Rainbow Cafe is Southern Illinois Oldest Secret

www.BellevillePride.com
MetroEast NEWS

February 1, 2011

Rainbow Cafe is Southern Illinois Oldest Secret

(CARBONDALE)

It is very likely one of the oldest LGBT institutions in Southern Illinois, the Rainbow Cafe is also perhaps the regions most overlooked as well. An LGBT youth group that has been meeting in Carbondale for many years now, Rainbow Cafe has a generation of youth who have found a safe space in which to grow.

Participants of The Rainbow Cafe will find a social support group geared towards high school age gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth. They also welcome anyone of open mind regardless of self identity.

Rainbow Cafe's mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, their friends, and those questioning their orientation by creating a space where they are affirmed and offered non-judgmental support and access to personal, community, and spiritual resources.

Participants:

Have Fun
Engage in discussions
Learn new information
Watch movies
Play Games
Participate in Special Events
Get to know each other

Rainbow Cafe Weekly Activities
Each week we may play board games, cards, dominoes, watch a movie, listen to music, or just hang out. There is almost always pizza.
RC recently purchased a Karaoke machine that has been lots of fun. Feel free to bring your own CDs to play/sing to.
If you have an idea for an activity or want to see a specific movie, just e-mail us or call 521-2328.

Why A Youth Group?

The Rainbow Cafe is sponsored by two Carbondale religious communities: Church of the Good Shepherd, U.C.C., and the Unitarian Fellowship. Youth from throughout southern Illinois have contacted these congregations seeking answers, guidance, and acceptance concerning their sexual orientation. Youth were also searching for a safe place to meet, talk, and have social activities.

Rainbow Cafe meets every Friday evening from 7 - 10:00 PM at Lakeland Place
8609 Giant City Road, Suite F (left side of building, look for colored lights on last door), Carbondale, IL (see map)

For more information: Call 618-521-2328 Write to:
Rainbow Cafe
P.O. Box 2
Carbondale, IL 62903-002

Or e-mail us at rainbowcafe2002@yahoo.com
If you need immediate help or are thinking of hurting yourself,
call The Trevor Project toll-free at 1-866-488-7386.

Become a Facebook Fan by searching our name and city , Or follow us on MySpace

FEATURED- From the Banging Inside My Head

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Tess Farnham/ MetroEast NEWS

January 23, 2011

(BELLEVILLE)

From the Banging Inside My Head to this Mostly Imperfect Draft

What the Pigeon Sees in Passing

And as if by synchronicity
I see her on the one way street,
Flitting fiercely in a broken body,
One indigo wing still intact,
One dragged across the snowy pavement
Its imprint brushed in the iridescence
of a last dance

The curbsides are packed with the cars of strangers,
In varying stages of disrepair, another
is steady in its movement towards my tail light
. . .In the meantime, I am reminded
of having been down this road with a starling. . .
watching her move from tree to tree
with a tumor on her throat

And in turning back,again I see the solitary form
Stumble into the road
Just emerged from temporary refuge under a silver Chrysler
The one wing still moving madly against
The fallen sky

And I wonder what the pigeon sees
As she is passing:
Days of swooping past pedestrians
To poop on the bayonets
of soldiers standing guard at the war memorial;

First sex in flight
over the rose
window of an urban cathedral;

The first nest carefullly tended in the
Rafters of some abandoned
sky
Scraper, and the tiny cries
From fledglings as they bent the grass
In their grand attempts
To defy gravity


Rage rage against the dying of the flight
I say to the side mirror
the car still idling at the stop sign,
its interior
so very cold and glowing inside
---------

About the Author: Tess Farnham is an Adjunct Professor of English Composition at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville. Ms. Farnham is also an accomplished Artist and offers her original works and reprints for purchase online. (TESSILU STUDIOS) She has also served for two years on the Board of Directors for the Daniel McCree Foundation, as well as contributing writer for MetroEast NEWS. Tess Farnham

Andrew Shaughnessy to Speak at TransHaven's Open-Forum

www.BellevillePride.com

January 23, 2011

(ST. LOUIS)

Transhaven resumes the community forum at its Tower Grove location January 29th.
The Trans*-Continental Breakfast is a community-wide discussion of issues that face the transgender communities of our region. The discussions offer both large group discussion space as well as more private break-out space, and welcomes anyone of open mind.

Tranhaven's community involvement goes well beyond the transgender community. The organization serves all underserved communities in causes of social and economic justice. Transhaven's director Robyn Carolyn Montegue recently announced the topic for this upcoming discussion.

