March 2012 MetroEast NEWS by Daniel McCree Foundation

Volume 5 Issue 5

MARCH 2012 Presented By: Daniel McCree Foundation

ABOUT US MetroEast News is an outreach project of the Daniel McCree Foundation.

Our vision and mission is to provide timely information and events to the entire Southern Illinois Region. We seek to be a voice for those who are traditionally not heard. (READ MORE) Southern Illinois Pride History (READ MORE)

Editor: Colby Kluthe Graphic Design: Jason Brooks Director: Daniel McCree Foundation

Contributors: Mickey Johnson (Carbondale) History & Southern Illinois News Tess Farnham (Belleville) Liberal Arts & Education Susan Spit-Fire Lively (Belleville)

Performing Arts & Spoken Word Aaron Phillip Ruiz (Swansea) At Large: Autumn Pickard (St. Louis)

Common Resources: PFLAG- Belleville IL Chapter St. Louis Gay History Project TransHaven & Belleville Transgender & Friends LGBT Center of St. Louis Metro East Pride of Soutwestern Illinois (MEPSI) Southern Illinois GSA Alliance Equality Illinois & Carbonale Pride, MCC Paducah & Paducah Pride Jennifer Shaw P.C.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION Daniel McCree (1979-2007) was an artist & writer from Southern Illinois, and resident of Belleville, IL just prior to his death by suicide in July 2007. Daniel was active in community organizations such as MCC of Greater St. Louis, Bethany Place, Ezekiel Project, and many more. The Daniel McCree Foundation advocates for Suicide Prevention as well as outreach in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness. Our Outreach projects include the Digital Directory and Monthly Publication as well as an ongoing dialog with those who have lost loved ones too soon. This outreach known as THE VINE, preserves a special place to remember those connected to Daniel either in life or spirit. DanielMcCree.Org was established in 2007 to preserve the original artworks, and develop partnerships as a living legacy to the causes he worked for. We encourage community-wide collaboration, and volunteerism with a focus on giving voice to those not traditionally heard. (LEARN MORE)

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Browse the 2011 issues

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

INTRODUCTION The 2012 Digital Directory seeks to provide information and resources for those in our community who may not be aware of the vast array of entertainment venues and social services specific to the LGBTQIA community. I hope you will find this directory an environmentallyconscience way to share resources as well as a useful reference for each of you. The month of March has a number of Pageants in both Southern Illinois and Missouri as well as a number of community-wide events to participate in. March 1st, PFLAG-Belleville Chapter will be reviewing PFLAG Nationals Straight For Equality Program; discussing effective ways to reach out to the straight community and encouraging straight individuals to become allies for equality. On March 10th, SAGE of Metro St. Louis presents a special viewing of “Gen Silent”, a movie benefit and reception. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis will host this event. We are also glad to announce a special appearance by Dan Savage in Carbondale on the Southern Illinois University Campus. Be sure to FOLLOW US ONLINE for more details on these and many more opportunities to get involved this month. Are you a community leader? There are opportunities to serve on the board of directors for Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) as well as opportunities to get involved in Carbondale Pride 2012, and Pride St. Louis. Performance artists will find that PRIDE IDOL is in full swing in the city, and MEPSI is also beginning to process of talent search for the festival in June. MetroEast NEWS is operated as a part of the Daniel McCree Foundation, as a living legacy of an artist from Southern Illinois. “We seek to be a voice for those who traditionally are not heard.” 4

2012 SPONSORS “BUY LOCAL OR BYE LOCAL”

J.Brooks Digital “The Premier Graphics in the Metro East Region”

www.SmartChoiceSTL.com “Smart Solutions for Web Development”

Bethel United Church of Christ (Cahokia, IL) 2200 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia, Illinois 62206 (Just off Interstate 255,Cahokia Exit 13) Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 am.

