The DC Center

Prime Timers at the Movies

2009-11-12T22:28:12Z

Prime Timers' new group "Second Saturday at the Movies" will be seeing "The Men Who Stare at Goats" on Saturday, November 14th at the Regal Gallery Place Stadium Theater, 701 Seventh St. NW, near the Gallery Place Metro.

Prime Timers will meet 20 minutes before the first showing that starts after 7 PM on Saturday- check online or in a paper for a schedule.

The group will be headed to Austin's Bar afterwards.

Prime Timers of DC is a social club for mature gay men. Contact Don Chaney with questions at 202 546-0178 or dfchaney@verizon.net.

Our Heroes: 2009 World AIDS Day Reception

2009-11-10T18:45:03Z

Join us on World AIDS Day, Tuesday December 1st, for a special reception at the Center featuring the Our Heroes Photo Exhibit.

Our Heroes is a collection of 150 striking black and white photographs honoring the people, places, and events that marked or charged the history of HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC in the last 25+ years. The exhibit will be on display at the Center for the month of December.

Join us for this special reception honoring all of the heroes of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Washington DC. The Reception takes place Tuesday December 1st starting at 6:30 PM at the Center, 1111 14th St NW. Light refreshments will be served.

Hate Crimes Hearing November 20th

2009-11-10T17:26:11Z

Friday, November 20, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Council Chamber, John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

Councilmember Phil Mendelson, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, announces a public oversight hearing on Hate Crimes in the District of Columbia and Police Response to Reports of Hate Crimes. The public oversight hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 20, 2009 in the Council Chamber of the John A. Wilson Building.

The purpose of this oversight hearing is to hear testimony from government and public witnesses about hate crimes in the District - including trends, police response, and prosecution of the law. A similar hearing December 12, 2008 revealed to this committee questions about police response and reporting. Since that time it appears that either reporting has improved or there has been an increase in bias crimes based on sexual orientation - or both. On September 30, 2009 the Police Complaints Board issued a report and recommendations regarding hate crimes. In addition, there has been renewed controversy regarding how the Metropolitan Police Department's Liaison Units are currently operating and MPD's plans for the future of these units, including the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit. Overall, the question about which the Committee seeks testimony is whether law enforcement is responding effectively to reduce the occurrence of hate crime in the District of Columbia. The hearing will explore these concerns.

Those who wish to testify should contact Ms. Deborah Kelly, Legislative Clerk, at (202) 724-7808, by fax at (202) 724-6664, or via e-mail at dkelly@dccouncil.us, and provide their name, address, telephone number, organizational affiliation and title (if any) by close of business Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Persons wishing to testify are encouraged, but not required, to submit 15 copies of written testimony. If submitted by the close of business on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 the testimony will be distributed to Councilmembers before the hearing. Witnesses should limit their testimony to five minutes; less time will be allowed if there are a large number of witnesses

If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted either to Ms. Kelly or to Ms. Cynthia Brock-Smith, Secretary to the Council, Room 5 of the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004. The record will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009.

Metropolitan Community Church Welcomes New Minister

2009-11-10T05:02:06Z

On November 8th, the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC elected Rev. Dwayne Johnson to serve as their new Senior Pastor.

Rev. Dwayne Johnson has served as Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC, Houston, Texas since 1996. Born in Lubbock, he returned to Texas after sojourns in Missouri, California, Kansas, Washington, District of Columbia, and Virginia. He is a graduate of Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, majoring in Communications, Psychology and English and earned his M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

From 1987 to 1989 he served as Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Lynnwood Church of the Nazarene near Seattle. In 1989 he was appointed Pastoral Assistant at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC. In 1992, Rev. Johnson was elected the Senior Pastor of MCC Richmond, Virginia. During his tenure, MCC Richmond moved from a small, rented space into owning a beautiful facility in the heart of Richmond's historic Fan District to serve the Greater Richmond LGBTQIA
community.

When Rev. Johnson arrived in Houston in 1996 the initial challenge was clear: the congregation had outgrown the Decatur Street facility where it had worshipped for over 15 years. After investigating over 100 properties, the congregation moved to TC Jester and W. 11th in July 2000.

In June of 2001 Resurrection MCC was tested by massive flooding from Tropical Storm Allison. Rather than despairing, the congregation launched a massive renovation that increased the functionality and accessibility of the campus. Rev. Johnson has a passion for outreach, justice and equality. He is a participant in the Houston Clergy Leadership Institute, the Coalition for Mutual Respect Pulpit Exchange Program, and the Community of Respect program of the Southwest Region Anti-Defamation League. Upon two years of intensive study and participation, he became a member of the Academy for Spiritual Formation in January of 2009.

Resurrection MCC continues to broaden its service to the community. The campus is utilized by over 25 community organizations. Rev. Johnson envisions continued expansion of ministries for all ages including a Senior Housing Project, mentoring programs, wellness, spirituality, and the Arts. He also envisions a congregation that models the strength of diversity, power in partnerships, and an unwavering voice for equality.

