Wednesday, December 12, 2012
"The TG Contra"- What is Pride and Where Should It Be Held
The TG Contra… What is Pride and Where should it be held
By: Colby Kluthe, Editor- MetroEast NEWS
Pride Celebrations in St. Louis is not only a long-standing tradition but also among the nations largest pride festivals boasting more than 100,000 visitors in recent years. As a community advocate and as someone who has served in leadership capacity with pride organizations (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinios) I have a unique understanding about decision-making and forces which will undoubtedly stir up controversy among community supporters, business owners, and government powers that be.
I was in no way surprised at the recent announcement by Pride St. Louis Inc. plans to move the festival to Soldier’s Memorial in downtown, uprooting its decade long tradition of a festival in Tower Grove Park. I also remember as a youngster when the festival had a “long held tradtion” of being in the central west end neighborhood, which at the time was the epicenter of the LGBT community.
In 2012 It is also very clear we are no longer a community which is centered in one neighborhood. The move to downtown was an option I heard was coming several years ago, and from my own perspective it was a move I actually expected to take place last year. Nonetheless we who call St. Louis home find ourselves in a struggle between what we find most comforting and familiar and the natural angst about the upcoming move to downtown. I know that regardless of the location of Pride in 2013, our community will once again come together to exemplify the very best of who we are and take the opportunity to share it with our traditions both respected and growing into the future. The community outrage and dialogue is very much a part of the vitality of Pride and citizen input and leadership will be needed regardless of whether the festival is held in Tower Grove or any other location. Pride was never about the location, but rather coming together as a family and celebrating all of who we are as a community. Tower Grove Park has served us well in years past and while I wholeheartedly support efforts to keep it there, I would be lacking my own convictions if I did not call it as I have always seen Pridefest- Tower Grove. Ready—Here GOES!
Pridefest Tower Grove has always been difficult to find parking or access using Metrolink service. But most obvious to anyone who hasn’t attended a streetscape festival (As downtown would be) Tower Grove Park creates an environment of social “clicks” that to an outsider would almost appear we have a segregated festival. This group over here, and that group over there, and festival goers who are generally bunched up with those they already know. It has been my observation that this tendency always follows the same path, despite concerted efforts in planning and redesigning the festival grounds in recent years. I have said for many years that St. Louis pride is perhaps the most segregated pride in the nation—an opportunity that a new venue offers our community to frankly get to know each other again for the first time.
The other and I think final point I want to make about this controversy is that as someone who helped establish a pride festival tradition in a more conservative community than the City of St. Louis, I cannot tell you how many times we heard from civic leaders “wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a park” was to me only a way of saying “we would be more comfortable if you ‘gays’ were isolated in a park rather than our streets where ‘non-gays’ have to see you.
Now I am being a bit exaggerated in my words but the point remains, and the time has come for our festival to “Come Out” to our city.
We no longer need 120 acres of land in which to hide, and standing shoulder to shoulder on our city’s most prominent festival grounds is not only an opportunity but a responsibility we have to one another and to the next generation of allies and queers in the Gateway City. We must take our place and hold our heads high as we parade wherever the festival is held. Here is where I think I stand in this debacle… I support Pride St. Louis and the need to move downtown, However I also recognize that participation for todays small business has decreased in recent years due to the large amount of money it takes to become a vendor at Pride St. Louis.
Now I am being a bit exaggerated in my words but the point remains, and the time has come for our festival to “Come Out” to our city.
We no longer need 120 acres of land in which to hide, and standing shoulder to shoulder on our city’s most prominent festival grounds is not only an opportunity but a responsibility we have to one another and to the next generation of allies and queers in the Gateway City. We must take our place and hold our heads high as we parade wherever the festival is held. Here is where I think I stand in this debacle… I support Pride St. Louis and the need to move downtown, However I also recognize that participation for todays small business has decreased in recent years due to the large amount of money it takes to become a vendor at Pride St. Louis.
Too many business owners do not have hundreds or in many cases thousands of dollars it takes to simply put an advertisement in the Pride Pages and be a participant in the festival each year. Therefore I wholeheartedly support the grassroots movement underway to hopefully make pride more accessible to more than the major corporations that fund and support Pride St. Louis. I hope that Pride festivals of the future can find room for all players big and small, and an environment that fosters both unity and inclusion of all people. I acknowledge that Pride St. Louis has a long history of serving the needs and growth of the festival and maintained an event free of charge for all to enjoy. I hope the 2013 board of directors can lead our community forward into the future in a manner which all participants feel both valued and accommodation.
Send Comments to: danielmccreeorg@gmail.com
MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT: http://www.facebook.com/KeepPrideInTowerGrove
Tower Grove Pride Organizational Dinner
January 6, 2013 at 5:00pm
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Employment Opportunity at Rainbow Cafe (CARBONDALE)
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
VIA RainbowCafe November-Gregg
Manager for GLBTQ Youth Program. 10 hrs/week @ $10/hour. Friday nights required, other hours flexible. Mature self-starter with strong organizational, interpersonal, and computer skills. Must be 21 or over. Submit resume with references to Rainbow Cafe, P.O. Box 2, Carbondale, IL 62903 by November 2, 2012.