Pastor: Rev. Carol Shanks (618) 939-4835 www.CahokiaUCC.org

Practical Solutions For All Aspects of Family Law 201 Hillsboro Avenue | Suite A | Edwardsville | Illinois | 62025

618.655.0555 | Fax 618.655.9460

www.JaShawLaw.com ONE SAINT LOUIS www.OneSaintLouis.org (314) 241-1114 info@onesaintlouis.org

PFLAGBelleville www.bellevilleilpflag.com Meets the first Thursday Of the month 6:30PM FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News Pflag Belleville MARCH 1ST

Chapter meeting will be held on thursday March 1st 6:30pm at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in Belleville. We will review PFLAG Nationals Straight for Equality Program; discussing efffective ways to reach the straight community and encourage those same individuals to become allies for the lgbtq community. Pflag Belleville IL Chapter

Kristin Beckstrom Radcliffe, MSW, LCSW 8 Eagle Center, Suite 4 O'Fallon, IL 618-616-1235 www.kbradcliffe.com

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News ADD YOUR EVENT or Business ONLINE~

TransHaven serves the advocacy needs of the Transgender Communities of Missouri and St. Louis Region. www.TransHaven.org

2nd Annual MEPSI Amateur Drag Show.

2nd Annual MEPSI Amateur Drag Show Saturday, April 14 at 10:00pm

St. Louis Gender Foundation - celebrating 25 years of service to our region! www.stlouisgenderfoundation.org

PRIDE ST. LOUIS 2012 JUNE 23RD & 24TH Pride St. Louis, Inc. presents the 33rd annual Pride Festival in Historic Tower Grove Park on the weekend of June 23rd and 24th. The Pride Parade presented by Lumiere Place and River City Casino is on Sunday , June 24 on South Grand between Utah and Arsenal and kicks off at Noon. Join this page and check back for all of your Festival Questions.

Shannon’s Tie Dye

TessiLu Studio - Commision Artist & Writer

Save a Hippie—Wear Tie Dye www.shannons-tie-dye.com SEVEN RESTAURANT AN LOUNGE

“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ 7 South High Street Belleville, Illinois 62220

www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Become a sponsor or add your upcoming event

Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue

SAGE Metro St. Louis SAGE of Metro St. Louis, provides services and advocacy to LGBT older adults. They are located in the Tower Grove Manor Building on South Grand.

www.SageMetroSTL.org

SAGE Metro St Louis presents "Gen Silent." March 10, 2012 Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Location: MCC of Greater St. Louis 1919 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63109 Sage Metro St. Louis - HOME

MetroEast NEWS Digital Directory (2012)

MEPSI Board Vacancies in 2012 (BELLEVILLE)

MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is holding OPEN ELECTIONS for four (4) seats on the 2012-13 MEPSI Board. Are you wanting to become more involved with the LGBT community? Want to make a difference? Here's your chance! We request that interested parties submit a bio and brief cover letter on why they would like to join the MEPSI family prior to the March 8, 2012 deadline. We will schedule a follow up interview with the MEPSI Board on March 13th and notify new Board members on March 14th. ( Please send bios to metroeastpride@gmail.com ) By: Vital Voice

Mr. Missouri Leather 2012 Sponsored by Gateway MC St. Louis, Missouri March 2–4, 2012 Mr. Missouri Leather 2012 will be the weekend of March 2–4, with all events taking place at JJ's Clubhouse in St. Louis, Missouri. Sponsored by Gateway Motorcycle Club since 1983, this event is one of the longest running annual Leather contests in the country that is sponsored by a single club. The weekend will kickoff with a “Meet and Greet”, Friday night at 10 pm., for the contestants, judges and bootblack. The annual MML silent auction presented by Gateway MC and a used leather sale presented by Blue Max will round out the evening. The contestants and judges will be introduced at Midnight, at this time the contestants will draw their numbers. This year’s judging panel includes: Tyler McCormick, International Mr. Leather 2010; Ben Carter, Mr. SECC Leather 2011; DJ Kaiser, Mr. Missouri Leather 2011; Joey McDonald, International Mr. Leather Executive Board Member and Dave Rhodes, The Leather Journal publisher and editor. The emcees for MML will be Mike Lunter, Mr. Missouri Leather 2009 and Terry Laupp, Mr. Missouri Leather 2010. Gateway MC was established in 1973. For a number of years, all the members had to have motorcycles, and most of the activities were cycle related. Eventually, like other such clubs around the country, Gateway developed into a men's social organization in which motorcycles were not the only focus. Activities broadened to encompass the Levi/Leather community as a whole and its need for its own identity, events and network of brotherhood. For more information or a contestant application check out www.gatewaymc.org or www.jjsclubhouse.com

Thursday March 1st 2012 - RELEASE (CAPE GIRARDEAU,MO) Jesse James Productions will be hosting the Grand Opening of "Release" at Independence Place in Cape Girardeau. This is a night to feature live local music by Ariele Gooch.

