PERCEPTIONS
SAGINAW VALLEY
Serving the Tri-City Area’s LGBT Community
September/October 2014
Free
www.PerceptionsSV.org
Perceptions Ends Summer with Participation at Mid
Michigan Pride, the AIDS Walk, and a Picnic w/ GLAD
INSIDE:
Lesbian & Bi Women’s Group… 2
Holiday Party …..…………..……... 2
AIDS Walk ………...……………….. 4
Mid Michigan Pride …...…....….. 6
Current Events ........................... 7
Calendar .................................... 8
Logan’s Promotion ..................... 9
Gender Talk .............................. 10
View from the Chair ................. 12
Picnic ........................................ 14
Health Survey ........................... 15
An
Informative
Talk About
Gender
Page 10
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Perceptions Saginaw Valley
Perceptions
Saginaw Valley
PO Box 1525
Midland, MI 48641
989-891-1429
www.PerceptionsSV.org
EDITOR
Brent Theisen
[email protected]
AD SALES
[email protected]
PRINT DISTRIBUTION
Randy Hasso
ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION
[email protected]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
[email protected]
SUBMISSIONS are always
NEW
Perceptions Lesbian and Bi Women's
Discussion Group Locker
Mission: Perceptions will sponsor a vibrant Lesbian & Bi
Women’s Community Group for women residing in the
Saginaw Valley region.
Purpose: Create a safe environment for Lesbian & Bi
Women to come together for social opportunities, open
discussion, educational dialogue and presentations.
welcome. Write to:
[email protected]
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Get your copy of the Newsletter sent to
you free with your paid membership.
The Newsletter is always free to view
online. For more information visit
www.PerceptionsSV.org
The group will meet every third Saturday from
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm at Populace Café Coffee House,
1003 Washington Ave (between 3rd & 4th Street),
Bay City, MI 48708. tel: 989-385-1657.
Facilitated by: Lorie Dahlberg
Perceptions Saginaw Valley is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
contributions are deductible as
charitable donations for federal income
tax purposes.
Perceptions is Mid-Michigan’s
leading resource for enriching
and empowering LGBT
individuals and their
community.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide inclusive:
education, networking, and advocacy
programs for our diverse Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgender individuals,
allies and organizations in the
community.
Holiday Gala
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6. Plans
are underway for this year’s Perceptions Holiday Gala.
The theme this year is a strolling dinner with dancing to
celebrate the events of 2014. Tickets are now on sale
through the Perceptions website, $48 per person. Look
forward to seeing you there.
September/October 2014
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Perceptions Saginaw Valley
2014 AIDS Walk Raises over $46,000
by Ben Dowd
Saturday, September 21st was a
beautiful day. The sun was shining, the
weather just right, and the gathering of
folks at SVSU for the 10th Annual AIDS
Walk was over 500 strong. The slogan
for this years' walk was "10 years, 10
Walks, 1000's Helped". Perceptions was
recognized this year with a special award
for being one of three sponsors to have
supported/sponsored the walk all 10
years.
As the morning began, the walkers
arrived and could meet with sponsor
vendors, dance to the music streaming
through campus, and enjoy breakfast
food and coffee. The event program included recognition, dancers, a vocal
group, and concluded with a very heartfelt story from a client of Sacred Heart
Rehabilitation Services. At the end of
the story, a release of balloons
containing the names of loved ones who
we have lost from HIV/AIDS drifted into
the distance and disappeared.
Perceptions had a team of volunteers working the booth to aid in collecting health surveys that we have partnered in collecting. The day was successful in obtaining several completed surveys as well as fun had by the folks at the
booth.
Please be on the look out for the
2015 AIDS Walk, and join us next
year. It is always a very nice event, and
raising money for a cause very near to
many of our lives makes it even more
meaningful.
