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AELCCA eNews Spring-Summer 2008 Here Comes the Sun! 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: APRIL 28th TRANS DISCUSSION ON JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER IN TRANSITION MEN’S POT LUCKS 2008 SAVE THIS LIST!!!!!!! SOUTHERN OREGON STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: SOSDC NEWS FROM THE QRC AT SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY MAY 2nd NOT STRAIGHT NOT SURE UPDATE ON SCHOOL SAFETY & POT LUCK MAY 10TH THE FIFTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BAR-B-QUE MAY 17TH WOMEN WITH WINGS SPRING CONCERT MAY 31TH ALL AGES ALTERNATIVE PROM & COURT NOMINATION PROCESS JUNE 2nd CYREENA BOSTON, CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO IN POLITICS JUNE 10th ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER ANNUAL MEETING JULY 10-13th WILD WOMEN’S CAMPOUT THE CENTER’S BOARD MEMBERS & MEETINGS SUMMER CAMPOUTS AT CAMP TELEQUA NOT STRAIGHT NOT SURE LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS & OTHERS GAY AA ASHLAND MEETINGS NEW LOCATION!! CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH SESSIONS: NOT A GRAMMAR CLASS “NEW!” MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES NEW!!
News You Can UseAPRIL 28th TRANS DISCUSSION ON JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIOMonday, April 28: Transgender issues were thrust into the spotlight recently when a Bend, Ore., man announced he was pregnant. But advocates worry the media attention may only further sensationalize transgendered people. National Center for Lesbian Rights legal director Shannon Minter and Basic Rights Oregon executive director Jeana Frazzini discuss the social and legal issues confronting transgendered people. The Jefferson Exchange (www.jeffexchange.org), is heard live weekdays from 8-10 A.M. and repeats 8-10 P.M. on Jefferson Public Radio's News and Information Service. The stations in Oregon are KSJK-Talent, AM 1230, KAGI-Grants Pass, AM 930, KTBR-Roseburg, AM 950, KRVM-AM 1280-Eugene. In California: KNHM 91.5 FM Bayside/Eureka, KMJC-Mt. Shasta, AM 620, KSYC-Yreka, AM 1490, KPMO-Mendocino, AM 1300 and KJPR Lake Shasta City--Redding, AM 1330. The Jefferson Exchange encourages listeners to call-in during the program at (541) 552-6782 or 1-800-838-3760.
ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER IN TRANSITIONReprinted from the Center Post with permission. With the Center's recent closing we're all left wondering, "Where do we go from here?" First let us thank the community members who attended our very important emergency meeting last month. A lot of great suggestions were brought up and brainstorming about the Center's future. The board is now considering a very important question: What does our community need and want from its Center? It's become apparent that we are not meeting the needs of our community any longer. So what are the community's needs? Your membership dues continue to support access to resources by any community member, discounted entry into our events, discounts at several local businesses, a website with current events and important community information, a myspace page for people to check us out, and connection within the community. It's important to know what our community wants from its Center. Lambda and Black & White failed to raise the required amount of revenue to sustain us for another year, membership has continued to significantly decline over the last few years, hardly anyone utilized the center, or the library, and getting volunteers to show up consistently has been an ongoing issue. The fact of the matter is, the Center is failing and if we want to revive it we're going to have to evolve. Those few who attended our emergency meeting stated it clearly - the Center needs to be available to the queer youth and those fresh out of the closet. We will be creating a survey for the community addressing these questions and thoughts and would like to hear from everyone in the community!! Please check the website in May for the survey or attend the BBQ to give us your opinion!
MEN’S POT LUCKS 2008 SAVE THIS LIST!!!!!!!Gay Men's Potlucks for 2008 Generally, they’re the second Sunday from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Bring food and drinks to share.
