MetroEast NEWS

Support MTUG. and Trans Visability

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 08:16:00 +0000

Metro Trans Umbrella Group - MTUG

When i was 15 years old and came out as a lesbian my mother said " I am going to take you to this festival in forest park, so you can meet your people" being in community in the late 80 was vital to my survival and feeling part of our movement. When i came out as a transgender man in my early 30' s in the mid 2000 i was at a loss on where to meet my people. This is not to say that there has not been many trans folks at pride throughout the years we just may not have been as visible or organized as some of our L and G and maybe B family. We feel like it is now our turn.
MTUG wants to march in the Pride parade this year not as an add on to some of our fantastic allys or as an addition to group but as our own powerful movement. MTUG is ready to take up some space. We need your support. The generous folks at Left Bank Books have already stepped up with a donation of $150 to support us but we need more to make this a reality. $ponsorship will allow us to pay the entry fee, purchase umbrellas and hopefully some fun MTUG swag to spread the word! If you support us with this drive to march in Pride 2015 You will help provide the space for all of us to gather in the shadow of the arch and show St Louis Trans are here and we are a proud valuable part of the community. Message us if you would like to support! --Sayer JohnsonPresident MTUG

Sherrill Wayland of SAGE Metro St. Louis Receives Top Honor

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 23:43:00 +0000

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News shared SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)'s photo.

Posted by Colby Kluthe · Just now ·

Congrats Sherrill Wayland, no the rest of the nation knows an advocate we have appreciated for a long time! Thanks for all you do.

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)

Major congrats to Sherrill Wayland, Executive Director of SAGE Metro St. Louis for being awarded the 2015 Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Award for her outstanding contribution in service to older adults! Great work Sherrill, you deserve it!

Equality Illinois Advocacy Day - April 15th

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:06:00 +0000

LGBT Advocacy Day

Equality Illinois is holding our annual LGBT Advocacy Day onWednesday, April 15 at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.

It’ll be a great opportunity to talk to lawmakers about legislation that affects the LGBT community. Our agenda includes strengthening hate crimes legislation, protecting LGBT youth from ineffective and dangerous conversion therapy, and saving important funding for public services in the state budget.

Registration for a bus ticket from the Chicago area includes admission for one round trip to Springfield, lunch, and registration to the LGBT Advocacy Day. Or you can drive on your own from anywhere in the state and participate in our program when you arrive. Share your plans on social media with #LGBTadvocacy.

BUS TRIP RESERVATION

DRIVING RESERVATION

Call for Vendor Enrollment! 8th Annual Festival Season

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:37:00 +0000

www.metroeastprideswi.org

Or email

mep.chanceb@gmail.come

Second verse... same as the first, third and so on...

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:19:00 +0000

MetroEast Pride

April 8 at 10:19am ·

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Chance Baker was voted in and he has excepted the position of Vice President of MEPSI. His past leadership on the Board and enthusiasm for this community is exactly what our organization needs. Congrats Chance. We are so happy and excited for this new chapter.

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: All Things In The Fullness of Time

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:08:00 +0000

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: All Things In The Fullness of Time: By: Colby Kluthe -Metro East NEWS "All things in the fullness of time." Its a phrase that I have probably said a hundred ...

Governor Rauner makes commitment to Illinois LGBT citizens

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 01:47:00 +0000

Equality Illinois

March 20 at 5:57pm ·

Breaking News: Governor Bruce Rauner holds first meeting with LGBT leaders, commits to strict enforcement of non-discrimination laws and appoints liaison to LGBT community.

Rauner Makes Commitment to LGBT Illinoisans « Equality Illinois

CHICAGO – In the first of its kind meeting with LGBT leaders, Gov. Bruce Rauner today committed his administration to strict enforcement of non-discrimination laws and suggested an openness to new initiatives to protect Illinoisans who experience unequal treatment.

EQUALITYILLINOIS.US

Thanks Alton for a fantastic weekend!

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:05:00 +0000

Aeighva Secrett

5 hrs ·

OK kids this weekend was amazing Friday was wonderful as always and Saturday was just the same sending all the fans a big shout out who come to support both shows both with a different feel to them and equal the same fun!!! Send a special shout out to Miss Bubby and Sissy's Essence Mizrahi girl you are so beautiful and glad to have you represent the bar! I can't wait till November for my second try! To both my TT'S Passion Principal and Mariah Candy I love you both!!! As always thank you to bubby Michael Paynic for giving us a place to work!!!!