For more information on the 2014
AIDS Walk please visit:
www.sacredheartcenter.com/aidswalk
September/October 2014
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Perceptions Saginaw Valley
MID-MICHIGAN PRIDE: An August Rainbow Treat!
by Greg Gwaltney
A few storm clouds and rain couldn’t stop the
Great Lakes Bay’s Mid-Michigan Pride from “making a
splash” for LGBT residents and our wonderful allies
on Saginaw’s Ojibway Island on August 16. With a donation of $5,000 to the newly created Mid-Michigan
Pride Inc., Perceptions Saginaw Valley became the Title Sponsor of this year's Mid-Michigan LGBT Pride
event and joined the ranks of other top tier sponsors
who are helping to celebrate diversity throughout the
Saginaw Valley region.
Under a new team of organizers, this year’s
Pride featured a performance stage and approximately
a dozen vendors. For the first time, Pride initiated a
children’s entertainment area and a beer tent
(Obviously, not in the same area.) The largest crowds
showed for the excellent
Drag Shows, organized by
Miss Mixx herself, and featured talent from throughout
Mid-Michigan.
One of the busiest
vendor stops of the day was
our own Perceptions booth.
As the title sponsor, Perceptions held a premium location near the stage and utilized three tents where volunteers promoted the organization and advertised upcoming events . Perception’s
primary activity of the day
was the administration of
273 LGBTQ Health Awareness Assessments!
Twelve chairs were consistently filled with people
completing surveys! Perceptions also sold soda, water,
and chips out of a Pepsi wagon graciously donated by
a local Pepsi distributor.
As a lead sponsor, Perceptions would like to
thank all volunteers that put forth such effort to make
this event come to life. Additionally, the Perceptions
booth and snack wagon would not have been a success
without the crew of “tried and true” members and
friends who tirelessly worked throughout the day.
To those of you who attended, we’re better for
having met you and shared our stories. Thank you for
coming out to support the LGBT community. Our
strength is in our numbers, convictions, and visibility;
in essence, our Pride.
September/October 2014
Page 7
Current Events
PerceptionsSV.org/events
▼ Tues., October 7th - Men’s Discussion Group 7:00 to
8:30 pm. This gathering is intended as a discussion and informal support group for gay and bisexual men. The group will be
facilitated by Chris Lauckner. You may contact him at
[email protected] for additional information or to let
him know you'll attend. Light snacks will be provided.
St. John’s Episcopal, 123 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw.
at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 2525 Hemmeter Rd.,
Saginaw. PFLAG offers support, education and advocacy for
families, friends and LGBT individuals.
Wed., October 8th - Jeffrey Jay 8:00 pm. Transgender
comedian Jeffrey Jay will perform at SVSU in the Thompson
Student Activities Room. Jeffrey Jay is a comedian, comedy
writer for the Feast of Fun podcast, and public speaker. He has
been featured in The Advocate as one of “The top 7 Transgender
Comedians” and “7 LGBT Comics You Shouldn’t Have missed in
2011,″ has been see on the CW morning show The Eye Opener,
and a Finalist in The 2013 Funniest Comic in Texas. When not
doing stand-up Jeffrey participates in ally training and speaks at
colleges and high schools sharing his story to educate others
about trans* issues. Free admission.
▼ October 24th - Friday Night Dinner 7:00 pm. Join Perceptions this week at Coco Loco Mexican Grill and Bar, 201
North Euclid Ave., Bay City. If you plan to attend, please reply
to [email protected] by 3:00 pm Fri.
▼ Thurs., October 9th - Raise the Steaks Fundraiser
4:00 pm to close. Logan’s Roadhouse, 2697 Tittabawassee
Rd., Saginaw. Print the ticket and present it to your server and
up to 20% of meal cost will be donated to Perceptions.
▼ Thurs., October 23rd - Raise the Steaks Fundraiser
4:00 pm to close. Logan’s Roadhouse, 7135 Eastman Ave.,
Midland. Up to 20% of meal cost is donated to Perceptions.