VIA RainbowCafe November-Gregg
Manager for GLBTQ Youth Program. 10 hrs/week @ $10/hour. Friday nights required, other hours flexible. Mature self-starter with strong organizational, interpersonal, and computer skills. Must be 21 or over. Submit resume with references to Rainbow Cafe, P.O. Box 2, Carbondale, IL 62903 by November 2, 2012.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Miss Gay America 2013 - Sally Sparkles
Photo by:Miss Gay Midwest America Pageant.
Congratulations to Sally Sparkles for winning the crown of Miss Gay America 2013 from the Miss Gay Midwest America Board!
Miss Gay Illinois America Dayonna Hilton 5th Place Solo Talent MGA2013. So proud of our Dayonna!
- The first Miss Gay Illinois America was the legendary Lady Baronessa. "Barry" went on to become Miss Gay America 1974 that year, performing "My Way" by Shirley Bassey and was crowned by Norma Kristie at The Glass Menagerie in Nashville, Tenn. Baronessa was exquisite and epitomized the title of MGA. ( The Lady Baroness Maria Andrea del Santiago) died in 1992.
The first promoter of MGIA was Springfield icon, Mary Lou "Smokey" Schneider of "Smokey's Den." The pageant has produced an impressive roster of former title holders and first alternates as both a regional and state preliminary.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson.
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson.
via St. Louis Gay History Project · By Steven Brawley
The St. Louis LGBT History Project is proud to honor and recognize Rodney Wilson - founder of the now annual LGBT History Month hosted nationwide every October. Rodney spearheaded the creation of LGBT History Month back in 1994 when he was a teacher at Mehlville High School. Join us at a special reception and hear Rodney talk about how the idea came about.
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
Friday, October 12, 2012
IFBP Rebranded as "Center for Black Equity"
via Audrey AP Pearson
On Oct. 12th, 2012 Press Release by CEO/President Mr. Earl Folwkes: The International Federation of Black Prides (IFBP) has completed the name change and added some new agendas to its organization in support of the 350,000+ LGBT community, and its allies. The New name: "Center for Black Equity" www.centerforblackequity.org
The CBE will organize and promote a multinational network of Black Prides dedicated to: building solidarity; health and wellness; promoting unity; and ensuring the development of education, economic empowerment, and individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination. On July 28, 2012, the International Federation of Black Prides Board of Directors voted to rebrand and restructure the organization. The new name, Center for Black Equity (CBE), refocuses and elevates the deep commitment to our mission of achieving equality and justice for Black LGBT communities through expansive platforms focused on Health Equity, Economic Equity and Social Equity.
Board President Dwayne Jenkins is a native New Yorker from the Bronx who has lived in Nashville since 1994. He has worked at Nashville CARES, the state's leading HIV/AIDS Service Organization for over 15 years. Dwayne is the Executive Director of the Brothers United Network, Inc., the state's only African American LGBT 501c3 organization, and is the President of Nashville's Black Gay Pride Celebration. He is currently the Community Advisor to the Gay Straight Alliance at Tennessee State University, and Board Chair of the International Federation of Black Prides organization.
Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center For Black Equity, Inc. (formerly the International Federation of Black Pride (IFBP). He founded the IFBP in 1999 ago as a coalition of Black Pride organizers the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and South Africa formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT Pride and community- based organizations.
There are over thirty plus Black Pride events with over 450,000 attendees each year. The Center For Black Equity is the only Black LGBT international organization in the world.
e.fowlkes@centerforblackequity.org
www.centerforblackequity.org
On Oct. 12th, 2012 Press Release by CEO/President Mr. Earl Folwkes: The International Federation of Black Prides (IFBP) has completed the name change and added some new agendas to its organization in support of the 350,000+ LGBT community, and its allies. The New name: "Center for Black Equity" www.centerforblackequity.org
The CBE will organize and promote a multinational network of Black Prides dedicated to: building solidarity; health and wellness; promoting unity; and ensuring the development of education, economic empowerment, and individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination. On July 28, 2012, the International Federation of Black Prides Board of Directors voted to rebrand and restructure the organization. The new name, Center for Black Equity (CBE), refocuses and elevates the deep commitment to our mission of achieving equality and justice for Black LGBT communities through expansive platforms focused on Health Equity, Economic Equity and Social Equity.
This branding shift also fosters a much needed sense of urgency to increase the public's understanding of the myriad challenges LGBT communities face on a daily basis. We believe that our new identity and expanded platform will facilitate the erosion of misconceptions and prejudices against our members and revitalize the public's commitment to advocate collaboratively for immediate institutional changes in laws, policies, programs and resource availabilities that allow everyone, including Black LGBT people, to compete effectively in the marketplace.
 |
| Dwayne Jenkins Board President |
 |
| Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr., President/ CEO Staff |
Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center For Black Equity, Inc. (formerly the International Federation of Black Pride (IFBP). He founded the IFBP in 1999 ago as a coalition of Black Pride organizers the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and South Africa formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT Pride and community- based organizations.
