MEPSI Board Vacancies in 2012 (BELLEVILLE)

MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois

(MEPSI) is holding OPEN ELECTIONS for four (4) seats on the 2012-13 MEPSI Board. Are you wanting to become more involved with the LGBT community? Want to make a difference? Here's your chance!

We request that interested parties submit a bio and brief cover letter on why they would like to join the MEPSI family prior to the March 8, 2012 deadline.

We will schedule a follow up interview with the MEPSI Board on March 13th and notify new Board members on March 14th.
( Please send bios to metroeastpride@gmail.com )
By: Vital Voice

MEPSI Seeks Event Volunteers (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois)

Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is currently looking for volunteers for upcoming fundraisers and our Pride festival held in June. If you would like to volunteer and support your local LGBT community please contact Metro East Pride through our gmail account at metroeastpride@gmail.com
For more information: www.MetroEastPride.com 

MetroEast News - January 2012

www.BellevillePride.Org

2012 DIGITAL DIRECTORY  (JANUARY 2012)

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.

MetroEast NEWS welcomes Aaron Phillip Ruiz

www.BellevillePride.org
by: Colby Kluthe -MetroEast NEWS


(BELLEVILLE)

MetroEast NEWS is currently undergoing an expansion in preparation for the new year, and will be adding additional writers and potentially photo contributors.  This is a necessary step to improve our reach and coverage throughout the Southern Illinois region.

We are happy to announce Aaron Phillip Ruiz will be joining us in 2012 as a contributing writer.  Ruiz is a resident of Swansea, Illinois and has attended Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.  Aaron has also served as the Co-Editor of the McKendree Montage at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL.  Look for his first articles in the coming weeks and in our January issue. 

Holiday announcements from MEPSI

www.BellevillePride.org
via Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI)

(BELLEVILLE)
Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois will be offering pictures with our Sexy Santa or Ms. Claus at Club Escapade's Christmas Party. Proceeds to go towards our annual PrideFest, June 16th.  Location is at Club Escapade 133 W. Main Street 62220   www.MetroEastPride.com

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois is proud to announce that it will be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the holiday season to benefit The Food Pantry at Bethany Place. Please visit one of our drop box locations: Wagner Buick GMC in Belleville, Club-Escapade Belleville, The Tan Company in Shiloh or The LGBT Center of St. Louis (FINAL PICKUP DEC 19TH).

Southern Illinois AIDS Walk 2011 Dec 1, 2011

www.BellevillePride.Org

(CARBONDALE)

Southern Illinois AIDS Walk 2011
Thurs. Dec. 1, 2011 6PM SIUC Student Health Center

The Southern Illinois AIDS Walk has moved, and will be held at 6pm on Thursday, December 1 at the Student Health Center located on the SIU Carbondale campus. Volunteers will begin set-up at 3pm, and a health fair and registration will begin at 4:30pm. The event will end by 7:45pm.

Volunteer meetings will be held at 7:30pm at the SIUC Newman Center, 715 S. Washington Street, on the following dates: Thursday, Sept. 8; Monday, Oct. 3; Monday Oct. 24; Thursday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 30. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided at all meetings.

Volunteers are needed to help attract corporate sponsors, $50 t-shirt sponsors, and to motivate Southern Illinois to participate in the walk (the SIUC campus, high schools and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois, and communities throughout Southern Illinois).

Proceeds benefit the Southern Illinois AIDS Holiday Project, which serves 150 low-income households impacted by HIV / AIDS in the 19 southern-most counties of Illinois.

For more information, contact AIDS Walk founder Wally Paynter at 812-480-0204 or wallypaynter@aol.com, or AIDS Walk Chair Scott Ramsey at sramsey@siu.edu.

Please use this site to register or join a team, register yourself as an individual walker, sponsor a walker or make a general donation to the cause.

2010 AIDS Walk photo courtesy of Southern Illinoisan and staff photographer Alan Rogers.

Daniel McCree Foundation EVENTS

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Daniel McCree Foundation & Ezekiel Project

Daniel McCree Foundation  EVENTS
APRIL 28TH  Ezekiel Project is the HIV/AIDS outreach at MCC of Greater St. Louis  they will be volunteering efforts and assisting staff for Dining Out For Life at Square One Brewery & Distillery 
5-10PM tonight. (1727 Park Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63104)

APRIL 30TH   
*Ezekiel Project Retreat  "Strength for the Journey"  10AM- 3PM (free event)
Breakfast/Lunch provided.  Speaker series includes St. Louis Effort for AIDS, Same-Sex Legal, Food Outreach and representatives from Bethany Place, MCCGSL & more.   (Last minute attendees welcome)   www.MCCGSL.org   (1919 S. Broadway  63104)

*Sherwood Forest Camp's "Blue Jean Ball"  (Invitational Fundraiser Event) 
Daniel McCree Foundation Board Member Cole Wofford hosts a Table of 8 attendees in this important organizations largest fundraiser of the year.   www.DanielMcCree.Org

LGBT Center is on the MOVE-- YOU CAN HELP!

