Bauer announces departure from KGLRC
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center would like to congratulate departing Executive Director Zach Bauer on his outstanding service to the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center. Bauer, who has worked with the organization since March, 2011 will be leaving the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center this March as he joins the Community Investment team with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
While serving as the Executive Director, Bauer led the organization forward, expanding its capacity and doubling its staff. Bauer has also seen the organization through three extremely successful Winter Gala fundraisers and three ever-growing Kalamazoo Pride Festivals. Carol Anderson, KGLRC board President said “I would like to thank Zach wholeheartedly for all that he has done for the KGLRC—and for Kalamazoo. He has brought the [KGLRC] to where we are today, which is a vibrant and exciting place to be.”
The board of directors, together with the KGLRC staff, will implement a smooth transition that will ensure the organization’s operations and vital programming continue to be delivered at the same quality the community has come to expect from the KGLRC. “It is my firm belief that the brightest days lie ahead for the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center.” Bauer said.
During his tenure with the KGLRC Zach Bauer cultivated important relationships with new organizations, doubled the staff size, and provided strong leadership that moved the organization to new heights and achievements. Bauer concluded, “I am proud of what we have accomplished together; as a member of the Kalamazoo community, I will continue to support the work of this fine organization.”
KGLRC announces 2013 REACH Award Winners
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center would like to congratulate the individuals and organizations that have been selected as REACH Award winners for 2013. These individuals represent the best of the best in retail, education, advocacy, community, humanitarian and faith.
RETAIL AWARD
Kellogg, K-Pride Affinity Group
Kellogg is being recognized for their commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion, particularly creating a workplace where LGBTQ employees can be their whole selves while at work. Kellogg’s belief that, “goodness shines from the inside out,” is apparent with their thirteen permanent Diversity and Inclusion Councils. Each Council works to engage employees with one another, Kellogg, and the communities in which they operate.
TERRY KUSESKE EDUCATION AWARD
Patricia Carlin, Educator/Long-time GSA advisor for Kalamazoo Central High School
For more than a decade, Patricia has created a safe and inclusive space for all of her students during her tenure at Kalamazoo Central. She has gone above and beyond to support and maintain a thriving Gay-Straight Alliance at Kalamazoo Central High School. She is a tireless advocate and ally to all students, with a focus on LGBT youth who have needed safe adults on their side. The KGLRC believes all students deserve a safe environment to learn and be who they are.
ADVOCACY AWARD
Jon Hoadley
Jon’s leadership with the Unity Michigan Coalition has helped to bring protections in housing, public accommodations, and employment for more than 344,000 Michigan residents. Hoadley also managed the One Kalamazoo campaign to defend the Kalamazoo Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As a result of the victory, Hoadley regularly consults on nondiscrimination campaigns across the country.
Previously, Hoadley has served as Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats, worked for the Gill Action Fund, and managed South Dakotans Against Discrimination. In the community, Hoadley serves as the Vice President of CARES, an HIV/AIDS Service Organization in Southwest Michigan. Hoadley regularly trains with People For the American Way’s Front Lines Academy to prepare the next generation of progressive public servants.
COMMUNITY AWARD
Charley Bowers
Charley is being recognized for her determined advocacy on behalf of Michigan’s transgender community. By sharing her personal story and struggle, Charley has worked to improve awareness and understanding across the State of Michigan. Her advocacy has had a particular focus on engaging young people and challenging LGBT-serving organizations to be more trans-inclusive. She continues to speak to young people at many educational institutions and organizations. Charley serves on the board of directors of Holland Is Ready and is a long-time volunteer with the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center.
JIM KNOX HUMANITARIAN AWARD
David Feaster
David is being recognized for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ advocacy. David’s advocacy began during his studies at Rutgers University where he was president of the Rutgers University Gay Alliance, and has continued to this day, as the Executive Director of CARES. Feaster joined CARES as a board member in 1998 and began as a staff member in 2001. He is also a founding and steering committee member of Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality. His commitment to improve the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS by decreasing stigma and improving care to communities of color has greatly increased the impact of this work.
FAITH AWARD
Rev. Beth McLaren
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center recognizes Beth McLaren for her use of faith to advocate on behalf of the LGBT community. Beth has served as a strong voice as a member of the KGLRC Board of Directors, the KGLRC Faith Alliance, and a member of the clergy to advance conversations about fairness, equality and justice. Beth has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over 20 years, serving both in Michigan and in Connecticut. She has been an active participant in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan having served on the Christian Formation Task Force, the Anti-Racism Task Force, and the Cathedral Corporation.
