November 2010 NEWSLETTER

www.BellevillePride.com
NOVEMBER 2010 NEWSLETTER
FIND US ON FACEBOOK

November 30, 2010

A note from the Editor:

A special thanks to each of you who subscribe, follow and enjoy the articles featured at MetroEast NEWS.
I personally encourage anyone to submit articles, or let me know of upcoming events we may support.

We recently re-launched our domain www.BellevillePride.com, and will updating the pages as we have allowed them to fall into disrepair over the past year or so. (i.e Business Directory)

If you would like your business or creative endeavor listed, simply contact us. There is no fee associated with this listing and we will try to include anyone we are already aware of.

November has been a month of many changes, most notably for us, our departure from the Metro East Pride, after a period of nearly two years directly reporting on their behalf.

As the longtime editor of what originally began as a health resource journal in 2008. MetroEast NEWS, (formerly MetroEastPride NEWS), has undergone a re-vamp.

In fact, our current appearance is the third "branding", this blog has undergone. MetroEast NEWS has a different appearance than it did as an MEP outlet, however the scope of our articles, is most likely to remain just as you have come to expect.

All stories submitted to us will be considered for publication.

Sincerely,

Colby Kluthe,
Director- Daniel McCree Foundation
"Sometimes I don't know who I am, But don't you forget"

The MetroEast Month in Review
FIND US ON FACEBOOK

• ▼ November (25)
  • Miss Gay Southern Illinois USofA - Dec 5th
  • Miss Metropolitan America Pageant - DEC 5th
  • Christina Lush Lights up the Night DEC 5th
  • Rehab Bar & Grill Hosts MEP Fundraiser NOV 28th
  • Naughty or Nice Holiday Review Benefit Dec. 4th
  • LMFAO performs - DEC 3rd at SIU-Carbondale
  • Bethany Place Hosts World AIDS Day December 1st
  • Local Apparel is Available for a Global Market
  • Blackburn College GSA participates in Suicide Prev...
  • Shelbie Rightback Wins Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pagean...
  • Miss October PARIS BECKHAM Returns to Boxers N Bri...
  • 12th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance NOV 18-...
  • 6th Annual Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pageant NOV 19th
  • SIUE-GSA hosts Transgender Remembrance Day NOV 18t...
  • Art & Wine Walk returns to Belleville
  • Trinity St. Moore crowned as Miss Gay Carbondale U...
  • JC Radio Show Broadcasts Third Show Tonight
  • Optimist Club SANTA PARADE Nov 26th
  • Gateway Sisters Beer Bash this Sunday
  • Boxers 'N Briefs hosts Miss Gay Teen Missouri, NOV...
  • Miss Gay Carbondale Illinois USofA November 13th
  • I CARE Campaign Kickoff Party NOV 14th
  • "Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens for W...
  • Southern Illinois Resident Selected for National L...
  • Halloween Block Party Kicks off Fundraising for 20...
  
  
  
  
  (SUBMIT STORY)
  email to: danielmccreeorg@gmail.com OR editor@bellevillepride.com
• 
  
• www.DanielMcCree.Org
  

Miss Gay Southern Illinois USofA - Dec 5th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: USofA Pageants & Dan Terry

November 29, 2010



(CARBONDALE)
Dan Terry Productions and USofA Pageants sponsors this years Miss Gay Southern Illinois Pageant, on December 5th. Contestants shall compete for this preliminary pageant to Miss Gay Illinois USofA. This years pageant honors Annancia Diamond, who held the Miss Gay Southern Illinois USofA title in 2009.

Dan Terry, is widely recognized as a pageant promoter throughout the Midwest, and former club owner in Carbondale, the infamous "Colosseum" is greeted by this years host Club Traz in Carbondale.

