Volume 5 Issue 4
FEBRUARY 2012
Presented By: Daniel McCree Foundation
MetroEast News
ABOUT US MetroEast News is an outreach project of the Daniel McCree Foundation.
Our vision and mission is to provide timely information and events to the entire Southern Illinois Region. We seek to be a voice for those who are traditionally not heard. (READ MORE) Southern Illinois Pride History (READ MORE)
Editor: Colby Kluthe Graphic Design: Jason Brooks Director: Daniel McCree Foundation
Contributors: Mickey Johnson (Carbondale) History & Southern Illinois News Tess Farnham (Belleville) Liberal Arts & Education Susan Spit-Fire Lively (Belleville)
Performing Arts & Spoken Word Aaron Phillip Ruiz (Swansea) At Large: Autumn Pickard (St. Louis)
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Common Resources: PFLAG- Belleville IL Chapter St. Louis Gay History Project TransHaven & Belleville Transgender & Friends LGBT Center of St. Louis Metro East Pride of Soutwestern Illinois (MEPSI) Southern Illinois GSA Alliance Equality Illinois & Carbonale Pride, MCC Paducah & Paducah Pride Jennifer Shaw P.C.
ABOUT THE COVER The February issue features St. Louis photographer Robin Ricca of Artemis Images. The photo image is of a butterfly sculpture found somewhere in the St. Louis area. Artemis Studios is a St. Louis photography company that provides high-quality images to area performers and other clients they offer both freelance works as well as individual commission projects. They do NOT offer wedding packages. Ricca is best known for her horticultural eye and ability to capture the vibrancy found in the natural world. She was happy to make this image available for our cover this month, and we encourage our readers to learn more by visiting the studio online at: www.artemisimages.com
BellevillePride~ MetroEast News
Browse the 2011 issues
INTRODUCTION The 2012 Digital Directory seeks to provide information and resources for those in our community who may not be aware of the vast array of entertainment venues and social services specific to the LGBTQIA community. I hope you will find this directory an environmentally-conscience way to share resources as well as a useful reference for each of you. The month of February offers the Southern Illinois Region many opportunities to get involved, whether you want to volunteer for Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois, Carbondale Pride or as a participant in the Bethany Place Fashion Show on February 9th. For those that enjoy the pageantry there will be no shortage of event prelims and wide variety of entertainers throughout the month. We are also glad to announce a very interesting discussion group and viewing of “Lead with Love” by the PFLAG Belleville Chapter. They meet the first Thursday of each month at St. Paul UCC. (February 2nd, 6:30PM) As the editor of MetroEast NEWS, and the director of the DANIEL MCCREE FOUNDATION our vision has been to bring greater awareness to events and news specific to the Metro-East Communities. MetroEast NEWS is operated as a part of the Daniel McCree Foundation, as a living legacy of an artist from Southern Illinois. “We seek to be a voice for those who traditionally are not heard.” The Daniel McCree Foundation advocates for Suicide Prevention as well as outreach in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness. Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe
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2012 SPONSORS “BUY LOCAL OR BYE LOCAL”
J.Brooks Digital “The Premier Graphics in the Metro East Region”
www.SmartChoiceSTL.com “Smart Solutions for Web Development”
Bethel United Church of Christ (Cahokia, IL) 2200 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia, Illinois 62206 (Just off Interstate 255,Cahokia Exit 13) Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 am.
Pastor: Rev. Carol Shanks (618) 939-4835 www.CahokiaUCC.org
Practical Solutions For All Aspects of Family Law 201 Hillsboro Avenue | Suite A | Edwardsville | Illinois | 62025
618.655.0555 | Fax 618.655.9460
www.JaShawLaw.com ONE SAINT LOUIS www.OneSaintLouis.org (314) 241-1114 info@onesaintlouis.org
PFLAGBelleville www.bellevilleilpflag.com Meets the first Thursday Of the month 6:30PM FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Thoughts From a Mouthy Saint: Following Your Path BellevillePride/MetroEast NEWS by: Colby Kluthe January 24, 2012
I often say that listening is one of those things I find offers the best guidance when it comes to the big decisions in life. For me that means asking yourself what the path is, and taking time to hear what others say. Before you really get into this, I must advise you that you may not always like what you hear, but I truly beleive the truth is there if you are willing to work with it.
Kristin Beckstrom Radcliffe, MSW, LCSW 8 Eagle Center, Suite 4 O'Fallon, IL 618-616-1235 www.kbradcliffe.com
MetroEast News is an outreach project of the Daniel McCree Foundation. www.DanielMcCree.Org Our vision and mission is to provide timely information and events to the entire Southern Illinois Region. We seek to be a voice for those who are traditionally not heard.
