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MetroEast News - Serving the Southern Illinois Region
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Sherwood Forest Camp Provides Opportunity for Youth

www.BellevillePride.Org
via Daniel McCree Foundation

SHERWOOD FOREST CAMP
Did you know that families pay just $50 for their child to attend camp, regardless of the length of the session? Siblings cost only $25. However, the actual cost of camp is nearly $150 per camper, PER DAY. The difference is covered by your generous contributions. We thank you for making camp possible for hundreds of St. Louis children each summer!

The Daniel McCree Foundation supports this important organzation as both Alumni and Volunteer efforts.  You too can support them, and the opportunities they make possible for our youth in need.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Q&A: (SWIC) First Meeting of Semester - AUG 30th

www.BellevillePride.Org - Belleville Transgender and Friends
Q&A: Alliance for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SWIC)
via: Naomi Warner President, Q&A Alliance (SWIC)- 



Our first meeting of the semester will be next week,
Aug 30 at 400pm in room LA 2218

Q&A Alliance is geared towards the students of Southwestern Illinois College but is open to anyone of interest.  This group has become an important advocacy in the MetroEast Region, offering  SafeZone Trainging with the faculty & staff, as well as on campus support to students.   Participants enjoy both outreach opportunities and safe-space for social connection.  For more information the Faculty Advisor is Barbara

barbara.hunter@swic.edu

Monday, June 20, 2011

Metro East PROUD~ Pride Month is off and Running!

4th Annual Metro East Pride Festival
Colby Kluthe- MetroEast NEWS
photos by:  Stephen Houldsworth

4th Annual Metro East Pride- Belleville, Illinois
June 20,2011
(BELLEVILLE)

Metro East Pride has become the veteran festival of Southern Illinois, celebrating its 4th Festival on June 18th.

The "Main Street" Festival in Belleville always takes on a spirit of "homecoming" celebration for many throughout the St. Louis region.

The Metro East Pride (MEPSI) organization has become more than a festival, but an advocacy that represents the LGBTQIA community throughout the year.  If you haven't seen the current board of directors out and about, chances are you may still be in the closet.

The 2011 Festival was a truly amazing experience with vendors and organizations of vast variety.  People of all ages and backgrounds converge around Club-Escapade in a demonstration of the very best our community has to offer.
Band Together Marches to the Main Stage

The 4th Annual Metro East Pride festival was a huge success with a large number of artisans and entertainers and food court selections you wait all year to enjoy.  This years festival was well attended and enjoyed picture perfect weather throughout the event.

2011 Also marked the first year of offering a Royal Court celebrating the entertainers that work in our community year-round.

The main stage also featured returning standards such as Band Together, and newcomers such as EarthSol , and  Youre Not Kablamo as well as appearances by Y-98 Radio's Courtney Landrum and Dieta Pepsi.


You're Not Kablamo - Metro East Pride 2011
Pride celebrations in Belleville, have really become a part of the city's fabric, and undoubtedly has paved the way for other festivals which are beginning to spring up across the state.  In 2011, both Springfield and Carbondale will hold pride festivals, each bringing new opportunities to engage and advance the issues of equality for all people who call Illinois home.

READ MORE ON CARBONDALE PRIDE

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

SWIC Multicultural Festival - May 6th

www.BellevillePride.com
via SWIC Activities
 
Friday, May 6 
6-10 p.m.
Belleville Campus Quad  
(If it rains, the festival will be in the Varsity Gym.)
Admission to this family event is FREE.
No coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Anyone who is caught with these items will be asked to leave the grounds.
Parking is available in lots M1 and M3. For additional information, call the College Activities office at 618-235-2700, ext. 5561.
Sponsored by College Activities

Restaurants

Food samples will be sold for $2 or a full plate for $5. Some items sold will vary in price, including some food items. ARAMARK will sell nonalcoholic beverages.
RestaurantAddress
Castletown Geoghegan (Irish)104 W. Main St., Belleville
Basil Thai (Asian)327 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights
Saigon Vietnamese and Chinese Cuisine (Asian)1636 Lebanon Ave., Belleville
Zapp Noodle and Market (Asian)1407 W. Highway 50, Suite 106 & 107, O'Fallon 
Joe’s Asian Cuisine (Asian)Scott Air Force Base
Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian)3210 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis
Culinary Arts Program (French desserts)SWIC
Any vendors or restaurants who wish to participate should call Rosalena Baez at 618-235-2700, ext. 5461.
 