— feeling blessed with Mariah Candy and 3 others at Bubby & Sissy's.

MetroEast NEWS: A Rock, a River and a Tree

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 19:24:00 +0000

MetroEast NEWS: A Rock, a River and a Tree: October 9, 2014 (JOPLIN) By:Colby Kluthe- MetroEast NEWS For far too long we have sped past them in our cars and strolled by them on fo...

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: "First Bloom" Women's History Month Series

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 19:00:00 +0000

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: "First Bloom" Women's History Month Series: Kranzberg Arts Center Hide Map Kranzberg Arts Center 501 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis 63103 Hear the voi...

"Metro East Pride, Pull Yourselves Together"

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 18:21:00 +0000

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
"Metro East Pride, Pull Yourselves Together"

Any idea when your website will be repaired? Every year we at MetroEast NEWS get requests from the community on how to contact you and I never know what to tell them since there's little continuity to the organization.
Please remember that Mepsi was established to serve all of the metro east, not simply the bar crowd at club escapade. However the real issue is your ability to communicate with vendors, entertainers and those who are outside the local area.

I am very proud of my tenure on the board and the hard work of those who served before and after me. Now is that time of year to begin pulling yourselves together with the entire community to pull off another successful pride season. I challenge this years board to personally meet with every business owner and vendor possible to garner support and maybe even take a whole board field trip to Carbondale before june. Thanks again for all you do and never loose sight of the communities you serve.
Sincerely,
COLBY KLUTHE,
Editor MetroEast NEWS
MEPSI board member 2009~2011

A Rock, a River and a Tree

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:49:00 +0000

October 9, 2014 (JOPLIN)
By:Colby Kluthe- MetroEast NEWS

For far too long we have sped past them in our cars and strolled by them on foot. However, when was the last time you sat on a rock and were simply thankful for it's inherent stubbornness that left itself clinging to the banks of the river with its never ending motions and forces?

While the river may be looked down upon for its forceful and unpredictable current, it is sometimes helpful to recognize and appreciate that had it not been for the river, the rock would not be well rounded, but rather jagged and far from the refreshment found in a cool drink at your feet.

The rock indeed has been through the storms and baked in many of summer's suns. Sometimes in july the rock may even burn us if we linger upon it too long. It knows its story of years gone by, but a rock will not often tell of its hardships. Instead, the rock has weathered and aged long enough not to worry about forces it has no control over, and chooses to embrace all that surrounds it's resting place.

"My heavens would you look at that" cries out the rock, "someone long ago planted this tree next to me, and the tree has grown and kept me company even in the bitterness of winter. I am surely a blessed rock. And when the long awaitef sping arrives, my friend the tree blooms it's branches to sheild me from that summer heat. Now im much more appealing to the passerby and both myself and my tree enjoy the company. "

"Last October, we found ourselves at odds, and I decided I could do without tree, it doesn't even have any leaves left to offer shade anyway." So the rock wouldnt talk to tree all winter, and the tree felt the blisters of snow on it's bare branches, and creaked when the wind gusts battered it's dried out trunk.

The tree and rock remained in silence until all of winters snowpack began to melt on a particularly warm February day. In fact neither of them could remember the last time so much snow had leaped its way into the now swift moving, and nearly violent splashes of the river. As the water levels rose, the rock could no longer see tree for all the desbris and water which now forced its way over, around, and directly onto the rock. In just a few moments the rock began to feel its footing being washed away, and soon he might be tumbling downstream, never getting the chance to see tree one last time.

Just as the flashes of lightening reached maximum decibel, and the river had all but reclaimed the rock, the rock wondered why or how he wasn't already tumbling downstream. As mid afternoon turned into evening, the sunlight faded, and the waters began to calm. It was at that moment the rock realized that his weight was being held in suspension by the roots of his friend the tree. Rock wasn't going to miss this opportunity and began to cry out in both appreciation and relief: "thank you tree! I have not been very kind to you lately, but you were holding me up the entire time. I don't deserve to have such a wonderful friend ad you."