"As part of the Open Discussion Forum, we are pleased to have Andrew Shaughnessy, St. Louis Regional Field Organizer of PROMO as guest speaker. Andrew will be conducting Lobby Training for those first-timers (in StL) joining the Trans Caucus for PROMO's Equality Day on Feb 15th, in Jefferson City.

Andrew Shaughnessy specializes in Campaigning and Field Organizing, International Human Rights Law and has also served as a Field Director at Barbara Fraser for Senate Campaign until November 2010.

Among other accolades, Shaughnessy was instrumental in the formation of the SafeZones program at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. (2006-07) as well as organizing with Missourians for Fair and Impartial Courts Campaign.

Currently as the St. Louis Regional Field Organizer with PROMO (Privacy Rights Organization of Missouri) He coordinates statewide efforts in causes of equality.

RELATED ARTICLES

http://bellevillepride.blogspot.com/2011/01/transcontinental-breakfast-jan-29th.html
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183303058354298

More Information: www.TransHaven.org

Time	Saturday, January 29 · 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location	TransHaven 3672A Arsenal St RSVP~ Robyn@Transhaven.org or RSVP via Facebook

MCC Paducah at $3500 Raised Thus Far! ,However Need still Remains

www.BellevillePride.com


UPDATE
January 22nd-

MCC Of Paducah(Mcc Paducah) has thus far raised $3,500 to repair the church building.

THANK YOU for your generous donations! and Please continue to give! They are in need of $7,000 to complete these costly repairs!! Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
MCC Paducah Raises $2900 via Facebook, More Needed
JAN 17TH~ MCC of Paducah

Thanks to all those that have donated to MCC of Paducah. They have raised $2900. Thus far. They Need to raise $7000. to make the necessary repairs to keep there doors open. Please go to Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!! and Pledge to help this great cause. Please send your checks (payable to MCC of... Paducah) to P.O. Box 188 Paducah, KY 42003

BACKSTORY - Published January 5, 2011

• Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!! - Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Club Escapade's Worries are Left Behind: Ownership No Longer in Question

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Colby Kluthe/MetroEast NEWS



Club Escapade's Worries are Left Behind:
Bar Ownership No Longer in Question



January 20, 2011

(BELLEVILLE)
Following several months of casual inquiry by the current ownership, Club Escapade is no longer offered for sale. Although several individuals speculated on possible purchase options, the "no-cover" capital of the Metro East Region will remain a fixture to downtown Belleville, and shall remain with the current owners Rick Hembree & Harold Schwartz.

Company webmaster, Chance Baker explains:
"Rick & Harold have decided to take it off the market. They are investing money & time to attract more people. Also, planning more fun events for everyone. Check our our re-designed website for more details." (www.ClubEscapade.Org)

In 2010, there was much speculation to the future of Club Escapade, an establishment with more than a decade under it's belt. Today's announcement comes as a great relief to the neighborhood crowd that has loyally supported it over the years.

This past fall, the ownership began to add additional events such as live entertainment, and expanded Karaoke nights. Together with the mainstay hospitality of bartender Bobbie Nix, aka "MOM", the community of Belleville has rallied to ensure this institution is around for many years to come.

Club Escapade, hosts a variety of community wide events each year as well as the host site of the annual Metro East Pride Festival each June. They are located at 133 West Main Street in the heart of Belleville.

Club Escapade

• 133 W. Main Street
• Belleville, IL 62220
• Find them on FACEBOOK
  

Audrey Pearson Named President of Stl Black Pride

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Stl Black Pride /The Engine 9 Experience Inc.


January 19, 2011

(ST. LOUIS)

The Engine 9 Experience is congratulating Audrey Pearson as she takes on the role as president of St. Louis Black Pride. We are certain that she will do an amazing job and continue to serve the community in extraordinary ways.

The 2011 Festival is planned for August 19th-21st, and the organization is actively seeking volunteers, ideas and donations. No official announcement has come from St. Louis Black Pride regarding this appointment, or other leadership for the coming year.

New Black Pride President Audrey Pearson

5 new photos

Bethany Place Announces 2nd Annual Fashion Show

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Bethany Place


January 11, 2011

(BELLEVILLE)

2nd Annual Bethany Place Fashion Show

February 10th, 2011

Bethany Place in Belleville recently announced the schedule and theme for the 2nd Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser. February 10th at the Four-Points Sheraton, in Fairview Heights will again be transformed for an edgy-sheik fashion extravaganza.