▼ October 31st - Friday Night Dinner 7:00 pm. Join Perceptions this week at Asian Noodle, 200 Center Ave., Bay
City. Please reply to [email protected] by 3:00 pm Fri,
if you plan to attend, .
Tues., November 4th - Election Day. Visit the Michigan
Voter Information Center to find your polling place, view your
sample ballot, learn about your voting equipment and more.
michigan.gov/vote
▼ October 10th - Friday Night Dinner 7:00 pm. Join Perceptions this week at Grand Traverse Pie Company, 2600
North Saginaw Road, Midland. If you plan to attend, please
reply to [email protected] by 3:00 pm Fri.
▼ Tues., November 4th - Men’s Discussion Group 7:00
to 8:30 pm. This gathering is intended as a discussion and informal support group for gay and bisexual men. The group will
be facilitated by Chris Lauckner. You may contact him at
[email protected] for additional information or to let
him know you'll attend. Light snacks will be provided.
St. John’s Episcopal, 123 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw.
Sat., October 11th - The Trans* Leadership Project
9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Trans* leaders and trans* voices are needed to win the fight against discrimination. Participants will receive training in the skills necessary to build a stronger, more
inclusive movement. Lansing. Email [email protected]
to add your voice or ask questions. Sponsored by Unity Michigan Coalition.
▼ Thurs., November 6th - Perceptions Transgender
Group 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Populace Coffee, 1003 Washington
Ave., Bay City. The group offers an informal gathering, taking a
more 'light-hearted' approach to allow transgender individuals
in the Tri-City area an opportunity to connect with one another
for socializing and support. Contact [email protected] if
you have any questions.
Sun., October 12th - PFLAG Genesee County Support
groups at 2:00 pm followed by refreshments and presentation.
For more info, contact [email protected]. The meeting
takes place at the UU Church of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy.
▼ Sat., November 8th - Perceptions Women’s Discussion Group. 2:30 - 4:00 pm. The group’s purpose is to create
a safe environment for lesbian and bi women so they may participate in social opportunities, open discussion, educational
dialogue and presentations. Meeting at the Red Eye Café, 205
N. Hamilton St., Saginaw. Facilitated by Lorie Dahlberg. Contact her through Facebook (www.facebook.com/lorie.dahlberg)
for more information.
▼ Thurs., October 16th - Perceptions General Meeting
7:00 pm. Guest speaker, Amy McDonald, phycologist.
St. John's Episcopal, 123 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw.
▼ October 17th - Friday Night Dinner 7:00 pm. Join Perceptions this week at Olive Garden, 3630 Bay Road, Saginaw.
If you plan to attend, please reply to [email protected]
by 3:00 pm Fri.
Fri., October 17th - PFLAG Fall Bowling Bash 7:00 pm.
$20 ticket includes bowling (9 Pin No Tap/Cosmic Glow), shoe
rental, pizza & pop, raffle, and costume contest (optional).
$12.50 tickets are available for non-bowlers. B’s Bowling Center, 750 S. Center Rd., Flint. Proceeds benefit PFLAG Flint.
www.pflagflint.com
▼ Sat., October 18th - Perceptions Women’s Discussion Group. 2:30 - 4:00 pm. The group’s purpose is to create
a safe environment for lesbian and bi women so they may participate in social opportunities, open discussion, educational
dialogue and presentations. Populace Café, 1003 Washington
Ave., Bay City. Facilitated by Lorie Dahlberg. Contact her
through Facebook (www.facebook.com/lorie.dahlberg) for more
information.
Sun., October 19th - PFLAG Tri-Cities Meeting 2:00 pm
▼ Sun., November 9th - PFLAG Genesee County Support groups at 2:00 pm followed by refreshments and presentation. For more info, contact [email protected]. The meeting
takes place at the UU Church of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy.
