NY LGBT Health Month 2011
First launched in 2010 in partnership with other LGBT communities around
NY State, NY LGBT Health Month is designed as a month for LGBT people
and their allies to reflect on the unique health & wellness needs of our
community...and to have fun doing it!
Here in Rochester, we take NY LGBT Health Month seriously. A coalition of local organizations have come together to plan a Health Month that will educate, empower, build community & entertain---with over 30 separate events throughout the month of March, there is literally something for everyone!
Take a look at the list of events below, click on the images to open full size flyers, and join us as we get OUT and get HEALTHY!!
Tue., March 1st
NY LGBT Health Month Kick-Off Coffee Night.
7pm-9pm. Equal Grounds Coffee House (750 South Ave.)
Come OUT to Rochester’s gayest coffee hot spot and meet some of the Health Month organizers & participating organizations, learn more about the events of Health Month. Colin Coffey, from Renewing Massage, and a representative from Rochester Community Acupuncture will also be on hand to talk about the health benefits of holistic health services like massage and acupuncture. While you’re there, enter a drawing for a cool Equal Grounds souvenir and complimentary massage services!
Wed., March 2nd
LGBT Equality and Justice Town Hall Meeting
6:00pm. Williams Gallery (first floor to the left as you come in) at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester (220 Winton Rd.)
At this meeting the Pride Agenda will give an update on the status of LGBT legislation, including marriage equality and transgender civil rights legislation (GENDA), give an update on the work the Pride Agenda is doing, and discuss ways to plug into work for LGBT equality and justice through the Pride Agenda.
Contact: Alden Bashaw, WNY Organizer, abashaw@prideagenda.org or (585) 271-2420.
Thurs., March 3rd
Legal Healthcare Issues Workshop.
6pm-7:30pm. Geneva Office of AIDS Care (605 W. Washington St. Geneva, NY)
LGBT people’s rights & wishes are often not equally protected/respected in healthcare settings---this workshop will provide insight into how LGBT people and families can protect themselves legally in these situations.
Contact: Chris Morrow, cmorrow@acRochester.org or (585)210-4196.
Fri., March 4th
T.G.I.F./InQueery film screening: “Southern Comfort.”
7pm. GAGV Community Room (875 E. Main St.)
The GAGV’s weekly “Think Gay It’s Friday” (TGIF) series teams up with InQueery to present the award-winning film “Southern Comfort”---A beautiful and remarkable love story, more touching and captivating than anything fiction could ever create. Robert is a 52-year-old wise-cracking cowboy, warm and gregarious, who was born female and later transitioned into living as a man. The film finds Robert fifteen years later, during the extraordinary last year of his life, as he falls headlong into a passionate romance with Lola, a vivacious and magnetic woman who was born male. Free admission.
More information: www.gayalliance.org
Sat., March 5th
Marriage Matters: Potluck for Progress.
5:30pm-8pm. GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.)
This community dinner sponsored by Equality Rochester (EROC) will incorporate a marriage equality strategy discussion and work on the “Marriage Video Lobbying Project” being planned with Outspoken for Equality Buffalo. All are welcome, bring a dish to pass or donations are appreciated.
Contact/RSVP: Anne Tischer, anne.tischer1@gmail.com or (585)426-0862
Sun., March 6th
LGBT Self Defense.
4:30-6pm. GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.)
LGBT people are the targets of some of the most violent crimes in America. Join us in a queer-friendly space to learn more about bias-related crime and some basic strategies to protect yourself. This event is open to participants 21 & over ONLY.
Contact: Jess Cohen, jessc@gagv.us or (585)244-8640 or Allegra Anka, aanka@acRochester.org or (585)210-4178.
Mon., March 7th
LGBT Health Month visits Gay Bowling!
7pm. Clover Lanes (2750 Monroe Ave.)
Join the Rochester Victory Alliance and other LGBT Health Month organizers as we visit with Rochester’s very own (and very popular) gay bowling league!! Join us to socialize, have a snack, learn more about Health Month and, space permitting, bowl a few frames!
Tue., March 8th
Trans Talk: Gender Fluidity.
6pm-8pm. GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.)
Join panelists from our community representing the full spectrum of transgender experience to discuss gender expression and the fluidity of identity.