December 5th Doors open at 9PM
Club Traz
213 East Main St.
Carbondale, IL, 62901
618.549.4270

Christina Lush Lights up the Night DEC 5th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Boxers 'N Briefs

November 28, 2010

DECEMBER 5th
DRAG SHOW WITH SHOW HOSTESS: CHRISTINA LUSH

(CENTREVILLE)


Performer Christina Lush will be hosting the Sunday Show on December 5th at Boxers 'N Briefs, Centreville's only LGBT nightspot. Ms. Lush is among St. Louis' premier amateur performers, and will certainly pull-out more than the stops to ensure a great show.

Ms. Lush makes regular appearances as Boxers 'n Briefs, as well as other local venues such as Novak's Bar & Grill in the Grove neighborhood, and Hummel's on Broadway.

Show Starts at 10:30 with drink specials, and the male-dance review you have come to expect from the Sunday Night shows.

Cover Charge is $8 and will continue after the show until 3AM.

Boxers 'N Briefs
* 55 Four Corners Lane
* Centerville, IL 62206

Rehab Bar & Grill Hosts MEP Fundraiser NOV 28th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Rehab Bar and Recovery Cafe
November 27, 2010

(ST. LOUIS)
This Sunday, Rehab Bar and Recovery Cafe, at the "Gateway to the Grove", will host a fundraiser event for Metro East Pride beginning at 1pm. Stop in and have Sunday Brunch, and help raise funds for the June 2011 festival in Belleville.

REHAB Bar & Grill
4054 Chouteau
St Louis, MO 63110
More information available: www.MetroEastPride.com

Naughty or Nice Holiday Review Benefit Dec. 4th

www.BellevillePride.com
On Behalf of : Pride St. Louis

November 25, 2010

(ST. LOUIS)

Come deck the halls with Pride St. Louis at our annual "Naughty or Nice?" Holiday Review Show!

Support the fund-raising efforts of Pride St. Louis at 10pm December 4th.

Join Hosts Madison Elise & Dieta Pepsi as they conjure up the Holiday Spirit.
Complimentary appetizers, games and door prizes shall accompany the evening.

The show will be hosted by Santa's favorite ho-ho-ho's, Madison Elise and Dieta Pepsi.

Special performances by:

Clitt Black, Victoria Van de Kamp, Lauren Rapp and Miss Gay Midwest 2010 - Trixie LaRue.

Photo: Host Madison Elise

There will also be performances by representatives from area LGBT non-profit organizations and business in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most cash during their performance!

We would like to send a special thank you to SAGE of Metro St. Louis, Team St. Louis, Growing American Youth, TransHaven Missouri, Gateway Men's Chorus and the Vital VOICE for agreeing to celebrate with Pride St. Louis, Inc. with their special holiday performances!

RSVP via Facebook

Complex Night Club

3515 Chouteau

Saint Louis, MO 63103
10pm- 1am DEC 4th

Original post adaptation: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-McCree-Foundation/474141215435?ref=nf#!/event.php?eid=122952071097824

LMFAO performs - DEC 3rd at SIU-Carbondale

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Hottest College Parties

November 23, 2010

(CARBONDALE)

HCP XMAS Tour Featuring LMFAO Live (19+) will be stopping at Southern Illinois University's Sports Blast on Friday, December 3rd!!
(potential sellout) 600+ attending

'Sexy Santa, Ugly Sweater' is the theme for the event, and we encourage all attendees to come dressed up for your chance to win 2 FREE Spring Break trips to Puerto Vallarta (sponsored by WildSideTravel.com) for 1st Place and $150 cash for 2nd place.

*CONTESTS WILL START ...AT 11:30PM
LMFAO WILL PERFORM AT MIDNIGHT!

LMFAO will be performing their hit songs:
"Getting Over You"
"I'm in Miami Bitch"
"Shots!"
"Yes"
"La La La"
"Get Crazy" (Jersey Shore Theme Song)
"I Am Not A Whore"
And More!

Pre-Sale Tickets start at $25 for General Admission and $40 for VIP (limited tickets available at this price).
VIP Ticket includes:
-Private front row viewing area of the performance and contests
-Private bar access with Balcony View of Stage

Carbondale's 101.5FM will be giving away 30 VIP Tickets for the Show so listen in for your chance to be one of those winners!

