Missouri Findings From the National Trans Discrimination Report

March 29,2011

(ST. LOUIS) VITAL VOICE
By: Robyn Carolyn Montague, Transhaven

Missouri Findings From the National Trans Discrimination Report
via (VITAL VOICE/ TRANSHAVEN)

Last month I wrote an article speaking to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey in which some disturbing data was published with regard to various aspects of bias and discrimination towards Transgender individuals in the U.S. (READ MORE)

Ezekiel Project's Annual Retreat -April 30th

www.BellevillePride.com

APRIL 30, 2011

 
To RSVP for this event, you may email: ezekielproject@mccgsl.org 
or call the church office at 314-361-3221


March 26, 2011
by: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS
Daniel McCree Foundation


(ST LOUIS)

Ezekiel Project is an outreach ministry geared towards individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.  Founded in 2006, this vibrant group includes both church congregants, and non-members from accross the St. Louis region. 

Ezekiel Project strives to be a "Living Legacy" to all those who are no longer with us, and those who continue to live with HIV.  As some of you may know, Daniel McCree was instrumental in this outreach from it's inception until his passing in 2007.  Therefore, we continue this cause and wish to support it however possible.

Daniel McCree (1979-2007)

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis (MCCGSL) has announced the plans for this years Ezekiel Project Retreat.  The church will host this years annual retreat, held on April 30, 2011 in Soulard.  This years retreat is a one-day event, and is FREE of charge.   Breakfast & Lunch will be provided for participants, and speakers from various organizations will offer workshops throughout the day.

Ezekiel Project facilitates an annual retreat, maintains a memorial and meets monthly to offer a safe-space for socializing & support by others.  It also volunteers its efforts throughout the year with projects such as "Dining Out for Life", World AIDS Day, and the International Candlelight vigil held each year.

This year the Ezekiel team will be volunteering at SQUARE ONE BREWERY grill in Lafayette Square, in support of Dining out for Life.  More details can be found at www.MCCGSL.org.

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: Olivia DeMornay Hosts "What a drag!" - SWIC APR 26...

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: Olivia DeMornay Hosts "What a drag!" - SWIC APR 26...: "www.BellevillePride.com on Behalf of: Q&A: Alliance for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SWIC) (BELLEVILLE) Looking for something interest..."

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: "The Buscuit Sister Show" Debuts April 1st

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: "The Buscuit Sister Show" Debuts April 1st: "www.BellevillePride.com MetroEast NEWS March 22, 2011 (PADUCAH) Beginning April 1st, 'The Buscuit Sister Show' will makes its debut in..."

Open Mic Night at CIGAR INN- March 24th

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Susan "Spit-fire" on behalf of MetroEast NEWS


March 17, 2011
(BELLEVILLE)
Open Mic Nights at CIGAR INN Offers A Broad Showcase

Come check out the next exciting live installment of Open Mic Night @ The Inn on Thursday, March 24^th (Doors-8; Show-9). 

Our main featured artist for the evening is Byron Lee, a distinctive and very gifted Poet, Writer, Author, and Spoken Word Artist. 

He has performed all over the Metro East, at colleges and venues such as Duff’s, Dressel’s, and The Archive. 

His poetry shows elements of cynicism, love, humor, desire, and longing and his delivery is striking in its originality. Lee, a graduate of Lindenwood University’s MFA in Creative Writing program, is a Features writer for River City Examiner and Limelight Magazine. 

Cigar Inn Located on West Main, Belleville

His work has appeared in Drumvoices Revue and The East St. Louis Monitor, and is currently being featured in the latest issue of St. Louis’ Bad Shoe literary magazine. He is a resident of North County in St. Louis, Mo.

            Also with us will be KD Murks, a renowned local Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist from Belleville, IL. His musical acumen spans many different genres, encompassing everything from Hip-Hop to Alternative Rock. 

He has performed at many area venues, including The New Ground Floor, Crehan’s, and The Cigar Inn, and his performances are captivating and often very funny. 

Delaron graduated from Althoff High School in 2003 and then attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, where he graduated in 2008. He is a Recreational Therapist and Head Football Coach and is now working on his first solo CD. KD is also working on a project with the hip-hop group Prelude to a Million.

