PCNJ Newsletter-2014

FROM THE GROUND, UP!
SUMMER 2015 ISSUE
FOREWORD
Earlier this year, we gathered at the Pride Center of New Jersey to revamp
the Newsletter. This special issue, titled From the Ground Up, is the result
of that mission. We’d like for it to represent the diverse and historicallyrooted queer community in New Jersey. We hope that you enjoy reading and
sharing the newsletter!
Yours on the quest for Equality, Friendship, and CommunityThe Newsletter Committee
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Chat with the President of PCNJ…………………………….………………......3
Volunteer Spotlight: Kristen “The Solution” Dorry …….…….……………...4
Opinion: The Reality of a College Loan……..…………………………………....4
Groups Listing ………………………….……………………………………………….6-7
Youth Group Feature …………..………………………………………………………..8
Pride Comics: Actually, I’m Gay. ...………………………………………………….9
History of PCNJ: From the Ground, Up…………………………………………..10
A Transman’s Journey to Local Conferences .……………………………….13
Orgullo: Our Spanish-language Feature…………..…………………………...14
Community Events ……………..………………………………………………………15
Meet the Team:
Amanda
Megan
Gene
Shirin
Kristen
Alec
Jess
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Kaylee
Vicky
Tyler
TeShima
A Chat with the President of PCNJ by TeShima
The Pride Center of New Jersey is in a state of evolution. This can clearly be seen by the newly painted blue
and grey walls, black sofa set, wall decals, decor and welcome area.
“We are really looking to change the Pride Center as well as people’s perception of what the Center can offer,”
said the Center’s current President Mark McSpirit.
The Pride Center currently serves Central New Jersey’s LGBTIQ community, with a wide range of social and support groups. The Center gives its visitors a place of belonging, a sense of community, friendship and acceptance.
“In the future, I would like to see the Pride Center not only serve Central New Jersey, but the state as well, so
we can be there to support the entire LGBTIQ community that resides in New Jersey,” stated McSpirit. He plans
to lay the foundation for this growth through four plans.
“First, we want to give the Center an update,” revealed McSpirit. This process is already underway. In early
April, the front room was redesigned into two rooms: a welcome area and a hangout area. “I wanted the front
room to represent a more social environment and less of an office space,” stated McSpirit. Visitors are not only
greeted by volunteers in the new welcome area but the whole room and decor creates a more open social environment that invites visitors in. “I specifically designed the two rooms to accomplish this,” added McSpirit, “it
can be uncomfortable to enter the Pride Center and immediately face a group of people.” So McSpirit moved
the welcome area upfront which gives visitors a chance to be greeted one on one by volunteers. The sitting
area was moved to the back and the stylish shelves act as a barrier between the welcome area and hangout
space. This creates an environment that is more welcoming and less intimidating.
The second plan revolves around increasing the Pride Center’s exposure through outreach. “Currently, many
visitors believe the Center caters more towards support groups,” conveyed McSpirit, “in reality support groups
only cover 30% of our offerings. The other
70% are social groups.” McSpirit plans to
illustrate this point by creating more Pride
Center events that not only take place at the
Center, but outside of the Center as well. The
Center is planning on incorporating bar
events, a summer BBQ, an outing at Duval
and more into their calendar. “We want to
meet people where the are,” said McSpirit,
“we are hoping these events will encourage
people to check out our other events and
groups.”
Fundraising for the Center will be incorporated into the third plan. Currently the Center
receives a good portion of its income through
membership and collections taken at different groups. “We are looking to revamp our
membership program to include new benefits that will encourage our visitors to become members,” stated McSpirit. The Center
is also looking into obtaining corporate sponsors to cover overhead as well as participating in Pink Prom in Asbury Park. All of the
proceeds will go directly to the Pride Center.
While looking to spread its wings in the fundraising world, the Center decided to host a
golfing event this September in Hunterdon
County. “We hope that these fundraising
events will not only supply us with funds to
(Continued on page 11)
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An Interview with Kristen “the Solution” Dorry
Volunteer Spotlight by Gene
Why the nickname, “the Solution”? It’s because Kristen always has
the solution! She’s handy to have around, as her history with the
Pride Center shows. Kristen first volunteered with PCNJ at the 2014
summer BBQ event. She has since become the first new Host volunteer of 2015, as well as a member of several committees, including
the Newsletter Committee, the Fundraising/Membership Committee
and the Youth Committee, is an Adult Advisor for the Youth Group,
and has spent some time as a Group Facilitator. You can spot her at
the Center many days a week, often wearing her signature Batman‐
related accessories.