Volunteer Night at the Center

2009-11-10T00:07:10Z

Bring your friends and join us for Volunteer Night. Monday, December 7th from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Volunteer Nights now take place at the Center the first Monday of every month.

Pizza and soda will be provided, activities include: - making safer sex kits for the HIV Working Group, doing data entry for DC for Marriage, and other activities to be announced.

Bring your friends and meet new ones while making a difference for the LGBT commmunity in DC!

RSVP on Facebook

Transgender Day of Remembrance

2009-11-09T19:41:15Z

Join Transgender Health Empowerment, the DC Trans Coalition and others to commemorate the 2009 Trans Day of Remembrance on Friday November 20th with speakers and a nondenominational ceremony. The service takes place from 6:30pm - 9:00pm at the Metropolitan Community Church, 474 Ridge St. NW. The church is closest to the Mt. Vernon Square/7th St Convention Center Metro on the Green/Yellow Line.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgendered people, an action that current media rarely performs. The Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. The Day of Remembrance gives us all a chance to step forward and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who've died by anti-transgender violence.

RSVP on Facebook

Join the Center at the CAGLCC November Networking Event

2009-11-09T03:56:49Z

CAGLCC, the Capital Area's LGBT Chamber of Commerce, will be holding their November Networking Event at the Beacon Bar and Grill on Thursday November 12th starting at 6:30 PM. Networking Thursdays are a good way to meet fellow LGBT professionals and catch up with old friends.

We will be on hand to share information about the many programs and services available at the Center.

The Beacon Bar & Grill is located at 1615 Rhode Island Avenue, NW where 17th and Rhode Island Streets cross. This event is free to CAGLCC members, Non-Members pay $20 at the Door.

Elder Think Tank Meeting November 16th

2009-11-09T02:08:26Z

The Elder Think Tank monthly meeting will take place on Monday, November 16th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th Street NW , Suite 350. The group usually meets on the fourth monday of every month, but is meeting on the 16th due to Thanksgiving.

The Elder Think Tank, a program of The DC Center, is the intergenerational and inclusive organization that provides appropriate education, advocacy and services to the LGBT aging population in the Metro DC area. Join us!

World AIDS Day Luncheon: HIV Vaccine Research

2009-11-09T00:16:44Z

Free World AIDS Day Luncheon
HIV Vaccine Research: A New Chapter

This event takes place on Tuesday, December 1st from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the HRC Equality Center ,1640 Rhode Island Ave, NW.

free and open to the public - light lunch will be served

Speakers: Elizabeth Adams, DAIDS, NIH; Anthony Fauci, NIAID, NIH; Barney Graham, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH: Sanjay Phogat, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Mark de Souza, Afrims.

A question and answer session will be moderated by Mitchell Warren, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC).

Scientists have been searching for a vaccine to prevent HIV infection since the virus was first identified in 1983. Each clinical trial brings us one step closer to finding an effective vaccine. More than 25,000 HIV-negative individuals have participated in both government- and privately sponsored HIV vaccine trials.

This event will discuss current HIV vaccine research including the results of the 'Thai Study', and outcomes of the recent Paris HIV Vaccine Conference. Speakers will be announced shortly.

Sponsors: AIDS Action, AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families, Aids Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), Capital Area Vaccine Effort, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), Prevention Works, The DC Center, Us Helping Us, US Military Research Program, Vaccine Research Center, Whitman Walker Clinic.

Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Desi Deschaine

2009-11-07T23:09:50Z

Council Member Jack Evans invites you to a Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Desi Philip Deschaine.

The service will take place Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 1:00 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 619 10th, St, NW.

Please join us at Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant following the service.

For inquiries, please call:
* Jeff Coudriet at jcoudriet@dccouncil.us
* Lee Brian Reba at lbreba@dccouncil.us

Socialite Saturday November 7th

2009-11-07T00:44:44Z

Socialite Saturdays, a new monthly ladies-only event, benefits two local organizations, The DC Center and Women in The Life Association. Socialite Sundays takes place Saturday November 7th and the first Saturday of every month starting at 10:30 PM, at Mezza Luna Lounge, 1140 19th Street NW. For more information visit the LIVE OUT Events Website.

The Women in The Life Association (WITLA) is a social justice organization advancing the rights of lesbians of color through cultural affirmation, education and advocacy.

The Center works to celebrate, strengthen, and support community among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) residents and organizations of Metropolitan Washington, DC.

Surviving the Holidays After A Loss

2009-11-05T21:08:47Z

This workshop is for members of the LGBT community who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past year. We will discuss strategies for coping with grief and loss during the holiday season.

Dr. Gabrie'l J. Atchison has been a support group facilitator for over 10 years. Having experienced the loss of her partner six years ago, she understands how difficult the holiday season can be.

