Center Programs: LGBT Maryland

Reel Affirmations Presents: Pushing Dead

2016-11-30T23:35:30Z

Pushing Dead Starring Danny Glover and James Roday Directed by Tom E. Brown will be screening on December 2nd at 7pm at the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036.

We are proud to educate, laugh and cry together as we fight against the HIV epidemic. We identified this event as an opportunity to entertain and educate.
Please support this partnership by purchasing a ticket and attending this interactive cinema experience. Information regarding tickets sales and logistics are included in the information below.

If you are not able to attend, you can still purchase a ticket as a donation and support our organization and the film. This multidimensional event is sure to inspire and unify our community as we learn together. There will be a brief discussion time in which
some of the peers, staff, and group members may share thoughts and new information.

When a struggling writer, HIV positive for 20+ years, accidentally deposits a $100 birthday check, he is dropped from his health plan for earning too much. In this new era of sort-of universal care, can he take on a helpless bureaucracy but also come up with $3000 a month to buy meds on his own?

See You There!!!

Watch the trailer here and purchase tickets click here for the film.

December Trans Groups, Join Us!!!

2016-11-26T21:52:36Z

Looking to meet interesting and like-minded people in a fun environment? Join us for the Transgender Support and Discussion Group! All are welcome for who they are, regardless of gender, orientation, status including, partners, family and allies.
We have two Trans Discussion Group meetings each month on the first Friday (December 2nd, 2016) and second Tuesday (December 13th, 2016) of the month starting at 7PM.
We meet at The DC Center in the Reeves Municipal Building, 2000 14th St NW, Suite 105. Signs will be posted on the door for our group meeting.
Please note, you may be asked for a photo ID as you enter the Reeves Center. The Reeves Center staff have been trained and understand that photo ID's may not match an individual's gender expression. If this presents a challenge to you please call the DC Center as you arrive at (202) 682-2245 so that we can accommodate you.
See you there !

Friday, December 2nd 2016

Tuesday, December 13th 2016

Montgomery County, MD Transgender Day of Remembrance

2016-09-30T21:21:58Z

The 6th annual Montgomery County, Maryland Transgender Day of Remembrance will take place on Sunday, November 20th at the Montgomery County Executive office, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville MD. Time TBA, this event will take place in the late afternoon/early evening.

The event is free, and will feature speakers, readings, music, food, quieter spaces, and a candlelight vigil. The event is focused on remembering Zella Ziona (Gaithersburg), Keyonna Blakeney (Rockville), and our other siblings taken this past year and before.

Donations are invited to local trans resources.

A Facebook event will be posted soon, and even info will also be posted on the event's Twitter, @MCMDTDOR #MCMDTDOR

November 20:

Mar'Quail Wells: PrEP Peer Educator (Fresh Faces and New Voices series)

2016-09-01T17:39:14Z

Hi my name is Mar'Quail Wells and I am very passionate about Nursing and Public Health. I am also very passionate about educating others, which leads me to why I am now working as a Peer Educator for PrEP at the DC Center.

PrEP is a once a day pill taken by individuals to prevent the spread of HIV infection. This little blue pill has the power to prevent someone that is negative from becoming positive if taken as suggested. PrEP or Truvada has a 92% to 99% efficacy rate! Most clinical trials continue to show 100% success which is a pharmaceutical miracle!

The particular project that has allowed me to partner with the DC Center is focused on men that sleep with men and trans-women of color. People of color in the LGBTQ community are disproportionately experiencing a rise in new HIV infection statistics. These two groups are at a greater risk for HIV due to socioeconomic challenges, There are struggles with housing, health insurance, jobs and so much more. Many times in my work and interactions, I have to use a poker face to maintain my professionalism because I understand these issues due to being a part of that same community. My desire to be a part of the answer is what motivates me each day. Helping people by educating and informing them about sexual, personal and public health has definitely become a part of me!

I am proud to be amongst the large group of individuals who care about our community and want to share our knowledge and life experiences to help others. Feel free to reach out to me if you are in need of support or have further questions about The DC Center and/or PrEP via email: mar'quail@thedccenter.org

Be sure to check out The DC Center's BePrEPed app for andriod phones athttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.canic.beprepped or for Iphones at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bepreped/id1099867557?mt=8

Introducing DC's Own, Charmaine Eccles (Fresh Faces and New Voices series)

2016-08-29T21:01:41Z

Hello, my name is Charmaine an African American transgender woman. I am a native Washingtonian and I graduated from Calvin Coolidge Senior High School. I'm eagerly looking at furthering my education in public relations and business related studies.

I was always concerned about what others thought about me which caused me to start my transition late in life. I desired stability and a true career, not just a job. I always thought that if I started my transition at the right time and place, I could succeed and live my truth.

It is my dream to be a positive and strong voice in the transgender community. I'm looking to use my past experiences to reach out to people in many different ways. Activism, advocacy, mentoring and consulting are just a few skills that I am looking to utilize to spread awareness to different groups of people to make sure all voices are heard.