I always say "Keep Walking", and it most recently reminds me of the guinea pigs in the GEICO commercial. "ROW!" and sometimes its just that simple. In closing... Row~
St. Louis Gender Foundation - celebrating 25 years of service to our region! www.stlouisgenderfoundation.org
BellevillePride~ MetroEast News ADD YOUR EVENT or Business ONLINE~
January 2012 - MetroEast NEWS Digital Directory
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Shannon’s Tie Dye Save a Hippie—Wear Tie Dye
TessiLu Studio - Commision Artist & Writer
www.shannons-tie-dye.com SEVEN RESTAURANT AN LOUNGE
TransHaven www.transhaven.org
TransHaven serves the advocacy needs of the Transgender Communities of Missouri and St. Louis Region. www.TransHaven.org Become a sponsor or add your upcoming event
“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ 7 South High Street Belleville, Illinois 62220
www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue
SAGE Metro St. Louis www.SmartChoiceSTL.com
SAGE of Metro St. Louis, provides services and advocacy to LGBT older adults. They are located in the Tower Grove Manor Building on South Grand.
www.SageMetroSTL.org
PFLAG-BELLEVILLE February 2nd PFLAG-Belleville will hold it’s monthly meeting. (Thursday 6:30pm at St. Pauls UCC). This months meeting will include a special presentation and discussion of “Lead With Love”. www.leadwithlovefilm.com
Gay News Gay drama "Weekend" (www.weekendfilm.com/home/) starring Tom Cullen and Chris New won best LGBT-themed film. The 2012 Dorian Awards were given by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association. The award for best LGBT-themed documentary went to "We Were Here" (www.wewereherefilm.com), an AIDS chronicle. Read more: http://galeca.com/.
We Love You Alisha Taylor Last night, (Jan 25th) our friend Alisha Taylor passed away from lung cancer. Before she died, she said she had visited with loved ones on the other side. They told her to rest, but they would be back to meet her soon. Go with God, my friend. She leaves behind two children (one pictured above) and many friends and loved ones. Alisha was a 34 year old mother of 3 beautiful boys: Elisha (14), Ian (12) and Lucas (7). Alisha is also survived by her life-long relationship with her boyfriend of 17 years, Jason Hutchinson. She and her family live in Barnett, Missouri.
Free Art Workshop #3: FREE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS By Growing American Youth This art project, collaborating with Emily Squires (an awesome local artist and advisor), will use a speech by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the basis for discussion on the questions above. We will use writing, video, collage, drawing, and printmaking as tools to talk to each other and talk back to the United States government. Don't worry if you missed the first workshop. All are welcome even if you missed the first one. For more information or questions Go to www.growingamericanyouth.org
SAGE Metro St Louis presents "Gen Silent." March 10, 2012 Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Location: MCC of Greater St. Louis 1919 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63109 Sage Metro St. Louis - HOME
MetroEast NEWS Digital Directory (2012)
www.EqualityIllinois.Org
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Bethel Ucc church 618-939-4835
www.cahokiaucc.org Rev. Carol Shanks
Worship Services - Sunday 10 am We are one of two official Open and Affirming Congregations of the United Church of Christ in southern Illinois. Join us for worship. Join our choir. Contact us for your civil union ceremony.
MetroEast NEWS Digital Directory
PRIDE ORGANIZATIONS Metro-East Pride
http://metroeastpride.com/
Mid America(MID-MO) Pride Pride St. Louis
http://www.lgbtcoalition.org/
http://www.pridestl.org/
St. Louis Black Pride
http://slbp.org/
Paducah Pride (Facebook only) Carbondale Pride (Facebook Only) Chicago Pride http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org
SUPERBOWL PARTY AT SEVEN Sunday, February 5, 2012 $25.00 INCLUDES APPETIZER BUFFET, DOMESTIC BOTTLE, WELL DRINKS & HOUSE WINES!
