Upper Delaware GLBT Center

First Friday...GLBT Style!

2012-01-15T20:23:00.000-05:00

Join us on February 3, 2012 at the WaterWheel Cafe & Bar for a fun evening with the amazing sounds of In Spite of Ourselves.

Happy Holidays

2011-11-26T22:00:00.009-05:00

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center wishes you a very happy holiday season and invites you to join us on Saturday, December 10, for a FREE holiday gathering
featuring REGINA SAYLES. It's our way of saying 'Thank You' for supporting us throughout the year. Your support has enabled us to provide social events to the LGBTQ community and to provide educational programs to the community at large. We are looking forward to 2012, when we plan to further expand our services.

WIGSTICKS at the Milford Theatre

2011-10-22T00:42:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011

The Historic Milford Theatre

Milford, PA

Drag Show 9:00PM

Dance Party to Follow at the Tom Quick Inn

Tickets at the door for Show will be $25 · Dance Tickets $10

(Show tickets can be used for $5 off admission to the dance.)

Kaplan Releases Video for Upper Delaware GLBT

2011-08-07T16:48:00.004-04:00

International photographer, Alan Kaplan, joins Upper Delaware GLBT Center (UDGLBT) in bringing awareness to bullying. Kaplan’s newly released video, Tell Someone, uses his daughter’s speech as the soundtrack to nearly 50 photos taken during “Hear My Silence,” the October, 2010 march held in Milford, PA by UDGLBT.

“We are honored to have Alan Kaplan, his talent and passion join us as we raise awareness about bullying,” said Patty Tomaszewski, Executive Director of the organization. “Alan’s video captures the spirit and message of the day. It is sensitive, very poignant and powerful.”

“Hear My Silence”, the march held by the organization following the highly publicized suicides of Tyler Celmenti and other gay youth, drew nearly 150 to the center of Milford. “The march remembered those who tragically took their lives,” said Amy Ferris, one of the organizers, “and sent the message to young people that they are not alone and should tell someone if they are being bullied – we are here, we care and we want to help.”

Research shows that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Massachusetts Youth Risk Survey 2007). According to the 2009 National School Climate Survey conducted by GLSEN, nine out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experienced harassment at school and three-fifths (60.8%) felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. “These statistics are staggering,” said Tomaszewski, “we need to work together to raise awareness, enact laws and advocate for change that will help all students thrive.”

Kaplan’s video can be viewed online at, http://www.vimeo.com/26793759.

Happy Pride!

2011-06-03T16:24:00.002-04:00

That was 42 years ago. Efforts to suppress homosexual activity backfired. Insted, they fueled the fire that gave strength to a movement that continues today. Every June the GLBT community marks the event with worldwide pride celebrations. Locally – or at least in driving distance – we have the NYC Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26th and lots of other events going on throughout the month( http://www.nycpride.org/). Jersey Pride, Inc. will be hosting its 20th annual GLBTI Pride Celebration on Sunday, June 5th at Asbury Park ( http://www.jerseypride.org/ ). For our friends in PA, go to http://www.phillypride.org/ for details about their Pride Day on June 12.

To all in the GLBT community I wish you a “Happy Pride!!”

Forty-Two Years Later...

New Artist at First Friday in May

2011-04-26T09:09:00.001-04:00

On Friday, May 6th, A.J. Shanti will join the list of other amazing performers who have stepped on stage for First Friday at the WaterWheel in Milford, PA. A.J. Shanti is an international singing/songwriting sensation whose hauntingly beautiful and lyrically rich musical stylings have the uncanny ability to make girls' hearts melt and grandmas cry. She's toured over 75 cities in more than 15 countries, so that's a whole lot of grandmas. Shanti has been a featured artist and headliner at both large music festivals and intimate venues and her live performances have been described as "raw and emotive" and "captivating and sexy."Singing about heartbreak, lust, politics, and pain and armed only with her guitar and her words, A.J. Shanti's music gives an authentic voice and visibility to queer life and political struggle in the U.S. and abroad. Her studio album Baby Beau Blue was released in 2008 and is available on cdbaby.com. A.J. loves femmes, beer, and gender fabulouness.

First Fridays began in reaction to the GLBT community's need for a time and place where they could meet people in a social and informal setting. "When I started the UDGLBT Center, I kept hearing the same question 'Where do you meet people?' " Tomaszewski said. "Since there really wasn't any place, we decided to create one. The WaterWheel has become a venue where folks in the GLBT community know they can go the first Friday of every month to connect with old friends and make new ones."

In addition to a place to meet people, the event has become known for its great music from amazing artists such as In Spite of Ourselves, a local trio, singer songwriter Regina Sayles, Brandon Anderson, Jeremiah Clark and now A.J Shanti. "We are so lucky to have such talented musicians each month. They have make the event really special and have turned a group of people into a real community.You can tell they enjoy playing for our group and we love them. We all have a lot of fun," Tomaszewski noted.

First Friday...GLBT Style! Celebrates one year!!

2011-03-30T22:46:00.003-04:00

First Friday...GLBT Style! celebrates its first year of monthly events at the WaterWheel Cafe in Milford, PA on April 1. Featuring the music of In Spite of Ourselves, the anniversary event will include special door prizes and a buffet. The Upper Delaware GLBT Center thanks the WaterWheel for its warm welcome to the UDGLBT community. "We could not be more pleased with the WaterWheel," said Patty Tomaszewski, Director of the UDGLBT. "We have always felt very welcome. The food is amazing, the ambiance is great and Nancy, Darin and Teri always make us feel at home."

First Fridays began in reaction to the GLBT community's need for a time and place where they could meet people in a social and informal setting. "When I started the UDGLBT Center, I kept hearing the same question 'Where do you meet people?' " Tomaszewski said. "Since there really wasn't any place, we decided to create one. The WaterWheel has become a venue where folks in the GLBT community know they can go the first Friday of every month to connect with old friends and make new ones."

In addition to a place to meet people, the event has become known for its great music. In Spite of Ourselves, a local trio, and singer songwriter Regina Sayles have provided wonderful entertainment. "We are so lucky to have such talented musicians each month. They have make the event really special and have turned a group of people into a real community.You can tell they enjoy playing for our group and we love them. We all have a lot of fun," Tomaszewski noted.