Do you volunteer anywhere else? Kristen used to volunteer at animal
shelters and food kitchens, and she’d like to get back into doing
that.
What’s been the best part of your volunteering experience at the
Center? Kristen met her best friends here, and her experience has
helped her come around from a really bad place. It gives her the
chance to get out and do things that matter.
What words of advice would you give to current volunteers? Kristen says, “Be dedicated!” She suggests that if
you’re not putting effort into it, there’s no point in showing up.
What would you say to encourage someone who’s hesitant to volunteer? “Give it a shot!” Kristen recommends.
She says that the great thing about volunteering is that “You can stop whenever, but you can also make a difference in just one day. When you do want to stop, just be sure to let the Boss know. You don’t have to do
much, but it makes it worth it when people are so grateful to get help.” Her parting words of wisdom: “You’re
not getting paid, but don’t make it about that.”
Interested in joining the volunteer team? Contact Gene at volunteer@pridecenter.org to hear about our various
volunteering opportunities!
Opinion: the Reality of a College Loan by Vicky
As the economic state of our country continues to fluctuate, more often in a negative manner, the demand for young people to pursue continuing education has grown. Colleges have turned into large businesses
that thrive off this need. While the classist, racist, cis-sexist, ableist, and other systems of oppression continue
to prevent equal opportunity for education, those who do finish high school are faced with an insurmountable
financial burden of further education. Tuition increases every year, and quite often without explanation. For the
large majority of people that desire higher education, the out of pocket cost is not realistic. In order to cover
the cost, prospective students must apply for student loans.
These loans can be very difficult to get from banks so the majority of students look to a company known
as Sallie Mae (recently revamped and named Navient). This company is known for lending money to essentially
anybody who asks for it, but at the cost of extravagant interest rates. When you are completing high school and
considering college, you are very rarely in a fully competent state of mind. You are overwhelmed with joy because you have reached the highest of the high school hierarchy; you are a Senior! The things you once dreaded-homework, tests, assignments; all seem so mundane. All you can think about is getting the heck of out that
place! When you start to think about college, you may consider all your options, but more than likely you are
going to be thinking: how far can I go from home but still be able to get back to do the occasional load of laundry?
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As a high school Senior, the concept of student
loans is not something everyone understands, especially
not when it comes to long term effects. What most people
think about is getting out and getting away. Some people
may be diligent, and consider schools that have better
programs that suit their interests. Perhaps you play an instrument and you are really looking into joining a college
marching band. Regardless of all the variables, you are
only thinking of the amazing experience college will bring,
the friends you will meet, and that awesome shiny degree
at the end of the road.
Fast forward to four years later (usually longer for
most, myself included; it took me 6 years for my bachelors); you are approaching college graduation. All that excitement you had in high school seems so miniscule compared to the joy you have now. All the term papers, research assignments, late nights, study groups; they all
seem worth it. You worked your ass off and have arrived
at this amazing moment in your life- college graduation!
You get fitted for your cap and gown, you take Senior portraits; all of these things somehow make you forget the
big black storm cloud that is awaiting just after you cross
the stage. The beginning of repayment of your loans.
When you borrow money, more often than not you
will need a cosigner. The average amount of college tuition is usually about $20,000 per year. Assuming there
are no extra costs (which trust me, there are) that would
equate to a total debt of $80,000. As previously mentioned, tuition will increase every year. Additionally, depending on the course of study you choose to follow, additional educational costs may incur. Costs such as
computer programs for art majors focused on fashion design; lab materials or large textbooks for biology majors, or even just textbooks in general. College is a costly experience above anything else.
We are taught as young adults to always strive for more and to always push ourselves to be the best. It
is instilled into us that a higher education is the path that will lead us to stellar careers and opportunities that
otherwise would not exist. We are not, however, told the grave cost of a college degree that is piled on our
shoulders upon graduation.. As a recent college graduate of Montclair State University, I am currently in
$100,000 of debt. My loans have insanely high interest rates; the highest being 9.25 percent. I went to a public university, which is considerably less expensive than a private university. I want to pursue my Masters but
am not able to do so at this time due to the large amount of financial burden I already carry. Currently working
three jobs and doing my best to pay my basic set of bills, all while still living at home, Sallie Mae is billing me
for $1,100 a month. I have spoken to many representatives and I have cried to supervisors trying to desperately explain the current situation I am in. But unfortunately, my situation does not heed for any type of special
treatment. I am presumed to be able to pay since I got my degree last May. My best possible option at this
point in time is to simply allow my credit, as well as my Father's credit because he is my cosigner, to just be ruined. I am doing all that I can to remedy the situation so that I may have more reasonable monthly payments.