CARBONDALE EVENTS

GLOW BLAST March 4th at SportsBlast SMASH – (Carbondale) (Electro Hip Hop,Fresh Bounce,Dub) SMASH, uniquely performing live as a DJ and playing drum kit at the same time, stems from such acts as Signal Path, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, Borgore, Paper Diamond, Big Gigantic, SPANKALICIOUS, Elliot Lip, Ben Samples, Two Fresh, STS9, Nit Grit, Ana Sia, Skrillex....SMASH, playing drums on tour for DJ SPANKALICIOUS for the entire year of 2011, explodes with his own show and spin on Electro Hip Hop with spacious atmospheres mixed with heart pounding hard hitting bass music and live drums, making SMASH a smooth sensation with a crunch. 2011 performances: Co-Headlining w/Borgore, Signal Path, Zoogma, Strange Arrangement, Brain Child, headling Glowing Souls Music Festival, Full Moon Fest, Cavefest. http://glowingsoulsfestival.com/ Entry will ONLY BE $5 and will not go up because we love you:) Saturday at 4:00pm until Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 2:30am Sports Blast LLC 1215 E Walnut St (Behind University Mall), Carbondale, IL 62901-5005

Melissa and Mickey Present: Kick Ass Kickball Tournament Kick Ass Kickball Tournament TEAM PLAYERS AND DETAILS FOR THIS COED TOURNEY

Sunday, March 4th at Sports Blast LLC Melissa and Mickey are up to those athletic antics again and looking for those team players to join them and 50 of their closest friends. They were even nice enough to invite a few boys this time. Advanced registry is required so get on it and touch base with them about getting in on the game, or drink side-lined at the bar.

DAN SAVAGE "It Gets Better" at SIUC Presented by: Saluki First Year

University College’s Saluki First Year is excited to host DAN SAVAGE at SIU on Monday, March 5th. LECTURE 7pm and Q&A 8pm (Student Center Ballrooms) - BOOK SIGNING 8:30pm (JW Corker Lounge). Dan Savage is the creator of the 'It Gets Better' project and author of the syndicated 'Savage Love' column. This event is FREE and open to everyone!! To view the 'It Gets Better' videos visit YouTube and search itgetsbetterproject. To read the 'Savage Love' column visit www.thestranger.com and click the SAVAGE link.

Bethel Ucc church 618-939-4835

www.cahokiaucc.org Rev. Carol Shanks

Worship Services - Sunday 10 am We are one of two official Open and Affirming Congregations of the United Church of Christ in southern Illinois. Join us for worship. Join our choir. Contact us for your civil union ceremony.

Team St. Louis AIDS Lifecycle Fundraiser March 17th at Hamburger Mary's St Louis Eat, Drink and be Mary for Charity.... Come out and join the first ever team that will be riding in the AIDS Lifecycle on June 3-9 for HIV/AIDS education, outreach and research. -There will be a 50/50 cash raffle. -Buy jello shots from your favorite team member. -Learn more about the AIDS Lifecycle.

BandTogether 15th Anniversary Concert BandTogether proudly presents its 15th Anniversary Concert. Admission is free! A short reception will follow at the venue. We hope you all will join us in celebrating 15 years! March 24th 8pm at Scottish Rite Cathedral St. Louis, 3633 Lindell Blvd Media Inquiries: bandtogetherpr@yahoo.com www.bandtogetherstl.com

Miss Gay Southwest Illinois America 2012 APRIL 15TH SAVE THE DATE - For More Information on this preliminary to Miss Gay Illinois America contact Trixie LaRue at trixielarue@ymail.com or Desiree LaDoush at 217-779-0405. The Miss Gay Southwest Illinois America is an official preliminary to the 2012 Miss Gay Illinois America Pageant. This year’s theme is “Masquerade Ball.” Contestants will compete in categories of male interview, evening gown, on stage question, solo talent and talent.

