The DC Center

The DC Center Welcomes Ashley Smith to the Board of Directors

2012-01-27T20:26:06Z

The DC Center is proud to welcome Ashley Smith to the DC Center Board of Directors. Denise is one of eight new board members that begin their term this month. Ashley writes:

"I have been a DC resident for about 5 years,which has been a life changing experience and one in which I am grateful of. The move to DC area was the catalyst of my coming out experience to myself and my family, which has been a struggle. Reigning from Louisville, KY, by way of several cities over the years, being apart of the DC Community has been rewarding and a great journey. Being in Hospitality Management for years, has prepared me for the work I do in the community to serve all people in our community in DC or throughout the country.

Outside of recently joining the Board of the DC Center, I have been active and serve in leadership capacities with the Greater Washington DC HRC Steering Committee, the DC Coalition of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered People, and several other community organizations within the DC Metro Area. I am delighted and excited to serve in this capacity and look forward in assisting the DC Center of LGBT as we move forward and grow in our community. Serving our community is critical part of my life and look forward to meeting each of you along my journey."

The DC Center Welcomes Denise Bump to the Board of Directors

2012-01-27T20:17:48Z

The DC Center is proud to welcome Denise Bump to the DC Center Board of Directors. Denise is one of eight new board members that begin their term this month.

Denise Bump is a Financial Advisor and partner of Bump & Associates, a platinum financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Washington DC. She has been in her current position since 2002 and has been with Ameriprise Financial since 2000.

As a financial advisor focusing on working with professionals, Denise works with her clients to design a personal financial plan based on their life goals and aligned with their values. This strategy focuses on helping them become more confident about managing their financial objectives. It is designed to provide solutions to both your everyday and long-term financial questions, and is personalized to meet the needs of high net worth individuals and small business owners. As a team, she and her clients continually monitor progress towards financial goals and update their plans based on changes in market conditions and individual situations.

Denise and the Bump & Associates team believe that education is empowerment. They strive to educate their clients to make knowledgeable decisions about their financial life. The clients in their practice have access to the necessary information to help them move toward their financial goals. Bump & Associates also believes in contributing to their community and offering opportunities for their clients to join them in community events.

Bump & Associates was identified by The National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices (NABCAP) as a "top advisory practice" in the Washington, DC-area list of top advisors as announced in the September 9, 2011 edition of the Washington Business Journal.

Second-Saturday Free HIV Testing in February

2012-01-27T18:58:05Z

Did you know that Washington, DC ranks as the highest in the nation with over 3% of its residents living with HIV or AIDS? Did you know that for men who have sex with men, it's estimated to be as high as 19%?

However HIV is a disease that does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, races and genders. Help reduce the rates of HIV/AIDS by knowing your status.

The second Saturday of February, the 11th, as in past months, The DC Center will be having free HIV testing through Whitman-Walker Health. Testing will still be held from 4PM to 7PM.

Be sure to thank the HIV Prevention Working Group, The DC Center, Department of Health, as well as Whitman-Walker Health for this wonderful resource to our community!

Wealth Planning seminar for LGBT couples

2012-01-26T20:35:13Z

On March 1, Gregory Lawson of Morgan Stanley Smith will be presenting a seminar on Wealth Planning for LGBT Couples at the MAA Carriage House. The reception will take place at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar beginning promptly at 7 p.m.

The panel will include:
Steve Littlewood; Littlewood & Company CPA's
Katie Clark; Brian K. Adams & Associates
Dan Courtney; MetLife
Attorney; TBA

Space is limited so please RSVP to: gregory.lawson@mssb.com

The MAA Carriage House is located at 1781 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.

SpeakeasyDC returns with a special LGBT promotion

2012-01-26T17:53:17Z

Sell-out SpeakeasyDC returns to INTERSECTIONS to present another sure-hit of entertaining, thought-provoking true stories about the "new America". This year, SpeakeasyDC explores the impact of Queer Culture on the social and political landscape of our lives, communities and culture. Featuring true tales told by Regie Cabico, Andrew Korfhage, Natalie E Illum, and Sandra Faria. Hear stories about love, lust, and self-discovery. For ages 18+.