The Upper Delware GLBT Center thanks The WaterWheel, Anna, Michelle and Glenn of In Spite of Ourselves, Regina Sayles and all who have attended First Fridays and helped to turn the first Friday of each month a night to look forward to.

First Friday...GLBT Style!

2011-01-20T22:42:00.002-05:00

Join us on Friday, Feburary 4, for an evening with THREE amazing artists. Singer/Songwriters Brandon Anderson, Jeremiah Clark and author 'Veronica', who will do a reading from Michaels Breyette's illustrated men. Signed copies of the book and CDs will be available.

It all begins at 8PM at the Water Wheel Cafe (in the bar). $5 cover charge.

Brandon Anderson

Jeremiah Clark

After The Holidays

2011-01-11T22:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays

2010-12-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

IT'S TIME TO LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD!!

2010-10-03T02:35:00.012-04:00

"Hear My Silence...
raising awareness about bullying"
MEMORIAL MARCH

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

Milford, PA

1:30 to 3PM

march begins and ends at the
Court House
412 Broad Street
(Corner of Broad and W. High)
Milford, PA

Votice candles and flowers can be left at a memorial site

Remembering those who have died
Raising awareness about bullying

Call for the passing of the Safe School Act

Out In The Silence

2010-09-19T18:25:00.001-04:00

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center is pleased to bring the award winning film, Out in the Silence, to Milford, PA. on Saturday, Septemebr 25, 2010. Join us and filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer at the Emerson House (next to Hotel Faucher) at 6:30 for an enlightening evening when we view and discuss their thought provoking film. The event is free and open to the public.

Out in the Silence captures the remarkable chain of events that unfold when the announcement of filmmaker Joe Wilson’s wedding to another man ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown.

Drawn back by a plea for help from the mother of a gay teen being tormented at school, Wilson’s journey dramatically illustrates the universal challenges of being an outsider in a conservative environment and the transformation that is possible when those who have long been constrained by a traditional code of silence summon the courage to break it.

The aim of Out in the Silence is to expand public awareness about the difficulties that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face in rural and small town America and to promote dialogue and action that will help people on all sides of the issues find common ground. The Upper Delaware GLBT Center is proud to host such an important work.

For more information about this film go to http://outinthesilence.com/ .

Friends & Family Day!

2010-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

What better way to end the summer than a beach party with your GLBT family and friends? Join us on Saturday, August 28 from 11am to 5pm for a fun and relaxing day at Milford Beach.

Bring your favorite summer dish to share and we'll provide the hot dogs and drinks. Games, swimming and a BBQ all for $10 a carload. All are welcome.

WIGSTICKS ...the Photos

2010-08-13T20:43:00.002-04:00

The pavilion is empty, the fire has turned to ash, and the makeup and eyelashes have been removed. But the stories about a very different kind of camp, Drag Camp, will be told for years to come.

For those of you who attended you can relive the night (are you all sure you want to do that?) and for those who weren't there, you can see what you missed by going to http://pictage.com/884894 for over 850 photos. Please be advised that these some of the photos are graphic and for an adult audience only.

It was an amazing show and the Upper Delaware GLBT Center extends its extreme thanks to Mark Silverstone, all of the WIGSTICKS girls, our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers and all who attended and once again made WIGSTICKS a success.

WIGSTICKS . DRAG CAMP

2010-06-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

Following in the footsteps of Lady Bunny, co-creator of Wigstock, Steady Mess, 2009 Queen of the Delaware, put on her stilettos and began planning the Upper Delaware's version of the famous NYC drag festival. With a twist of the name and the help of some queens and queers she brought drag to the sticks. WIGSTICKS had its premiere in 2009 in the foot hills of the Poconos at Mt. Haven Resort in Milford, PA.

What was feared by some to be too daring an event for the rural area, turned out to be a huge success. The GLBTQ community together with their straight friends enjoyed an evening filled with some good queen fun.

WIGSTICKS returns to Mt. Haven for its 2010 show, Drag Camp. This year's event will have all the trappings of camp - a camp fire, merit badges, games, a girl scout or two and for those who want the full experience, tent camping will be available.

Dinner will be available at the restaurant at Mt. Haven at a special rate for ticket holders. In addition to tent camping, overnight accommodations are also available at the resort.

Join us for the summer camp your parents would never think the send you. Come early for cocktails and stay late for the dance following the show. WIGSTICKS . DRAG CAMP Saturday, July 31, Mt. Haven Resort, Milford, Pa. Cocktail hour (cash bar) begins at 7PM, show starts at 9PM, dance ending at 2AM. Advance tickets for show and dance $25, at the door, $30. Dance only, $10. Tent Camping, $10. Online tickets can be picked up at the venue starting at 6PM on the night of the event. Email udglbt@gmail.com for questions.

BENT on Sullivan County Stage

2010-05-24T21:22:00.000-04:00

BENT, Martin Sherman's 1979 play about the persecution of gays in Nazi Germany, will by be prerformed by the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop this June at the Rivoli Theater in South Fallsburg, NY .

Under the direction of Constance S. Slater, the story of Max and Rudy, two gay men in Berlin during the 1930s, unfolds. Revealing a very sad and still widely unknown chapter of Nazi devastation and gay history, this play is one you will not forget.

Bent, a slang word used in some European countries for homosexuals, has been performed on many stages throughout the world, including a Broadway production staring Richard Gere. In 1997 it was adapted into a film by the same name directed by Sean Mathias.

The Sullivan County production of BENT will be on June 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8pm and on June 6 and 13 at 2pm at the Rivoli Theater, 5243 Main Street (Route 42), South Fallsburg, NY. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students with valid ID. For more information call 845-436-5336 or go to http://www.scdw.net/

Anyone from the Milford or Port Jervis area interested in car pooling can contact the Upper Delaware GLBT Center at udglbt@gmail.com to see is others are requesting car pooling options.

Expressions of Gender II

2010-05-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

Looking for an awesome time, with some friends, wine, cheese and art?