The tree looked down at thr rock and replied: "Don't even mention it, those roots have been there for a very long time, and because you rest upon them, I can drink from river even in the coldest and driest of times. I should be thanking you. Without you at my side, the passersby would not see me fit to offer them a shaded grove, and without you a resting place would not be within my reach. We would both find ouselves quite lonely I imagine"

Today we should take a short moment yo appreciate those blessings which surround us. Remember that blessings exist even when they are covered by the swift moving currents in our own lives. Take a moment to celebrate how blessings are often intertwined like a quilt on the bed. Someone even our divine creator not only had the plan and pattern, and created a beautiful tapestry that will bring us warmth and comfort when we no longer see leaves on the tree. It remains a tree, and all that has been created is blessed indeed.

Today be mindful of blessings of grace surrounding you. If it is a person, tell them thank you just to recognize the gift. Remember that only love exists, and release any fear you may be struggling to overcome?

Today I will remember to keep my word.

@smartchoicestl
DanielMcCreeOrg@gmail.com

Festival and Event Information

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:32:00 +0000

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video.

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 08:41:00 +0000

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video.
via Kris Flint

#Samelove

Like · · January 26 at 8:41pm

Seen by 7

2 people like this.
Ken Easley Jr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6OVxPiZQDc

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 16:18:00 +0000

Bethany Place

Bethany Place teaching the community.

Unlike · · Share ·

7th Annual Metro East PrideFest

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:55:00 +0000

MetroEast Pride is PROUD to announce that in celebration of Same-Sex Marriage becoming official in the Land of Lincoln on June 1, 2014 we will be holding our first LEGAL wedding ceremony at the main stage during the 7th Annual Metro East PrideFest on Saturday, June 21 in downtown Belleville. Interested couples should contact mep.allenirby@gmail.com or call 314.608.4110. Remember, this is a LEGAL marriage so we'll need some time to make sure paperwork is in order beforehand and the officiate is requesting to meet couples prior to ceremony.

(SPARTA) GUNS STOLEN WERE FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:21:00 +0000

Justin R. Lanton

Can you share this info to help me out please!! I just had my house broken into in Sparta IL. They stole my stainless steal .357 magnum 3" barrel. Also my chrome 1911 Rock island .45... If you know anyone trying to sell them or know anything please call me ASAP 618-971-0699 or the IL state police or Sparta PD?
The .357 was my grandpas and it was given to me after he passed..

March on Springfield for Marriage Equality

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 08:46:00 +0000

Equality Illinois news conference as the musical portion of the rally continues outside, Rep. Greg Harris, lead sponsor of the marriage bill, calls for passage of #SB10: "I call upon my colleagues to do the right thing." #IL4M Behind him is Gov. Pat Quinn. Other speakers included U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and other bill sponsors in the state legislature. Historic Crowds nearing 5,000 people now at Illinois State Capitol to Stand for #MarriageEquality #IL4M

March on Springfield for Marriage Equality

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 10:01:00 +0000

The March on Springfield for Marriage Equality will bring thousands to Illinois' capital at the state of the fall veto session of the Illinois General Assembly to demand they pass Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. We urge you all to join us this day. The time is now. Visit http://www.marchonspringfield.org/ for full details including an FAQ, Travel Info, speakers concert info and more.

Rally/March Details
Tuesday October 22, 2013
Illinois State Capitol
401 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois
Noon-1 PM: Entertainment
1 PM-2:30 PM: Rally
March around Capitol: 2:30-3:30 PM

Great News for Carbondale Nightlife- The Return of TwoThirteen

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:24:00 +0000

VIA Jodie Santana
Get ready next week the club in carbondale IL is reopen next wed night starts out with college night with 49cent draft beer and 79cent well drinks $1.49 longnecks and $1.99 jager booms and no cover charge ! get ready more to come and lets support the club this time so we all have a place to hangout and be are self ! 213 is back!

If you are outgoing and friendly and good lookin the club in carbondale is looking for Bartenders males and females but you must be upbeat ! this is a dance / showbar and people want to have fun ! contact Shauwn at 618-218-3829

Equality Illinois Names New Field Director

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:12:00 +0000

September 12, 2013

For more information and comment, please contact:
Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois
312-520-4919; bcherkasov@eqil.org

Randy Hannig, Director of Public Policy of Equality Illinois
773-244-3371; rhannig@eqil.org

Equality Illinois Names New Field Director
Organizing veteran to jump into marriage campaign

CHICAGO – Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization fighting for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans, today proudly announces the appointment of Patricia Dillon, a longtime advocacy organizer and native Illinoisan, as its new Director of Field Operations.