Surviving The Holidays After A Loss
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
6:30 - 8:00 pm
The DC Center
1111 14th Street NW, Suite 350
Washington DC
Free
RSVP/Info?: atchison71@gmail.com
Please RSVP soon, space is limited.

Dia de los Muertos - Heroes Latinos LGBTQ

2009-11-04T16:55:28Z

The Latino GLBT History Project, the Office on Latino Affairs and the Historical Society of Washington, DC invite all our community to the opening reception of "Heroes Latinos LGBTQ" a collection of 60 photos of Kevin Kenner at the Historical Society of Washington, DC (801 K St. NW, Metro Convention Center). Admission Free - Entrada Gratis.

Saturday, November 7, 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Historical Society of Washington, DC - 801 K St. NW,

Free Adoption 101 Class for LGBT Community

2009-11-04T16:01:22Z

A free educational event for the LGBT community to learn about the children and youth in foster care, the adoption process, and to explore specific issues of interest for LGBT individuals and same-sex couples considering adoption. Presenters include professional staff from Adoptions Together, the DC Child and Family Services Administration, and HRC's Family Project, as well as LGBT parents who built their families by adopting children from foster care.

WHEN: Thursday, November, 12, 2009 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.

To Register: visit: http://www.glbt.dc.gov

Footage from Marriage Equality Hearings on Monday

2009-10-29T17:24:00Z

On Monday, October 25th, the District of Columbia City Council held a public hearing on the subject of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, which would grant legal marriage to same sex couples. Prior to the hearing for this hotly contested issue, for which 269 people registered to testify, opponents of marriage equality held a protest in D.C.'s Freedom Plaza. The group seeks a referendum on the bill, which would likely violate D.C.'s Human Rights Act, which forbids ballot initiatives on issues of civil rights. Footage taken and at an earlier event and edited by the People for the American Way sums up the points, spirit, and clear homophobia of the group.

Assertions that religion was necessarily tied to opposition to the bill were disputed again and again during Monday's testimonies. Over the course of the hearings, religious leaders of many faiths testified on behalf of marriage equality. Reverend Robert Hardies of All Souls Church testified that he was firmly committed to marriage equality. "My faith teaches me that where love is present, God is also present," said Hardies. "I urge you to do the right thing and to stand on the side of love." Hardies also applauded the council's legislation for its broad religious liberties clause, which would allow those churches who disagreed with same sex marriage to refuse to perform ceremonies.

Georgetown professor, Catholic priest, and organizer for Catholics United for Marriage Equality Rev. Dr. Joseph Palacios, spoke of what he viewed as the essential separation of church and state, especially as concerns marriage. Palacios also cited statistics indicating that, when told that churches would not be forced to perform same sex marriages, as is provided in the bill, Catholics are in favor of civil marriage equality.

Testimonies in favor of marriage equality swept across a broad range of demographics. Patrick Mara, who identified himself as a "straight Republican who unequivocally supports marriage equality in the District of Columbia," spoke of a large contingency of local Republicans that favored the bill, and said that the city must not "penalize citizens that are gay or lesbian because of their birth."

DC for Marriage organizer Michael Crawford spoke briefly about the contingent of African American voters in D.C., which he said have been wrongly characterized as uniformly opposed to marriage equality. "My group, DC for Marriage, has been having literally thousands of conversations with residents across the District," said Crawford, "and overwhelmingly we have had people who have said to us 'we are with you on marriage equality.'" Crawford said that he wants marriage in the District in part because he wants his 92-year-old grandmother to see her oldest grandson get married.

Bishop Harry Jackson asked the city council members to respect the rights of the people of D.C. to have a referendum, describing at length the District's milestones in voting. David Catania had a history lesson of his own (3:17), saying that the last advisory referendum vote involving the rights of a particular community was in 1865, when the mayor feared efforts of radical Republicans to give the right to vote to recently freed slaves. The vote was 6591 to 35 to deny the right to freed African American males. "There is an opportunity," said Catania, "to have tyranny at a ballot box."

Also notable in the history of D.C. voting is that Jackson has not participated in at least the last ten years, as he was a Maryland resident. Final witness Ernestine Copeland captured the tone of opposition to marriage equality by wrapping up Monday's hearings, at approximately 10:50 p.m., by reading from words scrawled on a sheet of notebook paper that "the devil has showed up here today," and that "the prophecy has never gone unfulfilled." "My god is about reproduction," said Copeland, who felt confident that this legislation (which would help grant equal rights to all District residents) would destroy our society, as "we serve a just god." Copeland also saw fit to refer to one councilman as Demon Wells. "You allowed me to be fired over the telephone, working for the D.C. government," said Copeland on the apparent subject of marriage equality. "Shame on you demons."

The second and final hearing on marriage equality will be held next Monday at 3 p.m. ALSO OF INTEREST: In three videos, the council members discuss with Catholic Charities their rights as a group funded 75% by public money.