Tickets go on sale tonight at Midnight (Nov 5th at 12am) and can be purchased online at www.HOTTESTCOLLEGEPARTIES.com or at Sports Blast.
This event will SELL OUT so make sure to get your tickets before it's too late!
FACEBOOK EVENT

Bethany Place Hosts World AIDS Day December 1st

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Bethany Place

November 23, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)

Bethany Place will observe World AIDS day (WAD) on December 1st, at 7pm.
The Observance will be held at the ROHO Group, located at 100 N. Florida Avenue, in Belleville. This years observance marks the 22nd year of Bethany Place, which has served Southern Illinois since 1988.

This years theme is "Universal Access & Human Rights", and will address the ongoing challenges and concerns that face both those infected and affected by HIV & AIDS.

Keynote Speaker, Colby Kluthe is the Director of the Daniel McCree Foundation,
and served on the Metro East Pride Board of Directors in 2010. As a participant in Ezekiel Project, the HIV/AIDS outreach ministry at MCC of Greater St. Louis, Kluthe will speak to the ongoing challenges faced by those newly diagnosed, as well as those who have battled the stigma of HIV for many years.

This years event shall also include a Candlelight vigil, remembering those whom we have lost in the past two decades and a casual reception shall follow with refreshments and an opportunity to meet local activists and allies.

There is no charge to attend, and no RSVP is requested.
More information is available at:
www.BethanyPlace.org Or www.DanielMcCree.Org

EVENT LOCATION:
ROHO Group
100 North Florida Ave.
Belleville, IL 62221
(MAP LOCATION)

Local Apparel is Available for a Global Market

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: DanielGeahlen.com

November 22, 2010

(GRANITE CITY)

In recent months, a local freelance artist and photographer, Daniel Geahlen has expanded his portfolio to include apparel available for purchase online. After many months of offering the items to friends, on a per order basis, Geahlen decided to take it a step further, and offer the items to a larger marketplace, and made the "Zac Frost" Tees available online.

Other items such as flyers and accessories may be custom ordered or requested at: www.DanielGeahlen.com

The "Zac Frost Tee" is available exclusively from Geahlen's enterprise, and can be purchased for just $10 plus shipping/ & man-handling. BellevillePride.com is proud to endorse this local venture and encourage everyone to support local business whenever possible.

As we like to put it: "Buy Local, or BYE LOCAL"

Also available per commission, Photography & Graphic Design services to the Metro East & St. Louis Regions.

Photo: Zac Frost,
courtesy of: Daniel Geahlen Photography

More information at: http://www.danielgeahlen.com/home/About.html
OR EMAIL to: daniel@danielgeahlen.com

Blackburn College GSA participates in Suicide Prevention Training

www.BellevillePride.com
By: Colby Kluthe

November 21, 2010
(CARLINVILLE)

Thomas Dreixler, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Blackburn College lead a large delegation to the Suicide Prevention Training, hosted by the I CARE CAMPAIGN in partnership with SAGE of Metro St. Louis.

The training seminar seeks to equip our community leaders with tools to avoid the tragedy of Suicides that have plagued the LGBT youth in recent months. As student groups, educators and youth leaders are often the first line of defense when addressing the immediate crisis that may face the youth among us.

GSA Chapters accross the Metro East Region work closely with students and faculty at both high school & college campuses in both Missouri and Illinois. They provide safe-space for students, and foster a dialogue of support to those affected by LGBTIQ issues. Each chapter is organized locally without a centralized governance.