There are over thirty plus Black Pride events with over 450,000 attendees each year. The Center For Black Equity is the only Black LGBT international organization in the world.
e.fowlkes@centerforblackequity.org
www.centerforblackequity.org
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
SlutWalk Springfield, IL OCTOBER 14th
via SlutWalk Springfield, IL
(SPRINGFIELD)
This years event will be at the Illinois State Capitol at 2nd and Capitol in front of the Lincoln Statue. There will be different speakers and a march. If you would like to know more, please contact Emma Todd, Drew Duzinskas, Shelby Roof, or Tracy McCaffery.
Many people do dress "provocatively", but you should feel comfortable coming dressed however you want.
If you're interested in hosting a panel or know someone who may want to, please contact us. You don't have to be a professional!
Current guest speakers (along with an open mic):
Many people do dress "provocatively", but you should feel comfortable coming dressed however you want.
If you're interested in hosting a panel or know someone who may want to, please contact us. You don't have to be a professional!
Current guest speakers (along with an open mic):
Claire Swinford, executive director of TransHaven in St. Louis
Susan Lavin, executive director of the Springfield, IL NOW (National Organization for Women)
Ruth Ann, speaker for the Phoenix Center, a local HIV/AIDS Service organization
A.D. Carson, local poet, hip hop artist, and writer
Heather Dell, professor and department chair of the women and gender studies department at UIS
- LOCATION
- Illinois State Capitol
- 401 S 2nd St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
- NOON TO 5PM
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Rainbow Cafe's 12th Anniversary Gala
VIA RainbowCafe November-Gregg
Thanks to all who joined us in celebrating Rainbow Cafe's 12th Anniversary. I think it was our best gala ever. The speakers, entertainment, food, and guests were all absolutely amazing. We have such great volunteers, friends, and allies.
Mark your calendars for next year, Saturday October 5, 2013.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Church of the Good Shepherd hosts 4th Annual Pride Picnic
Church of the Good Shepherd hosts 4th Annual Pride Picnic
by: Colby Kluthe- MetroEast NEWS
This past weekend in Carbondale marked the fourth year for the community-wide picnic for LGBT families and allies. This annual event is hosted by the Church of the Good Shepherd, and in 2012 the days festivities also included several vendors and community organizations such as Equality Illinois.
This year's Event Supporters:
by: Colby Kluthe- MetroEast NEWSThis past weekend in Carbondale marked the fourth year for the community-wide picnic for LGBT families and allies. This annual event is hosted by the Church of the Good Shepherd, and in 2012 the days festivities also included several vendors and community organizations such as Equality Illinois.
This year's Event Supporters:- Longbranch Coffeehouse
- Town Square Market
- Sound Core
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- The Neighborhood Co-OP
- Tropicana
- For Kids Sake
- Equality, IL
- "Is'nt It Queer," WDBX
- Monica Murray
- Global Gourmet
- Egyptian Health Spa
- Hair Brains
(618) 457-2232 Email cogs@goodshepherd-ucc.org, pastor@goodshepherd-ucc.org Website http://www.goodshepherd-ucc.org
"Scrambled Eggs and Love" by: Daniel McCree
"Scrambled Eggs and Love"
by: Daniel McCree
(an excerpt from Aids Daze - 2005)
Scrambled eggs and love were available day and night.
My schedule was my own.
I painted. I put into emotion into everything I did.
My nodes are proof that I did wrong, no contest.
I made my bed I’ll lye in it, only now, no bed, just a couch.
A lovely couch in a lovely room with a lovely view and no touch.
My blood is warm and I want more am I a loser or a winner? 100704
i’m in a crazy mans denali,
we are both to good for this world, or may have been at one point.
I’m more selfish than my good sense tells me is allowed.
I make comment after comment that corners me in. feelings come and go.
My love is spit on then validated.
i’m asking for forgiveness and sympathy,
ask me for love and i will give it to you.
That's Glierre for you.
Daniel's WORDS
by: Daniel McCree
(an excerpt from Aids Daze - 2005)
My schedule was my own.
I painted. I put into emotion into everything I did.
My nodes are proof that I did wrong, no contest.
I made my bed I’ll lye in it, only now, no bed, just a couch.
A lovely couch in a lovely room with a lovely view and no touch.
My blood is warm and I want more am I a loser or a winner? 100704
i’m in a crazy mans denali, we are both to good for this world, or may have been at one point.
I’m more selfish than my good sense tells me is allowed.
I make comment after comment that corners me in. feelings come and go.
My love is spit on then validated.
i’m asking for forgiveness and sympathy,
ask me for love and i will give it to you.
That's Glierre for you.
Daniel's WORDS
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Carl Gustavsen (1943-2012)
Carl Gustavsen (1943-2012)
VITAL VOICE
An update for the community: Carl Gustavsen's memorial service will be held Monday October 1st- 10:30am at Jefferson Barracks, the public is invited. In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to The LGBT center of St. Louis in Carl's name.