College is an experience to say the least, but it is unfair to allow young people to enter into such binding
financial contracts without them knowing the long term effects of what will happen following graduation. Financial counseling should be more prominent for high school Seniors and then college Seniors. Expecting soon
to be graduates to be able to grasp the financial downfall they are approaching is unjust . College loan debt is
a necessary evil of becoming more successful in our society, according to many. Perhaps this could be more
manageable if we were correctly informing our youth.
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Groups Listing
There is a suggested $3 per-person donation for most meetings. Our groups are open to adults 18 and over,
unless otherwise noted. Please confirm group meeting dates and times on our calendar. For more information
on different events go to www.pridecenter.org
Booked For Supper: A monthly supper time book club at the Pride Center to read and discuss thoughtprovoking fiction. Meets on the second Thursday of every month from 8:00 to 9:00 More info: Walter at whotkowski@aol.com
CareGiver Support Group: This group offers a safe place for LGBT families, partners and other caregivers of
adults with chronic health problems to discuss the unique issues of caring for their loved ones. Meets 7:30 to
9 PM, the third Tuesday evening of each month. More info: Karen kgroder@stellarhomecarenj.com
Central NJ Rope Share: Central NJ Rope Share is a place and time to share knowledge about, and play with,
rope. We meet the first Sunday of each month from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. More info: Cornelious at
njropegeek@gmail.com
ComeOUT&Play: A social hang-out group that hosts for all ages 18-39 that consists of socializing both at the
center and hosts social outings once a month. Social outings will consist of happy hours, dinners, sporting activities, outdoor adventures, cultural events and bar outings. COP's social calendar will include both gay and
non gay related events. Attending social outings are funded by the individual. meets regularly on the first and
third Tuesdays of each month (except for holidays) at 7:30 PM (introductions at 7:45PM) More info: Amanda at
amanda@pridecenter.org
Gay Dads’ Support Group: A monthly group focusing on parent/child issues for gay dads. Meets first Wednesday of each month, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. More info: Joel at Explorejoel@yahoo.com. Gay Men’s Living Out Group:
The Men's Living Out discussion group provides a safe and supportive environment where gay men meet for
brotherhood and support. Meets every Wednesday from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. More info: dvdgrog@aol.com
Gay Men’s Coming Out Group: A moderated discussion group for issues related to coming out as gay men. Men
vote on the topic of the day. Meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. More info: Gary at njwarrior@aol.com
Gay Men’s Living Out Group: This discussion group provides a safe and supportive environment where gay men
meet for brotherhood and support. Meets every Wednesday from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. More info: David at
dvdgrog@aol.com
Gay Men’s Rope: This group brings together novices and advanced players to explore, share, and have fun in a
social and sociable setting. Attendees of this private group must be approved by the organizer. $10 donation
requested. More info: Bob at grope2015@yahoo.com
Jersey Kollege of Kink: Jersey Kollege of Kink is an ongoing educational project of the NJ Leather Family as a
service to the Leather/GLBT community satisfy your curiosity, learn some new skills or just for the experience
come and check it out. All sessions open to all genders, age 18 and over. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30-9
PM. More info: Morgaine at dragonslairprod@aol.com
Jersey Boys of Leather: is a group of self identified leather boys. Meets 1st Wednesday of every month. 7:30 9:00 More info: ScruffyRV@aol.com
Karaoke Party: Come & sing your favorite songs on the new, digital karaoke system. $5.00 donation requested. Meets first Friday of every month. 7:30 - 10:30 More info: Ken at njken868@optonline.net
Living Soulfully: Living Soulfully is a community of men who love men to nurture individual and collective, conscious spiritual growth. More info: Elias at elias@eliasscultori.com
Male Drawing Session: All you need is a pencil, paper and eraser to try your hand at drawing the human figure.
Beginners and experienced artists are welcomed. If you would like to participate please make your donation of
$15 at the session.
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Men’s Movie Night: Gay feature shown on state of the art DVD projector. Popcorn, drinks,
refreshments included. Check out our website for more detail. 2nd Saturday of every month at 6:00 p.m More
info: email Gary @ Njwarrior@aol.com
New Jersey Furs: A social group that meets in a safe space to discuss ideas. Most members are gay or bisexual. Meets second and fourth Saturdays at 2pm. More info: Carlton at shy.matsi@gmail.com
“Out of the Box” Open Mic Night: Out of the Box Open Mic Night is an open-mic for ALL TYPES OF PERFORMERS poets, singers, comedians, tragedians, musicians, jugglers, etc..Light nosh and low octane beverages
served. It's held on the THIRD FRIDAY of EVERY MONTH from 8:00 to about 10:30 PM Admission: $5 donation/
$3 for students. More info: outoftheboxinfo@mac.com or 732-718-0134.