PRIDE ORGANIZATIONS Metro-East Pride

http://metroeastpride.com/

Mid America(MID-MO) Pride Pride St. Louis

http://www.lgbtcoalition.org/

http://www.pridestl.org/

St. Louis Black Pride

http://slbp.org/

Paducah Pride (Facebook only) Carbondale Pride (Facebook Only) Chicago Pride http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org

Happy Hour Fundraiser for Bert Coleman Monday March 5th (ST. LOUIS) Please join us at the RAC for a happy hour to honor and benefit Bert Coleman. Enjoy complimentary wine, appetizers and music as we gather to help raise funds to aid Bert in his rehab process and bring him home. Regional Arts Commission

Ben Nordstrom & Steve Neale Cabaret for a Cause : Growing American Youth MARCH 10TH

Ben Nordstrom is coming back from NYC to do a one night only Cabaret

Performance in St Louis with a local talent Steve Neale. This night of singing, music and laughter will be a great night to enjoy Steve and Ben's talent while also supporting Growing American Youth, local LGBTQ youth social support organization. VIP ticket holders will enjoy front row seats, table service and a meet and greet with Ben and Steve after the show. Purchase your tickets today: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/225131 For More information about this event or the organization: www.growingamericanyouth.org

EQUALITY ILLINOIS HAILS INTRODUCTION OF BILL PROVIDING FOR FULL MARRIAGE RIGHTS CHICAGO – Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, applauds today’s filing of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act by Representatives Greg Harris, Deborah Mell, and Kelly Cassidy. Civil unions were an important intermediate step for the state. Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, says, however, the civil union law has already proven to have substantial weaknesses and falls short of full marriage equality for all loving and committed couples in Illinois. “In following experiences of thousands of couples in civil unions over the past year, we confirmed what we always suspected to be true: that creating a separate institution to provide substantially the same rights did not add up to full equality under the law,” Cherkasov said. “A pharmacist who denied prescription pick-up to the patient's civil union partner didn't think it's the same thing as marriage. A coroner who refused to issue a death certificate to civil union partner survivor did not think that civil unions are the same as marriage. Tax preparers, estate planners, employers and employees do not think that civil unions are the same as marriage. Separate is not equal. And we at Equality Illinois will not rest until gay and lesbian couples in every corner of the state - who are equal in love - are also equal in marriage.” The bill comes on the heels of a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, holding that California’s denial of marriage in favor of domestic partnerships for same sex couples violated the U.S. Constitution.. www.EQIL.org BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Saluki Rainbow Network (CARBONDALE) www.srn.rso.siuc.edu

The Saluki Rainbow Network, a Registered Student Organization of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is dedicated to the joint purpose of providing services, activities, support and encouragement to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning members of our community. The programs offered consist of a wide variety of services in areas such as education, leadership development, creative arts, recreation, volunteerism and advocacy.

The membership of SRN consists of anyone supportive of the notion that discrimination should not be based on or influenced by a person's sexual orientation, be it towards the same sex, opposite sex or both. SRN does not discriminate on race, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status. Actually, SRN doesn't discriminate, Period! Contact Us! SRN Office Phone: 618-453-5151 Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, across from the USG and Students' Legal Assistance Offices. Email: salukirainbow@gmail.com

2012 Digital Directory

“Artistically Speaking!” by Susan Spit-Fire Lively/ MetroEast NEWS (BELLEVILLE) on Wed., Mar. 7th at Belleville’s beautiful 7 Restaurant and Lounge, (7 S. High St., Belleville, IL, 62220). Seven, a haven for arts and entertainment, is conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown Belleville, IL. The phone number is (618) 277-6700 and you can learn more from their website: www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com. Seven's owner, Brian Besse (former owner of Iron Horse Saloon and other beloved St. Louis venues), remodeled this 1871 building into a modern Creole-bistro style restaurant and lounge, complete with a wide array of scrumptious food (incl. Creole, Italian, French, and American) and beverages, wide-screen TV’s, and two bars. Plus there’s patio seating on the front and side of the building, adding to the inviting atmosphere. Just Like The Country

“Artistically Speaking!” goes down the first Wednesday of each month. There’s no cover charge for this event!! The doors open at 8:00 p.m. and the show, which features an Open Mic as well, will begin at 9:00. Experience the thrill and beauty of live performance-based art with the most extraordinary musicians, poets, spoken word artists, comedians, and more in a gallery filled with exquisite locally-crafted paintings. The friendly and dedicated staff even keep the kitchen open late so we can enjoy mouth-watering appetizers ($2.00 Off All Appetizers) and Martini’s.