GSA CHAPTERS OF THE METRO EAST INCLUDE:

COLLEGE CHAPTERS (We are aware of)
SIUE-GSA
McKendree College
Q&A- SWIC
Blackburn College
SIU-Carbondale

High School Chapters~
Belleville East HS
Belleville West HS
Ofallon Township HS

Students who are interested in starting a GSA Chapter at your school can contact:
Jesse Arms (CESJ)
and founder of MEGS (Metro East Gays & Straights) www.JobsandJustice.org
or via email at: arms4justice@yahoo.com

Shelbie Rightback Wins Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pageant

www.BellevillePride.com
via Nevaeh DeMornay

November 20, 2010
(ALTON)
Shelbie Rightback is named as the next Miss Bubby & Sissy's. Friday Night was the 6th Annual Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pageant featuring all the Former Title Holders and two Contestants to date. Erica Leigh Foster will Host with performances by Teighlor, Domonique, Passion, Jada, & Tiffany.

http://hopeandhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2010/11/6th-annual-miss-bubby-sissys-pageant.html

Miss October PARIS BECKHAM Returns to Boxers N Briefs NOV 28th

http://www.bellevillepride.com/

on Behalf of: Jason Brooks/ Boxers 'n Briefs

November 19, 2010

(CENTREVILLE)

Entertainer Paris Beckham returns with her talents to the Metro East November 28th at Boxers N Briefs in Centreville, IL.

(Banner courtesy of Jason Brooks)

Show starts at 10:30pm and enjoy the male entertainers and drink specials all night long. Beckham was awarded the Entertainer of the Month in October, a title held by Gimme Sommora in September.

Boxers 'n Briefs welcomes Paris back for an encore performance Sunday November 28th.

(Doors open at 7pm, Showtime at 10:30)

$8 Cover Charge

Banners courtesy of: Jason Brooks

More Information at:

http://www.boxersnbriefs.com/

55 Four Corners Lane
Centreville, IL 62207-1025
(618) 332-6141

12th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance NOV 18-20

www.BellevillePride.com
November 16, 2010
(ST LOUIS)

St Louis Region-wide Memorial Service

The St. Louis area will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Memorial Service on November 20th, at St. John's Episcopal Church.
This years memorial is presented by local advocate Shane Fairchild, and featured guest Vanessa Edwards Foster, a nationally known trans advocate.

There will be a potluck dinner Sponsored by St. Johns from 4-6PM, and afterwards so please come and support ending the violence rendered upon our Trans Sisters and Brothers. All are welcome to attend. Participants will also include representation from MCC of Greater St. Louis, Transhaven, Pride St. Louis, Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Metro East Pride, Project Safe-Harbor, Vital Voice magazine and Allies from throughout the St. Louis Metro area.
Event Sponsored by: Transhaven

St. John's Episcopal (Tower Grove Church)
3664 Arsenal St.
Saint Louis, MO
Saturday, November 20 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

OTHER TDOR Related EVENTS:

Nov 14-22 - Special Film Presentation of "Paulista" :
TransHaven Missouri is proud to work in conjunction with Cinema Saint Louis and will sponsor the two screenings of Roberto Moreira's endearing triad of love and relationships, one of a young attorney whose past is soon to be revealed. The screenings are part of the St Louis International Film Festival, to be held November 11th thru November 22nd.
TIVOLI THEATRE

NOVEMBER 18 - (EDWARDSVILLE)
SIUE Gay-Straight Alliance Presents:
Transgender Day of Remembrance Panel & Candlelight Vigil
There will be a panel and discussion of several transgender members of our community and the surrounding areas. After the panel which should last from 5 to 7 pm there will be a candle light vigil immediatly following. The panel won the Gay-Straight Alliance an award last year for the best educational program of the year, so it will be very interesting and fun.

NOV 20 - (COLUMBIA,MO)
Missouri Statewide Youth Empowerment Summit
Pre-Registration is required to attend call 314-862-4900 or online: https://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/o/35019/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=371

In collaboration with Growing American Youth of Saint Louis, Galaxy of Springfield, PRISM of Columbia, Equal and KCAVP from Kansas City and PRISM from Kirksville. ...
The Missouri Youth Empowerment Summit is a one-day event that brings together youth from across the state to engage, learn skills that will empower youth around key issues affecting LGBTQA* youth and their communities.

Facilitated workshops as well as open space formats will provide opportunities to connect, discuss issues and design strategies that empower youth in their schools and in their communities. The workshops will focus on skills that can effect positive social change.