Join us for the second annual Expressions of Gender, being held on Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 6-9 PM, at the UpFront Exhibition space, 31 Jersey Avenue, Port Jervis, NY. It is a great way to spend a Saturday evening. And, for you dancers out there, hang around for a dance party beginning at 10:00 PM! We hope to see many of you there!!!!

Day of Silence

2010-04-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

Day of Silence had its humble beginnings in 1996, at the University of Virginia. With just two organizers and 150 students, the purpose was to bring awareness to the struggles that LGBT persons face on a daily basis in their lives, especially those who are young people and students in grade schools, high schools and colleges. It came about so that that awareness could bring about action on the part of the LGBT community and our allies.

The silence represents the silent lives that many LGBT persons live every single day; living secretly for fear of being physically or emotionally harassed or abused; fear of losing their jobs, housing, or close relationships with family and friends; and silence out of shame about being who we truly are.

For one day, April 16, every year across the United States, persons who observe the Day of Silence remain silent throughout their school or work day; when asked why the silence, we can use cards or other means to educate people about the self imposed silence that many within the community live with each day. Indeed, to have to stay silent about who a person truly is, means that parts of that person fade away each and every day they feel called upon to live in that way. And, is that truly living at all?

The work is not complete at the end of Day of Silence; it is the hope that by raising awareness of others, the work, advocacy and policies will change to create more equality for those of us that are members of the LGBT communities in this country.

Please, do what you can to raise your own awareness, the awareness of others, and to start to create meaningful, effective change that will support the LGBT community and the people within that community. Speak out. Write. Learn. Teach.

Be an ally.

UD GLBT Stands Strong With Lt. Dan Choi

2010-03-20T21:22:00.000-04:00

It was with much pride and support that members of the Upper Delaware GLBT group who marched on Washington for Equality Across America this past October, posed with Lt. Dan Choi.

On March 19, 2009, Lt. Choi came out on the Rachel Maddow Show, an act of bravery for which no military decoration was awarded. Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran is one of only eight in his class fluent in Arabic. In spite of his record and value, one month after appearing on Maddow's show he was notified that the Army began discharge proceedings.

The Cadet's prayer taught him to "choose the harder right over the easier wrong." Standing firm and following the Honor Code, Choi refused to lie about his identity.

Choi has since become an activist for GLBT rights and an icon for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. On March 18, 2010 he handcuffed himself to the fence in front of the White House as part of his effort for this cause. Following his arrest Choi told the Judge "Your Honor, I plead not guilty and I am not ashamed." The chains around his waist and handcuffs were removed. While walking out he said "I feel dignified...to wear the chains others have been wearing but can't see."

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center stands with Lt. Choi in fighting for equal rights for gays and lesbians and for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

First Fridays at the Water Wheel!

2010-03-15T15:32:00.001-04:00

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center will be hosting "FIRST FRIDAY...GLBT Style" at the Water Wheel Cafe in Milford, PA. Starting April 2, and every FIRST FRIDAY thereafter, we will be there enjoying live entertainment and the company of old and new friends. We are very pleased to have REGINA SAYLES kick off our first event. Once you hear her you will become a fan. She is amazing! See you on April 2!

The Trevor Project

2010-03-09T19:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of the Trevor Project?

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Their mission?
The Trevor Project is a non-profit endeavor established to promote acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group. The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Each year, our helpline fields more than 30,000 calls from LGBTQ youth as well as their families, friends and educators.

The Trevor Helpline(866) 4-U-TREVOR(866) 488-7386Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearAll calls are toll-free and confidential

This is some of the history of this essential organization:

The Trevor Project was founded by writer James Lecesne, director/producer Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone, creators of the 1994 Academy Award®-winning short film, Trevor, a comedy/drama about a gay 13-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life.When Trevor was scheduled to air on HBO® in 1998, the filmmakers realized that some of the program’s teen viewers might be facing the same kind of crisis as Trevor, and began to search for an appropriate support line to broadcast during the airing. They discovered that no such helpline existed, and decided to dedicate themselves to forming what was, in their view, a much-needed resource: an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group. Thus, The Trevor Project was born, and with seed funding provided by The Colin Higgins Foundation, The Trevor Helpline was established and became the first and only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.Today, in addition to operating the crisis and suicide prevention helpline, The Trevor Project provides online support to young people through the organization’s Web site, and also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents.

There is no minimizing the importance, especially for LGBT youths in rural areas, of having a 24 hour, 7 day a week crisis line for them to call for support.

The number: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)

Paragraph 175

2010-02-04T19:29:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, the pink triangle is a symbol that the LGBT community utilizes frequently. The history of it is directly from Nazi Germany, and the symbol that was worn by those that were labelled as homosexual in concentration camps. But, that is not the end of the story..........

Paragraph 175, a clause that existed in German law at the time, prohibited homosexual relations. During Hitler's rule, he extended this law to include homosexual kissing, embracing, even homosexual fantasies. Between 1937 and 1939, some 25,000 persons were convicted under this law. There were initially imprisoned, and then later on sent to concentration camps. Castration was a common punishment for being charged with these crimes under Paragraph 175. In 1942, Hitler declared that homosexuality was punishable by death.

The use of the pink triangle in concentration camps was part of how prisoners there were categorized, each "grouping" was labelled with an alternate color of triangle. Gay Jews were considered to be the lowest of prisoners, and they were labelled with the overlapping of a pink and yellow triangle. Pink triangle prisoners were reported to receive the hardest workloads in the concentration camps, and were most often harassed and beaten by guards and other prisoners.

Later on, when the Allies defeated the Nazi regime, and so many other prisoners in the concentration camps were released, those prisoners that were defined under Paragraph 175- either labelled as or were homosexual- were kept imprisoned while they watched many of their fellow prisoners set free. They remained prisoners for an additional 24 YEARS..........

This symbol of hate has now been embraced as a symbol for the LGBT community, to emphasize strength in numbers and never allowing oppression to cost us our very souls again. Although Nazi Germany seems like a lifetime ago, and there are even those that deny that it happened, similar laws and hateful attitudes are now being seen in the world, most recently in Uganda, where it is legal to put homosexuals to death. Frightening thought about this world in 2010.