Independent Folk Rock band Just Like the Country is composed of Nathan and Ginnifer Brown, a very talented married couple from Edwardsville, IL. Their music is moving and distinctly original and they have been working together since High School. They play a variety of diverse genres including Folk, Rock, and Pop. Their very funny FB page states that: “’Nathan's powers include various guitars, heat-vision, banjo, and electronic programming. Ginnifer's powers are clarinet, accordion, keyboards, singing, and of course, baking. Nathan and Ginnifer have united their powers (heat vision, GPS, and some musical talent) once again to fight the machinations of evil. Join them and their quest for a fried pie not cooked in lard.”’ Just Like the Country always gives a great and memorable live performance, and have appeared at many area venues including The Stone Spiral Coffeehouse, The Way Out Club, Mokka Kaffeehaus, FOAM Coffee & Beer, and The Wine Press. The duo was also featured at Best-Fest 2010 in Alton, IL. Their debut album Saint of the Open Opera was released last year. It is haunting and unique and really highlights the beauty of Ginnifer’s voice. You can purchase it on iTunes or directly from the artists. Nathan and Ginnifer currently produce and host Hartford

Coffee’s Open Mic and were recently featured on KDHX 88.1 FM’s Local Artist Spotlight. Jaye Willis Jaye Willis is an exceptional poet, writer, spoken word artist, and community activist who was born in East St. Louis, IL. She writes short stories and poetry and her work possesses great strength and creativity. Her spoken word performances are at turns funny, poignant, and highly original. She went to Assumption High School and then attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, where she earned a B.S. in Management Information Systems. Jaye is a proud member of The Eugene B. Redmond Writer’s Club of East St. Louis and has performed at The SIUE/ESL Center for Higher Education, Avant Elementary School, The Cigar Inn, The Missouri History Museum, and several other local venues. She works for the I.R.S. as an IT Project Manager. Her, her husband Quintin, and their two lovely children Jered and Lauren, reside in Fairview Heights, IL. Genesis Crawford Genesis Crawford is a hot new poet, writer, spoken word artist, and model originally from Chicago’s Southside. She attended Lemont Township High School where she fell in love with Dance and Softball, and is now a dedicated student at Illinois University, where she is specializing in Biology and Pre-Med. Studies. Genesis’ work is gripping, gritty, and real, and her performances

are touching and unique. She first debuted her poetry at Open Mic Night @ The Inn nearly three years ago and has since performed all over the Metro East and the state of Illinois. She now lives in Chicago, IL.

Briana Sims Briana Sims is a fresh new face in the music world. This highly skilled vocalist, musician and songwriter was born in East St. Louis, IL and now lives in the city of Belleville. Her performances are moving and heartfelt and she has an absolutely gorgeous singing voice. She likes to dance and sing and performs all over the bi-state area, captivating audiences and capturing hearts wherever she goes. Her influences include Keri Hilson and Lil’ Boosie and she loves R&B music. She attended Curtis Miller High School in Alorton and is now a student at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, where she often performs at the elegant Schmidt Art Center. We have another fantastic show scheduled for next Wed., Mar. 7th! Our Special Guests include FolkRock band Just Like the Country; poet, activist, and spoken word artist Jaye Willis; poet, spoken word artist, and model Genesis Crawford; and musician, vocalist, and songwriter Briana Sims. (To learn more, please see the biographies I’ve included below). So come to “Artistically Speaking!” on Wednesday, Mar. 7th and get your creative juices flowing! Hope to see you soon! Peace!