Contact: Jess Cohen, jessc@gagv.us or (585)244-8640
Wed., March 9th
LGBT Youth & Healthcare.
3pm-4:30pm. GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.)
This discussion with Dr. Suzanne Lee will help LGBT youth & young adults learn more about how they can find a gay-friendly doctor and get the best healthcare possible. This event open to ages 13-23 only!
Contact: Jess Cohen, jessc@gagv.us or (585)244-8640
Thurs., March 10th
Out & Equal’s 2nd Thursday Networking Event.
5:30pm-7:30pm. Tapas 177 (177 St. Paul St.)
Join Out & Equal for their monthly meet & greet time to snack, socialize and network with other LGBT community members in our area! This event open to ages 21 and over only!
Contact: Ralph Carter, fingerlakes@outandequal.org or www.oeNYfingerlakes.groupsite.com
Fri., March 11th
LGBT Community Faith Service.
7pm. Peace Lutheran Church (125 Caroline St.)
Coinciding with both LGBT Health Month & “The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS,” this visioning service sponsored by Unity Fellowship & the Minority AIDS Initiative of AIDS Care will celebrate faith, health and spirituality for LGBT people & their community of supporters.
Contact: Jackie Dozier, jdozier@acRochester.org or (585)210-4126.
Sat., March 12th
Something for the Sistas: Reclaiming your Personal Power.
3pm-4:30pm. MOCHA Center (107 Liberty Pole Way)
In honor of LGBT Health Month and National Women’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Tom Somerville will be conducting a fine art workshop at the MOCHA Center focused on women and refocusing their energy. “Something for the Sistas” is a group for women of color 25+ held monthly on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Contact: Judith Bauman, jbauman@mochacenter.org or (585)420-1400.
Sat., March 12th
Geva Theater presents “Stop Kiss.”
1:30pm & 7:00pm. Geva Theater Nextstage (75 Woodbury Blvd.)
Join the community for a night of theater as Out of Pocket Productions & Geva’s Nextstage present playwright Diana Son’s Off-Broadway hit, “Stop Kiss.” Proceeds from this production of “Stop Kiss” will benefit Rochester Pride 2011. Tickets: $20
Contact: boxoffice@gevatheatre.org or www.gevatheatre.org
Sun., March 13th
Come Out Dancin’.
3:30pm-5:30pm. Friends Meetinghouse (84 Scio St.--- entrance on Charlotte St opposite East End parking garage)
Come Out Dancin’ is a new Rochester group creating an LGBT Social Dance Community---come and join the fun for a mini lesson on SWING & open dance!! Cover charge: $5/person. This event is intended for adults 18+!
Contact: comeoutdancin@gayalliance.org or (585) 244-8640
Tue., March 15th
Black Lesbians Matter : A Panel & Discussion.
7pm-9pm. Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.)
Co-sponsored by AIDS Care, MOCHA Center & the NYCLU, this moderated community panel will review some of the key findings of the Zuna Institute’s (www.zunainstitute.org) 2010 report “Black Lesbians Matter” and engage in a community dialogue about the issues of lesbian & bi women of color in our community.
Contact: Allegra Anka, aanka@acRochester.org or (585)210-4178 or Sady Fischer, sfischer@acRochester.org or (585)210-4189.
Thurs., March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day HIV/STD Testing Event.
2pm-5pm. MOCHA Center (107 Liberty Pole Way)
The MOCHA Center is getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit by reminding you to get be healthy and know your status! Free HIV & STD testing will be available. Incentives will be provided.
Contact: Michael Booth, mbooth@mochacenter.org or (585)420-1400.
Fri., March 18th
Bread & Water Theater presents LAMBDA PROJECT: THE END.
8pm. Bread & Water Theatre Mainstage (243 Rosedale St.)
In 2003 J.R. Teeter, Artistic Director of the Bread & Water Theatre started the Lambda Project which collected and told the real-life stories of GLBTIQ people from all over the world in a show that is equal parts performance, monologue and soul searching honesty. Join members of our community for a special “LGBT Health Month Night Out at the Theater” for this final installment in the 8 year series. (The show will also be run 3/19 at 8pm and 3/20 at 2pm). Tickets: $12 (General) and $6 (Student/Senior)
Contact: www.breadandwatertheatre.org or call 585.271.5523
Sat., March 19th
Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Concert “Moments in Time.”