SpeakeasyDC will be offering a special discount for DC Center members to SpeakeasyDC's presentation of Born This Way: True Stories Told Live about Queer Culture in America. SpeakeasyDC is a popular performing arts organization in DC with autobiographical storytelling performances and classes for adults year-round. This show will take place as part of INTERSECTIONS: A New America Arts Festival on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Input this code to get 20% off when you GET TICKETS: LGBTQA. Find out more at Speakeasydc.com

Both shows will be at the Sprenger Theater at 1333 H St. NE, Washington, DC http://g.co/maps/2ketv The Union Station Metro Stop is the closest MetroRail station. It's about a 20-25 minute walk from the Metro. For more information: Atlas

Opening for LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator

2012-01-24T22:24:54Z

Unitarian Universalist: Associations of Congregations

Position Title: LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator
Staff Group: Multicultural Growth and Witness
Reports To: Witness Ministries Director
Location: Washington, DC (onsite)
Grade: 12, full-time

Purpose: The basic purpose of the LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator is to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations and leaders to advocate, witness,and organize effectively for LGBT justice and equity at the local, state, and national levels; to represent appropriately the Unitarian Universalist Association in public witness, championing LGBT justice and equality including prayer, vigils, rallies, conferences, and webinars.

To work in coalition with interfaith and human rights organizations that advocate for LGBT justice and equality; to support and conduct social media advocacy on behalf of LGBT rights; to support the capacity of UU congregations to welcome, include, and minister to LGBT persons; and, to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to work in multiracial/multicultural coalitions and partnerships for LGBT justice and equality.

Principle Responsibilities:

1.Identifies opportunities for Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to participate in witness and advocacy such as social media campaigns, legislative advocacy, and actions that support LGBT justice and equality at the local, state, and national levels. Raises awareness about LGBT issues on the international level.

2. Develops tools and resources that build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to witness,advocate, and organize on LGBT justice and equality, including how to identify interfaith and community partners, work in coalitions, and cross cultural boundaries.

3. Works with the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign Manager to organize and promote social media strategies and advocacy on LGBT justice and equality.

4. Collaborates with Witness Ministries and Multicultural Growth staff to educate congregations about the theological grounding of social justice and anti-oppression.

5. Works with Multicultural Growth staff to help congregations and leaders foster inclusion to welcome, affirm, and engage LGBTQ persons better and to educate congregations about the intersections of LGBT justice advocacy and other anti-oppression advocacy related to race, gender/gender identity, class, and ability/disability. Works with UU independent organizations such as Interweave and TrUUst.

6. Collaborates with the UUA International Office staff to promote awareness and engagement in actions on international LGBT issues.

7. Collaborates with UUA Ministries and Faith Development staff to promote and especially to support the needs of LGBTQ youth and young adults.

8. Writes public statements on behalf of the UUA President, the Witness Ministries Director, and the Unitarian Universalist Association on LGBT justice and equality.

9. Performs additional duties as requested by supervisor, the Director of Multicultural Growth and Witness, the Vice President for Ministries and Congregational Support, or the President.

Qualifications: This is an exempt grade 12 position (entry $51,200; midpoint $64,700). The ideal candidate is a Unitarian Universalist minister, ministerial candidate or religious professional. Experience in community and/or interfaith organizing plus social justice advocacy is required. Must be able to work collaboratively with mission-aligned Multicultural Growth and Witness colleagues and across staff groups.

The qualified candidate must also possess excellent organizational skills and
experience working with UU congregations, religious professionals, and lay leaders. Individual must be involved in and knowledgeable about issues relevant to LGBT communities, and must prove a strong commitment and experience in 2
developing and advancing LGBT resources and programs. Computer proficiency required, especially Microsoft Office and Outlook. Social media/online organizing is desired. Occasional travel is required.

