August 2012 - MetroEast NEWS by Daniel McCree Foundation

MetroEast News August 2012

Presented By: Daniel McCree Foundation

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10

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) Autumn Pickard (St. Louis) Special Features from Daniel McCree (1979-2007)

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.

FEATURES & EVENTS Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint: Beyond our Imagination... Kentucky Hosts 2012 National GSA Conference August 2nd-5th. Miss Gay Western IL America 2012 - AUGUST 4th Downstate lawmaker wants to 'reaffirm' Illinois' marriage equality ban... Pride St. Louis Board Elections, Aug. 20th... Jade Sinclair crowned Miss Gay Alton America 2012 MCC of Peoria Opened Its Doors JULY 22nd Notable Passages: Charles Dunham (1938-2012) Jefferson County Illinois Unites for Equality National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick Fil A Mid-MO PrideFest AUGUST 19th (Columbia, MO) Efforts Underway for Removal of Chic-Fil-A at SIUC...

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INTRODUCTION Wow what a month it has been! Carbondale Pride celebrated its second annual festival in even bigger style than its first year. Three days of events and a community wide picnic was well attended and marked a new beginning for the host venue CLUB TRAZ. In Alton, Bubby and Sissy’s hosted the Miss Gay Alton America and crowned Jade Sinclair as the 2012 winner. Miss Gay Western Illinois will be next in Quincy Illinois. The communities of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County Illinois gathered this week in opposition to an anti-equality measure passed by the county board, the efforts by local equality advocates have brought national attention to the region. Students at SIUC are also mobilizing to ask the university to remove the local Chic-Fil-A franchise from its campuses in Edwardsville and Carbondale. Club Traz recently completed renovations and reopened to the public after a project that took several months. PFLAG in Belleville will be meeting next Thursday at 6:30PM for the monthly meeting. July also marked the 5th anniversary of our foundation which was begun in memory of Daniel McCree. Daniel ended his life on July 23, 2007 and has inspired our work in the years that have followed. I want to personally thank each of you who have supported our endeavors and the many volunteers that carry-on the spirit of our work each day. As the editor MetroEast NEWS, “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

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Efforts Underway for Removal of Chic-Fil-A at SIUC Efforts Underway for Removal of Chic-Fil-A at SIUC Campus via Mickey Johnson- MetroEast NEWS (CARBONDALE) In recent weeks the pressures on the fast-food chain Chic-Fil-A have mounted across the country. Southern Illinois has embarked on an effort in the same spirit that calls for the removal of the local franchise from the student center on the campus of SIUC. More than 140 participants have signed the petition with a goal of 500 signatures. Students from both the Edwardsville campus and Carbondale campus have expressed dissatisfaction with the current tenant who operates from both locations. More than 600 have joined local social media groups in this effort and are distributing a petition at Change.Org which calls for the university to take action towards the goal of putting the local outlet out of business. In recent weeks, the companies president and CEO has admitted that it has made significant effort and financial expenditure on the anti-equality movement in recent years. Following this admission, a sizable public-relations issue has gained traction in communities large and small. SIGN THE PETETION HERE

GET OUT THE VOTE FOR YOUR VOICE In a new era of court challenges and efforts to limit the ability for our citizens to vote, now is a great time to check your own voter registration and help those near you in making sure they have registered for upcoming elections. Regardless of your political ideology we each have a right and responsibility to make our voices heard. Here is a good start to make sure you are all set for the upcoming elections. Am I registered to vote in Illinois? Illinois citizens may check to see if they are registered to vote. Registering to Vote in Illinois, describes the rules and procedures surrounding the voter registration process in Illinois. An individual may register to vote in Illinois if he/she is 18 years or older on the next election day, resides in the jurisdiction for 30 days prior to the election, and is a U.S. citizen. Illinois' residents may register in person at the office of the election authority, at Driver's license facilities, with deputy registrars who are appointed in each jurisdiction, or via mail using the Illinois Voter Registration Application.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Jefferson County Illinois Unites for Equality by: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS More than 50 local residents and equality supporters