Raices Latinas: Spanish speaking Social/Support Group meets on the first and third Mondays of every Month
from 7:30pm-9:00pm. More info: david@envisionplanning.net
TrueSelves: A facilitated support group exclusively for and about transgender-identified individuals, regardless
of where on the transgender spectrum you believe you live. 3rd Sunday, 4 -6 PM. More info: Niki at
nicole@pridecenter.org
Under the Rainbow: Under the Rainbow gives individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 the chance to receive
not only support for young members of the LGTBIQQ community, but allows for a fun and relaxed environment
and a chance to socialize with your peers. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month,
from 7-9pm More info: Samantha at noksammie@gmail.com
Wednesday Night Women’s Hang Out: Wednesday Night Women’s Hang Out is a social group that offers
women the opportunity to engage in discussions on a variety of subjects, meet-ups, trips, and lend each other
help, support, and guidance. Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of Every Month Time 7:30 - 9:00 PM More info:
Amanda at standup4equality@gmail.com
Women’s Coming Out Support Group: This group provides a supportive environment for women who are at any
stage of the coming out process. Women of all ages who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month, 7:30PM
to 9:00PM. More info: Pandora at pandora@pandorascooter.com
Writers’ Group: Creative writing and discussion group. Meets every Thursday, from 7:30PM - 9:00PM More
info: daphnekanellopoulos@gmail.com
Young Men’s Social Network: A social/ support group for men 18-40. We talk about sex, love,
sexuality, family life, pop culture, relationships and other related topics. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month
at 7:30 pm. More info: Carlton at shy.matsi@gmail.com
Youth Drop In: The Youth Drop-In is a program for LGBTIQQ youth and their straight
allies ages 17 and under who can drop in
at the Pride Center of NJ for support, fun
or to talk about what's going on in their
lives. We meet every 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. More info:
Megan at mpicurro@gmail.com
Something you’d like to see in
the Newsletter? Got a idea?
LET US KNOW!
Contact us at
newsletter@pridecenter.org
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www.pridecenter.org/youth
Shadows by Sydney
Between the norms of society,
And the reality of the contents of your soul.
Everyone says it's wrong,
How you feel and how you act,
And you start to believe them,
You start to agree.
You want to change,
But no matter what you try,
You still stay the same.
But the shadows are receding,
It's time to see the light at the end of the tunnel,
That you've trapped yourself in.
Embrace your identity,
Love all of you,
Because you know that I already do.
When the night ends,
And dawn's golden rays come again,
Your cover is broken,
You're forced into the light.
Your worst fear is realized;
You've been caught.
The world finally glimpses,
What I've already known.
You try to run back into the shadows,
Knowing you'll be shunned,
Just for being who you are.
The world doesn't accept,
Your love of forbidden fruit.
But you can't change who you are,
And suddenly you're trapped,
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Pride Comics
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History of the Pride Center
From the ground, up: An interview with Ray Johnson by Amanda
I walked into The Pride Center at about 6:45 on a Wednesday evening. The host was at the desk and the center looked ready for its busiest
night of the week. I sat down in our lobby area on the couch and took out
my computer, returned a call of someone who needed some information,
and then in walked Ray Johnson. I’ve known Ray since my first days of
volunteering- he runs the Gay Men’s Social Night (formerly Lesbians and
Gay Men of New Brunswick) that meets on the 4th Tuesday. When I
started volunteering in 2008, Tuesday nights were my night. At that time,
I didn’t know just how much of an integral part of The Pride Center Ray
Johnson really was. Ray and I haven’t shared many long conversations
since ‘08, but the one we had that Wednesday night left me in a state of
amazement. And all I did was ask him, where did it all begin, how did The
Pride Center get started?
About 20 years ago, there were many LBGTQ groups all over New
Jersey. Political groups, activist groups, recreational groups. There were
groups that had locations where they met, and there were groups that
did not have their own space. Each group had different types of people,
different dynamics. But they had one thing in common- moving LGBTQ people forward in the state of New Jersey. In 1992 the New Jersey Gay & Lesbian Coalition began to emerge with members of all the groups throughout New Jersey. One of the main goals of the NJ Gay & Lesbian Coalition was to start a Pride parade here in the
state. They met once a month to figure out how to move LGBTQ people forward. Eventually, a talk began regarding a community center for LGBTQ people. Around this time, The Personal Liberty Fund came around,
which was the Coalition’s non-profit wing.