VITAL VOICE
An update for the community: Carl Gustavsen's memorial service will be held Monday October 1st- 10:30am at Jefferson Barracks, the public is invited. In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to The LGBT center of St. Louis in Carl's name.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Club Escapade offered FOR SALE
Club Escapade offered FOR SALE
by: Colby Kluthe BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(BELLEVILLE)
Bar owners Rick and Harold have operated Club Escapade in downtown Belleville somewhere outside of a decade, and have for the second time in as many years has decided to offer the business for sale, in an effort to step back from the day-to-day operations of the LGBT mainstay.
The bar, located at 133 West Main Street is offered for sale at $225,000 and features 1700 square feet of space with reliable customer base.
Club Escapade has been the host venue for Metro East Pride since it's inception in 2008, with the current owners being instrumental in the annual festival's founding and growth over the past 5 years. In late 2010, rumors of the bars sale surfaces but no deal was ever reached.
Club Escapade has a reputation as a welcoming neighborhood bar and by all accounts the location is likely to remain as a bar venue. The current bar owners explain in social media platforms: "we appreciate your business and the bar will remain open until we are officially sold."
Club Escapade remains open Tuesday to Saturday 6PM- 2AM.Anyone interested in this awesome turn-key opportunity, please contact Rick Hembre
VIEW LISTING DETAIL
Rick Hembree
Club Escapade
clubescapade@live.com
(618) 580-8470
Thursday, September 20, 2012
“Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!” @ Seven Restaurant & Lounge
“Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!” @ Seven Restaurant & Lounge: Wed., Oct. 3rdby Susan Spit-Fire Lively - MetroEast NEWS
(BELLEVILLE)
Woohoo!! It’s on people! J The 1 year Anniversary show for “Artistically Speaking!” – the “Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!”, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3rd at Seven Restaurant & Lounge ( Seven Belleville 7 S. High St., Belleville, IL 62220). And in honor of this anniversary milestone that we could not have achieved without your support (thank you!!), we will have a special impromptu jam session featuring local musicians, poets, and spoken word artists, and a drawing for fabulous free door prizes! Seven, a haven for regional arts and entertainment, lies in the heart of historic downtown Belleville and features wonderful Creole, French, Italian, and American food, a large outdoor seating area, two full bars, and wide-screen TV’s. To learn more about this stylish venue, please call (618) 277-6700or visit their website at www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com.
There’s no cover charge for this special event!! The doors open at 8:00 and the show, which also has an Open Mic, will begin at 9:00. Experience the thrill of live performance-based art with the most amazing musicians, poets, comedians, and more in a gallery filled with enchanting local artwork. The friendly and dedicated staff even keep the kitchen open late so you can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers ($2.00 Off All Appetizers) and beverages ($5 Martini Wednesdays!)
So, as you can see, our Wednesday, Oct. 3rd show is going to be absolutely electric!! Our Special Guests will be Musician, Spoken Word Artist, and Author Aja La Starr (St. Louis, MO); Poet, Spoken Word Artist, and Vocalist Taylored Poet (St. Louis, MO); Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist Kwame Segar (East St. Louis, IL); and Poet, Author, and Spoken Word Artist Michelle Henschel (St. Peters, MO). . We’ll meet in the second floor gallery!
SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY:
Aja La’ Starr
St. Louis native Aja La’ Starr is a renowned hip-hop musician, poet, spoken word artist, and educator. She first began rapping during the early 1990’s. She attended Xavier University in Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree and then went on to attain an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Dedicating her life to underserved minorities and youth, she runs programs benefitting them in local communities. In addition, she has facilitated, moderated, hosted, and organized many conferences, workshops and teen summits throughout the U.S. La’ Starr is the founder of “IAMHIPHOPSTL”, a dynamic movement celebrating the positive contributions of women throughout hip hop culture.
In the course of her career this award-winning artist has performed all over the country, appeared several times on BET, and opened up for the likes of Jill Scott, Mary Blige, and 50 Cent. In 2011, Aja received the “Author of the Year” award at the “2012 Traffic Music Awards” and was honored two years in a row by “Divas of the Lou”. She has been featured at numerous shows across the country such as: “Spoken Word Groove”, “Sistah Speak”, “S.W.A.U.”, “Hustle and Flow: The Experience”, “Soul Spektrum”, “Soul Sessions”, “Soul Stage”, “Thundaground Open Mic”, “Erotic Interludes”, “Got Lyrics”, “The Word”, and many more. She has also performed at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Forest Park Community College, and Florissant Valley Community College.
In addition to self-publishing her own books - “Refuge: A Poetic Sanctuary” (2011) and “Venus Loves Music” (2012), La’ Starr has helped to publish over 18 authors, many of them children. Her Cd projects include: “Back II Tha Elements”, “Sistah Souljahz”, “I'm Different”, and “Intimate Conversations”. She has also appeared on several different mix tapes. Aja has been deeply influenced by artists such as Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Sonia Sanchez. To learn more about this amazing and inspirational woman, please visit www.wix.com/gotrefuge/gotrefuge.