For general information call Larry Crain at 779-9462 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 608-0153 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
ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER SURVEYThe Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center is asking for your opinion on where the Center should go from here. Please take a few moments to answer this survey, we will read all completed surveys. Please be as detailed as possible, and feel free to use the back for more suggestions. If you would like us to contact you, please leave your information at the end of this survey. Thank you for your participation! 1. Would you like to keep receiving “The Center Post”? What if any changes would you make to the information in it? 2. When the Center was open in Ashland how often did you visit? If not, why? 3. What services do you think the Center should offer the community? 4. Did you attend this year’s events such as the Lambda Awards or the Black and White Ball? If not why? 5. Would you like to see these events repeated next year? If not, why? 6. Do you want to see a new physical location opened? If so where? If not, why? 7. Would you be willing to volunteer at a new location or any events? If not, why? If you have any suggestions on events you would be more apt to attend, a direction you would like the Center to move in, services and/or resources you'd like us to make available this is the time to let us know! The board of the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center is committed to serving you, our community and we are more than willing to do the hard work to change and evolve to continue providing that service, remember we can't do it without you. Without you there is no reason for us! Thank you again for you time! Please copy and paste your responses to this questionnaire and email to: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
SOUTHERN OREGON STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: SOSDCOn April 9th the SOSDC held their second general member meeting at Jackson County Democratic Headquarters in Medford. The SOSDC is a chapter of the Democratic Party of Oregon’s GLBT Caucus and conducted its organizational meeting on February 13, 2008. Since then SOSDC membership has grown to 35, including Paulie Brading, the Chair of the Jackson County Democrats. The leadership of the Jackson County Democrats had encouraged the formation of the SOSDC and appointed Leslie Stone to the JC Democrat’s Executive Committee in January, hoping she would bring people together to form an LGBTQA caucus. The SOSDC is greatly appreciative of the support of the JC Democrats and glad to have been invited into the local democratic “tent”. The SOSDC is all about educating the queer community on the Democratic Party; and the Democratic Party on the queer community. And that’s exactly what happened at the April general meeting. Two of the three candidates for Jackson County Commissioner, Scott Keith and Jim Olney, presented themselves to the crowd of nearly 30 in attendance. They explained their views on why they will be the best candidate to run against Dennis “CW” Smith in the general election. Wayne Kinney, Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) Chair of the Rules Committee, traveled to Medford from Bend to explain the delegate selection process for the 2nd Congressional District Convention (June 7th in Medford), as well as the process for selecting delegates to the State Convention (June 21 in TBA) and the National Convention (August 25-28 in Denver) More on delegate process can be found at the DPO web site www.oregondemocrats.org or contact Wayne Kinney at wayne@dpo.org. Oregon domestic partnership law, enacted on February 4, is intended to ensure that couples who are in a caring, committed relationship have the rights and legal protections they need to care for one another. The right to share health benefits is a basic protection that enables same-sex couples to care for each other, and many in the room were shocked to learn that employees at Rogue Valley Medical Center (RVMC) are still denied those basic protections. Although health benefit plans are largely controlled by federal law, many Oregon employers have made the choice to offer the same health benefits to same-sex couples as they do for opposite-sex couples. Unfortunately, and to everyone’s surprise, RVMC is not one of those employers. RVMC, one of the largest employers in the Rogue valley, has made the choice to not offer health benefits to same sex-couples in a committed relationship. It appears that RVMC is not acting in the spirit of the domestic partnership law, and in fact is acting in a way that is completely out of sync with our state law and most other employers in Oregon. A motion was made to form an education committee to further investigate and educate the community about the fact that Rogue Valley Medical Center is not providing domestic partnership benefits to their employees, and to lobby our elected officials to act on this issue. The motion was unanimously passed and the education committee consists of Shelia Gam, Fanda Bender, Peyton Moore, Taylor Ogren, Liz Pusch and Janelle Wilson. Gary Moore, Vice-Chair of the Jackson County Democrats invited the SOSDC to share the Democrats’ booth at the Pear Blossom Festival, as well as at the Fifth Annual Southern Oregon Pride Festival scheduled for July 26 at the Padgham Pavilion at the Jackson County Exhibition Center. The SOSDC accepted the offer for both and appreciates the Democrats continued demonstration of inclusion and welcoming acceptance into their “tent”. It’s a great time to be a Democrat. We extend an invitation to everyone on the planet to check out the SOSDC and consider helping on any one of the following committees: Events, Membership, Fundraising, Communications and Education. Leslie A Stone, Chair E-mail Address: lesliestone@ashlandhome.net Lisa Everly, Vice Chair E-mail Address: lleorg001@yahoo.com Dane Isner, Secretary E-mail Address: daneai@hotmail.com Jay Dee Barry, Treasurer E-mail Address: jdbarrydesign@qwestoffice.net Information about volunteer opportunities with the SOSDC and for various NEWS FROM THE QRC AT SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITYARE YOU:
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, the QRC is the place for you!