Local college students and businesses will participate in order to show their support to the community by designing, creating, and modeling different categories of fashions. Last year’s outfits were viewed by more than ...450 individuals. This year will be an even bigger success.

The event will also include a silent auction, raffle drawings, and information booths.

Bethany Place is the largest non-profit AIDS Service Organization in the St. Louis Metro East area, providing comprehensive case management and programming focused on promoting wellness and serving all people living with HIV/AIDS.

This years show features Honorary Emcee: Curt Rejba of Total Entertainment Solutions, emcee/owner for 13 years, experience in over 200 shows, and entertainment co-chairman of Northland Festivals. Also featured, special musical guest Big Boss Blues Band.

Purchase tickets and see last year’s fashions by visiting www.bethanyplace.org

Bethany Place is the largest non-profit AIDS Service Organization in the St. Louis Metro East area. In a spirit of compassion and justice, Bethany Place provides comprehensive case management and programming focused on promoting wellness and serving all people living with HIV/AIDS.

Bethany Place is dedicated to serving our neighbors in eleven counties of the Metro-East who are affected by HIV disease. With an emphasis on wellness, our staff continually strives to provide all clients with the support they need to maintain the highest possible quality of life.

Click Here for Ticket Order Form

Founded in 1988 by Sisters Mary Rombach and Carol Baltosiewich of the Franciscan Third Order of Hospital Sisters, Bethany Place was originally designed as an outpatient hospice service and healing ministry of Belleville's St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Bethany Place was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) in 1992.

As a member of the St. Clair/Madison County HIV Care Consortium, Bethany Place receives funding from Ryan White Titles I and II and serves a twelve county region that includes: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Fayette, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties.

More Information:
www.BethanyPlace.org

Bethany Place
821 West A Street
Belleville, IL 62220

618.234.0291

Entertainers' Talent Demands Fair Compensation

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Musica Malone
on behalf of: MetroEast NEWS

Entertainers' Talent Demands Fair Compensation

January 6, 2011

(ST. LOUIS)

In a recent and timely statement, veteran entertainer Musica Malone expressed feeling often felt, but not often verbalized. In fact the issue has been around for many years, and while it has largely been accepted or at least tolerated as the "standard practice" of bar owners & show venues, it has become a issue of awareness today.

Ms. Malone explains:
"The day of bars paying title holding queens, $25 a booking is coming to an end. It is time to know you are taking advantage of people who bring drinking customers into your establishments.

Now to be fair, not all venues fall into this category, in fact one owner in particular (Nancy Novak) has a reputation for going above and beyond the issues brought forth here.

Trust, I'm not the only entertainer who feels that way. Remember that make-up, costumes, and wigs are EXPENSIVE!

If this does not apply to you as a bar, then disregard please, if it does, then get with the program."

The statement obviously struck a chord with many in our community, with more than 20 people who also had support for the statement. Malone expands on the comment, and offers a plan of action which includes solidarity for those who work in the industry and at venues who insist on counting performance "tips" as a base of income.

"It takes everyone who is an entertainer to have enough respect for themselves and our art form, to put a stop to it. But that can only happen if we all stand together.


Our tips are our tips.....a good performance gets a good tip....just like a good drink and good service gets a bartender or a server a tip. Every drink or food item on a menu has a price and that price must be paid in order to get it.

The tip has no relation to the cost of the item or in this case...performer. The tip is a reflection of the entertainer and their ability to get you to pry a tip out of your wallet or purse. At cost...we as queens that respect our art form and do it right....spend approx. 40 bucks per show. So we are already 15 dollars in the red when we accept a 25 dollar booking."

Ms. Malone hopes to bring awareness within our community of the issue, so that owners and venue managers can begin to make some progress in this area. As consumers and supporters of male and female impersonation, we should be just as aware of our money, as we are our host sites. By making our bar owners know that we are aware of the issue, will perhaps make them more cognizant to the compensation package for entertainers.

Comments may be made to: editor@bellevillepride.com
OR directly to Musica Malone

Or join our discussion at: BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!!

http://www.bellevillepride.com/
on Behalf of: MCC of Paducah /Leslie Strategier

Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!!

As you know we have been told that we will be shut down within 30 days (less now) if we do not have our Electrical System updated. We have over 700 Facebook Friends. If only 2/3 of our friends donated just $10 we would have $5000!!!