This is why the Upper Delaware GLBT Center is so necessary. To create a sense of equality and justice for all.

Happy Holidays!!!!!

2009-12-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

What a year it has been! One filled with promise, as well as the breaking of those promises. One filled with hope, and yet, those that want to dash the hopes of others. A year of challenges, yet, those that can face them undaunted.

Whether you are celebrating with your family of origin, family of choice, spouses, partners, children, neighbors or friends, remember that we will continue on in fighting for full equality, justice, and peace. And, that we will continue to educate and inform our communities about who we truly are.

We here at the Upper Delaware GLBT Center are wishing you and your loved ones a most blessed, joyful, and safe holiday season. What ever it is you celebrate, be grateful for the moments that you share with those that you love. We look forward to seeing many of you in 2010, when we get our activities going in the community; watch for us!

Peace!

Washington, D.C.!

2009-12-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard, just hours ago, Washington, D.C. voted, by a vote of 11-2, to allow gay marriages in the city. Although it isn't a federal law, it is yet one more step in recognizing equal rights for gay and lesbian couples.

There is opposition, the kind that tends to be predictable, when it comes to religious opponents of the measure. The Catholic diocese in the city of Washington, D.C. has even stated that they will consider not running certain social service agencies in the city due to the measure being passed. I am fairly certain that to do such a thing will only hurt more people.

My only hope and wish is that as time goes by, people that are strongly opposed to equal marriage will come to understand that it is an issue of equal civil rights; that granting us marriage will in no way damage heterosexual marriage; and that we can love, live, and conduct our lives in legitimate ways, without resulting in the demise of society as we know it.

We deserve equality. No questions asked.

Let's keep working toward that end.

World AIDS Day, 2009

2009-12-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

December 1st was World AIDS Day. The time to remember, among other days, this disease that takes so many lives. This year is the twenty first anniversary of the first World AIDS Day. It seems like the more time that goes by, the more apathy develops about this disease.
Still, people die every day. Awareness lacks in terms of the dangers of transmission. We have become complacent, because no matter what the virus does and can do to us, many people do not change their minds, their hearts, their behaviors in regard to it. It is 100 percent preventable these days from the most frequent transmission means: unprotected sexual contact and IV drug use.
Please, say a prayer, wear a ribbon, read about it, talk about it, do SOMETHING.
Please, let us never forget all of those that have perished as a result of this horrible illness, and how we need to keep ourselves and others safe. Remember those who are fighting this illness every day of their lives. Reach out. Connect. Share your love and your heart with someone who is affected by this.

Meet the WIGSTICKS Girls

2009-10-03T01:08:00.000-04:00

DRAG SHOW
& DANCE PARTY
Saturday, October 17
10:00 PM
Advance Tickets $25
Tickets at the Door $30
Mt. Haven Resort
Milford, Pa.

With Your Hostess Steady Mess
and...

*Karyn Thomas *******Anita Mann*

*Skinay Biatch******Millie Shayntwrite*

WIGSTICKS Drag Show & Dance Party! Oct.17

2009-09-27T18:50:00.000-04:00

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center is pleased to present WIGSTICKS, Out in the Wild'erness. Join us on October 17 at Mt. Haven Resort, Milford, PA for a Drag Show and Dance Party you will not forget. Hostess Steady Mess will be joined by Anita Mann, Karyn Thomas, Millie Shayntwrite and Skinay Biatch to entertain you with song, dance and God knows what else. Doors open at 9:30 with cash bar, show begins at 10PM followed by a dance party with NYC DJ Michael Roselli at 11PM.

Get there early and enjoy a delicious dinner at Mt. Haven. Tell them you are going to the show and get a 10% discount on your meal!

Seating is limited. Tickets will be honored on a first come first serve basis. Advance tickets for show and dance are $25 and can be purchased online using the Buy Now button on the right until October 15. Advance tickets can also be purchased by mail and must be postmarked by October 10, 2009. Check should be made out to UDGLBT and mailed to Upper Delaware GLBT Center, PO Box 1295, Milford, Pa 18337. Remember to include your contact info and seating requests. Tickets at the door $30. Tickets for dance only are $10.

Interested in being an event sponsor? Sponsorship opportunities starting at $100 are available. For more information contact udglbt@gmail.com

See you in the sticks... WIGSTICKS

Drag Show & Dance Party

2009-09-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

Join us for WIGSTICKS Out in the Wild'erness with hostess Steady Mess, Anita Mann, Karyn Thomas, Millie Shayntwrite and more! Advance tickets $25 on sale now - tickets at the door $30. Check back for details.

Join us as we March on Washington

2009-08-28T23:58:00.000-04:00

On October 11, 2009, The Upper Delaware GLBT Center will proudly join thousands of Americans when we march on Washington, D.C. to let our elected leaders know that NOW is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. This march will kick start the national grassroots Equality Across America campaign (http://equalityacrossamerica.org). We will gather. We will strategize. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.

This march marks a shift in strategy that will secure full equality in all 50 states. Similar to the historic civil rights movement, which in 1963 and 64 made its transition from fighting local battles to winning national victory with the passage of the civil rights act, it is time for that passage for LGBT Americans. Let your voice be heard along with others who believe that our time is NOW.

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center (UDGLBT) will have a chartered bus leaving Milford, PA and making a stop in Newton, NJ to pick up individuals who want to be a part of this historic event. SEATS ARE LIMITED, SO GET YOUR TICKET NOW. You can order your bus tickets online by clicking the “Buy Now” button on this blog. Tickets can also be purchased by mail. Checks should be made payable to the Upper Delaware GLBT Center and postmarked by October 1. Tickets are $50 each. All sales are final – there will be no refunds for unused tickets. Specific details about departure and arrival times will be posted as they become available. Your confirmation page will serve as your ticket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to share in an amazing experience and be a part of making LGBT history.

