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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE October 29, 2004
communitygroups
Positive Outlook supports a life beyond AIDS diagnosis
by Earl Pike
Cleveland-In the early days of the HIV epidemic, getting a diagnosis of AIDS almost always meant inevitable-and imminentillness and death.
AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
AIDS is still a devastating health challenge, and too many people are still dying. But for many others, new advances in medical care and treatment have led to longer, healthier lives. Hopes for the future that once seemed unattainable are now more possible than they ever were.
In response, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland has begun a new program for those who have already faced the crisis of a lifechallenging illness, and are now asking: What next?
Designed to support individuals to achieve maximum self-determination, and to "get back into the business of living," the Positive Outlook Initiative includes, at the outset, several key com-
ponents:
• Employment training, job placement, and employment retention, which provides skills assessment, group interaction, job training, and job placement.
• Financial management and debt recov-
ery, to assist individuals in sorting out the significant financial challenges that often accompany AIDS, and if necessary, to get out of debt.
• Benefits analysis to help individuals search out and access the maximum benefits for which they are eligible, and to provide information regarding how employment may or may not affect each of the benefits.
•
Relationship support, providing a variety of educational and support programs on issues such as interpersonal communication, negotiation, parenting, domestic violence and healthy sexuality.
Health and treatment education, which offers group sessions related to living with
HIV and AIDS, such as medications, side effects, nutrition, substance use, tobacco use and exercise.
Home ownership: The Taskforce has entered into a new partnership that will make available, sometime in 2005, several new homes as lease-to-own options for people living with HIV and AIDS. Three homes will be available next year, and the Taskforce will also assist in the process of exploring other strategies for home ownership in the community.
For more information, contact the AIDS Taskforce clinical director at 216-621-0766. Earl Pike is the executive director of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.
TG Days of Remembrance events set for November 17
by Brett Beemyn
Columbus-The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an international event held every November 20 to commemorate the lives of individuals who have been murdered in the past year because of their gender identity or expression.
In Columbus, it will be observed on November 17 with a candlelight vigil at the shelter house in Goodale Park at 7 pm.
In addition to honoring the lives of transgender people who have been killed, the Columbus Day of Remembrance planning committee will be holding a series of events to educate people about transgender issues and get them involved.
The largest event of the month is the Days of Remembrance and Action conference,
which will be held from 8:30 am-4:30 pm on November 6 at King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. The keynote speakers are Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Paisley Currah, executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies. They have written Transgender Equality: A Handbook for Activists and Policymakers and edited Transgender Rights: History, Politics, and Law.
The conference is free, but people are asked to pre-register, so there is enough breakfast and lunch. The registration form is available at http://multiculturalcenter.osu.edu/
glbtss/Articles.asp?ID=226.
Two films will be shown that address the experiences of transsexuals who decide to transition: The Opposite Sex: Rene's Story (November 1) and The Opposite Sex: Jamie's
Church supports same-sex marriage and civil unions
by Keith W. Mathews
Berea, Ohio-In a special congregational meeting on October 24, the members of Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church passed a
Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church
resolution supporting same-sex marriage and civil unions.
The resolution says lesbians and gays should have the right to enter into legally valid and legally recognized marriages or to form civil unions with all the privileges and responsibilities of marriage.
The church opposes any legislation that restricts this right. The basis of the resolution is the Unitarian Universalist belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
Southwest is a "Welcoming Congregation" and includes lesbian and gay people in all aspects of church life. Also, the Unitarian Universalist Association is on record as supporting samesex marriage. See www.swuu.org.
Keith W. Mathews is president of the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church board of
trustees.
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Story (November 8). Both films will be shown at 7 p.m. at Hillel, 46 East 16th St.
Other events include an open house hosted
Transgender Day of Rememberance
by the Crystal Club and the Gender Identity Focus Team at Stonewall Columbus, 1160 North High St. at 6 p.m. on November 15 and a lobby day on November 10. The lobby day
will begin with a lunch and legislative briefing at 11:30 a.m. in the Statehouse's lower level cafeteria. At 1 p.m., Columbus politico
Chad Foust will lead a tour of the Statehouse, before attendees meet with state senators.
For more information, please contact GLBT Student Services: 614688-8449; glbtss@osu.edu.
Brett Beemyn is the director of Ohio State University's GLBT Student Services.
Stonewall awards honor contributions to community
by Michael Dutcher
Columbus-Stonewall Columbus welcomed national gay activist Chrissy Gephardt as the keynote speaker for its annual awards event, "A Night Out" on October 23 at the Vault in Columbus.
Gephardt is the openly lesbian daughter of former presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt, and has become a powerful force in connecting the GLBT community to the political advocacy.
"Her speech was moving and inspirational as she challenged all of the GLBT community to continue to fight for our rights" said Kate
Stonewall Columbus
Anderson, executive director of Stonewall Columbus.
This year's theme, "All that Jazz," was sponsored by WJZA 103.5/104.3 FM, Bank One, Out in Columbus and Dooley and Company and hosted by Colleen Marshall and Chris Bradley, highlighting the Roaring 20s era with local jazz performers and entertainment featuring Jazz Arts Group "The Jim Masters Orchestra."
Celebrating its 23rd year of serving the
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central Ohio GLBT community, Stonewall Columbus honored the many contributions of the individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on the GLBT community.
Award winners are:
Volunteer Service Award for outstanding volunteer service to Stonewall Columbus: Shawn Hamilton.
Media Award for outstanding coverage and support of the GLBT community: Gay People's Chronicle.
Community Service Award, given to an organization which has made a significant contribution to the quality of life for the GLBT community in Central Ohio: Columbus City Council.
Leadership Award, or exceptional leadership efforts in the community: Ian James with Alan Melamed of Ohioans Protecting the Constitution.
The Stonewall Advocate Recognition, recognizing the individual or organization that has served as an advocate for the GLBT community and our fight for equality: Cheri Meyers.
Rhonda Rivera Human Rights Award, in appreciation of a lifetime of distinguished service to the GLBT Community: H. L. Wright.
A resolution honored Rob Berger, former president of the Stonewall Columbus board of trustees, for his outstanding service to Stonewall and the community over the past five years.
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"Most appropriate themed apparel" winners were Sarah Berkhardt and Mary Ann Potter Lewis. They each received a $50 gift
certificate from Cameron Mitchell for their flapper garb.
Stonewall gives special thanks to all of the wonderful individuals and organizations that donated items for the silent auction, the sponsors and the incredible job that the volunteers and "A Night Out" committee members did to create this extraordinary evening for the GLBT community. ♡
Michael Dutcher is the director of operations and special events for Stonewall Columbus.