▼ Sat., November 15th - Perceptions Women’s Discussion Group 2:30 - 4:00 pm. The group’s purpose is to create a
safe environment for lesbian and bi women so they may participate in social opportunities, open discussion, educational dialogue and presentations. Populace Café, 1003 Washington
Ave., Bay City. Facilitated by Lorie Dahlberg. Contact her
through Facebook (www.facebook.com/lorie.dahlberg) for more
information.
▼ Event sponsored or endorsed by Perceptions.
To be informed about upcoming events, simply send a blank
email to: [email protected]
OCTOBER 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
3
4
Perceptions
Transgender Group
6
7
Last Day to
Register to Vote
in November 4th
General Election
michigan.gov/vote
12
13
Columbus Day
8
9
Perceptions
Men's Group
Raise the Steaks
Fundraiser
Logan's Roadhouse
2697 Tittabawassee Rd.
Saginaw, 4:00 - 10:00 PM
St. John's Episcopal
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Saginaw, 7:00 PM
14
15
16
Genesee County
PFLAG Meeting
UU Church of Flint
2474 S. Ballenger Hwy
Flint, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
19
21
22
23
PFLAG Tri-Cities
Meeting
Our Saviour Lutheran
2525 Hemmeter Rd.
Saginaw, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
26
10
17
28
29
30
18
Friday Night Dinner
Gay & Bi Women's
Olive Garden
Discussion Group
3630 Bay Road
Populace Café
Saginaw
1003 Washington Ave.
7:00 PM Bay City, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
24
United Nations Day
Friday Night Dinner
Coco Loco
Mexican Grill
201 N. Euclid Ave.
Bay City, 7:00 PM
Raise the Steaks
Fundraiser
Logan's Roadhouse
7135 Eastman Ave.
Midland, 4:00 - 10:00 PM
27
11
Friday Night Dinner
Grand Traverse
Pie Company
2600 N. Saginaw Rd.
Midland, 7:00 PM
Perceptions
General Meeting
St. John's Episcopal
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Saginaw, 7:00 PM
20
31
Halloween
Friday Night Dinner
Asian Noodle
200 Center Ave.
Bay City
7:00 PM
S
7
14
21
28
September 2014
M T W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6
8 9 10 11 12 13
15 16 17 18 19 20
22 23 24 25 26 27
29 30
S
2
9
16
23
30
November 2014
M T W Th F Sa
1
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
Yom Kippur
Friday Night Dinner
Dockside
1019 N. Water St.
Bay City
7:00 PM
Populace Coffee
1003 Washington Ave.
Bay City, 7:00 PM
5
Saturday
Notes:
25
NOVEMBER 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
Daylight Savings
3
4
5
6
Election Day
michigan.gov/vote
Men's Group
Populace Coffee
1003 Washington Ave.
Bay City, 7:00 PM
Saginaw, 7:00 PM
10
11
Veterans Day
12
13
14
Genesee County
PFLAG Meeting
UU Church of Flint
2474 S. Ballenger Hwy
Flint, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
16
17
18
19
20
21
Perceptions
General Meeting
St. John's Episcopal
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Saginaw, 7:00 PM
24
25
26
27
Thanksgiving
S
5
12
19
26
October
M T W
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
2014
Th F
2 3
9 10
16 17
23 24
30 31
Sa
4
11
18
25
S
7
14
21
28
December 2014
M T W Th F
1 2 3 4 5
8 9 10 11 12
15 16 17 18 19
22 23 24 25 26
29 30 31
Sa
6
13
20
27
Gay & Bi Women's
Discussion Group
Populace Café
1003 Washington Ave.
Bay City, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
22
Friday Night Dinner
28
29
Friday Night Dinner
30
Gay & Bi Women's
Discussion Group
Red Eye
205 N. Hamilton St.
Satinaw, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
15
Friday Night Dinner
PFLAG Tri-Cities
Meeting
Our Saviour Lutheran
2525 Hemmeter Rd.
Saginaw, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
23
8
Friday Night Dinner
Transgender Group
St. John's Episcopal
9
7
Perceptions
Notes:
September/October 2014
Page 9
An identical promotion will follow at the Midland Logan’s Steakhouse on October 23,
requiring a separate coupon. Please watch the web site, Facebook and our weekly
message email for the coupon.