Taylored Poet
South Carolinian vocalist, producer, poet, and spoken word artist Taylored Poet is highly respected in the Arts community. She made her debut in 1998 as a poet and spoken word artist at the Divinity Café, and has been rocking stages across the country ever since. Her performances are compelling, emotionally charged, and incredibly touching. This proud mother of six owns “Out Tha Box Entertainment” and was the producer and host of “The Sipher”. Her wildly popular spoken word CD “Shades of Gray” was released in 2005, and her first novel – “Crazed Sanity”, came out in April of last year.
Taylored Poet is currently devoting her time to her studies and a new poetry anthology project in honor of 19 year-old murder victim Aniya Cook of St. Louis, whose shooting death was virtually ignored by local media and whose case is still unsolved. 75 women will dedicate 75 poems in honor of Cook, a beautiful, young high school graduate who was preparing to leave for Springfield on a scholarship to Missouri State University. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund set up in Aniya’s name. Taylored Poet and her wife currently reside in St. Louis, MO.
Kwame Segar
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Kwame Segar is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist. He currently lives in East St. Louis, IL, which he credits for the development of his considerable music abilities. He is a full-time student at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville where he is studying Music Instruction and Merchandising. Segar skillfully plays a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, and trumpet. His music ranges from the deeply spiritual to R&B, Alternative, Jazz, and Rap, and his live performances are soulful and moving. He’s performed at several popular local venues, among them Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, Nigel’s Bookstore, Legacy, FOAM Coffee & Beer, Sheba’s, and Rance John Styles.
The former host of “One Mic” at SIUE, Kwame’s influences include many well-known musicians such as NAS, Bob Marley, India Arie, Anthony Hamilton, Sizzla, Straight Gutta, Prophecy Sound International, 18 Karat Reggae, Jah Cure, Alicia Keys, Nneka, Lauryn Hill, and Louis Conphliction. He also enjoys listening to Classical, Rock, and Country. To learn more or for booking information, please contact Mr. Segar atksegar@siue.edu.
Michelle Henschel
A fresh face in the world of the arts, Michelle Henschel is dynamite in the form of a very poetic soul. Based in St. Peters, Mo., Michelle is a poet, writer, spoken word artist, author, and painter. This eclectic artist specializes in slam style prose and delivers dramatic, intriguing live performances. She frequents the “Saint Louis Poetry Slam”, Legacy Café & Books, and the Queen Café. She was recently chosen as one of only 40 writers to get to submit to “Naughty Gras”. She is now hard at work on two books: “Hunting in Society’s Cross Pool” and an art book featuring her poems and paintings entitled “A Dark Dose of Blinding Reality”. Henschel’s other interests include listening to music, politics, and attending local literary events.
Aja La’ Starr
St. Louis native Aja La’ Starr is a renowned hip-hop musician, poet, spoken word artist, and educator. She first began rapping during the early 1990’s. She attended Xavier University in Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree and then went on to attain an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Dedicating her life to underserved minorities and youth, she runs programs benefitting them in local communities. In addition, she has facilitated, moderated, hosted, and organized many conferences, workshops and teen summits throughout the U.S. La’ Starr is the founder of “IAMHIPHOPSTL”, a dynamic movement celebrating the positive contributions of women throughout hip hop culture.
In the course of her career this award-winning artist has performed all over the country, appeared several times on BET, and opened up for the likes of Jill Scott, Mary Blige, and 50 Cent. In 2011, Aja received the “Author of the Year” award at the “2012 Traffic Music Awards” and was honored two years in a row by “Divas of the Lou”. She has been featured at numerous shows across the country such as: “Spoken Word Groove”, “Sistah Speak”, “S.W.A.U.”, “Hustle and Flow: The Experience”, “Soul Spektrum”, “Soul Sessions”, “Soul Stage”, “Thundaground Open Mic”, “Erotic Interludes”, “Got Lyrics”, “The Word”, and many more. She has also performed at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Forest Park Community College, and Florissant Valley Community College.
In addition to self-publishing her own books - “Refuge: A Poetic Sanctuary” (2011) and “Venus Loves Music” (2012), La’ Starr has helped to publish over 18 authors, many of them children. Her Cd projects include: “Back II Tha Elements”, “Sistah Souljahz”, “I'm Different”, and “Intimate Conversations”. She has also appeared on several different mix tapes. Aja has been deeply influenced by artists such as Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Sonia Sanchez. To learn more about this amazing and inspirational woman, please visit www.wix.com/gotrefuge/gotrefuge.
Taylored Poet
South Carolinian vocalist, producer, poet, and spoken word artist Taylored Poet is highly respected in the Arts community. She made her debut in 1998 as a poet and spoken word artist at the Divinity Café, and has been rocking stages across the country ever since. Her performances are compelling, emotionally charged, and incredibly touching. This proud mother of six owns “Out Tha Box Entertainment” and was the producer and host of “The Sipher”. Her wildly popular spoken word CD “Shades of Gray” was released in 2005, and her first novel – “Crazed Sanity”, came out in April of last year.