Have questions? Contact us at qrc@sou.edu or 541.552.8329. SOU Upholds Ban on Discriminating Red Cross Blood Drives Tuesday, April 22, 2008 By: Amiko-Gabriel Stocking Nearly 6 years ago SOU's (Southern Oregon University) students' refusal to let the Red Cross do blood drives on their campus made national news. Recently, an administrator invited the Red Cross back on campus and held a blood drive to the shock and displeasure of many members of the student body. The question arose whether or not there was ever an official student government resolution banning the Red Cross when all of this started those years ago. It seems the papers regarding the original ban either do not exist, have been lost, or have been hidden. This issue took up 4 meetings and over 12 hours of deliberations, as some SOU Senators felt that some legal discrimination was "okay for the greater good". Thankfully, the majority of Student Government understood the damage discrimination could have on the campus' safe atmosphere, and knew that many students take pride and refuge in knowing they won't be discriminated against on campus. Tonight, SOU's student government passed a new resolution banning the Red Cross for as long as it continues discriminating against males who have sex with males and women who have sex with males who have sex with males. SOU's newspaper, "The Siskiyou" provides a version online. For further information about the student senate's decision-making process, see: http://www.sou.edu/su/siskiyou/display.php?article=204
MAY 2nd NOT STRAIGHT NOT SURE UPDATE ON SCHOOL SAFETY & POT LUCKUpdate on Safety in our Schools According to GLSEN’s 2005 report, 31% of gay and gender variant youth are threatened or injured at school. Derogatory remarks, such as "faggot" or "dyke" were heard frequently at schools by 75. 4% of students as well as 89.2% of students reported hearing "that's so gay" or "you're so gay" - meaning stupid or worthless- frequently or often. Þ NSNS youth express that these statistics are similar to their experiences in southern Oregon schools. Þ In 2006 & 2007, NSNS called fifteen area schools to schedule outreach appointments with school counselors and only two schools responded positively and allowed NSNS members to visit. Þ The NSNS adult facilitator has answered increased calls for support services for youth in schools over the past two years. What are we to do? NSNS received a grant to create the Southern Oregon Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Support Network. Through this network, NSNS members and volunteers will create GSA’s and train and support GSA advisors and members in the area. What can you do? Þ Become educated. Attend the Potluck on Friday, May 2 at 7:00 PM at the Medford library, Carpenter Room. Youth representatives from the Oregon GSA Network and area youth will share information and answer questions about today’s school culture for LBGTQ youth. RSVP at 324-8894. Þ Find out if your child’s school has a GSA. If they don’t, tell school officials they need to offer one. Then, call us and help start one. If they do have a GSA, thank the administrator and advisor. Volunteer for the GSA. Þ Report harassment incidents to us. Þ Support NSNS’s project by donating your time or money. Not Straight Not Sure, a program of the new Lotus Rising Project Lotus Rising Project/NSNS 711 Medford Ctr #154 Medford, OR 97504 1 800.466.7005 ext 3
MAY 10TH THE FIFTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BAR-B-QUE
MAY 17TH WOMEN WITH WINGS SPRING CONCERTWomen With Wings Annual Concert First Presbyterian Church of Ashland Corner of Siskiyou and Walker Streets 7:00 PM Enjoy an evening of joyful singing as we share songs of love, hope, Information contact: Annie Langill (541) 772-1454 or email @ langill333@gmail.com MAY 31TH ALL AGES ALTERNATIVE PROM & COURT NOMINATION PROCESS
ALL AGES ALTERNATIVE PROM COURT
Nominations are based on social justice work in any area and performed by anyone, not just in the LBGTQ arenas or community. Please limit your nominations to 2 paragraphs. This is not a popularity contest- but a gratitude contest. The Not Straight Not Sure Review committee will select the final entries, which will be voted on at the Prom.
Nominations & Deadlines: E-mail to notstraightnotsure@hotmail.com by May 15 or mail to: NSNS, 711 Medford Ctr #154, Medford, OR 97504, postmarked by May 12th. Voting: At the event: The paragraphs, and hopefully photos, of those nominated will be at the voting station. *Gender Blind: no specific gender is necessary or a gender does not exist for that person. Remember: it’s for ALL AGES, ALCOHOL FREE AND AFFORDABLY PRICED!! QUESTIONS OR IF YOU CAN”T VIEW THE FLYER, CONTACT 1-800-466-7005 EXT 3
JUNE 2nd CYREENA BOSTON, CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO IN POLITICSInspiring a new generation of activists and possibilities, Cyreena demonstrates that a young person of color can successfully challenge the status quo and proves that the political process has room for candidates of all ages, and with diverse backgrounds. She is currently a Democratic Candidate for House District 45 in NE Portland.