gathered upon the Jefferson County Courthouse in Mount Vernon on Monday July 23rd. Organized by allies and joined by the LGBT communities of southern Illinois, the peaceful demonstration hoped to bring awareness to a non-binding resolution recently passed by the county board. The resolution which passed 11-1 was a measure which affirms the current ban on same gender marriage on the statewide level. Local county board member Jeremy Hall was the single vote against the measure to which he explained to local reporters that the language "as worded it read with pure hatred". Hall joined with organizer Amanda Duncan, a Mount Vernon resident in opposition to the measure. "People are interested in what is happening here in YOUR community and they are NOT happy. We have support and are going to use it! we are NOT going to stop until this board listens." Explains Duncan. The controversy has stirred up national attention in the past few days. Also joining in the demonstration were Micah Bennet and Pastor Sonja of Church of the Good Shepherd in Carbondale. In a recent statement, organizer Amanda Duncan offered thanks to the grassroots effort that lead to the success of the demonstration. " I need to say thank you so very much to the fine folks of Jefferson County who came together to give a message to the county board and to our very loved gay and lesbian friends, family, and loved ones of OUR community. I have to say thank you for everyone who made this even TRULY peaceful. YOU were a fine display of what this county is made up of. I have to commend you all for your courage to come out and battle the heat. I also want to thank all of the people passing by who showed support. " Plans are underway for yet another demonstration by local residents who will continue to give voice to equality in the region. For more information on becoming involved contact BellevillePride~ MetroEast News for ongoing details and updates.

2012 DIRECTORY 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

www.LGBTCounselingSTL.com MAP OUR LOCATION

*FREE 30 minute initial assessment through August 31st* About LGBT Counseling St. Louis LGBT Counseling St. Louis strictly adheres to the primary mision of the social work profession which is to "enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty," LGBT Counseling St. Louis & Equality Illinois are proud sponsors of MetroEast NEWS

Authenticating your relationship. Protecting your family. Sivia Business & Legal Services gives you the personal attention that your relationship needs. We offer personalized service for you, your family, your relationship and your business. We assist you with the unique barriers that same-sex couples face in several areas. We assist our clients in estate planning and power of attorney matters to give each partner more rights in the even of tragedy. We also handle family law issues -- dissolution of relationship, adoption, custody actions, and name change petitions. We also assist clients with cohabitation agreements and contracts to outline the legal obligation of each partner in the relationship.

Committed to the Community Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. started in June 2006 when the founder, Todd Sivia, decided that his clients desired an attorney that is not only committed to the practice of law, but also committed to the community. Mr. Sivia created a firm to serve businesses and family in a variety of areas of law, focusing on asset protection. Since then, the firm has grown, not only in size, but as a member of the community. Our staff is active in the Ed/Glen Chamber of Commerce, SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business), Rotary, and a variety of community projcts and organizations in and around Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and Alton, Illinois. Mr. Sivia is a member of the Metro East Landlord Association and Metro East Real Estate & Investors Association. The attorneys also stay up-to-date on the law through a variety of legal associations such as the Illinois, Missouri, and Madison County Bar Associations, and Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. We'll listen for your needs and give you the best counsel to meet them. Todd Sivia, Attorney-At-Law Mr. Sivia maintains a significant asset protection practice. He assists his clients in their estate planning and general business needs, including drafting wills and trusts, representing clients in multiple matters. Read More

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint: Beyond our Imagination By: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS

The month of August is bound to be an interesting one, and a personal journey of faith and anticipation. Several months ago, I was invited on an all-expenses trip to visit both South Africa and Zimbabwe on a 10 day journey. Details beyond that, I really don't know.

"I have found that most opportunities are both the "impossible" as well as the "Fantastic" that one could never have imagined in the first place." The miracles of life always seem to weave both elements together seamlessly. I must admit that since the opportunity presented itself, I have been surrounded by energy surrounding the idea of South Africa. It would seem that everywhere I looked and listened, a reference to the place was bound to whisper into my ear. A preparation for such a trip has included a significant delay in receiving my passport, proving my citizenship, medical preparations and more. Nonetheless, having walked forward diligently towards the goal, only a few days sit between my comfort zone and my own leap into the journey that is most certainly to be fantastic as well as an exercise in my own ability to take the journey without many details.

Opportunities always seem to implore each of us to "just Go!" -and you will be blessed. And for now, that is all that any of us can know as we weave our way down our own road. For me, I am trying to not imagine anything in advance and simply take time to reflect on the journey rather than the "how". It simply IS and will be if we are willing to walk towards it. So there is the scoop on why the August Issue came out a few days early. The journey for me shall include traveling from Joplin,MO to St. Louis on the 29th, and details remain foggy except that I should return to St. Louis around August 10th. It may even take a day or three before I find myself back in Joplin. So until then... keep walking and "Bee Blessed". -Colby 10

TransHaven

www.transhaven.org

TransHaven serves the advocacy needs of the Transgender Communities of Missouri and St. Louis Region.