I am fortunate to be working with The DC Center through the IMPACT DMV program as the Assistant Health Specialist Coordinator. We are here to promote the healthy choices, self-care, and prevention to Trans women of color and men who have sex with men. Our goal is to reduce HIV transmission through education. One tool we are providing information and training on is PrEP.

PrEP is a daily medication (Truvada) that reduces your risk of HIV infection by more than 92%. Use of condoms and proper lubrication are still advised to prevent other STI's that could affect you and/or your partner(s).

Feel free to reach out to me if you are in need of support or have further questions about The DC Center and/or PrEP via email: Charmaine@thedccenter.org
Be sure to check out The DC Center's BePrEPed app for andriod phones at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.canic.beprepped or for Iphones at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bepreped/id1099867557?mt=8

Research to Practice: Suicide Prevention for the LGBTQ Communities.

2016-02-25T20:11:24Z

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Maryland and National Capital Area Chapters, invites mental health professionals, educators and community leaders to join us for this one-day conference focused on suicide risk within the LGBTQ community. Features speakers are nationally recognized experts from the field who will share current research findings and the most promising programs that work to prevent suicide.

Join us on April 9,2016 at 9 am-5 pm at the University of Maryland College Park

Stamp Student Union
3972 Campus Drive
College Park, Maryland 20742

Featured Speakers:
Caitlin Ryan, Ph.D., ACSW, Director, Family Acceptance Project

John R. Blosnich, Ph.D., Consulting Scientist, AFSP; Research Health Scientist, Department of Veterans Affairs

Vincent Silenzio, M.D., M.P.H., University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry

Registration cost is $50
Register here or contact sschreiber@afsp.org

Germantown Community Forum for LGBTQ Equity and Safety

2016-01-28T21:00:25Z

Metro DC PFLAG, PFLAG Germantown and Seneca Valley High School invite you to community gathering in Germantown, Maryland. The Community Forum will be a discussion of LGBTQ Equality and Safety, in response to the murder of Zella Ziona, a transwoman from Germantown.

When: Saturday February 20, 2016 2-5 PM
Where: Seneca Valley High School
19401 Crystal Rock Drive
Germantown, MD 20874
Contact: Joanna.c.fellows@mcpsmd.net

For more information, please visit the website event page:
http://pflagdc.org/event/germantown-community-forum/

Metro DC PFLAG Gender Identity Proposal

2015-04-28T20:28:57Z

On May 7th the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) board is considering a proposal to expand the district's nondiscrimination policy to include gender identity. However, opposition has arisen and is influencing this amazing passage of acceptance to our LGBTQ youth in Fairfax County. The proposed policy will protect employees and students regardless of gender identity. PFLAG believes in non-discriminatory policy that ensures the mental health of all students and youth, as our LGBTQ youth are faced with high rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Help us by signing the following PETITION and by emailing the Fairfax County Public Schools' board as well: fairfaxcountyschoolboard@fcps.edu.

NCAVP mourns the death of Mia Henderson

2014-07-24T19:25:15Z

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Mia Henderson, a transgender woman of color in Baltimore, Maryland. According to media reports, Mia was discovered in an alley early on Wednesday, July 16th, while police were serving a search warrant in the area. According to police, she appears to have died from trauma to the body, indicating homicide.

NCAVP has responded to the deaths of five transgender women of color since the beginning of June 2014 alone.

Zoraida Reyes's body was discovered on Thursday June 12th behind a Dairy Queen. Her death has been ruled suspicious by investigators because it is believed her body was moved to that location, but has not yet been ruled a homicide. On June 3rd, the body of Kandy Hall was discovered in a field in Northeast Baltimore in what local police believe to be a homicide. On June 19th, the body of Yaz'min Shancez was found behind a Budget Truck Rental on Powell Street in Fort Myers, Florida. According to local media reports, local police believe her death to be a homicide, and her body had been burned. And on June 26th, Tiff Edwards was found shot to death in the middle of the road in Walnut Hills, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati.

"We are enraged after the death of another transgender woman of color, the second such homicide in Baltimore and the fifth nationally since the beginning of June," said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP's Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "This epidemic of fatal violence against the transgender women must be addressed nationally. Transgender communities, especially transgender women and transgender people of color, are disproportionality impacted by many forms of violence and this crisis demands a remedy."

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) most recent report released on May 29th, 2014, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2013, documented 18 anti-LGBTQ homicides last year. Of those homicide victims, almost 90% were people of color.. Almost three-quarters (72%) of homicide victims were transgender women, and more than two-thirds (67%) of homicide victims were transgender women of color.

NCAVP has reached out to local organizations FreeState Legal Project and Power Inside in Baltimore, Maryland to raise awareness of these unsolved homicides and to support the local communities affected by this violence.

