Post by crudo on Jan 8, 2006 3:58:13 GMT -5
Stanislaus Pride Center seeks help to bring local facility to GLBT community
By JEFF GIANELLI
Vice-President, Stanislaus PRIDE Center
Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) is challenging. In the Central Valley, it can take extra courage and self-awareness.
GLBTs need a place to go for answers, as well as to meet others like them in a safe and supportive environment. Although there are local bars that are GLBT-friendly, many are not comfortable in this type of environment, and bars are not an option for those under 21.
Groups such as PFLAG (Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays) exist to help GLBTs and their families get through the initial stages of coming out and to provide ongoing support.
PFLAG’s activist component, Liberty Action Network, gives GLBTs additional opportunities to get involved in furthering liberty and justice for all Americans.
GLBT group’s are limited locally by the lack of a readily accessible location to interact on a daily basis. Rental costs for meeting space and social events are costly, and it is difficult to disseminate information without a central community “hub.”
The Stanislaus PRIDE Center (SPC) aims to give the region’s GLBT community the “hub” it desperately needs before the end of 2006. Organizers envision a place where GLBTs of all ages can get information and resources, as well as where existing GLBT groups can provide the services needed by a growing GLBT community.
In addition to helping other service and support providers, there are several services that the PRIDE Center can bring to the community — even before a physical location is established. One of these is the website, stanislauspridecenter.com , which provides up-to-date GLBT news, a comprehensive GLBT Community Calendar of events and support groups, and a useful link guide to local and national resources.
In addition, the SPC Equality Pages offer a comprehensive directory (PDF file) of GLBT-friendly businesses and organizations. A searchable online version of this directory is pending.
The SPC has several programs in the works, including a transgender support group, to begin meeting in January. Coordinated by transgender people for transgender people, this group will provide specialized care and fellowship for those who have long sought a way to share their struggles with others who understand what they are going through.
Another short-term goal is the facilitating of free/low-cost counseling for GLBTs who need one-on-one therapy. In addition, the SPC plans to work with existing allied programs to expand GLBT educational training for businesses, professionals and schools with the intension of generating more compassion and understanding for GLBTs.
ACTION: To learn more or help the Stanislaus Pride Center, visit stanislauspridecenter.com or call (209) 567-3121.
By JEFF GIANELLI
Vice-President, Stanislaus PRIDE Center
Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) is challenging. In the Central Valley, it can take extra courage and self-awareness.
GLBTs need a place to go for answers, as well as to meet others like them in a safe and supportive environment. Although there are local bars that are GLBT-friendly, many are not comfortable in this type of environment, and bars are not an option for those under 21.
Groups such as PFLAG (Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays) exist to help GLBTs and their families get through the initial stages of coming out and to provide ongoing support.
PFLAG’s activist component, Liberty Action Network, gives GLBTs additional opportunities to get involved in furthering liberty and justice for all Americans.
GLBT group’s are limited locally by the lack of a readily accessible location to interact on a daily basis. Rental costs for meeting space and social events are costly, and it is difficult to disseminate information without a central community “hub.”
The Stanislaus PRIDE Center (SPC) aims to give the region’s GLBT community the “hub” it desperately needs before the end of 2006. Organizers envision a place where GLBTs of all ages can get information and resources, as well as where existing GLBT groups can provide the services needed by a growing GLBT community.
In addition to helping other service and support providers, there are several services that the PRIDE Center can bring to the community — even before a physical location is established. One of these is the website, stanislauspridecenter.com , which provides up-to-date GLBT news, a comprehensive GLBT Community Calendar of events and support groups, and a useful link guide to local and national resources.
In addition, the SPC Equality Pages offer a comprehensive directory (PDF file) of GLBT-friendly businesses and organizations. A searchable online version of this directory is pending.
The SPC has several programs in the works, including a transgender support group, to begin meeting in January. Coordinated by transgender people for transgender people, this group will provide specialized care and fellowship for those who have long sought a way to share their struggles with others who understand what they are going through.
Another short-term goal is the facilitating of free/low-cost counseling for GLBTs who need one-on-one therapy. In addition, the SPC plans to work with existing allied programs to expand GLBT educational training for businesses, professionals and schools with the intension of generating more compassion and understanding for GLBTs.
ACTION: To learn more or help the Stanislaus Pride Center, visit stanislauspridecenter.com or call (209) 567-3121.
