please contact me 488-9168 or email lesliestone@ashlandhome.net . If I don't have the answer, I will get it.
Onward,
Leslie Stone Member Jackson County Democrats Executive Committee
FEB 15TH KAREN LOVELY’S CONCERT & DANCE FOR BRO EQUALITY PAC
FEB 18TH EQUALITY & DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATION
As my mom just said, “Basic Fairness! Basic Rights! It's About Time!" Well, It's Time Now!!!
Southern Oregon, Please Join Us and Finally Celebrate the Enactment of Statewide Legislation
Oregon's Family Fairness Act HB 2007 Domestic Partnerships & Oregon's Equality Act SB 2 Anti-Discrimination
Monday February 18, 2008 5:30pm
The Standing Stone Brewing Company 101 Oak Street Ashland, Oregon
FAMILY FRIENDLY! FREE APPETIZERS & DESSERTS! CASH BAR! REJOICE WITH YOUR FRIENDS! MUSIC & DANCING!
Rock Out to our Local Favorites - Montana Soul
And, Our Very Own - DJ Taj
Thanks to you, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Community of So. Oregon, and to our amazing allies, and to our outstanding Legislators, Senator Alan Bates and Representative Peter Buckley, and to Basic Rights Oregon, for your never wavering pursuit of equality for us all.
All of you are appreciated and will always be remembered for your bravery and courage to standup, come out and be counted.
This Celebration is for you and because of you!
Would you please RSVP that you'll be there or be square, to me, Leslie Stone at 4 lesliestone@ashlandhome.net 88-9168
And plan to arrive at Standing Stone EARLY to secure a table in the back!
2008 LAMBDA AWARDS HONOREES12th Annual Lambda Awards
On Friday January 25, 2008 people from all walks of life, ages 4 through 86, joined together at the Red Lion Inn in Medford to mark the 12th Anniversary of the Lambda Awards. This annual event, sponsored by the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center and organized by Center Board Members Serena Cook, Zach Druckenmiller, Dennis Vickoren, Phil Seone, Tom DeLong, Amanda Caster and Kasie Henderson, celebrated and honored another year of individuals and organizations, who worked hard to send the message that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community deserve equal rights, and that the message is heard and those rights are gained. Each year the Board of Directors asks the community to nominate outstanding individuals to be considered for five awards.
This year’s theme “Life Love Everlasting” was developed around the concept of celebrating two state laws scheduled to go into effect on January 2, 2008: the Oregon Equality Act, which outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and the Oregon Family Fairness Act, the state law that creates legal recognition for same-sex couples and their families through Domestic Partnerships.
The Equality Act is in place as expected; however, the Family Fairness Act has been temporarily delayed due to a law suit brought about by the Alliance Defense Fund, an out-of-state conservative legal interest group, and supported by another out of state group “Restore America” that led the failed effort to gather signatures to overturn the law by referendum. Nonetheless, the event was a night of celebrating our history, our future and the individuals committed to making the changes needed to achieve equality.
L. Scott Clay, host of the ground-breaking television series “Wilde Life” was the emcee for the evening. Continuing a long tradition of performing at the Awards, the Southern Oregon Planned Parenthood Teen Theater, directed by Cil Stengel, entertained and engaged the audience with their innovative performances.
Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon was the keynote speaker this year. Jeana was impressed with the social activism of Southern Oregon’s queer community. She said we are a real presence in the ongoing fight for equality and justice and that the “people in Portland know we are here and in it for the long run.”
L. Scott Clay was presented with the LAMBDA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARD which recognizes individuals or groups who have entertained us right here in the Rogue Valley. Scott received this award for hosting the weekly queer television show “Wilde Life”. The show is by and for the queer community and airs Wednesdays at 10pm on RVTV, the Rogue Valley Television Station.
The Reverend Pam Shepherd was given the LAMBDA COMMUNITY OUTREACH AWARD, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions toward understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Pam has built a bridge between the LGBTQ community and the Christian followers that she serves. The Ashland United Church of Christ now has a weekly queer group, and since taking the helm at the UCC, church attendance has doubled.