Show a fundraiser for new gay/transgender group

2009-08-06T16:59:00.001-04:00

From the Times-Herald Record, August 6, 2009
Milford, Pa. — What could a transgendered woman, a feminist breast cancer survivor, a Texas redneck and a 90-year-old Southern belle have in common?
They're characters portrayed by Karen MacIntyre, who presented her one-woman show "Crazy Good Luck" at Mount Haven Resort on Log Tavern Road recently as a fund and awareness raiser for a newly formed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender group.
MacIntyre will be performing the one-woman show at the New York International Fringe Festival Aug. 14-30. The show is inspired by her own life experiences.
MacIntyre is the ex-wife of a transgendered woman, and her best friend had a mastectomy around the same time her husband said he was getting gender reassignment. As time has allowed her to quip, "She was losing her breasts while he was gaining his."

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center was created to fill a crucial need for social and support networks within the tri-state area's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The group grew out of founder Patty Tomaszewski's observation that there were "really no services to speak of in the area."

"It's hard for gay people not just to get together for social reasons, but to give support to one another," she added.

Aside from support and discussion groups, the GLBT Center hopes to offer services for teens, programs for families, teen groups, recreation and entertainment events, and referrals to GLBT-friendly businesses and professionals.

Youths — both GLBT teens and children being raised by same-sex couples — are among the most overlooked members of the community, Tomaszewski said.
"One of my friends said her and her partner are always trying to explain to their kids that there are other children out there who have two moms or two dads, but they never get to meet any of them," she said.

Another goal is to help educate the community at large, such as businesses who want to become more socially competent, or school guidance counselors who need information on dealing with children who are bullied because of their gender identity.
It's the kind of support system that MacIntyre, who is from Denton, Texas, would like to have had when she was coping with her husband's transition into a woman.
"Where we were living, there wasn't enough," she said, although she was grateful that Peter, who is now Petra, found a helpful support group in New York. "I'd just moved back to Texas from up here, and I had good support of friends. But for organizations to go to, I just didn't know of any."
The Upper Delaware GLBT is trying to change that for those struggling with their sexual identity, and members of the younger generation. According to Tomaszewski, the mission has just begun.
"These are all futuristic goals," she said. "But I was thinking the other day that we just got incorporated in May, and we've just had our second event, and we have three more planned. Not bad for a two-month-old organization."
For more information, write to: Upper Delaware GLBT Center, P.O. Box 1295, Milford, Pa., or e-mail UDGLBT@gmail.com.

CRAZY GOOD LUCK Comes to Milford

2009-07-19T23:22:00.000-04:00

For those of you who know Karen MacIntyre, you know she is an amazing dancer. But did you know she is also a gifted writer and actor? A few years ago Karen broke out of the box - the results - Crazy Good Luck. This one woman show is an artful blend of song, dance and monologues, all created and performed by Karen.

She weaves together four separate, yet related stories addressing gender, friendship, love and family. Through song, dance and word, one experiences a range of emotion when women are define by their breasts and men by their genitals.

When i first saw this performance, I knew it was exactly the kind of thing The Upper Delaware GLBT Center should be bringing to the community. It raises awareness and and helps to breaks down the barriers that divide us. Of course, trying to schedule it to accommodate Karen's busy schedule was a challenge. She will be in New York City for the last few weeks in August performing Crazy Good Luck at the prestigious New York International Fringe Festival. Then it's back to Texas where she will continue her creative endeavours and teaching at Green Space Arts Collective in Denton, Texas, which she owns and directs, and at North Central Texas College where she teaches in the dance and drama department.

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center is pleased to be able to offer Crazy Good Luck and thanks Karen for her willingness to work with us to make it happen. Join us for her performance on Saturday, July 25, at Mt. Haven Resort, Milford, PA. (for direction go to http://www.mthavenresort.com/) Cocktail hour is between 2:00 and 3:00. Following her performance ,which begins at 3:00, there will be an opportunity to discuss the work with Karen. Tickets are $20 and available at the door.

See you on Saturday!
Patty

Can you be fired just because you are gay?

2009-07-04T00:45:00.000-04:00

I recently had a discussion with a friend who refused to believe that I could be fired from my job in some states because I am a lesbian. He insisted that could not be legal. “If that were true it would be so archaic and unfair.” He was sure I misunderstood something until I showed him the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (EDNA), a bill introduced by members of Congress at the federal level.

Sadly, my friend isn’t the only one confused by employment discrimination. Most people, straight and LGBT, are often shocked when I tell them that in 30 states it is legal to fire someone simply because he or she is lesbian, gay, or bisexual and in 37 states it is legal to discriminate against transgender people!!! Check it out for yourself at http://www.hrc.org/documents/Employment_Laws_and_Policies.pdf
where Human Rights Campaign has a great map showing which states discriminate on sexual orientation and gender identity which do not.

This past week the bill was reintroduced with bipartisan support lead by sponsor Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA), IIeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), Michael Castle (R-DE), George Miller (D-CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John Conyers (D-MI), Todd Platts (R-PA), Rob Andrews (D-NJ), and Leonard Lance (R-NJ). This version of ENDA would create federal protections against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation AND gender identity and would therefore outlaw discrimination against all members of the LGBT community.

Nearly everyone has heard about our fight for equal rights when it comes to marriage, but my experience is most people are clueless when it comes to employment discrimination. Furthermore, when they heard about it they can’t believe it (I suspect some think I am making it up!) It is important that as individuals and as a community, we make our family, friends, and elected officials aware of this blatant discrimination against LGBT people and do what we can to get it changed.
The Upper Delaware GLBT Center proudly supports this version of ENDA and applauds those who reintroduced this bill. Let’s help them as they fight for the rights for LGBT individuals. Ask your elected officials to support ENDA by contacting them directly through Garden State Equality’s website at http://eqfed.org/campaign/ENDA09HouseIntro (they even have a sample letter so it only takes about 10 seconds.) Finally, join us on October 11 as we march on Washington and let our voices be heard.