Page 10
Perceptions Saginaw Valley
Understanding Gender
by Charin Davenport
It’s no secret that transgender people are
in the news these days, but how much do you
really know? As a member of the LGBT community, are you able to discuss trans-related topics
with confidence?
Well, understanding transgender people
and the wide range of our concerns and issues
requires an understanding
of the basics of gender. In
fact, understanding a few
basic ideas about gender
will help you understand
anyone who identifies as a
non-cis gender person.
If you didn’t quite
understand that last sentence, don’t feel alone. Consider this: Facebook now
offers 51 options for how
users can identify their
gender! The UC Berkley
Gender Equity Resource
Center website provides
definitions for 96 gender
terms! Who can understand all of that, let alone
memorize it?
Understanding the basics of gender
(understanding anything for that matter) requires at least a little knowledge of the language
– the terms: what they mean and why they matter.
LET’S NARROW IT DOWN A LITTLE!!
1. Gender – Refers to the traditional or stereotypical masculine and feminine behavioral differences, as defined by the culture. The expectations for gender identity and gender expression
are derived from a person’s sex, usually assigned at birth.
2. Sex – Usually refers to biological sex, which
has historically been determined by the appearance of genitalia at birth, as well as the “sex
chromosomes” in which XX = Female, and XY =
Male.
3. Sexual Orientation – type of sexual,
romantic, physical, or spiritual attraction
one feels for others.
One thing to keep in mind regarding
gender is that the idea of what is considered
masculine behavior in one culture or society,
may not hold true in another culture or society. In
fact, within a society or a
culture, different expectations could exist between
sub-cultures. For example,
the expectation or the assignment of certain feminine behaviors for women
in traditional Quaker society are likely to be quite
different than those of an
urban Hispanic culture in
southern Texas.
It is also worth noting that biological sex in
humans is not limited to
XX and XY. There are numerous other combinations within the “sex” pair of chromosomes,
including XXY, XYY, XXX, and so on. I will
write more about this in an upcoming article.
Basic Gender Terminology
• Gender Identity – internal sense
an individual has about their gender, and
how they choose to label themselves, traditionally as man or woman.
• Gender Expression – external display of gender (dress, demeanor, social
behavior, etc.). Usually measured along a
range of masculinity and femininity.
• Transgender – umbrella term for
people whose gender identity and/or
gender expression differs from their assigned sex at birth.
September/October 2014
Page 11
• Cis Gender – person who is not
transgender and whose gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex all align
(e.g., vagina = woman, feminine, female)
• Binary Gender – outdated view limiting gender to man and woman
There are a number of myths regarding gender,
and here is one of them:
MYTH: Gender identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Orientation are the
same!!
Ahem!! No, they’re not. Here is the breakdown:
First of all – Everyone has a biological sex, a
gender identity, a gender expression and a
sexual orientation.
Second – Anatomy does not determine sexual
orientation, biological sex, gender identity and gender expression.
Third – Being a transgender person does not
mean you’re gay.
Fourth – Masculine females and feminine
males are often assumed in the United States
to be gay.
Fifth – “Anti-gay” discrimination, harassment
and violence often targets gender expression, not sexual orientation.
So that is a primer to get you started.
Now you’re probably wondering why this matters. Well, take a look at the Fifth item above:
“Anti-gay” discrimination, harassment and violence often targets gender expression, not sexual orientation. By excluding gender expression
from amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil
Rights Act, which some in the LGBT community
(but not that many, really) have come to accept
as a compromise, “acting gay” and whatever
that means may very well be interpreted as a
form of gender expression.