"As an ally of the transgender community, it is deeply troubling to watch so many of our transgender neighbors and friends become the target of hate motivated violence. It is tragic," said Aaron Merki, Executive Director of Free State Legal. "We must stand with, and listen to, members of our transgender community in order to solve these crimes and stop this senseless violence. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed hate violence to contact FreeState Legal for support and assistance."

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online.

Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.

University of Maryland's Jewish LGBT Group Hosts Rabbi Greenberg

2014-03-21T18:07:00Z

On Monday, March 31st, Rabbi Steve Greenberg will speak to a group of both students and professionals on Wrestling With God. The talk concerns his personal journey, and the challenges of living as an openly gay Jew in the Orthodox world.

What: Rabbi Steve Greenberg Lecture
When: 7:00 PM, Monday March 31, 2014
Where: Theodore R Mckeldin Library,
Special Events Room on the 6th Floor
Campus Dr College Park, MD 20742

For more information on this event, please go to Wrestling With God. If you'd like to attend, please click the 'Join' button.

To read an article written by Rabbi Greenberg about Jewish parents dealing with LGBT issues, please go to Orthodox Parents.

University of Maryland Supports Faculty and Student LGBTQ Diversity

2014-02-14T19:30:42Z

The University of Maryland recently released a short video on youtube regarding the involvement of staff and faculty in LGBTQ affairs on Campus. The 2 minute video on LGBT staff and faculty opportunities at the University of Maryland highlights opportunities for LGBT university employees and their allies. The video features several faculty members including Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden and the Director of the LGBT Equity Center , Dr. Luke Jensen, who together encourage other staff faculty and graduate students to become involved in the campus LGBT Staff and Faculty Association, and the plethora of other resources and spaces on campus that supports LGBT and allied communities.

The University has been recognized by Huffington Post as a Top 25 LGBT-Friendly Campus. "This is an exciting place to work! I'm excited to support a campaign that sends a clear message that all are welcome as employees on this campus" says Dr. Jensen. College Park City Council Member Patrick Wohan states that, "Equal Opportunity statements are important, but it's even better to proactively embrace inclusion, and the University of Maryland walks the talk." According to Kumea Shorter-Gooden, the University of Maryland is an equal opportunity and diversity affirming institution that welcomes faculty and staff of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. She invites the LGBTQ Community to get involved, and to take advantage of the many resources and benefits of working at the University of Maryland.

Montgomery County Transgender Day of Rememberance, November 16, 2013

2013-10-03T17:10:49Z

The annual Montgomery County observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance will take place at 6:00 p.m. on November 16, 2013 at Twinbrook Baptist Church, 1001 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20851.

The service is a non-traditional service that will focus on remembrance of those who died because they are transgender and on unifying the transgender community and its allies to support those who are still living. A community dinner will follow the service and allow all those present to share their reflections on the day and on transgender lives.

For more information:
Call Susan Staff (301) 244-5610
www.facebook.com/MCMDTDoR2013

Maryland Trans*Unity Picnic & Potluck

2013-07-25T19:03:10Z

Maryland Trans*Unity Invites you to a Picnic & Potluck

For all transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people of all backgrounds and including significant others, friends, family and allies of the greater Washington and Baltimore areas.
Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 2 - 6pm

Location: Open Door MCC
15817 Barnesville Road, Boyds, MD 20841
Driving Directions are included in the flyer.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByBGp9m813BdQ0RmQWh0LWhpMU0/edit?usp=sharing
Carpooling will be organized from various locations including Shady Grove Metro.

Please send RSVP & car pool requests to MD.Trans.Unity.Events@gmail.com Volunteers are needed to bring food and non-food items. Let me how you can help out.

Please feel free to invite your significant others friends, families, allies and their friends too!

2013 Brother Help Thyself Grant Reception

2013-01-16T22:20:03Z

WHEN: January 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM
WHERE: GRAND CENTRAL 1001/1003 N. Charles St.
Baltimore MD 21201
ENTERTAINMENT: Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theater
EMCEE: Bob Rose, Mr. Maryland Leather 2013
RSVP TO: Andrew McCarty - President@COMMANDMC.org
SNOW DATE February 2, 2013

Brother, Help Thyself is a community based organization that provides financial and other support to non-profit organizations serving the GLBTQ and HIV/AIDS community in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. metro area. During the past 30 years, they have raised over $2.1 million and distributed it to more than 130 groups in our community.

Bethesda Transgender Day or Remembrance

2012-11-13T22:48:35Z

Over the last decade more than one person a month has died due to anti-transgender biased prejudice. We call on our community to stand with us to remember those whose lives have been taken due to hatred and prejudice and join together in hope for a future of peace and justice.

November 17th, 2012
Bethesda United Church of Christ
10010 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Join for a service of remembrance & hope. There will be a dinner of soup and bread as well as a resource area and time to socialize. Please check out the flier for additional information.