Taylored Poet is currently devoting her time to her studies and a new poetry anthology project in honor of 19 year-old murder victim Aniya Cook of St. Louis, whose shooting death was virtually ignored by local media and whose case is still unsolved. 75 women will dedicate 75 poems in honor of Cook, a beautiful, young high school graduate who was preparing to leave for Springfield on a scholarship to Missouri State University. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund set up in Aniya’s name. Taylored Poet and her wife currently reside in St. Louis, MO.
Kwame Segar
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Kwame Segar is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist. He currently lives in East St. Louis, IL, which he credits for the development of his considerable music abilities. He is a full-time student at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville where he is studying Music Instruction and Merchandising. Segar skillfully plays a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, and trumpet. His music ranges from the deeply spiritual to R&B, Alternative, Jazz, and Rap, and his live performances are soulful and moving. He’s performed at several popular local venues, among them Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, Nigel’s Bookstore, Legacy, FOAM Coffee & Beer, Sheba’s, and Rance John Styles.
The former host of “One Mic” at SIUE, Kwame’s influences include many well-known musicians such as NAS, Bob Marley, India Arie, Anthony Hamilton, Sizzla, Straight Gutta, Prophecy Sound International, 18 Karat Reggae, Jah Cure, Alicia Keys, Nneka, Lauryn Hill, and Louis Conphliction. He also enjoys listening to Classical, Rock, and Country. To learn more or for booking information, please contact Mr. Segar atksegar@siue.edu.
Michelle Henschel
A fresh face in the world of the arts, Michelle Henschel is dynamite in the form of a very poetic soul. Based in St. Peters, Mo., Michelle is a poet, writer, spoken word artist, author, and painter. This eclectic artist specializes in slam style prose and delivers dramatic, intriguing live performances. She frequents the “Saint Louis Poetry Slam”, Legacy Café & Books, and the Queen Café. She was recently chosen as one of only 40 writers to get to submit to “Naughty Gras”. She is now hard at work on two books: “Hunting in Society’s Cross Pool” and an art book featuring her poems and paintings entitled “A Dark Dose of Blinding Reality”. Henschel’s other interests include listening to music, politics, and attending local literary events.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson.
via St. Louis Gay History Project · By Steven Brawley
via St. Louis Gay History Project · By Steven Brawley
(ST LOUIS) October 20th 2-4 pm @ The LGBT Center of St. Louis
The St. Louis LGBT History Project is proud to honor and recognize Rodney Wilson - founder of the now annual LGBT History Month hosted nationwide every October. Rodney spearheaded the creation of LGBT History Month back in 1994 when he was a teacher at Mehlville High School. Join us at a special reception and hear Rodney talk about how the idea came about.
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING by:Tess Farnham
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING
by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS Posted by tessf in Bipolar Disorder, BPD, Learning and Spirituality, Manic Depression, Memoir,PTSD and tagged with bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, creativity and bipolar illness, East St. Louis, girl interrupted, Illinois, spirituality
by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS
Bubby & Sissy's hosts MADCAP Benefit Show - OCT. 12th
www.DanielMcCree.Org
via BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(ALTON)
The Madison County Illinois HIV/AIDS program (MADCAP) will benefit from a special night of performances by the region's top drag talent. On October 12th, Bubby and Sissy's in Alton will be hosting this special event.
Be sure to mark your callenders and support this important cause.
BUBBY AND SISSY'S of ALTON
602 Belle Street
Alton, IL 62002
via BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(ALTON)
Be sure to mark your callenders and support this important cause.
BUBBY AND SISSY'S of ALTON
602 Belle Street
Alton, IL 62002
**DATE CHANGE** Coming Out Day Candlelight March, October 10th
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
via MEPSI
3rd Annual National Coming Out Day Candlelight March, October 11th
(BELLEVILLE) ##UPDATED 9-18-2012##
Join Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) for the 3rd Annual National Coming Out Day Candlelight March on
Wednesday, October 10th.
We will be meeting at the Belleville Carnegie Library (121 East Washington) at 6:30 p.m. to step off and walk over to Historic Main St. – and then down Main, across the square , ending at Club Escapade @ West Main and 2nd Streets.
Join us as we light the night with pride and visibility. We also recognize that bigotry exists and there are those who cannot join us. We honor and represent them – as well as the countless thousands who have been victims of anti-gay violence in the face of visibility.
Brief remarks by area community leaders will be given prior to step off.
Founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender —coming out regarding one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The holiday is observed annually by members of the gay community on October 11.
Join us as we light the night with pride and visibility. We also recognize that bigotry exists and there are those who cannot join us. We honor and represent them – as well as the countless thousands who have been victims of anti-gay violence in the face of visibility.
Brief remarks by area community leaders will be given prior to step off.
Founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender —coming out regarding one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The holiday is observed annually by members of the gay community on October 11.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Rainbow Cafe 12th Anniversary Gala
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
By RainbowCafe November-Gregg
Rainbow Cafe 12th Anniversary Gala October 6th
(CARBONDALE)One of the region's first LGBT affirming organizations is celebrating its 12 Anniversary with a Benefit Gala in honor of it's mission and purpose to the LGBT youth and allies in Southern Illinois. Mark your calender's now for this special event and book your table in advance to join with us as we celebrate a dozen years in Carbondale.