To the Internet Lover Who Wanted Fast Love Without Strings - (FEATURE) BY: Aaron Phillip Ruiz / MetroEast NEWS February 23, 2012

Not long after the coffee was drained and it was in collective contract That we had not seduced one another from the comfort of emails and deskchairs To harvest out organs for black market purposes But merely the lesser necessity of harvesting other specific organs out of trousers And hold each other for half an hour handfuls of hair under Neath and weave small pieces of pressure clockwise, To be woven upon likewise as one napping Gulliver, to awaken up And rousing to gentle rapping around the unfathomable skin of the body. Once, twice, four times As if knocking on the door of a neighbor’s house, asking in For invitation. Can I borrow? And this one time, on the faith of new neighbors, I'll let.

"Your Lavender Marriage"- By: Aaron Phillip Ruiz – MetroEast NEWS

Your Lavender Marriage By: Aaron Phillip Ruiz – MetroEast NEWS

It’s like everything has been covered with a thin glycerin Slippery and vigilance is necessary. It coats, And when she turns catching in the right light, this woman you married It is a silver lining, the moon Catching on the hair of her body, she glows A hot promise of fore-head wrinkles, and a scent of Old Spice like your father wore And the Beryl cream of his father, and a hundred fathers before him. A scented slime to rub through your hair, and a tie to wear, and a pile of pornography you don’t really like But rub your genitals to because one day you’ll grow to like it. And you’ll marry one of them one day. These wives,

And youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll fill a church pew full of children. And there will be football on the television. And a thanksgiving dinner. And when she turns, this woman, a slow circle the length of your entire life, you marry her, And in the gleam, for a second, you see yourself happily. One day, if you can keep your constant focus, Yet so much like a leaf on the face of a pond, you float, light, suspended in the quiet emptiness of air.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ruiz is a resident of Swansea, Illinois and has attended Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville. Aaron has also served as the Co-Editor of the McKendree Montage at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. Look for his first articles in the coming weeks and in our March issue.

UCC Open and Affirming churches now number 1000 congregations

UCC Open and Affirming churches now number 1000 congregations We are happy to welcome BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST as a sponsor in 2012. They have been a part of pride celebrations in the Metro-East for several years, and provide a safe-space for spiritual development in Cahokia, Illinois

Open Mic Night @ The Inn Is Becoming a Local Standard

“Open Mic Night @ The Inn” BellevillePride~ MetroEast News By: Susan Spit-Fire Lively / MetroEast NEWS February 10, 2012 (BELLEVILLE)

“Open Mic Night @ The Inn” on Thursday, The Cigar INN hosted another incredible evening of the best live entertainment this side of the river! In addition to our annual Valentine’s Day Party (hot drink specials and all the chocolate aphrodisiacs you can eat!), we will be having our very first CD Release Party!! Local R&B sensation Chrissy Renick has released her first EP – “A Thousand Shades” (currently available on ITunes) and will be sharing some of her new music with us! Chrissy is an exceptional musician, songwriter, and vocalist originally from Cape Girardeau, Mo. She attended college at Murray State, KY., and currently resides in St. Louis. She plays piano and guitar and has a gorgeous singing voice, perfectly suited for the Rhythm and Blues she so loves. Possessing great range both in her voice and her songwriting, she plays Pop, Classic Rock, and Alternative-Soul music as well. Renick has performed at The Old Rock House, the Way Out Club, Cicero’s, The Over/Under, Petra Hookah Lounge, FOAM Coffee & Beer, The Benton Park Café, The Wood, and many other area venues. Warming up the stage for Miss Renick will be wildly popular poet Blackstone (Cyral Laban Vaughan). Blackstone is a talented poet, author, spoken word artist, radio personality, emcee, and public speaker. His spoken word performances are magnetic and intriguing, and his writing is of great strength and depth. Blackstone has been featured at Café Annie’s (Orlando), The Blue Shark (Tampa), Solstice Lounge (Tampa), Spice Lounge (Tampa), Sacred Ground (Tampa Cyral has a CD he is working on called “Raise a Man, Raise an Individual; Raise a Woman, Raise a Nation”, and his latest book, entitled “Oil and Water”, was released on June 15th of last year. Mr. Vaughan lives with his family in St. Louis, Mo. Gracing our stage for the first time will be Cris Gualberto, a multi-talented artist originally from Quincy, IL. His live performances are intense, and his work is deeply intriguing. His most recent performance was at The Regional Arts Commission for the world-wide event “100 Thousand Poets For Change”, in which he delivered captivating performances separately and in group format. Tres Morrison, a brilliant up and coming musician, songwriter, and vocalist who is originally from London, UK, will be here as well. His range of musical styles is impressive, ranging from Alternative Rock to Heavy Metal to Gospel. His influences include Leonard Cohen, U2, Jason Mraz, Jeff Buckley, The Script, and Mumford and Sons. He has been singing since he was very young, and he has performed at many local fundraisers and charity events. He has a great voice and his musical performances are amazing. He is currently working on his first CD and is in two new bands: “Dead by Six” and “Endless October”. He is forming a third band with his friend Lamone Waller. Tres also recently auditioned for the hit show American Idol. He and his family reside in Cahokia, IL. We hope you will join us every 2nd & 4th Thursday at The Cigar Inn. Open Mic Night At The Inn