8pm. Hochstein School of Music (50 N. Plymouth Ave.)
The RGMC presents their annual spring concert, “Moments in Time: A Broadway Tribute,” as a tribute to some of the most beloved songs from the great white way!
For ticket information, visit www.thergmc.org
Sun., March 20th
Annual Intergenerational Panel.
4pm. First Universalist Church (150 S. Clinton Ave.)
The Intergenerational Panel, co-presented by the GAGV Youth Program and Rainbow SAGE, has become an annual tradition in our community bringing together a diverse panel of individuals from various age groups to talk about the unique issues and experiences of living and aging in the LGBT community. Chili and beverages will be provided after the event---all are welcome to bring a dessert to pass. (ASL interpreting available upon request)
Contact: Ginny or Saundra at (585)473-4765
Tue., March 22nd
Name Change & Other Transgender Legal Issues (Out for Justice Workshop Series).
6:30pm-8pm. GAGV Community Room (875 E. Main St.)
Members of the transgender community have a variety of unique legal issues and needs ranging from navigating the system for name changes and legal documentation to insuring their basic rights with regard to healthcare. This session will provide an overview of some of the needs of trans members of our community and provide tips/tools for they might protect themselves.
Contact: Allegra Anka, aanka@acRochester.org or (585)210-4178 or Kelly Clark, kellyc@gagv.us or (585)244-8640.
Wed., March 23rd
Pride 2011 Planning Meeting.
6pm-7:30pm. GAGV Nopper Room (5th Floor, 875 E. Main St.)
Rochester’s 2011 Pride Celebration will be July 8th-17th. Come and join this meeting with Pride organizers to learn how you can show your pride, volunteer & get involved in exciting events like the Parade and Festival on July 16th or the annual Price Picnic on July 17th…as well as many other events throughout the week!
Contact: Pride Co-Chair, Michael Hardy michaelh@gayalliance.com
Thur., March 24th
Health Month goes to the movies (sponsored by ImageOUT).
6pm & 9pm . Cinema Theatre (957 South Clinton Ave.)
ImageOut: The Rochester Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival once again joins LGBT Health Month with two free film screenings and an opportunity to learn more about how to get involved and volunteer with ImageOut. As in years past, these screenings are free and open to the public on a first come, first seated basis.
For more information about the films: www.imageout.org
This year’s Health Month screenings will feature two popular titles from the 2010 festival:
“FIT” showing at 6pm.
Mr. Loris has his work cut out for him. He's the new drama/dance teacher at a tough urban UK school. His class is full of the school's worst students who have been kicked out of every other class, and they can tell straight away that he very, very gay. But that's ok; so are many of them, even if they haven't realized it yet. The film unfolds in chapters providing an intimate look into the livesof the students, where we come to better understand their diverse backgrounds, the struggles they are facing, and how they begin to find solace in embracing their sexuality and being comfortable with who they are. FIT is a flowing slam poem itself - full of dance, driving beats, and rhythmic banter-- covering touchy subjects like bullying, family dynamics, class and race disparity, and the rampant homophobia in many teens' lives.
“Children of God” showing at 9pm.
"A journey brings us face to face with ourselves.” With these words, Johnny’s art professor gives him a unique assignment. In order to pass her class, he must paint the landscape of Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, Bahamas and discover himself before he can create art that connects with others. So begins a complex story of lives worlds apart and yet overlapping. Lena, the devout wife of a closeted pastor struggling with his own demons & internalized homophobia, is traveling to Eleuthera at the same time as Johnny to create support for her husband’s attempts to get the local government to pass stricter anti-gay measures. Romeo, a handsome and charismatic local boy, is an acquaintance of Lena’s, and as the two chat across the aisle of the ferry to Eleuthera, Johnny finds himself unable to take his eyes off the beautiful young man. As these three individuals continue to cross paths, fate leads them on a journey that will force them to confront their own fears and will leave each of them changed forever. The first film from the Bahamas ever screened at ImageOut, "Children of God" is beautfiul in both visuals and story and allows director Kareem Mortimer to tackle head-on the homophobia in his country, and to show that even paradise is a long way from perfection.
Fri., March 25th
LGBT (and Our Allies) Ice Skating Party.
5pm-7pm. Genesee Valley Park Indoor Ice Rink (131 Elmwood Ave.)