Tessilu Studio offers mixed media artwork by commission

Become a sponsor or add your upcoming event

SEVEN RESTAURANT ANd LOUNGE

“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue

SAGE Metro St. Louis

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

“BUY LOCAL OR BYE LOCAL” St. Louis Gender Foundation www.stlouisgenderfoundation.org 314-607-4163 info@stlgf.org

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.

Jade Sinclair crowned Miss Gay Alton America 2012 MissgayIllinois America

Congratulations to our newly crowned Miss Gay Alton America,Jade Sinclair and First Alternate, Kirsten Dubo! Both ladies will be moving on to compete at Miss Gay IL America 2012 on Sept 8 in St. Louis at the Casa Loma Ballroom. Miss Gay Western IL America 2012 will be held in 2 weeks on Sat, Aug 4 at Irenes Cabaret Nightclub in Quincy, IL. Contact promoter Adria Andrews for an application.

NIGHTLIFE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS BUBBY & SISSY's (ALTON)

602 Belle St., Alton; Tel. 618.465.4775

Spirits Bar and Lounge

(Alton)

300 State Street, Alton 618-463-5555

Club Escapade

(BELLEVILLE)

133 W. Main 62220

SEVEN RESTAURANT ANd LOUNGE

“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ 7 South High Street Belleville, Illinois 62220

www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue METRO EAST PRIDE OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS

The Pageant Capital of Southern Illinois

Home of CARBONDALE PRIDE

Club TRAZ (Carbondale)

REGIONWIDE NIGHTCLUBS & VENUES

Atomic Cowboy - 4140 Manchester

Erney's 32 - 4200 Manchester Ave.,

Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

St. Louis, MO 63110

Korners - 7109 S. Broadway, St. Attitudes - 4100 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Grey Fox - 3503 S. Spring, St. Louis,

Louis, MO 63111

MO 63116

Magnolia's Bar - 5 S. Vandeventer, Spirit’s Bar & Lounge – 300 State Street (Alton)

Hummel's on Broadway - 7101 S.

St. Louis, MO

Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111

Martha’s Vineyard – 219 W. Olive, Bad Dog Bar & Grill - 3960 Choteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Hamburger Mary’s 3037 Olive St.

Springfield, MO 65802

Louis, Mo 63103

Meyer’s Grove – 4510 Manchester Bastille Soulard - 1027 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104

Independence Place - 5 S. Henderson St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

Big Moe’s – 1042 Tower Grove , St. Louis, MO 63110

MO 64112

Bubby & Sissy's - 602 Belle St.,

Novak's Bar & Grill - 4121 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Just John's - 4112 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Boxers N Briefs - 55 Four Corners Lane, Centreville, IL 62206

Missie B's - 805 W. 39th, Kansas City,

JJ's Clubhouse - 3858 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63110

Alton, IL 62002

Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Premium Lounge - 4199 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Club Escapade - 133 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220

Clementine's - 2001 Menard St., St. Louis, MO 63104

CHICAGO REGIONAL MAP

SEVEN RESTURANT AND LOUNGE 7 S. High Street, Belleville,IL 62220

Irenes Cabaret – 124 North 5th Street Quincy, IL 62301

Rehab Bar & Grill - 4054 Chouteau Ave.

SKYBAR (Carbondale) SIUC Campus Arena

Upcoming EVENTS Featured Articles More about the Digital Directory We invite any small business owners and non-profit organizations & Fan Pages to join us as a sponsor for our upcoming DIGITAL DIRECTORY and monthly news publication. Our publications have enjoyed more than 18,000 readers since our first edition came out in June. For the ad rate of $30.00 you can join us as a sponsor. Sponsor Listings include company logo, and link to your contact information and website. AFTER DECEMBER 1st-- the Ad rate will be adjusted to $30 so dont delay and become a sponsor today. BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE LGBTQI COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

ALL ORDERS ONLINE 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.

j.brooks Digital The official graphics of

MetroEast NEWS

MetroEast NEWS is produced by the Daniel McCree Foundation, an Illinois Charitable Trust Managing Editor: Colby Kluthe Emily Smith, St. Louis Regional Director Daniel McCree Foundation Contributing Writers: Mickey Johnson (Carbondale) History & Southern Illinois News Tess Farnham (Belleville) Liberal Arts & Education Susan Spit-Fire Lively (East St. Louis/ Belleville) Aaron Phillip Ruiz (Swansea) Autumn Pickard (St. Louis) Graphics Editor: Jason Brooks

A sincere Thanks to Each and Everyone for your support! We look forward to serving you in the coming year!

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