Seven Restaurant and Lounge 7 S. High St, Belleville, IL 62220
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Equality Illinois 2012 Gala: Justice for All Equality Illinois 2012 Gala: Justice for All will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2012, starting at 6:00pm. Come see and be seen at one of the most elegant and fun LGBT events of the year. With over 1,000 guests in attendance, including elected officials, candidates, and other VIPs, the Gala is one of the most impactful ways to support full equality for LGBT people. Learn more and purchase your tickets today. www.EQIL.org BellevillePride~ MetroEast News
Saluki Rainbow Network (CARBONDALE) www.srn.rso.siuc.edu
The Saluki Rainbow Network, a Registered Student Organization of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is dedicated to the joint purpose of providing services, activities, support and encouragement to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning members of our community. The programs offered consist of a wide variety of services in areas such as education, leadership development, creative arts, recreation, volunteerism and advocacy.
that discrimination should not be based on or influenced by a person's sexual orientation, be it towards the same sex, opposite sex or both. SRN does not discriminate on race, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status. Actually, SRN doesn't discriminate, Period! Contact Us! SRN Office Phone: 618-453-5151 Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, across from the USG and Students' Legal Assistance Offices. Email: salukirainbow@gmail.com
The membership of SRN consists of anyone supportive of the notion
Do you want to perform in Maryville University's Second Annual Drag Show? Friday, February 24, 2012 Come Audition for a chance! The top 4 performers will be selected to perform 1 song in the show. All 4 winners will receive $25. Please RSVP by February 17th by emailing Angela at mugsa@maryville.edu or calling/texting her 314-489-6016. She will get you set up! Okay So everyone has been asking about our Judging and Judges, here they are! Judging: Angela Awalt - Maryville University Gay Straight Alliance President Nurse Pam - Maryville University School Nurse Draiy Buckles - Maryville University Student Special Guest Judge - We will reveal this judge on Feb 17th!
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MetroEast NEWS Digital Directory Memorial Service for Susan Commons was held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis (MCCGSL). Susan was a long-time member and friend. Service: Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis Interment: Hawthorn Cemetery Grants Pass, Oregon Military Burial Service: Friday, December 09, 2011 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM Hawthorn Cemetery, Grants Pass, Oregon Susan M. Commons, born August 19, 1946 in Corvallis, Oregon to Shirley and Howard Commons, continued on her journey from this life on November 12, 2011. Her colorful and diverse life was a source of inspiration and awe to all she encountered. She retired from the United States Army in 1999 as an Sergeant First Class with a total of 28 years of service. Her distinguished career began in 1966 as a member of the Women's Army Corp and ended in 1999 as part of the Active Army Reserve.Susan had been a member of MCCGSL for 18 years. She was a member of the choir for several years and she always supported the ministries of the church even after she moved away. For more information contact pastor@mccgsl.org
Miss Gay St. Louis Missouri America Pageant “Toddlers & Tiaras” February 4th- Hamburger Mary’s
Hamburger Mary's St Louis 3037 Olive St, Saint Louis, MO 63103 View Map · Get Directions
The Miss Gay St. Louis Missouri America Pageant celebrating MGSL 2011 TRIXIE LaRUE and Miss Gay Missouri 2011, MADISON ELISE will unfold on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis. An official preliminary to the 2012 Miss Gay Missouri America Pageant. Contestants will compete in categories of male interview, evening gown, on stage question, solo talent and talent. The theme for this year is "Toddlers and Tiaras". The Miss Gay St. Louis in Review Show (Over 30-years of Excellence) will be on Friday, March 3rd, 2012 at 9p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s.
Saint Louis Gender Foundation Celebrates 25 Years Supporting Our Transgender Community
The St. Louis Gender Foundation is a not-for-profit and non-sexual support and educational resource for gender non-conforming adults. We also welcome Significant Others, caring professionals, and all who support freedom of gender expression. The StLGF is proud of its long tradition as an open organization that does not discriminate. The major goal is to provide a nurturing environment conducive to individual growth and development and for networking among the membership regarding supportive health-care and legal professionals, and businesses in the St. Louis area. Although we have event themes at our regularly scheduled sessions, there is no dress code. Membership Types: Individual: Annual Dues: $30.00 Couples: Annual Dues: $40.00 (Includes only 1 copy of the Gazette) All membership dues apply for the period of January 1 to December 31
The 2012 EQIL Gala is set for Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Hilton Chicago. Please join us for a spectacular evening! Tickets are available now. For general information about this spectacular event, please click here or on the Gala logo below.
EQIL's cool, stylsh "LOVE" t-shirts are now available in 5 fabulous colors! Click HERE to get yours now! Also, EQIL has partnered with The Vanity Project and they have produced EQIL-themed apparel. You can view their cool designs here.
Full annual membership dues are charged upon joining If you join mid-year, your first renewal will be prorated appropriately Annual membership dues are due by January 31 Dues cover operating expenses including mailings, printing, bulletins, and advertising All members receive or have access to: Meetings and Group Outings (Additional fees apply to cover costs) (6) issues of The Gazette newsletter (available in print and / or electronic) Use of the library Access to the changing room NOTE: SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AVAILABLE IF FINANCIAL NEED EXISTS. PLEASE CONTACT AN OFFICER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION.