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Moving to Manchester -

LGBT Center of St. Louis

Location: Just John Nightclub

Time: ‎6:00PM Friday, April 22nd

CESJ to visit Illinois State Prison-Tamms, APRIL 22

http://www.bellevillepride.com/
on behalf of  Jessie Arms- CESJ

Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ) & Southern Illinois Prisoner Action Committee (SIPAC)and Faithful of Southern Illinois (FOSIL)WILL HOLD AN ANNUAL GOOD FRIDAY PILGRIMAGE TO THE STATE PRISON IN TAMMS ILLINOIS.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011, 2:30 p.m. till about 3:00 or 3:30

WE MEET WITH A GROUP FROM THE CARBONDALE AREA AT TAMMS AT 2:00 P.M.
QUESTIONS – PLEASE CONTACT:

Anneharter23@yahoo.com
 618 277-7594 or 618-593-7891

21st Annual HRC Chicago Gala Volunteer Kick-Off Event! 4-19-11

www.BellevillePride.com via HRC Illinois

21st Annual HRC Chicago Gala Volunteer Kick-Off Event!

minibar: Ultra Lounge & Cafe

3341 N. Halsted

Chicago, IL

Tuesday, April 19 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

The success of each Dinner is greatly attributable to our great group of volunteers - we need you!

There many ways for you to contribute, so come learn about how you too can "Be Part of Equality" here in Chicago.

A special thanks to Mini Bar for offering a complimentary drink to our volunteers!

RSVP at http://www.hrcchicago.org/rsvp.html

 

 

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

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

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

www.BellevillePride.com


UPDATE
January 22nd-

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

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

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

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

BACKSTORY - Published January 5, 2011

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

Equality Illinois Sponsors Civil Union Summit - DEC 9th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Equality Illinois & MEGS (Metro East Gays & Straights)


December 3, 2010 -
/re-published 12-6
Equality Illinois Sponsors Civil Union Summit - DEC 9th

(BELLEVILLE)
Please join Equality Illinois and Metro East Gays and Straights on Thursday, December 9th at 6:30PM for a discussion about the civil union bill
(SB 1716–the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act) and its recent PASSAGE!

Speakers Rick Garcia (Equality Illinois, Public Policy Director) and Brian Tiemann (McDermott, Will & Emery, Attorney) will discuss what the new law means to LGBT people, what happens next, and address any questions that YOU might have.

This discussion in Belleville is the first in a series that Equality Illinois will be holding across the State in an effort to educate our membership about this historic bill.

Where: St. Paul's United Church of Christ (St. Paul's Cinema) - 115 West B Street, Belleville, IL 62220
*Enter from C Street

When: Thursday, December 9th from 6:30 - 8:00PM
RSVP REQUESTED

If you plan to attend, please email me at cstaerk@eqil.org or call (773) 477.7173.
We look forward to seeing you in Belleville!

Sincerely,

Caroline Staerk
Field Director, Equality Illinois
Jesse Arms, MEGS coordinator
arms4justice@yahoo.com

12th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance NOV 18-20

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

St Louis Region-wide Memorial Service

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

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

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

OTHER TDOR Related EVENTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast and Lunch provided.

Gateway Sisters Beer Bash this Sunday

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

November 11, 2010

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

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



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

RSVP @ Facebook

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

GATEWAY SISTERS info:

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

Halloween Block Party Kicks off Fundraising for 2011 Festival

www.MetroEastPride.com

On Behalf of: Metro East Pride
by: Colby Kluthe

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

(BELLEVILLE)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






(pictured above: Amy Wiser, 2010 officer)







Metro East Pride 2011 Board of Directors include:

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

"Treasure Drive" Seeks your LGBTHistory Artifacts

www.MetroEastPride.com
on Behalf of: St. Louis Gay History Project
By: Colby Kluthe
October 23, 2010


(ST. LOUIS)
It may seem to casual visitor to resemble an episode of "Antiques Roadshow", however this Sunday's Treasure Drive seeks to rediscover our history as a local LGBT community.

In recent years, there has been a determined effort to preserve and share the rich heritage of Lesbian, Gay and Transgender history in the St. Louis region.

Photos courtesy of Colin Murphy collection

The group known as the St. Louis Gay History project, lead by several spirited volunteers will be at Bad Dog Bar & Grill this Sunday October 24th to collect artifacts, photos, and stories from anyone who may have items or experiences of interest.
This past summer, a group gathered to share stories about East St. Louis, with stories that dated from the early 1950's. Until recently, the search for local LGBT history was confined to the private collections held at Washington University. This group has not only made our history available to anyone of interest, it will soon be publishing a comprehensive book for an even wider distribution.

Here is how you can help:
Go back into your closet (just for a hot minute) to dig for scrapbooks, photo albums, documents, diaries, movies/videos, magazines, newspapers - anything that documents your own personal and St. Louis' LGBT history over the years. Especially needed is information pre 1990s.

Find items your "not sure about" and perhaps find answers.
There will be formal remarks around 3 pm. AND a special guest appearance by a famous 70s ICON. We have also added a special feature - On Site Scanning.

If you have items you wish to "share" and not "donate", then we can scan or photograph the item on site.
*Ticket Stubs, Brochures, Bulletins & Flyers
*Tee-Shirts, Buttons, novelties
*books, publications, postcards, photos
*video-tapes, film, audio formats ect.
*Written accounts of historical events, people or places
* "What -Have's- You"

Please bring items that you are willing to donate to the Project or items the Project can scan or copy.

Learn more at:
Bad Dog Bar & Grill

3960 Chouteau

Saint Louis, MO

2-6pm OCTOBER 24, 2010


www.stlouisgayhistory.com

stlgayhistory@mac.com

314-740-0298