Winners will be recognized at the KGLRC Winter Gala and Fundraiser event on Saturday, February 1, where LGBTQA individuals will socialize and celebrate diversity. This annual event is the most fun – and formal – event of the year for the KGLRC and includes wonderful food and desserts, a silent auction and musical entertainment featuring Hannaniah and the Boys. More information about the Winter Gala can be found online.
Kalamazoo LGBT Professionals Network now called “first thursdays“
The “Kalamazoo LGBT Professionals Network” will now be called “first thursdays“.
People don’t need to be “professionals” to join us. (What does that even mean?) We just want people to get together on the first Thursday of every month and socialize. So, why not keep it simple and to the point, right?
That’s about as straightforward as we can get! We will still support the local businesses that support our community by getting together at alternating locations each month. And, we will still meet from 6-9pm on the first Thursday of each month. Well… except for when, due to a holiday, we meet on the second Thursday of the month instead – like January 2014. (Of course we couldn’t be that simple!)
We encourage everyone to join us – bring your friends, and make new ones!
In an effort to streamline our communications, we will be phasing out this website after the first of the year. To get information on upcoming events, please sign up for our newsletter or look under “News & Events” / “First Thursdays” here on our site.
Taproom at Airway will host our January 9th Mixer
Join us on January 9th, from 6-9pm – yes, that is the SECOND Thursday in January – for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer.
Taproom @ Airway is a great place to hang out with friends – featuring six flat screen HDTV’s, several new Michigan craft beers on tap, an outdoor patio (which may be a tad cold this time of year), a variety of bottle beers & liquors, food service, and of course, BOWLING at the Airway Fun Center!
Taproom @ Airway is located across from the airport at 402 East 5626 Portage Rd., Portage MI, 49002. Here’s a map:
Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial 2013
Join the KGLRC as we hold the annual memorial and candlelight vigil to shed light on the lives of transgender individuals lost due to anti-trans* hatred and prejudice. We will host a keynote address by Sandra L. Samons with performances from local artists, followed by a candlelight vigil and memorial for those we lost this year.
This event begins at 4pm at the Recital Hall in the Lights Fine Arts Building on Kalamazoo College’s campus. We hope to see you there.
Paint by Number (of glasses)
Join us for the December 5th First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer – a night of art, wine and friends with the KGLRC at Happy Our Art. This is a fundraising event, the admission cost of $50 includes wine, snacks and your own painting of this masterpiece. Proceeds benefit the KGLRC to assist in their fight for social justice and equality in southwest Michigan.
Painting is from 6:30-9:30pm, social hour begins at 5:30pm, so come early and visit
with your friends.
PRE-REGISTER BY DECEMBER 1ST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $50
AND OTHER GREAT DOOR PRIZES!
Go to: http://kglrc.org/support-kglrc/ Click the “Donate Now” button, then select “$50″ and “One Time” donation frequency. Under special purpose, select “Happy Our Art ticket” from the drop-down menu.
We look forward to painting with you! Happy Our Art is located in the Oakwood Plaza, 1924 Whites Road. Here’s a map:
3rd Annual REEL Faith and Sexuality Series Occurs in October
The Faith Alliance of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center announces the third annual REEL Faith and Sexuality Series in October!
The series will take place each Tuesday of October, beginning on October 1, with Jennifer Knapp’s “Inside Out Faith” concert. On the following three Tuesdays, films will be shown that highlight the intersection of faith, sexuality, and gender identity. These films were chosen to highlight the diversity of experience of faith:
- October 1 showing: Jennifer Knapp’s “Inside Out Faith” concert. Jennifer Knapp is a highly acclaimed contemporary Christian musician whose narrative focuses on her own experience being a gay person of faith. Knapp has won four Dove Awards and received two Grammy nominations.
- October 8 showing: “Hineini: Coming Out In A Jewish High School,” which is a documentary that follows the story of a young woman who is the only out lesbian at her high school as she forms a Gay-Straight Alliance.
- October 15 showing: “Voices of Witness: Out of the Box” documents the lives of transgender Christians who courageously tell their stories of hope, learning, and wholeness.
- October 22 showing: “What’s So Funny,” a critical look at the representation of LGBT characters in the media.
The REEL Faith and Sexuality Series will take place at the Hicks Center Banquet Hall at Kalamazoo College. All events begin at 7 pm. Admission is free, and all are invited.