The Summit is a great way to make build lasting friendships and community alliances across the state. We ask that you come with an open mind, expect to be inspired and commit to creating change in your community after the day is over. On this day we will also be observing National Transgender Day of Remembrance in honor of those we have lost in the Transgender Community due to Hate Crimes.

The Summit will feature a special workshop track designed for adults who are looking to renew their commitment in support of youth.

Admission: FREE to youth under 22.
$10 for adults

Breakfast and Lunch provided.

6th Annual Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pageant NOV 19th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Bubby & Sissy's

November 15, 2010
(ALTON)

Friday Night is the 6th Annual Miss Bubby & Sissy's Pageant featuring all the Former Title Holders and two Contestants to date. Erica Leigh Foster will Host with performances by Teighlor, Domonique, Passion, Jada, & Tiffany. $5. Cover
Showtime - 10:00 pm

More information at: http://www.bubbyandsissys.com

602 Belle Street Alton IL 62002

Phone: (618) 465-4773 Fax: (618) 465-4775

SIUE-GSA hosts Transgender Remembrance Day NOV 18th

www.BellevillePride.com

November 14, 2010
SIUE-GSA hosts Transgender Remembrance Day

(EDWARDSVILLE)

Thursday, November 18 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm Goshen Lounge (SIUE Main Campus)

Southwestern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) Gay-Straight Alliance sponsors and hosts Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 18th.

There will be a panel and discussion of several Transgender members of our community and the surrounding areas. After the panel which should last from 5 to 7 there will be a candle light vigil immediatly following. The panel won the Gay Straight Alliance an award last year for the best event for the day, so it will be very interesting and fun.
Anyone of interest is strongly encouraged to come, and if you have anyone questions or anything feel free to let us know.

RSVP @Facebook

VISIT GSA @ SIUE

SOTA_theGSA@yahoo.com

Office:

In Kimmel Hall in the back

Art & Wine Walk returns to Belleville

www.BellevillePride.com
via @ Oregon Trail Roasting Co.

November 14, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)
Art & Wine Walk

Belleville Main Street is hosting its second Art & Wine Walk this coming Saturday, November 20th from 5pm to 9pm. Oregon Trail Roasting Co is participating and will feature the art of Tatyana Robberts. We’ll have wine too! Plan now to attend. Details at artandwinewalk.com

Trinity St. Moore crowned as Miss Gay Carbondale USofA

www.BellevillePride.com

November 14, 2010

(CARBONDALE)
Club Traz Carbondale hosted a double-header pageant this weekend, crowning the new Miss Gay Carbondale Illinois USofA and Miss Gay Club Traz Illinois USofA Idina Rimes


Mr. David McCabe hosted the evenings events which resulted in Trinity St. Moore being awarded the crown for Miss Gay Carbondale, and Idina Rimes ranked top for the Miss Gay Traz Illinois USofA. Both pageants are preleminaries to the larger Miss Gay Illinois USofA pageant.

More Information at:

Club TRAZ
618.549.4270

213 East Main St. Carbondale, IL, Carbondale, IL 62901

JC Radio Show Broadcasts Third Show Tonight

www.BellevillePride.com

November 12, 2010

(ST LOUIS)
SHOWTIME IS 8pm to 10pm on VE Network (CLICK TO WATCH/LISTEN)

In a follow-up to our story a few weeks ago, the JC Radio Show will broadcast its third show Friday at 8pm until 10. While its studios are located at Westport Plaza, the host of the show lives in the Belleville area.

We are proud to share with you about the JC SHOW, for its ability to share our local stories on a larger stage. Webcasting allows listeners to log in via the internet, and listen or watch live-stream using windows media player, or browser based application.

The show is 2 hours and runs on Friday Nights from 8 - 10 p.m. CST. You can catch my show at http://www.veradionetwork.com/stltalkradio/jcradio.html.

The shows host (JC) has worked in media broadcasting for about 10 years, and was excited when the opportunity came up at VE (Virtual Entertainment/ STLTalkRadio)
"I have always believed that dreams are pure thought, An opportunity to discover yourself. So after working at local radio station back in Southern Indiana, I wanted to live my dream of having my own national/global show", says JC.