In forthcoming issues, we will explore
gender and sex and all that juicy stuff even
more.
So, do you identify as cis-gender or noncis gender?
The Song
of the Witches
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and caldron bubble.
Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the caldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and caldron bubble.
Cool it with a baboon's blood,
Then the charm is firm and good.
-William Shakespeare
Page 12
Perceptions Saginaw Valley
View from the Chair
by Chris Lauckner
Greetings to you all. It
is kind of difficult to realize that it is officially
the "Fall Season!"
For me, personally,
there are the 'pros' and
'cons' of experiencing
the fall.
First the pros:
-The changing color of the leaves especially seen
on a bright sunny day.
-The aroma of apple sauce or apple pie baking
using those delicious fall apples.
-Planning & Making homemade Holiday gifts
(seems to make the longer, dark, evenings that
much more easily to accept.)
Now, for the cons:
-Early snowfalls (prior to Thanksgiving), cold
weather.
-Wearing heavy clothing (especially 'hats'...I
don't like 'em).
-Clearing off an icy car windshield.
What are your personal 'pros' & 'cons' about the
Fall Season?
[Share them with a friend!]
_________________
It has been a couple of busy months for Perceptions members, volunteers, and allies. Below is a
simple overview of our organizational activities:
MID MICHIGAN PRIDE (Saturday, August
16th)
The event seemed to have a good cross section of
ages, gender, and race. All attendees were appreciated for attending and celebrating PRIDE.
Even with about a half hour of light rain, those
that came out stayed and had a good time. Perceptions, along with donating $5,000 toward
expenses of MID MICHIGAN PRIDE, also had a
whole host of volunteers. THANKS to all who
participated!!
A Lesbian & Bi - Women's Discussion
Group was discussed and further action steps
were approved by the Perceptions Board of
Trustees. For the past several months, there
has been increased support for such a facilitated group. As, with all of our 'discussion' groups
that are encouraged and/or supported by Perceptions, they are not 'therapy' groups, led by a
counseling professional. They are, however,
offered as a means of additional support and
connection. A Mission Statement and Purpose
Statement have been developed for the new
group and will be cited on pieces of social media, moving forward. Please see page 2 for additional details.
AIDS WALK - 2014
This year's AIDS WALK took place at Saginaw
Valley State University on Saturday, September 20. Perceptions, as has been its past practice, donated $500.00 and was a sponsor of the
walk arranged by Sacred Heart Rehabilitation
Services. Ben Dowd, Perceptions Trustee, was
part of this year’s planning process. Perceptions received a 10 year Sponsorship Recognition Award for having donated over $16,000
over the period. Congratulations to everyone's
efforts in making AIDS WALK for the past 10
years and 2014 such a success!
Perceptions / GLAD Picnic
As a way to wind down from Saturday's AIDS
WALK activity, Sunday, September 21 found
Perceptions members and allies along with
GLAD (Gays, Lesbians & Allies at Dow) members, at Stratford Park, Midland. Even amidst
the rain drops the picnic went on without a
hitch. It seems that the skies opened up to allow
the sun to peak through just in time for dinner!
Yes, the event was a little damp; however, the
weather did not dampen the spirits of those
trusted picnic enthusiasts! I understand the
potluck / pitch-in was fabulous.
September/October 2014
Thanks to all GLAD & Perceptions members
and supporters who attended. A special
"Thanks" to: Beth Sibray, Sue Michelski, and
Greg Gwaltney in helping to organize the
event.
First General Meeting of the Fall - Topic:
GENDER (Do I have it down?)
Perceptions held its first general meeting of the
fall on Thursday, September 18 (third Thursday of the month). Ms. Char Davenport, a
transgender woman, social activist, professor
at Delta College and Perceptions Advisor took
the helm and offered an insightful and in-depth
look at what "gender" has meant in the past,
what it means today, and how it is being recognized as continually transforming us. Ms.