During her career, Dillon has worked as an organizer with Planned Parenthood in North Carolina, motivating supporters all over the state to contact their legislators and become longtime advocates of the organization. She also organized voters in southwest Ohio for President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012, and most recently she served as state coordinator for Organizing for Action in Michigan.

"Patty is arriving at a crucial moment in our campaign for the freedom to marry, and she will be jumping right into the effort to enhance Equality Illinois' already strong network of allies and supporters throughout the state," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "Her background of engaging and mobilizing key constituencies around progressive causes will position her for success as we enter the next, crucial phase of our fight for marriage equality."

"Her passion and commitment will make her a strong voice for the organization and our causes not only in the marriage fight but as we continue to deal with all the issues to build a safe and fair Illinois for all of its residents." Cherkasov continued.

Dillon, a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, was born and raised in St. Charles, Illinois, which is on the western edge of suburban Chicago.

"I am extremely excited to return to my home state to work with Equality Illinois at this crucial time," said Dillon. "I am passionate about helping individuals advocate for themselves and their communities."

As Director of Field Operations, Dillon will expand and oversee the field strategy for Equality Illinois, growing the supporter base and mobilizing advocates to take action in coordination with the organization’s mission.

Patricia Dillon, Equality Illinois, Director of Field Operations

Special Thanks from Bill

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:21:00 +0000

William Gromer
August 29
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the friends and family that recently attended a fund raiser held on my behalf at Pitchers Bar and Pizzaria. The turn out was more than I expected and I can never repay all that these people have given me. I must make special thank yous to Kathy and Patrick , not only for their contributions but also
for spending the money that they did on silent auction items. A very warm and loud shout out to Allen and all Metro East Pride representatives who were there also. To John and Jonathan for your hours of work and presence: thank you, thank you, thank you. And to my dear sisters and their husbands for taking the time to come and participate in this event. This was not their normal kind of thing to attend. You guys truly rock and I love you very much for your love and support. And last but certainly not least I must mention my new BFF Ms Erin Kathleen Quinn who spent days and weeks over the past couple of months to put this whole thing together. Erin, along with the two Kevins in her life (Roofer Kevin and Computer wizard, carpenter Kevin ) help make the transition from nothing to a decent place to live a much easier road to travel. I can never repay you for all that you have done. There will come a time when you may need me like I have needed you. Rest assured I will be there with bells on. Let me also acknowledge Jason and Nate Thomas for their unique form of support and I would be remiss if I did not mention Phillip Womble Jr. who was supposed to entertain us that evening but was unable to do so because of work conflicts. Thank you for thinking of me anyway Phillip.
To all who attended and all the supported in other ways let me say thank you and God Bless each and everyone of you
Bill

BACKGROUND INFO

If you CANNOT attend the event, but would like to donate directly to Bill, please make a Paypal donation to gromerbill@yahoo.com. Every single penny helps!

Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint- "Today I Will Remember to Keep My Word"

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 16:36:00 +0000

Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint- "I remember to keep my word today"
By-Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS

About a decade ago, I was living in Las Vegas, Nevada and one advantage of the locale was that I met my partner of nearly ten years Chad and his long-time friend Jan, who recently passed away. When I met them they spent Tuesday evenings at "A place for Miracles", the home office of spiritual guru Bijan, who has many books and seminars he offers as he travels the world teaching the concept of effortless prosperity. While Bijan makes his money by traveling, those who live locally can participate at no cost as he offered groups at his Nevada facility.

Effortless Prosperity (EP) is the idea that we already have all that we need, and we simply must call it into existence and claim it in order to share our blessings with others. Learning to practice EP is as simple as taking a moment each day to meditate and remember that fear is simply an illusion and has no place is our lives if we dare to let go of its control over our day to day emotions.