Over the past few years we have promoted an Austrailian based radio station known as JOY94.9. This broadcast station in Melbourne Austrialia, also web-casts, providing LGBT entertainment on a global scale.

Join JC every Friday night from
8-10 p.m. as he highlights the
Top 20 Billboard hits,
entertainment gossip, and interviews
with artist and celebrities.

Find the JC RADIO SHOW on Facebook

Optimist Club SANTA PARADE Nov 26th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: The Optimist Club of Belleville

November 11, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)

The Optimist Club of Belleville's Santa Parade will kick of at 10am on November 26th. Starting at 17th St. and West Main St. the parade will follow West Main St. heading east through Belleville's Downtown to finish East of Oak St. near Union United Methodist Church. This years parade will feature the Board of Directors of Metro East Pride.

Santa's House is returning once again to Belleville this November, located downtown on the Public Square. Santa Claus will arrive in Belleville via the Santa Parade and will be ready for visiting children shortly after the parade's end approximately 12-12:30pm on Friday November 26th

Gateway Sisters Beer Bash this Sunday

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: The Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
By: Colby Kluthe

November 11, 2010

The Gateway Sisters are up to that community outreach and support again, and will be at the Bad Dog Bar & Grill on Sunday, November 14th.

Sunday's BEER BASH benefits the charitable works the Sisters are known for. This fundraiser event is an ideal companion to the I CARE KICKOFF PARTY, as a feel-good chaser.



Event Starts at 3pm, and continues until 8pm.
The Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is an all volunteer 501 c 3 organization raising money for charities; working primarily in the GLBTQ community; sisters (and brothers) working to spread universal joy and banish guilt.

RSVP @ Facebook

Bad Dog Bar & Grill
(314) 652-0011
3960 Chouteau Ave
Saint Louis, MO, 63110-2333

GATEWAY SISTERS info:

Email	sisterflambee@aol.com
Website	http://www.gsoi-stl.org

Boxers 'N Briefs hosts Miss Gay Teen Missouri, NOV 14th

www.BellevillePride.com

November 11, 2010

(CENTREVILLE)
Miss Gay Teen Missouri will be held this weekend at Boxers 'N Briefs, located in Centreville, Illinois.


This years Pageant is promoted by Khrystal Leight , KaMartina Blu Leight/Ryder Strong Productions with a special tribute to Miss Gay Teen Missouri 2010: Daphne Blu Leight from Cape Girardeau!!!!!

Join Host Khrystal Leight and the biscuit sisters along with Mariah Candy and the Rest of the House of Leight for Miss Gay Teen Missouri 2010....with your reigning Miss Gay Teen MO-Daphne Blu Leight! It'll be a blast!

MISS MISSOURI TEEN PAGEANT STARTS @ 10:00 PROMPTLY

Sunday, November 14 at 10pm - 3am

Boxers 'N Briefs
55 Four Corners Lane
Centreville, IL 62207-1025

RSVP@Facebook Event

Miss Gay Carbondale Illinois USofA November 13th

www.BellevillePride.com

(CARBONDALE)

Miss Gay Carbondale Illinois USofA and Miss Gay Club Traz Illinois USofA will be this Saturday Night, Check in at 6:00, Interview 7pm,

Pageant is at 10pm, no entry fees. Presentation is "YOU".

More info at 618-218-3829 or 618-525-4724

Traz Carbondale is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Traz Carbondale and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes ...
www.facebook.com/traz.carbondale

I CARE Campaign Kickoff Party NOV 14th

www.BellevillePride.com

on Behalf of: I CARE Campaign

November 8, 2010
(ST. LOUIS)

It's time to kickoff this great campaign. There will be complimentary food, wine, beer, soda, juice, and water. The I Care Campaign is for everybody in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area (STL) who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and ally issues. These issues include Suicide, Homelessness, HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention, Older Adults, and Hate Crimes.
RSVP @Facebook


WHEN:

	Sunday, November 14 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:	William A. Kerr Foundation 21 O'Fallon St.