October 6, 2012, Rainbow Café will celebrate its 12th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship Hall from 6-9 pm. Dinner catered by Crystal’s Catering, wine provided by Newell House, and entertainment by Derek Hamblin with a Broadway review by Dance4Grandma Theatricals. $35 per person, or $300 table of 8.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Dayonna Hilton Crowned Miss Gay Illinois America 2012
Congratulations go out to Dayonna Hilton your New Miss Gay Illinois America
9/9/2012 (ST. LOUIS)
Congratulations go out to Dayonna Hilton your New Miss Gay Illinois America
MissgayIllinois America's Photos
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Miss Gay Illinois America 2012 at the Casa Loma Ballroom
Joining this years pageant will be Adria Andrews, Kirby Kolby, Krista Versace,Sable Sinclair, Tabitha Giselle Sexton, Michelle Mccausland, Mariah Candy, Trixie LaRue and Jodie Santana. A total of 8 contestants have prequalified for this Statewide title.
September 8th
$15 in advance $23 at the door.
*Advanced Tickets Available at Meyer's Grove
Thursday, August 23, 2012
An African Sojourn (2012)
An African Sojourn - A special presentation by the Daniel McCree Foundation
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
AUGUST 2012
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
AUGUST 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Metro East Pride partners with LGBT History Project of St. Louis
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
via Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI)
Metro East Pride partners with LGBT History Project of St. Louis
(BELLEVILLE)
MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is proud to partner with the St. Louis Gay History Project to help build up the Project's collection of Metro East memorabilia.
via Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI)
Metro East Pride partners with LGBT History Project of St. Louis
(BELLEVILLE)
MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is proud to partner with the St. Louis Gay History Project to help build up the Project's collection of Metro East memorabilia.
Did you know same sex dancing was first allowed at The Red Bull in East St. Louis in the late 1960s when you couldn't dance together across the river? Looking for any matchbooks, business cards, wooden nickels, posters, signage, photographs etc. from the 1960s era gay bars in ESL - The Red Bull, PK's, Newsroom, Grapevine, Helen Schrader's, Olde English Inn, Green Parrot and early Faces and City Center nightclub. Also early Belleville, Wood River and Alton Gay Bars: Old Cow Street Inn, Fantasy Corner, Char Pei, The Gathering Place, Lil's, Rendezvoux, Alton Metro, Club Zips, Circus, etc. Let's preserve our history for future generations.
Illinois State Fairgoers Welcome First LGBT Booth
Illinois State Fairgoers Welcome First LGBT Booth
VITAL VOICE
(SPRINGFIELD, IL)
VITAL VOICE
(SPRINGFIELD, IL)
Thousands of people from all over Illinois are learning about LGBT equality at the Illinois State Fair this month, thanks to the first-ever LGBT booth sponsored by Equality Illinoisand Lambda Legal.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Teenager will be tried as adult in Cape Girardeau
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
VIA LGBT NATION
Teenager ordered tried as adult in alleged hate crime in Missouri
Staff Reports
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A juvenile court judge in Cape Girardeau, Mo., ruled Wednesday that the 17-year-old female suspect in the July 24 beating of a local lesbian resident will be prosecuted as an adult.
During the ten minute hearing, Judge Scott Lipke ordered that Mercedes M. Ayers be transferred out of the juvenile court custody and into the custody of the adult court.
Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Morley Swingle filed a class B felony charge of first-degree burglary for entering the victim’s home with the intent of assaulting her. However, the second charge of third-degree assault, which is normally a misdemeanor, was upgraded because Swingle believes the assault was a hate crime due to the victim’s sexual orientation.
The misdemeanor carries up to one year in the county jail and up to $1,000 in fines, but the upgraded charge carries a more stringent penalty of one to four years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Swingle said he intends to prove the hate crime requirement that the suspect was “knowingly motivated” by Terry’s sexual orientation.
“In Cape Girardeau County, thankfully, hate crimes are rare,” Swingle said. “We have maybe one a year at the most. In proving the motive, we have to prove it just like any other fact — have testimony and evidence to prove the motive, either by eyewitnesses or confession. So that’s our allegation, and we intend to prove it.” A probable-cause statement prepared the prosecutor’s office said that police responded July 24 to a call to a fight in progress.
According to court documents, the victim, Jeana Terry, told law enforcement officials that Ayers pulled her from the home and, along with Ayers’ two younger siblings and some of their friends, beat her while yelling anti-gay slurs. Terry and her partner, Lisa Lange, told investigators that Ayers came to the door uninvited that night, reported the Southeastern Missourian.
Terry opened the door, the report says, and Ayers grabbed her by the arm and pulled her onto the porch and attacked her. Terry attempted to escape and yelled to Lange to call 911. Ayers allegedly pursued, punching Terry as several other juveniles — including two of Ayers’ younger siblings — joined in.
Terry never hit back, the report says, instead attempting from the ground to block the repeated blows and stomps to her head and body. Ayers allegedly yelled racial slurs at Terry during the beating and made comments about Terry’s sexual orientation.
Ayers was ordered held on a $10,000 bond.