2009-06-03T23:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Pride

It was a defining moment, a turning point in our culture and an event that still has an impact on our lives today. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 Stonewall Inn, a small bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village, was the focus of a police raid. This was not so unusual; the police were frequently harassing and arresting the homosexuals that gathered there. What was different was the gays, lesbians and transsexuals fought back. A series of spontaneous, violent, demonstrations broke out. The Stonewall riots, as they later became known, marked the start of gay rights movement. That was 40 years ago! Efforts to suppress boomeranged and fueled the fire that gave us strength. Every June the GLBT community marks the event with worldwide pride celebrations. Locally – or at least in driving distance – we have the NYC Gay Pride Parade is Sunday, June 28th and lots of other events going on throughout the month( http://www.nycpride.org/). Jersey Pride, Inc. will be hosting its 18th annual GLBTI Pride Celebration on Sunday, June 7th at Asbury Park ( http://www.jerseypride.org/ ). For our friends in PA, go to http://www.phillypride.org/ for details about their Pride Day on June 14.

To all in the GLBT community I wish you a “Happy Pride!!”

Forty Years Later...

We're Out and Proud!

2009-06-01T02:07:00.001-04:00

The dust has settled, I’ve caught up on my sleep and my computer is working again. Finally, I can report that The Upper Delaware GLBT Center had its ‘coming out party’ and a great celebration it was. Our first meet and greet was a huge success. Somewhere between 150 and 200 people packed into the UpFront Exhibition Space in Port Jervis, NY. Our thanks to Debbie Raia and Gordon Graff who so generously provided their gallery for our event. What a perfect venue and what wonderful hosts!

We shared wine, food, stories and laughs. We listened to some great live music compliments of Colin Fricke and friends and viewed some awesome art. More than ten artists contributed over 50 works of art for our unique show, “Expressions of Gender.” Our thanks to artists Ricky Boscarino, Greg Hicho, Edward Hicks, Alan Kaplan, John Kirslis, David Lord, Debora Meltz, Seven Riddle, Mark Silverstone, Beverly Stern, and Greg Zukowski for sharing their talent. A special thank you to Debora Meltz who did a great job coordinating the art show (she made programs and name tags too) in spite of having to make an emergency trip to Florida when her 89 year old mother, who is apparently made of rubber, got into a car accident. Mom is fine, the car is totaled and Debora earned the name Ms. Frazzled.

We raffled off a coupon for a cake by ‘Fabio’ Disla, and then enjoyed the delicious sample! Next was a drawing for a beautiful floral arrangement donated by “Dominick”. Following a brief speech, in which I forgot to thank everyone, Danielle Gaebel and I unveiled our awesome logo. Danielle and Lori Malone from the River Reported and Stuart Communication Creative Services did an incredible job creating such a great image and new look for The Upper Delaware GLBT Center. The logo is as beautiful as the business cards, brochures and invitation to the event, which they also designed. The Waterwheel Café and The Patisserie Fauchere, along with many friends of the UDGLBT donated food adding to the assortment of cheeses and scrumptious treats, which were all provided by an anonymous donor and dear friend who also generously supplied a variety of wines and soft drinks. The food was prepared and served by Nikki Saurez and Vilma Melendez, and Arnold Green took care of the bar while Dianna Morrison staffed the membership table. Our thanks to all of you!

Finally, to the many friends of the UDGLBT who attended this event, became Charter Members, helped where needed, brought food, wine and good wishes for our new organization, we thank you. You have given us the confidence to move forward. It was wonderful to see so many people there, to feel the energy and to know we have such a great and growing family.

Our Coming Out Party!

2009-04-08T19:30:00.000-04:00

It's our Coming Out party! Join us for the Upper Delaware GLBT Center's first meet 'n greet event. Meet your GLBT neighbors and friends at our wine and cheese reception and enjoy our unique art show, 'Expressions of Gender". We will also be unveiling of our new logo. The event is free and open to the public.

It's all happening on Saturday, May 23, from 6-9 PM at the UpFront Exhibition Space, 31 Jersey Ave., Port Jervis, NY. Go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=69000400886&ref=ts for details, directions and to RSVP.

See you at the gallery!

GLBTQ Casting Opportunity

2009-03-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

Hello!
http://www.wayoutdocumentary.com
LGBTQ Casting Opportunity...
Showtime Networks and Executive Producer Bryn Freedman (A&E's "Intervention") are developing a new TV documentary series about gays and lesbians coming out to important people in their lives. Our aim is to create a show that not only helps the people we profile and the LGBTQ community in general, but also uses television’s vast reach and power to enlighten and increase understanding of what it’s like to feel compelled to hide an essential part of oneself.
We were alarmed by the recent San Francisco State University study about family response to a teen’s coming out and its conclusion that “teens who experienced negative feedback were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide.” The glimmer of hope the study offered however was that “parents who take even baby steps to respond with equanimity instead of rejection can dramati cally improve a gay youth's mental health outlook.” By raising awareness and visibility, we hope to help people take those “baby steps” or better.
Our production team includes film & television producer Todd Shotz whose on-line video campaign against Prop 8 in California was honored on March 14 with the first-ever Human Rights Campaign E-Hero Award.
Freedman, Shotz and the rest of the team will treat the people we profile and their loved ones with the utmost care, dignity and respect, and will provide a support system of counselors and therapists throughout the process.
**We are currently casting for the series and want to get the word outas far and wide as possible. To learn more about the show and/or bea participant, please visit our website:http://www.wayoutdocumentary.comor our Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49165760722or check out the interview that THE ADVOCATE did with Adam Drucker,our Casting Producer:http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid72434.asp(Please note that THE ADVOCATE piece is a month old and we are now casting NATIONWIDE. We'd like to reach every corner of America, from urban centers to the smallest of towns where it is rare to live openly as a LGBTQ person.)
If you feel com fortable forwarding this email or posting it on your website or blog, please feel free. We're really trying to spread the word.
Please don't hesitate to email us at: casting@wayoutdocumentary.com with any questions or concerns. All inquiries and information will, of course, remain confidential.
Thanks so much for your time! (And apologies for the impersonal email.)
-The Casting Team at "Way Out"

The Denver Principles Project

2009-03-07T11:10:00.000-05:00

March 7, 2009

Dear friend,

Did the election of Barack Obama give you a sense of elation and newfound freedom, like you had gotten released from prison, escaped from a camp or crawled out from an underground bunker?

It did for millions of Americans, including me. But one consequence of crawling out from the bunker is the devastation suffered becomes disturbingly clear. We have a lot to rebuild.