Entertainment by:
...
Bubba Baker
Trent Logik Ramsey
Anti-Gravity

There will be giveaways and promotional handouts.

Come learn more about this great campaign for our STL LGBTQIA Community.
The I Care Campaign will serve as an informational network to direct those in distress to the appropriate organization.

The need for this campaign comes from the increasing number of people in our STL community that are affected by these issues and feel that they are alone. Within the last year there have been hate crimes, bashings, numerous suicides, and teen couch surfing within the STL LGBTQIA community. Also the number of new HIV infections is on the raise with Men having Sex with Men( MSM) age group 18-29.

This campaign is supported by: Vital Voice, Vital Vision, Growing American Youth, Project Safe Harbor, SAGE, TransHaven, Show Me No Hate, Project St. Louis, Project ARK, Pride St. Louis, Metro East Pride, Light of Love Fellowship, Mental Health America, Creve Coeur, Planned Parenthood, Just John and William A. Kerr Foundation.

More information at: I CARE CAMPAIGN (facebook)

"Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens for World AIDS Day"

http://www.bellevillepride.com/
November 8, 2010

(ST. LOUIS)

"Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens for World AIDS Day Celebration "

Tickets are $18/12 Students and Seniors (NOV 29th)

On November 29th, MCC of Greater St. Louis, and it's outreach ministry Ezekiel Project will be the honored host a a dramatic performance known as: "Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens for World AIDS Day" .

Performance directed by Bert Coleman, this performance will bring a wide variety of talent from near and far. Too many to list in fact. So in my own summation, I think my own coined phrase fits best here: "Be There or you will kick yourself hard!"

The performance is a series of monologues based loosely upon the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and celebrates the lives of those affected by the disease. Proceeds of ticket sales support " Broadway Cares ," "EFA" and" LIFEbeat The Music Industry Fights AIDS."
Tickets are $18/12 Students and Seniors.
Available at the door or (PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE)

Special Guest: Ellen Folley
(Meatloaf's "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" and TV's "Night Court)
The community-wide cast includes : Dieta Pepsi, Ed Coffield, Ed Reggi, Joan Lipkin, DJ Sanders, J Samuel Davis, Linda Kennedy, Ben Nordstrom, Ken Haller, Carrie Houk, Donna Weinsting, Rabbi Susan Talvi, Jorge Oliver,Rev. Carol Trissell(MCC), Jermey Thomas, Bonita Cornute(FOX 2),
Steve Potter(KWMU), Bobbye Williams, Karen Klaus, Chad Cox,
Cindy Duggan, Ian Koller, Louisa Goldman, Tyler Hill and others.

EVENT HOST:
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis
1919 South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-361-3221 (wheelchair accessible)

Ezekiel Project began in 2006 as an HIV/AIDS outreach at MCCGSL. And works within the community to offer a supportive environment to individuals who are both HIV positive and those close to them. It meets monthly at 1919 S. Broadway. And offers opportunity for social interaction throughout the year, as well as a retreat in the spring.

AN OUTREACH OF MCCGSL
"Ezekiel Project strives to create a safe and supportive environment for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Through social support & outreach
we seek to increase visibility of HIV/AIDS within our congregation and the community at large."

RSVP EVENT INFO & Contact
Monday, November 29 · 8:00pm - 10:00pm

More information: www.MCCGSL.org

Southern Illinois Resident Selected for National LGBT Task Force

www.BellevillePride.com

by: Colby Kluthe

November 5, 2010
(ANNA-JONESBORO, IL)
Photo: R.L. Pete Housman
Long time Equality Rights advocate, RL Pete Housman has been selected to join the National Gay & Lesbian Task force 23rd National Conference on LGBT Equality : Creating Change
The Conference is scheduled to be held in Minneapolis, MN February 2011.

Housman was invited in August to submit proposals for workshop sessions at the conference, and given a submission deadline of September 15th.
Each proposal submitted required a vita, a synopsis of the program, Targeted audience suggested, methodology and structure of program, length of time required, as well as support documents. Mr. Housman submitted three proposals, and was selected from 450 proposals for one of the 90 min breakout sessions.