            Briana Sims, a young and very skilled Vocalist and Songwriter from East St. Louis, IL will be here. Her performances are poignant and heartfelt and she has a gorgeous singing voice. She loves to dance and sing and performs around the bi-state area. Her influences include Keri Hilson and Lil’ Boosie and she loves R&B. Sims attended Curtis Miller High School in Alorton and is a student at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, where she recently performed for The Black History Month Event at the Schmidt Art Center.

            And Arif Yohannes, also of East Saint Louis, will be joining us. A Poet and Spoken Word Artist, he is a rising star in the literary world and his work is of great depth and intelligence. He began writing while attending East St. Louis Senior High School and has been writing and performing for five years now. He has performed at the Schmidt Art Center, The Cigar Inn, and several other local venues. Arif works in construction, and is currently attending school at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL.

            On top of all that Jazz we will have an Open Mic Session (free to all who would like to share their gifts with us), nice drink specials, great cigars, big-screen TV’s, and Free-Wi-Fi, all in a relaxed and stylish setting. Hope to share it with all of you! Peace!

Love & Hugs, Spit-Fire

Cigar INN

Come enjoy the diverse, refined atmosphere and relaxing mood here at the Cigar INN located in historic downtown Belleville, Illinois, Relax in our seating ...
www.cigarinn.net 

East Saint Louis to host Money Smart Week

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of:  Office of Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford

March 18, 2011

(EAST ST. LOUIS)
East Saint Louis to host Money Smart Week



Join East Saint Louis Mayor Parks and Your Neighbors
for the FAMILY FINANCIAL FITNESS FAIR
Saturday April 2nd from 10:00 am- 2:30 pm


JustinePETERSEN/justBIZ office at the Emerson Park Metro Link Station 929 North 15th Street, East Saint Louis

*FREE Informational Seminars on Budgeting, Basics of Banking and Raising Credit Scores*
*FREE Paper Document Shredding*
*FREE Book and Other Fun Stuff for Kids*
*FREE Llama rides and Petting Zoo*
*FREE Popcorn, Ice cream and Lemonade*

Sponsored by the Office of Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford,
PNC Bank and Country Financial

Partners include Associated Bank, Divine Women of Wealth
First Collinsville Bank, Gibson Health Services, Regions Bank, US Bank,  and Vantage Credit Union
www.justinepetersen.org 
 

Emerson Park Metrolink Station

maps.google.com
Call Galen for more information:
(314) 533-2411 ext 132
http://custapp.marketvolt.com/cv.aspx?cm=212830085&x=54227949&cust=6977448

Open Mic Nights at CIGAR INN

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Susan "Spitfire" on behalf of MetroEast NEWS


March 17, 2011
(BELLEVILLE)
Open Mic Nights at CIGAR INN Offers A Broad Showcase

Come check out the next exciting live installment of Open Mic Night @ The Inn on Thursday, March 24^th (Doors-8; Show-9). 

Our main featured artist for the evening is Byron Lee, a distinctive and very gifted Poet, Writer, Author, and Spoken Word Artist. 

He has performed all over the Metro East, at colleges and venues such as Duff’s, Dressel’s, and The Archive. 

His poetry shows elements of cynicism, love, humor, desire, and longing and his delivery is striking in its originality. Lee, a graduate of Lindenwood University’s MFA in Creative Writing program, is a Features writer for River City Examiner and Limelight Magazine. 

Cigar Inn Located on West Main, Belleville

His work has appeared in Drumvoices Revue and The East St. Louis Monitor, and is currently being featured in the latest issue of St. Louis’ Bad Shoe literary magazine. He is a resident of North County in St. Louis, Mo.

            Also with us will be KD Murks, a renowned local Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist from Belleville, IL. His musical acumen spans many different genres, encompassing everything from Hip-Hop to Alternative Rock. 

He has performed at many area venues, including The New Ground Floor, Crehan’s, and The Cigar Inn, and his performances are captivating and often very funny. 

Delaron graduated from Althoff High School in 2003 and then attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, where he graduated in 2008. He is a Recreational Therapist and Head Football Coach and is now working on his first solo CD. KD is also working on a project with the hip-hop group Prelude to a Million.