Cyreena grew up in Gresham and the Parkrose area of Northeast Portland, and now lives in the Sumner neighborhood with her puppy, Luke. In 1990 at age 10, she first began knocking on doors for the Portland Organizing Project, a coalition that worked to protect Northeast neighborhoods from gang crime and to provide emergency services. Her participation quickly expanded into grassroots leadership when she went beyond volunteer work in neighborhood parks to organizing food co-ops, summer day camps, and voter registration drives. Cyreena is the recipient of the first Neil Kelly Service Award for Community Excellence. Her belief that an active, engaged and involved citizenry is a crucial element of electoral politics and proper public policy is at the heart of her professional calling. Cyreena will address and hopefully inspire us from SOU on June 2nd and will talk about her involvement with these issues and priorities: 
Info taken directly from: http://www.friendsofcyreena.com/bio Time & SOU Location will be announced Contact Leslie Stone 488-9168 for more information.
JUNE 10th ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER ANNUAL MEETINGFrom Serena Cook, Abdill-Ellis Board Chair Annual Meeting of the Abdill-Ellis Center When: June 10th 7:00 PM Where: The Rogue Valley Transportation District Board Room 3200 Crater Lake Ave, Medford Board of Director Vacancies!!! Support your community, join the board!!!! As of the June annual meeting we will have 5 vacancies on the board. The terms for Serena, chair; Tom, membership coordinator; and Phil, secretary will expire. That will leave Zach, Dennis, Kasie and Amanda on the board. The board of directors must have a minimum of 6 members to hold meetings and vote on agenda items. We need your support and input especially at this crucial time. We must figure out where to go from here with the Center and what the community needs. If you’ve always wanted to get involved and feel the satisfaction of giving back to your community, NOW IS THE TIME!!! Please fill out a board application (www.abdellis.org) and submit to Abdill-Ellis ASAP!! JULY 10-13th WILD WOMEN’S CAMPOUT
Contact Holley Humphrey if you are unable to view this: 541-862-2043
THE CENTER’S BOARD MEMBERS & MEETINGSThe 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. Generally, the Board meets on the SECOND Tuesday of each month. Contact Board members for location. Board meetings are open to the public and you all are very welcome and encouraged to attend. Next meeting has been pushed back to the third Tuesday, May 20th, followed by the Annual meeting on June 10th. The July meeting will be on July 8th. JULY 26TH FIFTH ANNUAL PRIDE
SUMMER CAMPOUTS AT CAMP TELEQUAHave fun camping with your friends at this beautiful LGBTQ Campground, located at 233 Jackson Creek Road on the So. Umpqua River in Tiller, OR MARK YOUR CALENDAR! June 13-15th Women’s Weekend August 8-10th Fifth Annual Big Gay Campout LGBTQ More details about these absolutely fabulous camping weekends: Call Paloma at 488-0090. 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 looking for folks interested in helping with this most fabulous, fun event for 2008. Please email notstraightnotsure@hotmail.com or contact 1-800-466-7005 extension 3. BASIC RIGHTS EQUALITY PACThe 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 LGBTQQIA 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 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. Thank you all so much. If you can give, it will be the right thing to do. You will make a difference. Thanks! Leslie Stone For important information concerning PAC endorsements for the May 20th primary as GAY AA ASHLAND MEETINGS NEW LOCATION!!Open AA meetings are held each Monday at 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the First Congregational United Church of Christ 717 Siskiyou Blvd (Siskiyou and Morton). 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 HIV RAPID TESTING:Free "Rapid" HIV testing and counseling with Al Solochier, R.N. from Jackson County Health Department is now available by appointment. Contact Al directly at 774-8033 to set your 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 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 PRIVILEGES NEW!!The 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. Although we are no longer in the Historic Ashland Armory, we continue to explore alternative locations for the Center. Until then, you will receive Center news via the webs site, emails and occasional snail mail. 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:
CLASSIFIEDS Room with bath for rent: Pacific Hwy Medford. Call Marjory 541-512-0504, |