The Task Force:
The uncompromising voice for
LGBT Equality for more than 30 years.

"Last night I was notified by Marta Alvardo, Program Coordinator for the Task Force , that my Program
"Wanted: a Fourth for Bridge" Had been selected for presentation at the February Conference.", says Housman. The program selected, seeks to build a support and linking network with the LGBT Community in Small Town and Rural America.

Mr. Housman is widely recognized and respected throughout our region as a strong advocate for LGBT issues, particularly those faced by rural communities of southern Illinois. He is widely cited in publications regarding Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, and Equality Forums throughout the United States.
(Photo right: Robyn C. Montague & RL Pete Housman Sept 2010)

Housman works closely with several St. Louis based organizations, such as TransHaven, and serves as a reliable source of LGBT issues, news and events, in the areas around Vienna, IL and Carbondale.

By profession RL Pete Housman, is a community builder as a project developer with Green Heart of America Group. He grew up in Anna, IL and while he once owned a storefront in the Tower Grove Neighborhood, he chooses to call Anna-Jonesboro, IL home today.


More information about the conference:
www.TheTaskForce.org
malvardo@thetaskforce.org
,202-639-6333

RL PETE HOUSEMAN@Facebook

(photo: Breakfast w/ Dolly's (Vienna,IL) Robyn Montague, Transhaven; Colin Lovett, Pride St. Louis; RL Pete Housman,Greenheart; Colby Kluthe, Daniel McCree Foundation; Colin Murphy, Metro East Pride/Vital Voice)

Halloween Block Party Kicks off Fundraising for 2011 Festival

www.MetroEastPride.com

On Behalf of: Metro East Pride
by: Colby Kluthe

November 1, 2010
Halloween Block Party Kicks off Fundraising for 2011 Festival

(BELLEVILLE)

About 150 people gathered this past Saturday night in downtown Belleville for the Metro East Pride Halloween Block Party. The event, hosted by Club Escapade, was the first major fundraiser event of the 2011 season.

Metro East Pride began in 2008, and will hold it's fourth annual pride festival on June 18th, 2011. Between now and then, the MEP Board of Directors will be planning and fund-raising in preparation for the big event.

The Halloween Block Party was the 3rd event since the conclusion of the 2010 season, which officially ends at the end of each June. The city of Belleville once again approved street closure for the block party which was well attended by both locals, and people who made the drive from St. Louis. A delegation from the Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, TransHaven, One Saint Louis, MCC of Greater St. Louis, as well as civic leaders from across the Metro East region.

Music was provided by The Ragged Blade Band, featuring vocalist Blue Jones, who is also the Executive Director of the LGBT Center of St. Louis. The Ragged Blade band was the first performer at our 2010 Festival, and we were glad to welcome them back for an encore fall performance. Pianist Jerry Rabushka said "we had a great time playin' for y'all!"

Metro East Pride also unveiled its new logo for 2011, and gave away a limited-edition 2011 Tee Shirt to participants of the Halloween Block Party. Attendees also recieved giveaways courtesy of several local merchants including Acropolis, Illinois Lottery, and the Tan Company. MEP also gave away 5 limited edition posters featuring the new logo design to commemorate the evening.

Overall Metro East Pride celebrates the success of our first fundraiser, and are looking forward to our upcoming events, which will be ongoing into the next year. Our next fundraiser event will be on November 28th at REHAB BAR, located on Manchester Ave in St. Louis city.

The Metro East Pride Board of Directors wishes to thank each of you for your ongoing support. And for each of our volunteers that make such wonderful events possible. We look forward to serving the citizens of Southwestern Illinios in the year ahead.






(pictured above: Amy Wiser, 2010 officer)







Metro East Pride 2011 Board of Directors include:

Sarah Baldwin, President
Colin Murphy, Vice President
Colby Kluthe, Vice President
Chance Baker, Treasurer
Courtney Anderson, Secretary
metroeastpride@gmail.com
www.MetroEastPride.com