Davenport's shared that there remains much
confusion about the issue. Perhaps, for the majority of the population, it will take years to get
to a level of mutual understanding. At the moment, it is good we acquaint ourselves with the
culture, the explanations, and updated thinking about the subject. Like the ol' saying goes:
"Knowledge goes a long way." Look for Char's
synopsis in this edition.
NOTE: Our next General Meeting will be held
on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Our presenter will be: Ms. Amy McDonald,
Psychologist. She will be offering her personal
insight and research into current LGBTQ mental health challenges.
Perceptions Fundraising Event: "Logan's
Roadhouse - Raise the Steaks"
Two Evenings / Two Locations:
Thursday, October 9.... Saginaw Location /
Tittabawassee Road
Thursday, October 23.... Midland Location / Eastman Avenue
Come out and show your support!!
(Additional Details - Page 9)
Vote: November 4th ... the future of Michigan
as an 'Equal Rights' state ...depends on you!
Page 13
Holiday Gala - 2014 Planning.... Has Begun
Beth Sibray, Vice Chair of Perceptions, will be
the lead for this year's event. She and her planning team are thinking through new and improved ways of performing some tasks, making decisions about how to be as inclusive as
possible - making the event social, interactive,
and festive. The goal: "Celebration!" If you
would like to share your views with Beth or offer suggestions, please email her at:
[email protected]. If you have never
helped with this event in the past, please let her
know of your willingness to volunteer.
You'll be rewarded with 'kindness!'
NOTE:
The proceeds of this year’s Holiday Gala
will be dedicated wholly to Perceptions
programming, discussion groups, and
support of the greater LGBT Community.
Date: Saturday - December 6, 2014
Place: Great Hall / Midland
Time: Cocktails - 6 p.m. followed by Dinner &
Dancing
Other Activities: Silent Auction & Raffles &
Surprises
Page 14
Perceptions Saginaw Valley
Fall, Leaves, Fall
by Emily Bronte
Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night's decay
Ushers in a drearier day.
End of Summer Picnic
On Sunday, Sept 26th, 21 Perceptions and Dow
GLAD friends, families and allies came out between raindrops to enjoy food, drink and fun at
Stratford Park during at End-of-Summer Celebration. The day was rainy, but for 1 hour, just
at the time the picnic started, clouds cleared,
rain stopped and we enjoyed a fun pitch-in picnic. A good time was had by all!
September/October 2014
by Chris Lauckner
As of this writing, Perceptions has secured the completion of 570 assessments.
We are diligently working with our partners to
reach our goal of 600 by the close of the day,
September 30.
There have been many members, volunteers, and allies who have assisted in making
this project 'come alive!' From contacting people (sometimes, multiple times), to enticing
participants with a little bit of a 'song n' dance',
answering questions/concerns, being present at
local PRIDE events, taking the time to make
presentations to potential partners, and simply
just 'talking up' the importance of people taking
Page 15
the time to complete an 8 minute survey. A survey that will offer concrete information concerning a multitude of health related information for the LGBTQ community in our area.
When people heard of the 'first ever' LGBTQ
Wellness Needs Assessment, there was openness to hearing about it and moving forward
and completing the short survey.
It was heard over and over again: "WOW,
our opinion matters!" Others were hesitant because of being ...."only an ally;".... allies have
opinions that are needed to be shared especially
since they are close to the LGBTQ community.
There were corporations, health providers, church organizations, and educational institutions that partnered and will have assisted
Perceptions in making this project a success.
There were a total of 15 partners who helped us
along the way.
What's the next step?
The next step is for us to receive a report
of the results of the gathered information for
our area. This report will be complied by LGBT
Health Equity and the Michigan Department of
Health. The data will drive new health awareness initiatives. At some point, in the early part
of the new year, Perceptions will offer a forum
to review the document in its entirety.
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Perceptions Saginaw Valley