Entertainment

TimeEvent
6-6:30 p.m. Middle Eastern dance by Lotus Art Center (Middle Eastern)
6:30-7 p.m. Tropical hula dance by Belly Dance Mirage (Hawaiian) 
7-7:30 p.m.Guitar, vocal and flamenco dance performance by Los Flamencos (Spanish) 
7:30-8:15 p.m. Dragon and Lion Dance Team performance by the Shaolin Lohan Pai Lion Dance Troupe (Chinese) 
8:30-9 p.m. Aalim & Chuvani Belly Dance with Arabian Silk, accompanied by Scheherazade (Middle Eastern)
9-9:30 p.m.African drummers and dancers (African)
9:30-10 p.m.Funky Butt Brass Band

Activities

  • Activities and crafts for children
  • English as a Second Language students will have displays about their countries, and Adult Basic Education will have information for those interested in being part of the English as a Second Language program at SWIC. 
  • The SWIC judo class will do demonstrations.
  • http://www.swic.edu/mcf
 

Monday, May 2, 2011

2011 Digital Directory is underway! ORDER ONLINE TODAY $10 before 5/15

The BellevillePride~ MetroEast News 2011 Digital Directory is underway!
ORDER YOUR LISTING ONLINE - $10 before 5/15/2011  $20 before 6/1/2011
  • Facebook FAN PAGES welcome
  • Anyone in St. Louis Region

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MetroEast News - Serving the Southern Illinois Region
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bellevillepride.com
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Friday, April 8, 2011

"Dreams" 12-1-2004 , By: Daniel McCree

"Dreams" FEATURED WRITING , By: Daniel McCree:
"www.DanielMcCree.Org original Memiors
from: December 1, 2004

December 1, 2004                 


    "Dreams"


I was very happy to be with a group
of people that were all nice + comforting 
to be with.  One man showed us a
home movie of him doing a sort of 
battle like dance with a bison.

"Blue Me"(c)DanielMcCree.Org




We were all on a beautiful
island with hundreds of people. My
friend from high school was with us
+ after the man showed us the 
clip + talked for awhile I guess
we all went to sleep.   When I 
woke up I stepped out of the room
and headed toward the bathroom.
All of the people on the island were
very attractive + I felt good to
be among them. I felt something 
strange in my mouth like my
tooth on my left side was loosining.

 Panic set in + I tried to keep calm.
I reached a mirror + was horrified
to find my front teeth falling out.

I pressed them back in + went out
to the beach where there were many people.

Daniel (Danny) McCree (1979-2007)
I noticed dolphins swimming + decided
to swim.  I met a dolphin + its stern
was soft.  It talked to me + gave
much sympathy.

I'm careining (Careening) a little right now
I know I'm gonna be alright
and I  also know Ive made
mistakes and missed maneuvers
which may have taken me a
route that would leave me feeling
something similar to what I once.  (wants)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

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

Thursday, February 17, 2011

LGBT HISTORY TREASURE DRIVE II- March 27th


www.BellevillePride.com
St. Louis Gay History Project has a second Treasure Drive Planned... RSVP
and then shuffle thru the attic for your own piece of LGBT history

Location: Novaks Bar & Grill Patio
Time: 1:00PM Sunday, March 27th
PRESERVING OUR PAST, ENRICHING OUR FUTURE

We're all sitting on little pieces of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history—so dig through your junk drawers, canvass that basement and rifle through the proverbial closet.

Help donate artifacts to The St. Louis Gay History Project and the St. Louis LGBT Archives at UMSL.

We're especially interested in pre-1990 items, such as:

*Pictures, Home Movies/Videos, Artwork
*Newspapers, Magazines, Articles
*Diaries, Journals, Scrapbooks
*Pageant/Event Programs
*Buttons, Posters, Fliers, T-Shirts
*Organizational/Non Profit Materials

You can donate materials or we will have digital cameras and scanners on site to copy items and return.

We will also be displaying historical St. Louis LGBT items so make sure to drop by and help preserve our stories and history for the next generation.


www.stlouisgayhistory.com
stlgayhistory@me.com
314-740-0298

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Jason & deMarco Return to St. Louis FEB 20


www.BellevillePride.com

on Behalf of: Metropolitan Community Church
of Greater St. Louis



(ST. LOUIS)
Jason & deMarco Set for Return to St. Louis Area

Jason & deMarco are known to loyal fans for their beautiful harmonies, uplifting lyrics and empowering messages. Jason and deMarco have been featured on the nationwide television network LOGO, as well as a recent documentary film "We're All Angels" produced by Showtime Cable networks.