Saint Louis Gender Foundation Celebrates 25 Years Supporting Our Transgender Community

The St. Louis Gender Foundation is a not-for-profit and non-sexual support and educational resource for gender non-conforming adults. We also welcome Significant Others, caring professionals, and all who support freedom of gender expression. The StLGF is proud of its long tradition as an open organization that does not discriminate. The major goal is to provide a nurturing environment conducive to individual growth and development and for networking among the membership regarding supportive health-care and legal professionals, and businesses in the St. Louis area. Although we have event themes at our regularly scheduled sessions, there is no dress code. Membership Types: Individual: Annual Dues: $30.00 Couples: Annual Dues: $40.00 (Includes only 1 copy of the Gazette)  All membership dues apply for the period of January 1 to December 31

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Full annual membership dues are charged upon joining  If you join mid-year, your first renewal will be prorated appropriately  Annual membership dues are due by January 31  Dues cover operating expenses including mailings, printing, bulletins, and advertising All members receive or have access to:  Meetings and Group Outings (Additional fees apply to cover costs)  (6) issues of The Gazette newsletter (available in print and / or electronic)  Use of the library  Access to the changing room NOTE: SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AVAILABLE IF FINANCIAL NEED EXISTS. PLEASE CONTACT AN OFFICER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION.

Saint Louis Gender Foundation

314-607-4163 info@stlgf.org

Welcome Kristen Radcliffe, MSW LCSW to our 2012 Sponsors! Kristen just opened a Mental Health Practice in O'Fallon, Illinois on January 1st. Advocacy for young people, whether they be struggling with their own sexuality or with the sexuality of their parents. www.kbradcliffe.com

“My private mental health practice is aimed at helping children, adolescents and young people navigate the often turbulent waters of growing up. I am dedicated to helping support them in healing old wounds, making key connections, explore life truths 26

and achieve the growth they want and need to succeed. I have over 14 years of diverse experience in working with individuals and families.” Kristin Beckstrom Radcliffe, MSW, LCSW 8 Eagle Center, Suite 4 O'Fallon, IL

618-616-1235

www.kbradcliffe.com

PRIDE FEST 2012 June 23th and 24th 11am-8pm Tower Grove Park 4256 Magnolia Avenue St Louis, MO 63110-3569 Commitment Ceremony at 3:00pm on Saturday Official Pride Parade at 12:00pm on Sunday

Club Traz – Home of CARBONDALE PRIDE

METRO EAST PRIDE OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS (MEPSI) www.MetroEastPride.com

j.brooks Digital The official graphics designer of MetroEast NEWS

A sincere Thanks to Each and Everyone for your support! We look forward to serving you in the coming year!

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MEPSI Seeks Event Volunteers (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois)

Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is currently looking for volunteers for upcoming fundraisers and our Pride festival held in June. If you would like to volunteer and support your local LGBT community please contact Metro East Pride through our gmail account at metroeastpride@gmail.com For more information: www.MetroEastPride.com

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Coming Summer 2012 - ZANDER MANDER: CLUB TALK

Posted: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000 Coming Summer 2012 - ZANDER MANDER: CLUB TALK

Upcoming EVENTS