LGBTQ Elders Resource Guide Launch, “Gen Silent” Screening
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, in partnership with Area Agency on Aging IIIA, will launch an LGBTQ Elders Resource Guide later this month, along with a showing of the film “Gen Silent”.
The guide will serve as a tool for the LGBT community and their allies as they navigate the unique financial, health and social needs associated with the overlap of ageism with homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The intention of this project, which was made possible with funding from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, is to also support the training of care providers employed with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, and other types of long-term care providers.
Release of the Greater Kalamazoo LGBTQ Elders Resource Guide
· Tuesday, August 27 at 4 p.m.
· Little Theater at Western Michigan University
The film “Gen Silent” will be screened at the event. Directed and produced by award winning filmmaker Stu Maddux, this critically acclaimed documentary invites us to walk with six LGBT seniors as they face the challenges of accessing services in the long-term health care system. The award winning documentary film, and its accompanying cultural competency training curriculum, will provide understanding and training for long term care staff in Kalamazoo County, as well as other health care professionals.
Individuals are asked to RSVP online or by phone at (269) 349-4234.
August/September KGLRC Events
Intersection of Oppression Discussion
When: 8/8 from 6-8pm
Where: FIRE, 1249 Portage Road
Join the KGLRC and FIRE Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative for a panel discussion on the intersection of oppression in the LGBT community. The panel will include Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan: LGBT Project; plaintiffs from the Michigan case to restore domestic partner benefits; and Jay Maddock, Program Director at the KGLRC. They will discuss the recent Supreme Court rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act and the Voting Rights Act, focusing on the intersectional effects these rulings had on the LGBT community.
LGBT Tobacco Focus Group
When: 8/14 at 5:30pm, 8/20 at 5:30pm
Where: KGLRC
Who: The KGLRC and the Community Center Network, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health, are conducting a focus group in Kalamazoo for LGBT folks who are using or have used tobacco. This project is to address the high rates of tobacco usage within the LGBTQ community and think of ways to decrease it. August 14th is open to anyone, while August 20th is specifically LGBTQ women. Participants will be provided with snacks and refreshments as well as a gift card as a thank you for their participation. Contact Jay at [email protected] if you are interested in participating with the day you will be attending.
Queer Women’s Committee Potluck
When: 8/25 from 1- 3pm
Where: KGLRC
Join the Queer Women’s Committee for their monthly potluck this month! Every month on the 4th Sunday from 1pm to 3pm. This month it will be on 8/25. All lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally women are welcome. For more information, email Meg at [email protected]
Shore 2 Shore Equality Ride
When: 9/4 - 9/7
Where: Starting in Metro Detroit and riding through to Saugatuck.
Join the Community Center Network on an annual bike ride from Metro Detroit to Saugatuck to raise awareness for LGBT issues! Sign up at equalityride.dojiggy.com. For more information, contact Andi Greer, Event Coordinator, at 248.677.7215 or [email protected]
Nest Bible Study
When: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:30-8pm
Where: Quaker Friends Meeting House (508 Denner Street)
Who: Join us for a monthly bible study focusing on LGBTQ issues. Inaugural meeting is 8/12 at the Quaker Friends Meeting House. For more information, contact Elizabeth Patterson at [email protected]
Get Ready for Fall Ball with Metro Magic!
When: Starts the week of August 19th and goes through the first week of October, Tuesday nights.
Where: Versluis / Dickinson Fields
Who: Anyone that wants to have fun and play softball! Fall Ball is starting up, and we’re looking for team members! If you want to join, contact Shaun Schoonhoven at [email protected] with your name and contact information (phone/email).
Triangle Mentorship Mentee Application due 8/31
The Triangle Mentorship Program (TMP) is the first of its kind in Southwest Michigan. The TMP offers a unique and wonderful opportunity to mentor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied students in high school. This year the program will team each mentee with one working professional mentor, who identifies as LGBT or a straight ally.
All students, and particularly LGBT youth, are in need of professional role models and caring adults. Not only will this be a fun and rewarding experience, but being a mentee will have a positive impact.
Each mentor will be required to spend one day a month with their mentee and participate in three of the four full group seasonal meet-ups, one of which will be a day long retreat on September 14, 2013. Mentees will have the opportunity to go with their mentors to work, out to lunch, to a sporting event, museum, or a number of other fun activities. In addition, there will be a required parent and student orientation in the summer.
Sign up by filling out the online form or printing out the paper application. We will be accepting youth year round, but the priority deadline is August 31.
Contact Jay Maddock at [email protected] for more information.
Annual Events
