C-6
GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Pride Guide 2008
www.GayPeoples Chronicle.com
INSIGHT
Cleveland's Premiere LGBT Social Organization
15 years and going strong EVERYONE WELCOME
Monthly Dinners at area Restaurants Guest Speakers Social Events Theater Parties Fund Raisers Anniversary Dinner
for Dinner and Events Information call our voice mail: 216.556.0576 P.O. Box 24425
Cleveland, OH. 44121-0425
NORKA
Platform Beds Dressers, Nightstands, Tables Twin, Full, Queen & King
Lakewood
15112 Detroit 216-226-2660
Cleve Hts. 1812 Coventry 216-371-8489 Akron 143 W. Market 330-253-9330
Mattresses· Futons Sleep Sofas Platforms
•
Futon Sleep Sofas Chairs, Lounges, Loveseats Twin, Full, Queen
VISIT!
Lakewood or Akron
for Factory 2nds or Discontinued
Call or visit www.norkafuton.com for free catalog.
BIG FUN
VOTED CLEVELAND'S BEST TOYSTORE!
the fun
Rock em -Sock ent
SMALL PRICES!
WE BUY TOYS!!
60's, 70'S & 80S' STUFF!!
DORKY COOL UNIFORMS
CRAZY POSTCARDS
BLACK & WHITE PHOTO BOOTH COLLECTIBLES FUNK & JUNK!
1814 COVENTRY RD, CLEVE. HTS. OH 44118
216-371-4FUN (4386)
*
Kaleidoscope has many activities for young people
by Angie Wellman
Columbus-Pride Guide is Kaleidoscope Youth Center's annual opportunity to re-introduce the organization to the community and allies so all may have a clear understanding of what Kaleidoscope does.
Kaleidoscope is the only youth service or LGBT organization in Ohio solely dedicated to working in partnership with, and meeting the needs of, youth aged 12-20 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, as well as young people who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kaleidoscope has four central roles. First, the Youth Center is a social support organization: a safe, sober space where LGBTQ teens and their allies gather to meet, talk, make friends, relax and have fun.
Second, Kaleidoscope provides learning and educational opportunities through resource materials, a print library of LGBTQ themes, stories and issues, the David Bohnett Cyber Center, and interactive workshops and seminars.
Third, Kaleidoscope's work with school nurses, guidance counselors, gay-straight alliances, parents, and other youth-service organizations provides outreach to the many LGBTQ youth who don't know where they can turn for support and friendship.
Last, Kaleidoscope Youth Center is a public advocate, keeping abreast of news and politics that affect the LGBTQ youth community, and speaking out to informing the public and political representatives of the community's needs, interests and con-
cerns.
Drop in any day, 3 to 5 pm
If you are a young person, you may be thinking, "This is great in theory, but is all of this really lame?" Come check it out! The center is here for youth aged 12-20 and is open Monday through Friday from 3 until 9 pm. During that time, youth have the opportunity to participate in an array of activities.
Every day from 3-5 pm, you are welcome to simply drop in at the center, 1904 North High St., and be free to just be! This unstructured time period is perfect for checking e-mail, catching up on homework, talking with friends, playing pool, or just relaxing. There are also Kaleidoscope mentors available during this time if you have any questions or need to talk about what's going on in your life.
Have something on your mind that you would like to discuss? Individual appointments are available with someone who is trained to help you. These appointments are private so there is no need to feel embarrassed or scared. You name it, we can talk about it. Contact Angie at angie@kaleidoscope.org to set up an ap-
pointment.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Brian Keating
3052 West Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44111 216-671-0663
Help with homework
Sometimes we put off homework because we just don't get it. Many of the mentors at Kaleidoscope are either teachers or students themselves. This means you have a whole army of people who are willing and able to help you understand your school work.
On many nights, the center holds structured discussions on different topics. These can range from gender identity to coming out, relationships, substance use, school and family. Whatever the topic may be, you are welcome to participate. Come and share your thoughts and ask questions of the group. This is a forum where you can expect to be heard and respected for your personal thoughts and feelings.
Take on your Kaleidoscope buddies in a friendly pool tournament. There is an awesome pool table and a few pool sharks. You don't need to bring your own stick. If you don't know how to play, just watch and learn, it's easy to catch on. Shooting pool is loads of fun.
Everyone has a story to share. Taking the thoughts in your head and getting them down on paper can feel great. Writing is a form of art that everyone has the ability to partake in. Writing can express emotion while simultaneously sharpening the ability to speak your mind. Feel free to bring in your writing to share with the group. Or, write something new while you're here.
Enjoy a movie with the refreshing fruity goodness of a smoothie in the Kaleidoscope common area. After the movie, join in a discussion about that night's movie. Everyone's a critic!
Professional artists are on hand to share tips and guide you through creating works of art. Whether you want to come together as a theater troupe, create a mural or simply sketch for fun, this is the night for you. In the past, Kaleidoscope youth artists have displayed their work in galleries in downtown Columbus as well as the Wexner Center for the Arts, across the street.
Club Kaleidoscope
Jam like a star and dance like a diva! Club Kaleidoscope is a time to show your stuff and mix it up. Whether you are a runway star, an up-and-coming lyricist or you want to learn how to vogue, bring your talents to the floor. Don't worry if you're a bit shy, the mood is intoxicating, and before no time you'll be just as sickenin' as the rest.
With all the happenings at Kaleidoscope, it can be hard to keep track of what is going on with our friends. So, every day at 6 pm, everyone in the building comes together for "check-in." During this time, you can share high points and low points of the day or week and whatever else comes to mind. You do not have to share if you do not want to, however it is important to be part of the group while others are sharing.
The Young Activists Participating group is for youth who are ready to create change in their lives, and the world around them. We explore topics such as personal values, decision making, current events, goal setting, and community involvement.
Keep it Smart & Safe is a peer to peer education program that includes life-skills, decision making, self defense and HIV/STD information.
Do you wish people understood you better? Want to share your own story to educate others? Then Speak Up might be for
you. You will have the opportunity to talk with audiences at schools, community organizations, social service agencies, and public events about your life experiences as an LGBTQ youth or ally.
No matter which programs you might be interested in, don't forget that at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, you don't have to come out to come in! After June 25, see the website at www.kaleidoscope.org or get more information by calling 614294-5437. ♡
Angie Wellman is the executive director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center.