Pride Guide 2004
GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE
B-7
At 10, Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition continues to grow
by Alycia Broz
Columbus-Approaching its tenth anniversary, Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition has blossomed into a premiere lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning youth organization.
For years Kaleidoscope's main mission has been to provide a safe space for LGBTQ youth to gather, to be themselves and to gain a positive self-image. Over the past year, the center's mission has expanded to include providing education and support for the adults who care for and provide services for youth. In addition, center staff and volunteers have been working with youth in local schools through one on one support and gay-straight alliances.
Leading the charge to meet the challenge of continuing the growth of Kaleidoscope's services and programming is a group of predominately new board members, and Kaleidoscope's executive director, Angie
Wellman, who was brought on in February of 2003.
In a spirited interview, Wellman offered, "I'm excited about the direction and chal-
Launching new programs and services has been quite an undertaking for the small organization.
lenges that Kaleidoscope faces. Over the past year, Kaleidoscope has forged new, stronger relationships with other service-based agencies in Central Ohio and developed a strategy
Tobias has youth support group and free HIV testing
by Preston Mitchell
Columbus-Youth support groups are being held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 pm. The Tobias Project also offers free anonymous HIV testing every Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm.
The support group members discuss topics of concerns and issues that are going on in their lives.
"Hopefully by discussing these issues with their peers, the group will discover answers or techniques to deal with their concerns," said James Durroh, Tobias youth coordinator. The HIV testing gives results in less than an hour.
The Tobias Project, Inc. is a non-profit minority community-based organization that provides prevention education relating to HIVAIDS and other health disparities. We are located at 844 East Main Street, Suite A, Columbus, Ohio 43205, or phone 614252-2727.
For questions or more information about the youth group, contact James at jdurroh@tobiasproject.org. For questions about testing and other services, contact Preston Mitchell, Project Director at pmitchell@tobiasproject.org.
Preston Mitchell is the project director of the Tobias Project.
Leather group chapter is still growing in its 12th year
by Steve Johnson
Columbus-National Leather Association: Columbus Ohio chapter is a chapter of National Leather Association: International, one of the first pansexual organizations in the United States. The chapter just started its 12th year in Columbus, and
is growing every day.
Group meetings fea-
ture demonstrations and conversation about all topics in the leather, bondage and discipline, sadomasochism, dominance and submission commu-
nity. Newcomers are welcome. There is also an informal weekly munch, a great way to meet people and introduce oneself to the scene.
NLA
COLUMBUS
While primarily a BDSM and leather organization, all are welcome. The group encompasses all ages, creeds, income brackets, and orientations. For more information and to find out meeting and munch times, log onto www.nla columbus.com or call 614898-6266.
Steve Johnson is the co-chair of NLA Columbus.
for us all to provide services for LGBTQ youth in the best way we can."
"
Launching new programs and services to meet the needs of the youth has been quite an undertaking for the small organization. A major effort Wellman has been focusing on is the need to acquire financial support for the
center.
"In the past, Kaleidoscope has relied solely on individual donors, Community Shares of Mid Ohio and grants from local foundations," stated Wellman. "We have been looking at more diversified grant moneys to help fund our new programs."
Kaleidoscope received a grant from the
Ohio Children's Foundation in January to support these developmental efforts.
Kaleidoscope is also currently seeking volunteers to play many different roles within the organization. To help with office administration, staffing the center during open hours, use your talents to help with programming, or assist with fundraising and development campaigns, please contact Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition at 614-294-7886. More information is also available at www.kaleido scope.org.
Alycia Broz is board president of the Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition.
Parents support group also has picnics, parties, bowling
by Julie Watson
Columbus-There is a support group for gay and lesbian parents and their children in Columbus.
The Gay and Lesbian Parents Group of Central Ohio has been around for over 15 years and has evolved toward different needs and interests as the dynamics of the group changes.
There have been monthly support group meetings, dad meetings and mom meetings at people's homes, picnics, bonfires and holiday parties.
Right now the group of people that are involved gather three or four times a year at
Stonewall Columbus for a general meeting. There is also a well-attended bowling party in the spring, picnic in June, and bonfire in October. Annual dues that help to fund the get-togethers are $15 for individuals, $25 per couple.
To keep updated about what's going on with the group, see the web site at glpgco.queerparenting.com. More information is also available by e-mailing glpgco@queerparenting.com or calling 614-
488-0873.
Julie Watson is the co-facilitator of the Central Ohio Gay-Lesbian Parent Support Group.
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