Director's Column: News from the Center
It is an amazingly wet summer not only with rain but the extreme humidity. We have a water bubbler here in the Center, so feel free to come in and hydrate your self and read a magazine, peruse our library, use the internet, or just come relax in our cozy area. As the weather warms so does our daily visitor count.
We have many exciting things planned for the summer months and to continue to build a sense of belonging and community here for LGBT folk as well as our many wonderful allies. Drop In Group is on average 20 people very Thursday with new faces regularly as well. We have said goodbye to friends and met many new ones as we continue to provide a safe space for networking, groups, and more.
President Obama proclaimed June to be Pride month across the nation-finally in 2009 we can have some nationwide recognition of a month that celebrates and honors us. In his proclamation he also spoke of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the need to get rid of it, the need to promote equality for all people, and more. Visit www.lavendarmagazine.com to read the proclamation in its entirety. One area I do not see eye to eye with President Obama is his stance on gay marriage-he supports civil unions but not marriage. If we still are seen as different and can not choose for ourselves between marriage and a civil union then it simply is not equality, it is a token of equality. I would much rather save tokens for Chuck E Cheese or the Car Wash.
We have many great activities coming up for July. They include an Out and About which will be a Loggers game on Sunday, July 19th. Tickets for the game are only $5 and the Center receives 50% of the proceeds. So if you happen to like baseball and love the Center too this is a win-win for all parties! We will venture to the park for Drop In group and play another game of kickball, soak our feet in the fountain, and make new friends. GALAXY youth, 4 youth, 2 youth leaders, and I will be attending the HIV Institute in Appleton. GNO (Guys Night Out) will be going to dinner at Gracie’s. PFLAG has officially moved to a new meeting site at the La Crosse Public Library South Branch, 1307 South 16th.
Save the Date
La Crosse Pride is August 22nd. We have buttons on sale at the Center for $5 in advance or $7 at the gate the day of the celebration. Last year they had a record number in attendance; if we all attend Pride and bring a friend we can easily make 2009 the best Pride ever in La Crosse.
The Second Annual Silent Rally For Equality will be October 10th. We will once again meet in Cameron Park at 11:30 a.m. and walk in unity to the Blue Bridge and stand in silence to raise awareness, challenge injustice, and promote equality for the LGBT community. Last year was our first year and we had 115 people and 3 dogs. Our goal this year is 200 people and 6 animals for equality! We will have a sign up at Pride again and I hope to reach 100 signatures for our Silent Rally!
Peace & belief,
Rosanne