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The North Coast Men's Chorus Richard A. Cole, Music Director

Presents

Touching Hearts, Changing Lives

Featuring Guest Performances by Detroit Together Men's Chorus

James Morisi, Musical Director

Good Company

Karen Weaver, Music Director

8 pm

Saturday, June 24, 2000

Waetjen Auditorium

2001 Euclid Avenue (at 21st Street)

Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door Body Language, 3291 W. 115th St. High Tide Rock Bottom, 1814 Coventry Rd. Angel Falls Coffee, 792 West Market St. Tickets.com (800)766-6048 www.tickets.com

Anti-violence group

offers tips for staying safe this summer

We become more visible--and more vulnerable in the warmer months During Pride we're easy to see, bedecked in ninbow colors with pink muggles pinned everywhere. Our attackers and harassers are more likely to be out too. As nicer weather approaches, enjoy being out more, but play it safe with thes tips from BRAVO, the Buckeye Region And Violence Organization.

Stay Alert

Awareness is your best defense. After a day at the beach or on the fold your focus may be affected by physical exhaustion or sunburn, but try to stay alert Also, if you have been partying, remember that your judgment may be impaired. Consider your surroundings

Are there other people around you or are you alone? This could make a difference if you get into a situation where someone is following you, or something feels threatening. Make a note of the nearest place you could run to be safe, and think about the route you would take.

Project confidence

You'll be out walking a lot more in summer. Do it purposefully, like you know where you are going. Keep your head up and look around. Always carry money for a telephone call, a cab ride, or bus fare.

Carry a whistle

Carry it somewhere accessible. When you need help, blow it, but don't expect it alone to save you. If you hear a whistle, or see someone in trouble, call 911 rather than put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Trust your instincts

If you think that something

is wrong, believe your feel.

ings and remove yourself from the situation,

Prepare yourself

Think about the fact that you may be faced with vio

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization

BRAVO!

Serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Communities

lence or harassment, and have a plan. Consider taking a self defense class, Call BRAVO for more info. The classes are free and offered throughout the your Stay safe near home

Neighbor harassment also increases when folks are more likely to be outside of their homes. Remember to report all incidents of harassment no matter how insignificant they seem. Sinations left unchecked can escalate into more violent** Tomas of harassment. What's happening at your house might be a part of a larger pattern of crime in your area. Understanding crime patterns leads to prevention, Strategies.

If it happens to you se

If you are assaulted or harassed, trust your own judgment about now to react Yells should come from your diaphragm in as deep a voice as possible (Stop! "Black Off!"). If you choose to fight back respond quickly. Scratch at eyes, stong at feet, elbow at the abdomen. Create a break in the action and get away. Your goal is not to beat someone up the longer you fight, the greater your chances of getting hurt.

If these methods do not work, you have not "failed." It's not your fault that someone tried to attack you.

If you are faced with any type of anti GLBT violence or harassment, we can help. Call BRAVO and report hate at 614-268-9622 In the Cleveland area, call the Lesbian Gay Community Center at 216-651-5428, or toll free 888-429-8761.

Cleveland center offers assistance.

The Lesbian Gay Community Center of Greater Cleveland offers assistance to those in the LCDT community of Northeast Ohio who have been a victim of violent crime, same sex domestic violence, harassment or discrimination.

The center can provide crisis intervention, mediation, referrals, support and advocacy to those affected by violence. It continually works to educate the community as well as local police departments and other social service agencies on issues such as violence and discrimination.

As a member of the National Coalition of Ant Violence Programs, all the incidents reported to the center help to identify trends and determine the prevalence of violence within our community both locally and nationally.

If you are in need of assistance, call the center at 216-651-5428 or thecenter@earthlink.net. All reports can be made anonymously and will remain confidential.

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