VIA LGBT NATION
Teenager ordered tried as adult in alleged hate crime in Missouri
Staff Reports
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A juvenile court judge in Cape Girardeau, Mo., ruled Wednesday that the 17-year-old female suspect in the July 24 beating of a local lesbian resident will be prosecuted as an adult.
During the ten minute hearing, Judge Scott Lipke ordered that Mercedes M. Ayers be transferred out of the juvenile court custody and into the custody of the adult court.
Mercedes M. Ayers
Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Morley Swingle filed a class B felony charge of first-degree burglary for entering the victim’s home with the intent of assaulting her. However, the second charge of third-degree assault, which is normally a misdemeanor, was upgraded because Swingle believes the assault was a hate crime due to the victim’s sexual orientation.
The misdemeanor carries up to one year in the county jail and up to $1,000 in fines, but the upgraded charge carries a more stringent penalty of one to four years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Swingle said he intends to prove the hate crime requirement that the suspect was “knowingly motivated” by Terry’s sexual orientation.
“In Cape Girardeau County, thankfully, hate crimes are rare,” Swingle said. “We have maybe one a year at the most. In proving the motive, we have to prove it just like any other fact — have testimony and evidence to prove the motive, either by eyewitnesses or confession. So that’s our allegation, and we intend to prove it.” A probable-cause statement prepared the prosecutor’s office said that police responded July 24 to a call to a fight in progress.
According to court documents, the victim, Jeana Terry, told law enforcement officials that Ayers pulled her from the home and, along with Ayers’ two younger siblings and some of their friends, beat her while yelling anti-gay slurs. Terry and her partner, Lisa Lange, told investigators that Ayers came to the door uninvited that night, reported the Southeastern Missourian.
Terry opened the door, the report says, and Ayers grabbed her by the arm and pulled her onto the porch and attacked her. Terry attempted to escape and yelled to Lange to call 911. Ayers allegedly pursued, punching Terry as several other juveniles — including two of Ayers’ younger siblings — joined in.
Terry never hit back, the report says, instead attempting from the ground to block the repeated blows and stomps to her head and body. Ayers allegedly yelled racial slurs at Terry during the beating and made comments about Terry’s sexual orientation.
Ayers was ordered held on a $10,000 bond.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
36 Law Firms Awarded by Equality Illinois
LOCALLY SPONSORING LAW FIRMS
via Equality Illinois
(CHICAGO)
Thirty-six Illinois Law Firms Top Equality Illinois Corporate Responsibility Survey
Equality Illinois today issues its seventh annual Raising the Bar report, recognizing 36 Illinois law firms for leading the way in providing a safe and fair work environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and engaging with the LGBT
community.
This annual look at corporate responsibility, built from our survey of the 150 largest firms doing business in the state of Illinois, which can be found at http://issuu.com/eqil/docs/raising_the_bar, focuses exclusively on law firms. “We believe that lawyers, as defenders of the law, need to be at the forefront of equal work environments for LGBT individuals,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization.
In addition, Equality Illinois today announces the publication of the Law Firm Best Practices Manual with comprehensive policy recommendations to help firms foster an LGBT-friendly environment. The manual can be found at: http://issuu.com/eqil/docs/law_firm_best_practices.
The law firms were honored at the annual Lawyers for Diversity reception tonight (July 26) at 6 p.m. at Sidetrack (3349 N. Halsted Street, Chicago). Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis is the guest speaker at the event that will benefit Equality Illinois, the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, LAGBAC Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, and Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Northern Illinois Council.
Thanks to the hard work of Equality Illinois and many others, Illinois is one of eleven states in which sexual orientation and gender identity are protected classes in the workplace. In addition, the civil union law and other statewide administrative guidelines set a far higher bar in law than can be measured by a national index.
“This higher baseline puts Illinois employers ahead of the pack, but it also gives them a greater responsibility to push the envelope in securing truly LGBT-inclusive policies in the workplace,” Cherkasov said.
LOCALLY SPONSORING LAW FIRMS
Monday, August 6, 2012
Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint: Beyond our Imagination
Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint: Beyond our Imagination
By: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS
"I have found that most opportunities are both the "impossible" as well as the "Fantastic" that one could never have imagined in the first place."
 |
| Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe |
Preparations for such a trip has included a significant delay in receiving my passport, proving my citizenship, medical preparations and more. Nonetheless, having walked forward diligently towards the goal, only a few days sit between my comfort zone and my own leap into the journey that is most certainly to be fantastic as well as an exercise in my own ability to take the journey without many details.
Opportunities always seem to implore each of us to "just Go!" -and you will be blessed. And for now, that is all that any of us can know as we weave our way down our own road. For me, I am trying to not imagine anything in advance and simply take time to reflect on the journey rather than the "how". It simply IS and will be if we are willing to walk towards it.
So there is the scoop on why the August Issue came out a few days early. The journey for me shall include traveling from Joplin,MO to St. Louis on the 29th, and details remain foggy except that I should return to St. Louis around August 10th. It may even take a day or three before I find myself back in Joplin. So until then... keep walking and "Bee Blessed".
-Colby
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