Maryline White aka “Whitie “was presented with the LAMBDA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD which recognizes individuals for their selflessness and sustained commitment to the LGBTQ community. Out as a Lesbian pre-Stonewall, and partnered for 40 plus years before her beloved passed away, Whitie has performed countless large and small deeds done out of an honest intent to make our community and the people within it genuinely better.
Rich Rohde, regional organizer of Rogue Action, was the recipient of the LAMBDA HUMANITARIAN AWARD. This award recognizes individuals who, through their outstanding involvement and dedication, have made a significant contribution of leadership or service that has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity. Rich works to empower and develop leaders in communities that are typically on the downside of power, including the LGBTQ community. Since becoming Oregon Action’s leader, Rich’s group has embraced the queer community and is a nurturing partner in its struggle for equality.
Leslie A. Stone earned the LAMBDA HALL OF FAME AWARD which recognizes exceptional and lasting contribution and long-term impact on the LGBTQ community by sharing a generous and unselfish attitude. Leslie has a dream -to improve the lives of those LGBTQ individuals who follow. She has served as a Center volunteer, volunteer coordinator, Board member, Board chair, newsletter committee member, e-mail list server, Board member of Basic Rights Equality PAC, and recently was elected to the Jackson County Democrats Executive Committee as an LGBTQ representative. Partnered with Karen, for nearly 29 years, they plan to register for domestic partnerships the second the law takes effect!
The Board of the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center presented two special awards:
Not Straight Not Sure was honored with the OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD. This award recognizes either an individual's or a group's contribution to our community. Formed by youth in the area, this organization's main objective is to provide a supportive experience to youth and young adults with differing sexual orientations and gender identities through education, recreation, and activism.This group is also the support organization for Gay Straight alliances in area high schools
Peter McCusker was the recipient of the PERSEVERANCE THROUGH OPPRESSION AWARD.Peter is the embodiment of compassionate resolve. Harassed as a postal worker while a young man in Minnesota, he and his partner have been very active in the LGBTQ community in the Rogue Valley for 20 years. While volunteering on numerous ballot measures and campaigns, as well as volunteering with Southern Oregon Pride, Peter has been battling a private and deadly disease. Having endured surgeries, infections and wondering what might happen next, Peter perseveres and still gives back to our community in a big way.
The Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center, located in the Historic Armory in Ashland, is a non-profit organization serving the GLBTQ communities of Southern Oregon and Northern California and was the first such center in the state of Oregon. The Center stands as a beacon of visibility for all bi-sexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals. It creates unity and connectedness by fostering a social network for the queer community and is a hub and meeting place for education, counseling and wellness.
Call the Center for more information at 488-6990 or visit our website www.abdellis.org.
2008 LAMBDA AWARDS SURVEY
Post Lambda Survey: In an effort to serve you better we are asking for a minute of your time in completing this survey. Your answers will be collected and taken into account for future functions.
MAY 10TH THE FIFTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BAR-B-QUEMARK YOUR CALENDAR!! Pioneer Hall, 59 Winburn Way Ashland 6:00 –11:00 PM More details to follow.
MAY 30TH ALTERNATIVE PROMRemember Brokeback Prom at the A Street Market? Then, last year the huge success of the “Back to the Gay 80’s” dance at Mojo Rising proved again that the youth know how to have a party? Well, this spring we celebrate again! ”The 3rd Annual Alternative Prom, sponsored by Not Straight Not Sure is tentatively scheduled for May 30th. More details will follow.
And remember that it’s for ALL AGES, ALCOHOL FREE AND AFFORDABLY PRICED!!
JULY 26TH FIFTH ANNUAL PRIDEMARK YOUR CALENDAR! THE BIGGEST PRIDE YET TO HIT SOUTHERN OREGON! Southern Oregon’s Fifth Annual Pride Celebration Jackson County EXPO Center More details to follow.