How to Apply: People with disabilities, people of color, Hispanic/Latino/a and LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply. Send cover letter and résumé--indicating "LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator" in the subject line--to careers@uua.org, via fax to (617) 367-3237, or to Human Resources, UUA, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. E-mail submissions preferred.

Rainbow Book Fair

2012-01-24T22:09:20Z

Plan to be a part of the most exciting LGBT book event in the U.S--the 4th Annual New York Rainbow Book Fair on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

The Rainbow Book Fair is the longest running LGBT Book Fair in the US and will take place 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center located at 208 West 13th Street in New York City.

This year, the Rainbow Book fair will feature more than 1OO publishers, writers, poets, editors, booksellers, and the 15OO+ readers who love and want to buy their books--from serious to wild, zany, and super-hot. It's totally free to the public book. Expect to find discounts, giveaways, panels on writing and publishing, author readings, and a non-stop Poetry Salon.

The event is sponsored by CLAGS The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studiesweb.gc.cuny.edu/Clags/

Join us for the D/HH/DB LGBT Community Forums!

2012-01-24T19:42:50Z

The DC Center in collaboration with the Deaf Abused Women's Network (DAWN), Deaf Queer Kaleidoscope, Gallaudet University with sponsorship from Access Interpreting is hosting a Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and allied community forum for people living in the DC Metro Area. These forums will help in determining the strengths and needs of the D/HH/DB LGBT community in order to improve services and/or community organizing in the future. We need your input!

In order to allow for community participation, we will be hosting two community forums on February 2nd and February 16th from 6:00--9:00pm at Gallaudet University in the Student Academic Center. Light food and beverages will be provided. Please join us, invite others, and help to spread the word!

For more information or accessibility needs, please email Alex Jackson Nelson at Alex@thedccenter.org, or check us out on Facebook.
Primary language used will be American Sign Language. Interpreting services will be provided.

February 2nd event:

February 16th event:

Come Help fight HIV in DC!

2012-01-24T19:34:46Z

Want to help your community fight HIV? Every Tuesday Night at the Green Lantern, volunteer with the DC Center HIV Working Group and assemble FUK!T safer sex kits from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Enjoy Happy Hour specials and meet new and exciting people, all while doing your part to fight the spread of HIV in our nation's capital! We do HIV trivia and offer a gift card to the person that gets the most questions right, so come out tonight and every Tuesday to The Green Lantern located at 1335 Green Court, NW.

The next packing party will be Tuesday, January 24th and we hope to see you there. To learn more about the HIV Working Group find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fighthivindc or on twitter at www.twitter.com/fighthivindc.

Volunteers Needed for F*ck love Open Mic Night

2012-01-24T17:29:15Z

Don't spend Valentine's day alone. Spend it at the DC Center. Regi Cabico and Sampson will be our feature performers for our Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 anti-Valentine's Day Open Mic Night, and we are looking for a few volunteers to assist.

The event starts at 9 p.m., but volunteers are expected to arrive at the center at 8:15 p.m. and will be needed to assist in setting up the room, greeting visitors, taking money at the door and to generally assist with making the event a great experience for all involved.

Follow the link to get involved: http://tinyurl.com/F-ck-love

For more information please contact Jessica at: Jessica@thedccenter.org

Fǝk Love Open Mic Night

2012-01-24T16:28:01Z

Join the DC Center for an anti-Valentine's Day Open Mic Night on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012.The event will take place at 9 p.m. and features local performers Regi Cabico and Sampson.

Fǝk love is an exploration of relationships from hell, sexting, skype-sex, & dates gone awry hosted by the very single HBO Def Poet and NPR Snap Judgement Storyteller, Regie Cabico featuring the stand up comedic stylings of activist Sampson. Performances are preceded by a limited open mic so bring your bitter poems, sassy confessions, and best stupid cupid rant. Wine and Chocolate Social to follow. You might even get a kiss.