Jason and deMarco will return to St. Louis for the first time in several years. They will be sharing their message and music at the 10:30a worship service and will then share a FREE concert Sunday February 20th at 7p.

For additional information you may contact MCC of Greater St. Louis www.MCCGSL.org
or contact the church office 314.361.3221 for more details about this FREE event.

SHOWTIME TRAILER

Monday, January 31, 2011

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

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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)

Monday, November 22, 2010

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

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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 Remembranc
e 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.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

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

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Candlelight Vigil Highlights Local Impact of Teen Suicides


www.MetroEastPride.com

October 17, 2010
(BELLEVILLE)

by: Colby Kluthe,
Vice-President Metro East Pride 2010-11
(photos by: Colin Murphy)


National Coming Out Day was observed by Metro East Pride (MEP) on October 11th with a Candlelight Vigil and March through historic downtown Belleville.

More than 140 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the downtown Carnegie Library in remembrance of recent teen suicides as a result of bullying, and other stresses faced by LGBT youth. A special focus was given to the local impact of suicide, remembering at least 6 individuals locally who have ended their lives in recent years.

The CDC estimates that 149,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for selfinflicted injuries at emergency departments across the U.S. each year. *
In June 2010, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed HB4672 into law, requiring all educators in public secondary schools undergo suicide prevention training, to recognize the early signs of individuals most at risk.

“We must do everything we can to protect our youngest citizens,” said Governor Quinn. “This new law will help save young lives by making sure schools are better-equipped to monitor suicidal behavior and know when and how to intervene.*

Metro East Pride, in partnership with TransHaven, Project Safe-Harbor, Daniel McCree Foundation, Gay-Straight Alliance chapters at SIUE & Blackburn College, and local High Schools joined with Q&A-SWIC,
Club Escapade and PFLAG-Belleville. The overwhelming response by the community at large demonstrates the urgency of the issue, as well as concerns by people throughout Southern Illinois & St. Louis Regionally.

Local media coverage included KSDK-TV of St. Louis, the Belleville News-Democrat, and Vital Voice Magazine. MEP President Sarah Baldwin spoke of our individual responsibility for what we say, and for what we hear around us. The challenge being that each of us has an opportunity to put a stop to harassment in both school and work environments.

National Coming Out Day, began in 1987 and is celebrated globally each year as an outward demonstration of support to those who have not yet "Come Out". The Metro East Region has taken on the mantra "you are not alone" as the Global Cry for 2010 has been "It Get's Better".

ST LOUIS REGIONAL :IT GETS BETTER VIDEO
(watch now)

VIEW PHOTOS OF BELLEVILLE EVENT

KSDK Television Coverage

w/ MEP President Sarah Baldwin

More information: www.MetroEastPride.com

LOCAL MEMORIALS to those we have lost
(Daniel McCree Foundation)

Monday, June 21, 2010

"Q&A Queer Arts" Remembers Austin Mueller at Metro East Pride 2010

By: COLBY KLUTHE
on behalf of Daniel McCree Foundation

We were both honored and saddened to learn about the untimely loss of Local Artist/Writer Austin Mueller (May 2010) at this years Metro East Pride Festival.
And inspired also by his partner Shane , who is working to continue the legacy of this great spirit. LINKS SOON to AUSTIN MUELLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

Austin Mueller (18) Student at SWIC, in Belleville Illinois took his own life

in May 2010. We are both saddened and honored to include him in our tributes at http://www.danielmccree.org/ .

It seems each of the 3 years I have participated in Metro East Pride, we are reminded why we do what we do. I can not begin to put into words how moved I was to meet Shane, the surviving partner of Austin Mueller.

It was the deciding factor in continuing my leadership w/ Metro East Pride another year. Serving as VP the past year, was a lot ... See Moreof work, not to be undertaken lightly.

However, in learning about one of the vendors, Q & A QUEER ARTS of Belleville- I was paid back threefold in an instant! Blessed to have met the gang!
Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, VP Metro East Pride 2010

Support the AUSTIN MUELLER Q&A Activism FundSCHOLARSHIP FUND~

Q & A (Queer Arts)c/o SWIC

VISIT HIS TRIBUTE SITE: http://danielmccree.org/AustinMueller.aspx

2012 Digital Directory



www.DanielMcCree.Org

Thanks for everyone's patience...

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News