To reconstruct a building destroyed by the bombs of war, one starts by repairing and securing its foundation, brick by brick, stone by stone.

To reconstruct an activist movement devastated by years of anti-science, anti-empowerment, anti-people policies, one also must start with its foundation and rebuild it, step by step.

Help Rebuild the Movement

That’s why I am writing you: To ask you to join me in the important process of rebuilding our community’s movement to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Please let me explain.

The foundation of the self-empowerment movement for people with HIV—and all of the service providers, treatment activism, public education and awareness that followed in its wake—can be found in a document known as “The Denver Principles.”

“The Denver Principles” was written by a group of people with AIDS, including pioneer activists such as Michael Callen, Dan Turner and Bobbi Campbell, at a GLBT health conference held June 1983 in Denver.

Their landmark manifesto outlined the rights and responsibilities of people with AIDS. Near the end of the conference, they stormed the podium and read “The Denver Principles” manifesto in front of a banner that read “Fighting for Our Lives!” Ginny Apuzzo, the conference co-chair, said the activists got a 10-minute standing ovation and “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

“The Denver Principles” represents the first time in the history of humanity that a group of people who shared a disease organized politically, asserting an inalienable right to participate in the decision-making processes, at all levels, that would so profoundly affect their lives.

What “The Denver Principles” Enabled

In the early years of the epidemic, “The Denver Principles” enabled us to combat stigma, create an extraordinary peer-to-peer service delivery system and implement community-based HIV prevention that worked. In the years since, UNAIDS, WHO and other organizations around the world have used “The Denver Principles” as a model for service delivery to disenfranchised communities.

For people with HIV, “The Denver Principles” is the Declaration of Independence, Bill or Rights, Constitution and Magna Carta all rolled into one. That’s why the manifesto was applauded and celebrated so greatly when introduced at the Denver conference—because those in attendance knew that important history was being made.

A few weeks after that Denver meeting, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) was formed in Washington, DC, to provide a unified national voice to represent us in the media, on Capitol Hill and within the executive branch of our federal government.

The Denver Principles Project

Today, I am working with NAPWA and POZ Magazine on The Denver Principles Project, and I would like to ask for your help.

The Denver Principles Project is a three-part campaign to recommit our community to the principles of self-empowerment, to raise awareness of “The Denver Principles” among service providers and the communities they reach and to build a large national membership for NAPWA that will give it the voice and authority it needs to be most effective.

Step 1

The first step is simply asking individuals and organizations involved in or who care about the epidemic, like you, to add your name to a list of those agreeing to recommit to “The Denver Principles.”

I hope you can go to www.napwa.org, click on The Denver Principles Project link and add your name, or your organization’s name, to the roster of those supporting this historic initiative.

Step 2

The second step is to raise awareness of “The Denver Principles” and The Denver Principles Project through your organization’s resources, by including information about the project in your newsletters; by educating staff, volunteers and clients about the history and meaning of the principles; and by posting copies of “The Denver Principles” in waiting and reception areas.

Step 3

Most important, we are asking you to encourage your clients with HIV to sign up for a sponsored membership in the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA). That’s right: no cost to the person with HIV who wants to be involved.

When NAPWA was founded, it was originally envisioned to grow along the lines of other national organizations such as NOW, NAACP or HRC, with thousands of members contributing $35 or $50 each.

But most people with HIV live in poverty, and many have trouble maintaining secure housing, feeding their families or accessing medical care. That traditional constituent-building model will not work because people with HIV do not have the funds to pay for membership.

That’s why NAPWA has made a commitment to find sponsors to pay for memberships for anyone with HIV who wants to become empowered, anyone who wants to add his or her voice and become a member of NAPWA.

POZ Support With Its Anniversary Issue

POZ is supporting this effort as well. To kick it off, the magazine has agreed to donate all of the advertising sales from its 15th anniversary issue, this coming May, to the NAPWA Membership Fund. Those funds, along with donations from corporate, foundation and individual sponsors, will pay for memberships in NAPWA for any person with HIV who would like to join.

Other Organizations Support The Denver Principles Project

There are more than a dozen national AIDS organizations, but NAPWA, as an organization of people with HIV/AIDS, has a unique role. That’s why the National Minority AIDS Council, the Latino Commission on AIDS and other national groups, as well as more than 140 local service providers from 45 states (including AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Gay Men’s Health Crisis of New York City, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Nashville Cares, Nevada AIDS Project, Tulsa CARES, Action AIDS of Philadelphia, AIDS Delaware of Wilmington) are supporting The Denver Principles Project. (For a complete list, go to http://www.napwa.org/)

They know giving greater voice to those of us with the disease is not just important—it is vital in order to secure funding, increase health care access, combat stigma, reduce new infections and empower people with HIV and improve their health. Isn’t that what the fight against AIDS is all about?

Objective: 100,000 NAPWA Members by December 1

Our goal is for NAPWA to have 100,000 members by World AIDS Day, December 1, of this year. Imagine how important the ability to mobilize a large NAPWA membership will be for everyone working to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act this year, and to secure funding for state ADAP or HIV testing programs and to have a voice in the Obama administration’s initiatives for health care reform.

We have suffered because our voice has not been adequately heard. We need to be represented in Washington, and that is why I am hopeful you can join us in this historic effort at this uniquely opportune time.

For years we have had a culture in Washington that has denigrated the needs of people with HIV, ignored their voices and treated us like a problem population to be regulated and controlled rather than the key to successfully addressing the epidemic.

Obama’s Election Is Great, But No Guarantee

The election of Barack Obama has brought great hope and inspiration, to be sure. But changes in bureaucracies and long-entrenched policies do not come magically or easily, even with the election of powerful and progressive new leadership.

We must fight for these changes. And to fight effectively, we must have clarity of vision—that’s why it’s so important to recommit to the founding ideas expressed in “The Denver Principles.” That’s why we must have a large membership—to demonstrate the community’s support of this effort to make sure we get the attention of elected officials and public policy leaders.

Can You Join Us?

Please, I urge you to take a moment right now and go to www.napwa.org and click on The Denver Principles Project link. Join us in recommitting to “The Denver Principles,” raising awareness of the principles and building NAPWA’s membership to make sure our voice in Washington is heard clearly.