A different meditation for 30 days repeats itself over and over, and is available to anyone who wishes to bring the EP lifestyle into their own spiritual existence. Each of the thirty meditations always ends with one simple theme... "Today I will Remember to Keep My Word". Its a simple phrase that at times can clearly present a challenge to live up to. However It has provided me a guiding light for many years in determining how I lead my own life, and choose others to share my life with. Daniel rephrased the concept as "True Bees", which you may have heard me refer to before. It means simply I choose those whom I surround myself with and I choose ONLY those who strive to do what they say, and live daily by at least attempting to live up to promises made and promises kept.

Leaving alone the 30 day meditations, the shared concept of keeping one's word is enough to start with, and will undoubtedly change your life when you begin to live in such a way. I watch what I say, and I remember to do whatever I have said I will do. And often enough, as life is, I fall short of the mark, and find myself in situations that serve to remind me to get back to this simple concept. Whenever I do manage to keep my word, blessings seem to fall from every direction and when I fail to keep my word, my climb seems to steepen and the distance gets longer.

In short, the secret to the spiritual life of "The Mouthy Saint" is this very simple promise and goal.
"Today I will remember to keep my word".
It guides me and shows me very clearly those in my life are good for me and those I need to let follow a different path. I challenge you for the remainder of summer to simply remember this one concept, and see for yourself how it has the power to transform both you and those around you. Blessings are bountyful, if we have the courage to claim them. They will be there waiting for us to accept.

-Peace & Love.... Colby
"Today I will Remember to Keep My Word"

Trivia & Silent Auction to benefit William "Bill" Gromer August 22

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:00:00 +0000

July 1, 2013, long-time Belleville resident, former teacher, and dedicated community member Bill Gromer lost everything in a fire that gutted his home.
Bill, who has been there over the years to help so many, now needs our help as he starts over.
Please join us Thursday 8/22/13 at 7 PM at Pitcher's Sports Pub & Pizzeria for a Trivia Night & Silent Auction with all proceeds going directly to benefit Bill as he rebuilds in his new rental home.
Buy in per seat is only a $10 donation, and lots of amazing, fun, funky, and cool items have been donated both as prizes and for the Silent Auction including a one-night stay at the Benton Park Inn Bed & Breakfast, a one-of-a-kind drawing by award-winning local artist Kathy Gomric, Grizzlies baseball tickets, and so much more!

Trivia & Silent Auction to benefit William "Bill" Gromer

August 22 at 7:00pm

Pitchers Sports Pub in Belleville, Illinois

Racial Justice Community Coalition August 22 at 7:00pm

noreply@blogger.com ("D's Cheeze") — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 02:37:00 +0000

Church of the Good Shepherd created an event.

Racial Justice Community Coalition

August 22 at 7:00pm

Church of the Good Shepherd in Carbondale, Illinois

Join · Church of the Good Shepherd is going

MetroEast NEWS

Support MTUG. and Trans Visability

Metro Trans Umbrella Group - MTUG

Sherrill Wayland of SAGE Metro St. Louis Receives Top Honor

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News shared SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)'s photo.

Equality Illinois Advocacy Day - April 15th

LGBT Advocacy Day

Call for Vendor Enrollment! 8th Annual Festival Season

Second verse... same as the first, third and so on...

MetroEast Pride

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: All Things In The Fullness of Time

Governor Rauner makes commitment to Illinois LGBT citizens

Equality Illinois

Thanks Alton for a fantastic weekend!

Aeighva Secrett

MetroEast NEWS: A Rock, a River and a Tree

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: "First Bloom" Women's History Month Series

"Metro East Pride, Pull Yourselves Together"

A Rock, a River and a Tree

Festival and Event Information

Social Profiles

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video.

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video. via Kris Flint

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video.

Bethany Place

7th Annual Metro East PrideFest

(SPARTA) GUNS STOLEN WERE FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

March on Springfield for Marriage Equality

March on Springfield for Marriage Equality

Great News for Carbondale Nightlife- The Return of TwoThirteen

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Equality Illinois Names New Field Director

Special Thanks from Bill

Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint- "Today I Will Remember to Keep My Word"

Trivia & Silent Auction to benefit William "Bill" Gromer August 22

Racial Justice Community Coalition August 22 at 7:00pm

Church of the Good Shepherd created an event.

I Support Same Sex Marriage in ILLINOIS's video.
via Kris Flint