Cabico is one of the country's leading innovators and pioneers of The Poetry Slam having won 3 national Top Prizes and winning The Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam. Bust Magazine's ranked him in the 100 Men We Love & The Kenyon Review called him the Lady Gaga of Poetry. He co-hosts the weekly cabaret and spoken word series La Ti Do at The Black Fox and SPARKLE; a queer open mic for all at Busboys & Poets. (K & 5th)

Sampson, is an openly gay, African-American stand- up comedian, writer and activist. He has been touring the country, performing comedy since 2003, and has added tirelessly speaking out against homophobia to his schedule as a comedian and activist. Although he fits into a "double minority" category, being black and gay, he refuses to be defined by these portions of his identity and performs mainstream venues.

The DC Center is Located at 1318 U St, NW, Washington, D.C., 20009. The DC Center is a short walk from the U Street/ African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro.

Relapse Prevention: An Inside and Outside Job

2012-01-24T00:57:38Z

You're invited to Relapse Prevention: An Inside and Outside Job. Evidence Based Skills for the Journey presented by David Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz is a successful LGBT therapist and founding member of the www.letstalkaboutmeth.org.

The presentation will take place Monday January 30th at Maggianos Restaurant, 5333 Wisconsin Ave, Washington DC (convenient to Friendship Heights Metro). A reception and lunch will begin at 11:30 AM. The presentation will take place from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Space is limited. Please contact Megan at megan@eadp.net or at 202 362-2588 to register. Sponsored by Foundations Recovery Network and Executive Addictive Disease Program.

For more addiction and recovery resources for the LGBT Community in DC, check out the following resources.

Center Recovery on Facebook

Center Recovery on Twitter

Center Recovery DC Center Webpage

Brother Help Thyself 34th Annual Grants Reception and Awards Ceremony

2012-01-24T00:27:34Z

Brother Help Thyself invites you to join them for the 34th Annual Grants Reception and Awards Ceremony. The Reception takes place on Saturday January 28th, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Remingtons, 639 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (1/2 block west of the Eastern Market Metro Station).

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.

Meet Jason, Our New HIV/AIDS Program Associate!

2012-01-23T22:55:25Z

Hi everyone! My name is Jason Vega-Cifredo and I just moved to DC from Kissimmee, FL. I'm so thrilled to announce to be working for The DC Center as the new HIV/AIDS Program Associate.

I previously worked for The Florida Department of Health as a Family Support Worker providing Case-Management and Psychosocial Support to HIV+ Youth facilitating a Young Adults Support Group.

I've also worked as a Youth Health Educator for a local non-profit organization teaching in public schools and providing HIV testing and counseling. In addition to serving on The Florida Department of Education's AIDS Advisory Board and Orange County Public School's Program Review.

My interests are primarily HIV/AIDS Community Advocacy and Outreach in underserved populations, particularly as it relates to their sexual health. After getting my BS in Biology, I plan on pursuing an MD specializing in Immunology.

I'm so ecstatic to have this opportunity to work for such an amazing organization, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all the team here at The DC Center through this magnificent opportunity!

If you have any questions feel free to drop me an email at Jason.Cifredo@thedccenter.org

Calling All Youth for a Conference Call on the National Strategy for Black Gay Youth

2012-01-23T22:33:06Z

The DC Center is looking for a youth leader to represent us at the table during the National Strategy For Black Gay Youth In America youth conference calls. This is a good way to meet other youth leaders from around the U.S. as well as develop skills as it relates to community organizing and working with elected officials. A host of high level guests are invited to be guest speakers as most conference calls.

Conference calls generally last one hour and are recorded. Please submit your name, age, position and email address to The DC Center at contact@thedccenter.org if you're interested in participating.

For more information on Youth Pride Services and the National Strategy for Black Gay Youth visit http://youthprideservices.com/