Yours in the struggle for justice,

Sean Strub

P.S. Everyone who contributes $35 or more, or any organization promoting membership in NAPWA to their clients will have their name(s) listed in the roster of supporters of The Denver Principles Project that will be printed in the 15th anniversary May issue of POZ. But time is short—to include your name, you must sign up by March 15. Please, go to www.napwa.org/supportdpp right now to sign up. Thank you.

Don't Divorce Us

2009-02-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

Ken Starr, who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, filed a legal brief last month -- on behalf of the "Yes on 8" campaign -- that would forcibly divorce 18,000 same-sex couples that were married in California last year before the passage of Prop 8.

Watch "Fidelity", an amazing and beautiful video sending a simple and touching message to Starr's and those supporting his campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-awVQkTeVE

To sign a letter to the state Supreme Court telling them to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry, click the link below. DEADLINE: Valentine's Day.

awVQkTeVE http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/divorce

couragecampaign.org/divorce"Fidelity" used with permission from Regina Spektor and EMI Records.

GLBT Events in YOUR County

2008-12-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center (UDGLBT) is ready to take its next step. We are planning ‘Meet and Greet’ events in each of the 4 counties we will be serving – Pike County, Pa., Sussex County, NJ, and Sullivan and Orange Counties in NY.
The events will be informal, fun and…
· free and open to the GLBT community and friends,
· provide an opportunity to meet GLBT people in each geographic area,
· provide an overview of what the UDGLBT is planning,
· give everyone an opportunity to have input into how we can best serve the GLBT community in your county, and
· let you know how you can help and become an active member.
We are looking for volunteers who would like to join a committee in each county to help plan these ‘Meet and Greet’ events. Danielle, Lori and Kathy have volunteered to put the Sullivan County event together and Arnold is checking into places in Pike and Orange counties. Lisa and Diane are planning a separate event for GLBT families. But we need more help. So… now is a great time for all of you who have been asking, “What can I do?” to get involved. We can use your time, talent and energy and if you don’t have any of those, we can use your money!
It promises to be a gay ole time so step up, join in and help us make it
okay to be out!

Blogging 101

2008-10-11T21:54:00.000-04:00

I have come to realize that most of my friends over 12 (that's everyone but Elizabeth and Madeline) are pretty clueless when it comes to blogs, blogging and bloggers, never mind widgets and gadgets. So, i figured it might be helpful to walk you through it. A Blog is a different kind of web site in that it is interactive. That means you can get involved! At the end of this post you will see who posted it, when it was posted and the number of comments that have been made. If you click on the word 'COMMENTS' you can read what others have posted- it's sort of like E-mail voyeurism- if you want, you can comment on the post as well and others will be able to read your post. To the right of that there is an icon of an envelope. You can E-mail the post to a friend by clicking on the envelope and indicating to whom you would like it sent.

When you are done reading/commenting, go back to the home page. On the top right of the page you will see "GLBT ISSUES IN THE NEWS" under that there are three of four words - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - by clicking on any one of these words, current news articles for that specific topic will be shown. You can click on the blue title to read the full article or check out related articles by clicking on the green link.

Scroll down the right side even more and you will see 'LINKS'. I tried to include something for everyone - if you know of a good GLBT link you would like to see listed, let me know and I will add it. Under 'LINKS' is 'GAY AND LESBIAN DVDS' and 'GLBT BOOKS'. Scroll within these specific boxes to see the complete listing. Keep in mind, that these are always changing so you are getting current information.

Now scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. I've added something new - a VIDEO BAR. Currently there are some clips from Ellen, including 'The Wedding Day' for Ellen and Portia. It's the third one from the left and worth a view.

Under the video bar are "OUR FOLLOWERS" - those individuals who are followers of the Upper Delaware GLBT Blog. Check out who is following our blog by clicking on their icon and then add yourself.

Then, just for fun is a YOU TUBE link so you can keep up on Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. Finally, you will see 'ARCHIVES', where you will be able to find old posts.

So, there you have it - enjoy and come back soon, and remember.... let others know about our blog. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to be notified when a new blog is posted, send your email address to udglbt@gmail.com and we will add you to the list.

Patty

Welcome!

2008-09-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Upper Delaware GLBT Blog - a place where we can network, share thoughts and get to know each other. This is our first step in creating a GLBT community in Sussex (NJ), Pike (PA), Sullivan (NY), and Orange (NY) Counties. Believe it or not, there will soon be a GLBT Center in OUR area. That's right, the Upper Delaware GLBT Center (UDGLBT) - which will be located in beautiful Milford, PA - is currently in the process of being formed! We are officially incorporated and are in the process of getting our 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Once we are up and running, we will serve GLBT adults, teens, families and friends by providing:

educational materials and information;
workshops and trainings;
social events;
creative and recreational opportunities;
supportive services;
referrals to GLBT-friendly stores, restaurants, services, and facilities;
and of course, a place to connect with the local GLBT community.

Here's how you can get involved. Help us spread the word by joining in a game of E-Tag. It's easy. Just send this link - http://www.udglbtcenter.blogspot.com/ - to five people you know who would be interested in knowing about this blog and the UDGLBT Center. Ask those five people to send it to five more. In no time we will be as big as the crowds at a Melissa Etheridge concert!

All joking aside, it is a great way to spread the word quickly. Of course you can send to more than five people, but we don't want to burn you out before we even open our doors. The people you email can be from anywhere - it's a blog, so our first step is worldwide and anyone anywhere can get involved.

To make it even more fun, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the "Follow this Blog" link under the "Followers" widget. You will then see a pop-up window with the option to either follow 'publicly' or 'anonymously.' Select how you'd like to follow the blog, then click the orange "Follow" button. It is that simple, you are now a follower of this blog! If you elected to follow publicly, your profile picture (if uploaded) will be displayed on the blog with a link to your Blogger profile. It's a great way to start connections.

If you are interested in getting involved in other ways, you can email us at udglbt@gmail.com and someone will get back to you.

Check back frequently for updates and information. We look forward to seeing you at our first event!