Saint Louis Gender Foundation
314-607-4163 info@stlgf.org
Welcome Kristen Radcliffe, MSW LCSW to our 2012 Sponsors! Kristen just opened a Mental Health Practice in O'Fallon, Illinois on January 1st. Advocacy for young people, whether they be struggling with their own sexuality or with the sexuality of their parents. www.kbradcliffe.com
“My private mental health practice is aimed at helping children, adolescents and young people navigate the often turbulent waters of growing up. I am dedicated to helping support them in healing old wounds, making key connections, explore life truths and achieve the growth they want and need to succeed.
I have over 14 years of diverse experience in working with individuals and families.” Kristin Beckstrom Radcliffe, MSW, LCSW 8 Eagle Center, Suite 4 O'Fallon, IL 618-616-1235 www.kbradcliffe.com
“Artistically Speaking!” at Seven – Belleville occurs the first Wednesday of each month. There’s no cover charge for this event!! The doors open at 8:00 p.m. and the show, which also features an Open Mic, will begin at 9:00 p.m. Come and experience the wonder and beauty of the arts with remarkable musicians, poets, comedians, and more in a gallery packed with exquisite local art! The friendly and dedicated staff here keeps the kitchen open late for us – enjoy mouth-watering appetizers ($2.00 Off All Appetizers!) and refreshing Chocolate Martini’s (Martini Wednesday Drink Specials!)We have a spectacular show planned for next Wednesday, Feb. 1st! Our Special Guests include popular poet, spoken word artist, producer, and graphic artist X Blu Rayne; influential Jazz musician, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Black; cutting-edge spoken word artist, poet, musician, and rapper Vince “Ackurate” Manuel; and avant-garde poet, author, and spoken word artist Randi Bobby. It’s going to be another exciting night full of fun and creativity at “Artistically Speaking!”
2012 Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala Join us on Saturday, February 11, 2012 for the Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala. Platinum Table Includes Admission for 10 to the Premier Reception on Friday, February 10, 2012 at A New Leaf; Admission for 10 to the Silent Auction Cocktail Party, and “Best Seating in House� for 10 at the 2012 Justice for All Gala. Purchase Price: $5,000.00 Table for 10 $500.00 Individual Ticket
Premier Table Includes Admission for 10 to the Premier Reception on Friday, February 10, 2012 at A New Leaf; Admission for 10 to the Silent Auction Cocktail Party, and Preferred Seating for 10 at the 2012 Justice for All Gala. Purchase Price: $4,000.00 Table for 10 $400.00 Individual Ticket
Standard Table Includes Admission for 10 to the Silent Auction Cocktail Party & Seating for 10 at the 2012 Justice for All Gala. Purchase Price: $3,000.00 Table for 10 $300.00 Individual Ticket Your purchase or contribution directly benefits the Equality Illinois Education Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, and is tax-deductible as provided by law, less the Fair Market Value of $125.00 per seat reserved / $1250.00 per table reserved. Credit card payments will be made to the Equality Illinois Education Project.
Event Location Hilton Chicago 720 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605
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PRIDE FEST 2012 June 23th and 24th 11am-8pm Tower Grove Park 4256 Magnolia Avenue St Louis, MO 63110-3569 Commitment Ceremony at 3:00pm on Saturday Official Pride Parade at 12:00pm on Sunday PHOTO LEFT:
Club Traz – Home of CARBONDALE PRIDE
METRO EAST PRIDE OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS (MEPSI) www.MetroEastPride.com
ALL ORDERS ONLINE AT~ www.BellevillePride.Org We gladly accept VISA/MC/AMEX or Paypal.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS at http://bellevillepride.weebly.com/sponsors1.html ($30.00)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SPONSOR?? Any business, non-profit or public FAN PAGE located within the St. Louis or Southern Illinois Region.
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Mr. Missouri Leather 2012 Sponsored by Gateway MC St. Louis, Missouri March 2–4, 2012 Mr. Missouri Leather 2012 will be the weekend of March 2–4, with all events taking place at JJ's Clubhouse in St. Louis, Missouri. Sponsored by Gateway Motorcycle Club since 1983, this event is one of the longest running annual Leather contests in the country that is sponsored by a single club.
“BRIEFS: A FESTIVAL OF SHORT LESBIAN & GAY PLAYS”
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 8:00pm until Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:00pm Where– La Perla (312 N. 8th Street, St. Louis, MO 63101, 312 North 8th Street For TICKETS log onto: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/215115
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j.brooks Digital The official graphics designer of MetroEast NEWS
A sincere Thanks to Each and Everyone for your support! We look forward to serving you in the coming year!