That would go a long way toward solving our problem.
UPDATE JAN 17TH~ MCC of Paducah

Thanks to all those that have donated to MCC of Paducah. They have raised $2900. Thus far. They Need to raise $7000. to make the necessary repairs to keep there doors open. Please go to Save MCC of Paducah CHALLENGE!! and Pledge to help this great cause. Please send your checks (payable to MCC of... Paducah) to P.O. Box 188 Paducah, KY 42003

We challenge each of you to help us save our church. And it is OUR church!

OUR includes all of you!

For anyone who is able to help or donate to save our church we do have PAYPAL on our website. http://www.mccpaducah.org/ .

We still need to update it but if you go to our Christmas Events you will see the button to DONATE at the bottom of the page. or PAYPAL direct LINK CLICK HERE

It's that easy. Or mail a check to: MCC of Paducah
PO Box 188
Paducah, Ky 42002

This event will run for the entire month of January.

Thank you in advance for donating, and to those who have already donated. God Bless!

Granite City Celebrates Construction of 20 New Homes

www.BellevillePride.com
By: Colby Kluthe/ MetroEast NEWS

January 2, 2011

(GRANITE CITY)

20 New Construction Homes are completed in Granite City, and ready for rental occupancy.

Justine PETERSEN (JP) recently completed construction on 20 new homes that were built with financing committed from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Liberty Bank, and Madison County Community Development (MCCD).


Pictured: IL State Rep, Thomas Holbrook; Granite City Mayor, Ed Hagnauer and staff member, Vivian Hudson; Madison County Treasurer, Frank Miles; Madison County Board Members, Rick Francher and Art Asadorian; Granite City Aldermen, Michael Skoklo and Dan McDowell; Liberty Bank, Ed Kasten, Justine PETERSEN Board Members, Filomena Angelucci-Dean, Fr. William Hutchison, and Angela Burrage and staff members Robert Boyle and Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez

The development includes ranch style and two-story homes . All homes are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and approximately 1,300 square feet. Many green components were incorporated into the design to reduce the utility costs for the low-income tenants.

The remaining 12 homes were completed in December, and ready for occupancy in January 2011. The homes will be available for rent for 15 years; however the program has a strong homeownership component wherein the tenant may purchase the property after the 15 year rental period for a significantly reduced price. All families will be low-to-moderate income.

Individuals who are interested in applying for occupancy can contact Baumann Properties of Madison, IL, who has been appointed to manage the development.

JP is also partnering with IHDA and MCCD to purchase and renovate four foreclosed properties in the same neighborhood. These homes are being financed through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and will be sold to moderate-income families.

Justine PETERSEN was founded in 1997 to honor the memory and continue the important
work of the late Justine M. Petersen, a pioneer in implementing community reinvestment in
St. Louis. Headquartered in Midtown St. Louis JP also operates a Social Entrepreneurship & Branch office in East St. Louis, located at the Emerson Park Metrolink Station.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OCCUPANCY~
Baumann Properties 1530 Market St., Madison IL is now accepting applications at anytime. The application fee is $40 per adult. The Security Deposit is $595 and is to be paid within 48 hours of approval.

justinePETERSEN (Central Offices)
1023 N. Grand
St. Louis, MO 63106
314-533-2411
www.justinepetersen.org

Raven Winters presents: "Burlesque" next weekend in Centreville.

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Boxers 'N Briefs/ Jason Brooks

January 1, 2011

(CENTREVILLE)
Raven Winters returns to Centreville next week as the hostess of the January 9th Show at Boxers 'N Briefs.

It has been a few months since Ms. Winter's headlined in the Metro East, but this coming weekends show is set, and the entertainment is on.

Showtime 10:30pm $8 Entry Fee
Anyone 18+ is welcome. "Boxers 'N Briefs" remains the smokers refuge in 2011.
Stop in Every night for drink specials and the staff-fun you have come to expect.
RSVP via Facebook

	Boxersn Briefs, Daniel Geahlen
More Info	COME OUT AND PARTY WITH US AS MISS TRAILER PARK 2010 RAVEN WINTERS TAKES THE STAGE AND SHOWS OFF HER MANY TALENTS!! STRIPPERS FROM OPEN UNTIL CLOSE, DRINK AND SHOT SPECIALS ALL NIGHT. RAVEN WILL HOST A STRIP OFF @ MIDNIGHT FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN STRUTTING THEIR STUFF. SEE YOU THERE THIS WILL BE A GOOD NIGHT!

Banners by: Jason Brooks & Daniel Geahlen Studios