            Briana Sims, a young and very skilled Vocalist and Songwriter from East St. Louis, IL will be here. Her performances are poignant and heartfelt and she has a gorgeous singing voice. She loves to dance and sing and performs around the bi-state area. Her influences include Keri Hilson and Lil’ Boosie and she loves R&B. Sims attended Curtis Miller High School in Alorton and is a student at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, where she recently performed for The Black History Month Event at the Schmidt Art Center.

            And Arif Yohannes, also of East Saint Louis, will be joining us. A Poet and Spoken Word Artist, he is a rising star in the literary world and his work is of great depth and intelligence. He began writing while attending East St. Louis Senior High School and has been writing and performing for five years now. He has performed at the Schmidt Art Center, The Cigar Inn, and several other local venues. Arif works in construction, and is currently attending school at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL.

            On top of all that Jazz we will have an Open Mic Session (free to all who would like to share their gifts with us), nice drink specials, great cigars, big-screen TV’s, and Free-Wi-Fi, all in a relaxed and stylish setting. Hope to share it with all of you! Peace!

Love & Hugs, Spit-Fire

Cigar INN

Come enjoy the diverse, refined atmosphere and relaxing mood here at the Cigar INN located in historic downtown Belleville, Illinois, Relax in our seating ...
www.cigarinn.net 

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

CONGRATULATIONS TO BUTTERSCOTCH, "MISS BADDEST BITCH 2011" , AND ALSO TO ALL THE CONTESTANTS AND SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT, THIS WAS A VERY FUN PAGEANT TO PRODUCE!!
via Boxersn Briefs

MEP Fundraiser TONIGHT at Club Escapade

www.BellevillePride.com

via Jesse Arms

(Illinois South Conference Pride- UCC Churches)

 

Thursday, March 17, 6 pm to 9 pm, Cornbeef and Cabbage for St. Patrick's Day. $5.  Includes potatoes and dessert.  Benefit for Metro East Pride.

Club Escapade, 133 W. Main, at the corner of  2nd St., Belleville, IL  62220

www.metroeastpride.com     www.clubescapade.org

STL Black Pride kicks of 2011 Season

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

March 12, 2011

(ST LOUIS)
Audrey Pearson, the recently appointed president of Saint Louis Black Pride welcomed community and civic leaders yesterday at "The Space" in St. Louis' midtown district.   A meet and greet happy hour allowed the entire region to gather and meet the leadership that will be preparing for the festival in August this year.
Representatives from many major LGBT organizations were represented, signaling a spirit of unity among all those who support issues of equality in our region.

In addition to the St. Louis Black Pride Board of Directors, attendee's included Leon Braxton, of the I-CARE campaign, Representatives from the Pride Pages, Pride St. Louis, and Chance Baker of Metro East Pride.

STL Black pride seeks to further causes of equality and understanding of the challenges faced by those in our community at large.

Throughout the coming months, STL Black Pride will host several social events and opportunity for community involvement as they move towards the "main event" scheduled this year for August 18th thru 21st.

The next major event will be held on March 26th, "Spring Fling" at Big Moe's in the Grove Neighborhood as well as a scheduled Movie Night night series which will start April 2, 2011.

St. Louis Black Pride recently launched it's new website which offers current and updated details of events and volunteer opportunities for anyone of interest.  You may visit them online at: www.slbp.org

I CARE! Presents: SuicidePREV Educational Training March 29th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: I CARE CAMPAIGN

FREE EDUCATIONAL TRAINING offered by I CARE, in conjuction with Mental Health America.

Recent suicides and suicide attempts have impacted the LGBTQIA community at a local and national level.

Join with the “I CARE” Campaign to gain knowledge and resources on suicide prevention and awareness.

St. Louis LGBTQIA organizations and groups are working with Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri to host a SuicidePREV education workshop for LGBTQIA and allied community members.

Learn the warning signs of suicide and how to help someone who may be thinking of ending his/her life. Find out about the available mental health resources
.
FREE and open to anyone. For more information, contact:
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri — 314.773.1399.

Due to the sensitivity of subject, the workshop is not intended for children under age 18. 

Parental discretion is advised.

Just because it's not in the news doesn't mean it still doesn't happen.