SUMMER CAMPOUTS AT CAMP TELEQUAHave fun camping with your friends at this beautiful LGBTQ Campground, located at 233 Jackson Creek Road on the South Umpqua River in Tiller, OR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
June 13-15th Women’s Weekend
July 11-13th Men’s Weekend
August 8-10th Fifth Annual Big Gay Campout LGBTQ
More details about these absolutely fabulous camping weekends will reveal themselves in the near future at WWW.TELEQUACAMPGROUND.COM
NOT STRAIGHT NOT SURE LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS & OTHERSThe LGBTQ youth group, Not Straight Not Sure (NSNS) is looking for board members. NSNS, well on its way to becoming a non-profit organization, serves youth 14-24 under the direction of art therapist Delaine Due, their Volunteer Director.
If you have an interest in working with youth please call 1-800-466 -7005 extension 3 and leave a message for Delaine. You will be provided with information about the application process as a requisite to becoming a Board Member of NSNS.
The Third Annual All Ages (1-120) Alternative Prom Committee is now forming and NSNS is looking for folks interested in planning this most fabulous, fun event for 2008. Please email notstraightnotsure@hotmail.com or contact 1-800-466-7005 extension 3.
THE CENTER’S NEW BOARD MEMBERSThe following seven people are the current Board of the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center and are committed to serve:
Please contact them with your questions, comments or suggestions, and if you are interested in serving on the Board.
The Board meets on the SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of each month at the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center, 208 Oak Street, Suites 112 & 113, in Ashland. Board meetings are open to the public and you all are very welcome and encouraged to attend.
BASIC RIGHTS EQUALITY PAC: FEB ’08 UPDATE FROM SOUTHERN OREGONThank you to everyone who so generously donated to the PAC in 2007! We all have so much to be thankful for this year! We made history on January 2, when the Equality Law took effect. And then again on February 4th when same-sex couples were FINALLY able to register as Domestic Partners!
Oregon has joined just a handful of states in this country to legally recognize same sex relationships and provide anti-discrimination protection for the entire LGBT community.
The Basic Rights Equality PAC (Political Action Committee) works to elect fair-minded candidates who support basic rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Oregonians. I am a member of the PAC representing you, the LGBTQQI people of Southern Oregon.
Smart PAC strategies such as careful research, directing resources to critical campaigns and pooling resources from fair-minded citizens recently made a decisive impact on the political landscape of our great state.
The PAC has a track record of outstanding success! In 2006 the PAC endorsed 38 pro-equality candidates and 34 won their election. Powerful changes occurred in the Oregon legislature in 2006 that ultimately led to the passing of the Oregon Equality Act SB 2 and the Oregon Family Fairness Act HB 2007. In addition to supporting key legislative candidates in 2006, the PAC backed the re-election of Governor Kulongoski, who in May 2007 signed both Bills into law.
Representative Peter Buckley has stated that as we go forward into 2008, it is critical for the PAC to continue to support fair-minded candidates, and that it is essential to keep a pro-equality majority in the House and Senate if we expect to keep the new laws on the books.
Let us remember the work that PAC did in 2006 and
give them the resources to do it again in 2008!
Contributions to the Equality PAC qualify for Oregon’s Political Tax Credit. Your first donation of $50 per individual or $100 per couple is free, and will be returned to you at tax time!
So, it’s a new year and we all need tax credits. I am asking the community to please make a new donation. Your money will help elect and re-elect fair-minded candidates into office and ensure that equality remains the law of the land in 2009 and beyond. Please, please, make a contribution.
You can either click below to donate to the Basic Rights Equality PAC: Donate to the Basic Rights Equality PAC
OR
Make a check out to Basic Rights Equality PAC and drop it in the mail to me, Leslie Stone, at 1245 Orchid Street in Ashland and I’ll make sure it gets to Basic Rights Oregon’s Portland office. Be sure to include your occupation and employer’s name, city, and state as this is required by Oregon Election Law.
Thank you all so much. If you can give, it will be the right thing to do. You will make a difference. ONGOING ART EXHIBIT:QUIET FIRE CHILDREN’S ARTExplore children’s experiences of living with HIV/AIDS infected parents as depicted in their art and sand-tray work. Artists are from 6 to 15 years old.
Please stop by the Center on Tuesday afternoons and immerse yourself in the power of the children’s artwork. Exhibit developed by Roxanne Rae, MSW, LCSW, BCD during her years as a children’s counselor.
Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center Suite # 112 In Ashland’s Historic Armory RemindersTHE CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERSThe Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center has volunteer opportunities available. Maybe now is the right time for you to get involved. It’s a way to share your knowledge and experience and help others. Volunteering will warm your spirit. Depending on where you are in your life right now, it may just be “the right thing” for you to try.
The Center also needs the help of our members to create unity at our community hub. We need you for Events, Grant Writing, Front Desk, Marketing, Fundraising, Membership, Graphic Design, and Photography AND covering the desk so that we may expand our hours again. Bring your talents.
Contact: Kasie Henderson, Board Member & Volunteer Coordinator openyermind@netscape.net
GAY AA ASHLAND MEETINGSOpen AA meetings are held each Monday at 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center, 208 Oak Street, (the Historic Armory Building) Suites 112 and 113. This meeting is open to everyone on the planet. CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH SESSIONS: NOT A GRAMMAR CLASS “NEW!”Conversational Spanish, facilitated by Larry Crain and Zach Druckenmiller, is available to the community on Tuesdays in Medford and runs from 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM. These sessions are designed for people with interest in practicing the little Spanish they may have already acquired, or those with no experience who just want to jump in.
Sessions will be held at 184 Clover Lane in Medford.
Typically, Conversational Spanish Sessions include 3 or 4 individuals, who are matched with someone at their own skill level. This is not a grammar class! You won’t be memorizing verb conjugations! You will be speaking about real life happenings.
Pre-requisite for attendance: Confirm your attendance with Larry or Zach no later than the night before each session you wish to attend.
For directions contact Zach or Larry Crain at 779-9462 or David Kellogg at 324-2363, or email larry.crain@gmail.com
NEW CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISITCurrently, the Center is staffed on Tuesdays 1 - 4 PM, Fridays 11am-2pm, and the second and third Saturdays of each month from 2- 4 pm.
Contact Kasie Henderson, Volunteer Coordinator for information regarding the days the Center is open, as well as volunteer opportunities in order to be open additional days.
In the event that you come by the Center during posted hours and do not find the Center open, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Things sometimes come up last minute and our volunteers may be unable to be at the Center that day.
Or visit the Center on the web at www.abdellis.org
NEW HIV RAPID TESTING:NEW HIV Rapid Testing: Now Free at the Center!
Free "Rapid" HIV testing and counseling with Al Solochier, R.N. from Jackson County Health Department, is now available by appointment at the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center on various Tuesdays from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Contact Al directly at 774-8033 to set your appointment. Or you may call the Center and we will pass your name and phone number on to Al, who will then call you to arrange the appointment.
Here's some general information about the new "Rapid" HIV Testing that is available:
OraQuick ADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test provides a rapid HIV test result in as little as 20 minutes. It is an oral swab test.
A PRELIMINARY POSITIVE result suggests that antibodies to HIV may be present in the oral fluid. (The test can also be done on blood). Should the test be reactive, a blood sample would be drawn and sent to the state lab to confirm the reactive results. The confirmation test results take 2 weeks.
A NEGATIVE result means that the test did not detect HIV antibodies. Since it can take up to 3 months for those antibodies to appear in oral fluid or blood, we can safely say that the individual had not been infected with HIV 3 months prior to having the test done. If there was any risk activity performed during that 3 month "window period", there is the possibility that the antibodies have not been formed yet and the person needs to get tested again.
Al Solochier will go over this information thoroughly with each person during and after the test.
2008 Testing will be available on Tuesday’s at the Center by appointment only.
Contact Al at 774-8033 to schedule your appointment
HAVE YOU MOVED?Are you receiving the Center Post? If you are a current Member you should expect to receive the Center Post, published seasonally. Members on the move, please help us update our records by sending us your current mailing address. Email us at abdillellis@yahoo.com Thank you!
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGESThe Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center operates for you and because of you! We thank all the wonderful contributors and supporters who month after month, year after year have seen it in their hearts to donate their time and money so that we may exist. If you are not yet a Member, support the Center by filling out a membership form and donating as much, and as often as you are able. Membership applications are available at the Center or on our web site www.abdellis.org.
Benefits of membership include discounts at these Rogue Valley businesses:
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