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MEPSI Seeks Event Volunteers (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois)
Posted: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:42:00 +0000 Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is currently looking for volunteers for upcoming fundraisers and our Pride festival held in June. If you would like to volunteer and support your local LGBT community please contact Metro East Pride through our gmail account at metroeastpride@gmail.com For more information: www.MetroEastPride.com
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Coming Summer 2012 - ZANDER MANDER: CLUB TALK
Posted: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000 Coming Summer 2012 - ZANDER MANDER: CLUB TALK by Zander Mander on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 After being approached by three different major television production companies regarding developement of a reality TV show featuring yours truly... I thought, met with them, negotiated and eventually turned them all down. Why? Each of these teams wanted to just produce yet another show that featured all the bullshit that every reality show features. Crass entertainment filled with the shit side of the club world. I wanted to interview performers and everyone else that works within the industry that brings us all the fabtastic shows we see throughout the year at all of our favorite clubs around the country. I wanted to show the POSITIVE side of the club world. They wanted cat fights and back
stabbings.. you know all the usual shit you see on these types of shows. So I said fuck 'em and have taken the matter in my hands. This summer will debut the new online show Zander Mander : Club Talk. In each episode you will be introduced to a different club and the club's stars and staff. I will then interview everyone so you and I can learn and enjoy more about them. Different citys. Different clubs. Different stars. There is a very positive side to the club world. A place where everyone really does like each other, gets along and works extremely hard to bring you the best in entertainment. I hope you will watch, laugh, cry and simply enjoy! Until this summer XXXOOO&///2!! (hugskisses&scratchestoo!!!) Zander Mander Any performer/ staff / club wishing to be interviewed / featured please send me a private message with contact info. zmqcproductions@yahoo.com
EQ-IL APPLAUDS SPRINGFIELD REGARDING SPOUSAL BENEFITS
www.BellevillePride.Org / MetroEast NEWS January 10, 2012 (SPRINGFIELD) Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, at 312-520-4919 or Randy Hannig, Director of Public Policy of Equality Illinois, at 773-477-7173
EQUALITY ILLINOIS APPLAUDS SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY FOR ENCOURAGING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SPOUSAL BENEFITS Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality, issued the following statement in response to Springfield’s Joint Labor and Management Health Care Committee’s unanimous decision to reverse its earlier ruling and allow spousal health insurance benefits for city employees in a civil union: “We commend the LGBT community and our allies in Springfield for speaking out in favor of equal treatment for each and every couple,” Randy Hannig, Jr., Director of Public Policy for Equality Illinois, said. “In the end, nearly 150 Springfield residents signed our petition urging the mayor and the Joint Labor and Management Health Care Committee to do the right thing and not discriminate against couples in a civil union. Because of the community’s support, along with the leadership of Mayor Houston and Alderman Cory Jobe, the committee made the right decision in the end to reaffirm Illinois’ civil union law that explicitly states that all benefits available to couples in a marriage must be available to couples in a civil union.” Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 to secure, protect and defend full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. It is the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization. www.EqualityIllinois.Org
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CREATING CHANGE CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES NEW FEDERAL RULES FOR HOUSING VOICES FROM OUR ADVOCATES: 24th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced Saturday. Robyn Carolyn Montague The beauty of the Creating Change Conference is that it breaks all the rules imposed by gay-normative, hetero-normative and yes, even trans-normative ideals and issues. The Conference embodies the feeling of 'Queer' where opinion is welcome and not chased away by the 'normatives.' Where 'who cares how many spouses' a politician has had, or how many one might be sleeping safely with or not sleeping with any one at all. Where Faith is welcomed or Faith rejected and where gender or no gender is presented. The ideal encompassing here is Respect, Dignity and Civil Rights, and the word 'Equality' does mean all. Executive Director Leon Braxton is at the Creating Change Conference this weekend, bragging on our amazing St. Louis area community and bringing back ideas. Leon Augustus Braxton Jr. I have to say this again, I love Creating Change! I have learned so much and met some truely awesome LGBT people from other cities. The stories and experiences that have been shared here are priceless. MORE INFORMATION: Creating Change Conference www.creatingchange.org
PFLAG SCHOLARSHIPS The 2012 PFLAG National Scholarship season is now open! Scholarships are awarded by PFLAG National level as well as many local chapters. To apply, simply visit their website: PFLAG: Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - With Help Comes Hope www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255): Suicide hotline, 24/7 free and confidential, nationwide network of crisis centers
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