RSVP via FACEBOOK

Brenda J. Grissom (1951 - 2011)

Colin Murphy via Vital Voice

R.I.P. BRENDA GRISSOM: Co-Owner of the Char-Pei Lounge in Belleville, Illinois and Char-Pei's City Center in E. St. Louis, Ill. 

Brenda was actively involved in the Metropolitan Community Church. Brenda was the long time partner and companion of Dixie Lee Ruliffson

Brenda J. Grissom (1951 - 2011)

Birth:	Jan. 13, 1951
Death:	Mar. 8, 2011
BRENDA GRISSOM, active member of the Greater St. Louis GLBT community. In addition to a successful auto detailing business, The Polish Shop, Brenda co-owned the Char-Pei Lounge in Belleville, Illinois and Char-Pei's City Center in E. St. Louis, Ill. She was actively involved in the Metropolitan Community Church. Brenda was the long time partner and companion of Dixie Lee Ruliffson- Brenda J. Grissom, 60, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, January 13, 1951, in St. Louis, MO, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Miss Grissom was the Owner of The Polish Shop in Belleville. She was a member of Metropolitan Community Church in St. Louis and T.O.P.S. She was a greeter at Belleville Wal-Mart. She was preceded in death by her * Father: James K. Grissom * Life companion: Dixie Lee Ruliffson * Niece: Lauren Reeb. Surviving are her * Mother: Kathryn, nee Jones, Grissom * Brother: James M. Grissom of Belleville, IL * Sister: Tammy (Doug) Morton of O'Fallon, IL * Nieces: o Alana (Jeff) McBride o Tara Morton o Kayla Morton * Nephew: Cole Grissom * Special Friend: Dan Williams of Belleville, IL Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Humane Society. Visitation: Friends may call from 2-6 pm, Sunday, March 13, 2011 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Weston officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL. Family links:  Spouse:   Dixie Lee Ruliffson (1943 - 2007)
Burial: Green Mount Catholic Cemetery Belleville St. Clair County Illinois, USA

 

MetroEast Q's and A's Planned for April

www.BellevillePride.com   
on Behalf of: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE


March 2, 2011


(EDWARDSVILLE)
The student lead Gay Straight Alliance at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville has announced details for the community wide day of workshops and retreat for students and allies of the LGBTIQ communities of the Metro-East Region.
 The day-long event will offer multiple topics for discussion, as well as a diverse panel of civic leaders and experts to facilitate conversations about issues of gender diversity and sexuality.

In addition to the workshop day, GSA-SIUE has planned a number of events in the coming month, including Bowling for Equality Event for the MetroEast Area April 8th and a "Discussion about Marriage" (March 26th)

DETAILS~

Saturday, April 23 · 10:00am - 10:00pm

Light Breakfast & Lunch will be provided for FREE.


Workshop Topics:
GSA 101: Starting a GSA, Improving existing clubs, Getting things done at your school, and more.
Transgender Workshop
Homosexuality and Religion
Multi-cultural Perspectives on Sexuality
Queer People of Color
LGBTQ Issues in Law and Politics
Ally Training: Learn how to support LGBTQ/Questioning individuals in a non-judgmental setting.
Bisexuality Workshop
Mpowerment: Safe-sex practices, and free on-site HIV testing!
How to be Gay workshop
Growing Up Gay: Hear people of different ages and different experiences talk about their stories.
Get resources and information on careers for LGBTQ people!


PLUS, there will be a dance afterward s!
For more information, contact Keith Rose at MetroEastQsandAs@gmail.com

Elizabeth Ann Van Winkle (St. Louis, MO)

President Emeritus

Em Nosce (SIU Edwardsville)

President

Lukus Daniel Keeling (SIU Edwardsville)

Vice President

Show-Me No Hate and TransHaven To Work On Joint Project

www.BellevillePride.com
via TransHaven

(ST. LOUIS) 
Show-Me No Hate and TransHaven To Work On Joint Project

February 28, 2011 by transhaven

 

Transhaven and Show Me No Hate sat down together in a meeting this afternoon with Ed Reggi and Robyn Carolyn Montague representing the organizations, and have worked out the differences between the two organizations. We are moving forward and working together on a future event focused on oppression in the LGBT community. Please stay tuned for more info.   www.TransHaven.org
or http://showmenohate.blogspot.com