Sponsored by Out & Equal of the Finger Lakes! Come OUT of the cold and have a healthy skate with family, friends and/or coworkers. Free admission!! Skate rental $3.00 (all are welcome to bring their own skates free of charge). Discounted snacks and beverage from concessions!
Contact: fingerlakes@outandequal.org or visit www.oeNYfingerlakes.groupsite.com for details.
Sat., March 26th
VDay 2011: The Vagina Monologues.
7pm. Hochstein School of Music (50 N. Plymouth Ave.)
Join LGBT Health Month at the Rochester Community Performance of Eve Enslers's smash hit “The Vagina Monologues”---sponsored by Planned Parenthood and raising funds for Rape Crisis Service, and the VDay 2011 spotlight: the women and girls of Haiti. Advance tickets: $20 general & $10 student/senior (tickets $5 additional at the door).
For tickets and information: www.pprsr.org or email vdayrochester@gmail.com
Sun., March 27th
Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser
2pm-7pm. 140 Alex Bar & Grill (140 Alexander St.)
March into Pride Monte Carlo style!! Come out and enjoy an evening of fun, prizes, music, cash bar & more!! This event is a fundraiser to support Rochester Pride 2011. $10 gets you 20,000 “dollars” to try your luck and support a great cause! This event is open to ages 21 & over only!
Contact: www.gayalliance.org
Mon., March 28th
Rated F hosts “Love Your Boobs: Breast Casting” (Part 1).
7pm-9pm. Flying Squirrel Community Space (285 Clarissa St.)
Rated F & Love Your Boobs Breast Casting are back! Join us for their 2nd annual breast casting event in recognition of LGBT Health Month. This time around, the event will be in two parts, which will happen over TWO days. On Monday, March 28th we’ll be casting ourselves in a fun, body-positive environment. $10 suggested donation (Nobody turned away. 50% of proceeds will be donated to the Mautner Project, a lesbian breast health organization).
This event is open to women and people of trans experience.
For more information or to RSVP contact Sady & Allegra by March 25th at ratedfteam@gmail.com
Mon., March 28th
Community Ambassador Training, hosted by the Pride Agenda.
6:30pm. Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.)
The Pride Agenda will be hosting a training on how to be an effective advocate in your community and to your elected officials for marriage equality and transgender civil rights in New York State.
Contact: Alden Bashaw WNY Organizer, abashaw@prideagenda.org or (585) 271-2420.
Tue., March 29th
Rated F hosts “Love Your Boobs: Breast Casting” (Part 2).
7pm-9pm. Flying Squirrel Community Space (285 Clarissa St.)
Rated F & Love Your Boobs Breast Casting are back! Join us for their 2nd annual breast casting event in recognition of LGBT Health Month. This time around, the event will be in two parts, which will happen over TWO days. On Tuesday, March 29th we’ll be gathering again to paint the casts we made the night prior in a fun, body-positive environment. Refreshments will be provided. This event is open to women and people of trans experience.
For more information or to RSVP contact Sady & Allegra by March 25th at ratedfteam@gmail.com
Wed., March 30th
Queer Youth Sexual Health Discussion Group (for ages 13-23 ONLY).
5pm-6pm GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.)
Come and enjoy a frank open discussion and Q&A session with Erik Libey from AIDS Care about sex, sexuality and staying safe & healthy----geared specifically for LGBT youth and young adults.
Contact: Jess Cohen, jessc@gagv.us or (585)244-8640 or Erik Libey, elibey@acRochester.org or (585)210-4192.
Thurs., March 31st
Love and Forgiveness Project Film Screening of “Beyond Hatred”
6:30 pm. GAGV Community Room (875 E. Main St.)
“Beyond Hatred” captures the power of human beings to move from grief and hatred toward forgiveness and healing under the most extreme circumstances. Film maker Olivier Meyrou captures what happens after the hate crime. He begins filming with the Chenu family 700 days after their son François’ senseless murder and just months before the trial of his accused killers. What lessons can we learn from the Chenus that may apply to the pain and suffering in our own lives? Discussion to follow. French with English subtitles. Free and open to the public. This event is a collaboration with the award-winning documentary series POV (www.pbs.org/pov).
Contact: Kelly Clark, kellyc@gayalliance.org or 585-244-8640.