Today, The Pride Center of New Jersey is a non-profit organization. No one gets paid to be here- and we
all volunteer our time to cultivate PCNJ. This value has been ever present since Ray Johnson stepped in and
volunteered to be a co-chair of the Community Center Development Committee (CCDC) alongside Cheryl Vitow
in 1992. Ray and Cheryl put together an ad promoting the CCDC in The Network (the only prominent NJ LGBTQ
Magazine at the time) and it kicked off the beginning of something amazing. The CCDC was a Committee of
The Personal Liberty Fund, which was the non-profit wing of the NJ Gay and Lesbian Coalition. It all started because New Jersey began moving forward in the LGBTQ movement. Having an all inclusive community center
helped to keep that forward motion going. Making sure that there is a safe space for people of the LGBTQ
community is, and always has been, very important.
Over the next two years, the CCDC had a long, winding journey. Of course, there was a lot of fundraising
in an attempt to get this community center up and going. They made frisbees, they made license plate holders,
they even made mugs! A 13 track CD was released titled “Love is Best”, featuring all people who were LGBTQ,
including some of the members of the committee. They held large street fairs, had phone drives, posted ads in
newspapers. They had a recurring event that happened at Kendall Park Roller Rink, where the tickets would
sell out! They did anything and everything to get the word out that people of New Jersey were getting ready to
put together an LGBTQ community center, and they needed your help.
In due time, it all paid off and the discussion began… Eventually they came to an agreement on The
Pride Center of New Jersey. It just made sense. The Pride Center of New Jersey (PCNJ) was born. While Ray explained this situation to me, I could tell that he was anxious describe what happened next because I was in
awe of what I was learning. All of this information, this beautiful information- and all about something that is
such a huge part of my life. The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Next, it was time to get a place. Through a few connections, Ray was in contact with another local nonprofit, Planned Parenthood. They had a large building with a room for rent. Ray took them up on their offer and
The Pride Center of New Jersey found its first home at 211 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick. The Grand Opening happened in 1994, and support groups started meeting. There was a women’s health series that took
place, HIV testing and a local PFLAG chapter; there were men’s social nights and coffee houses. The InfoLine,
a resource for everything LGBTQ friendly, was started and is still one of the staples of The Pride Center. PCNJ
was also home to two other subletters, Jersey Pride Inc. and The Names Project. Growing every day, the PCNJ
couldn’t stay still- books were accumulated, and a Library was formed. They had to move to a new location, but
didn’t go far: just down the street towards North Brunswick in a rental space on top of a locksmith.
Now up until this point, PCNJ was just a community center built by the Community Center Development
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Committee under The Personal Liberty Fund of New Jersey’s Gay and Lesbian Coalition - so PCNJ was covered
under The Personal Liberty Fund’s 501(c)3 status. Ray and his co-chair Ann Volz realized that it was time for
PCNJ to remove itself from the Coalition. It wasn’t an easy process, because the Coalition felt as if they had
ownership over PCNJ, when in reality it was the CCDC that did. In 1997 Ann and Ray applied for PCNJ to have
their own 501(c)3 status, and they were successful. The Board of Directors was formed and Darren Nye
stepped in as the first President of The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Over time, PCNJ organized concerts, dances, and dinners. They hosted a women’s coffee house where
the local singing group Olympia’s Daughters performed. They received a Gill Foundation Grant, and used that
to hire Ellen Gilio for 3 years to serve as the Executive Director. While in her position, Ellen started the Youth
Drop-In, which still meets to this day; it is and will continue to be an important part of The Pride Center.
Around this time there was another move that brought PCNJ to a smaller, 3 room space in Highland
Park where the Board worked through adversity. One more move, and The Pride Center of New Jersey landed
at 85 Raritan Ave. Suite 100 in Highland Park- where Ray and I ended up sitting for this interview.
I asked him what his favorite memory was, and without hesitation he exclaimed, “The opening! We had
a large cake for our open house. It was great.” He also reflected on how he would attend other LGBTQ functions as a member of PCNJ and how nice it felt to be part of it, showing off what they had accomplished. I also
asked him what his proudest moment was, to which he responded, “Printing the Newsletter, and actually having advertisements in it.” People wanted to be a part of The Pride Center, they believed in what it stood for and
wanted to jump aboard.
Throughout the interview, Ray expressed to me how important it was to have a physical meeting space:
having a community center that we can call our own, and that is there for us. The Pride Center has been there
for me for the past 8 years of my life, and I am thankful every day for those who brought it to life. So thanks
Ray, and everyone else who made PCNJ what it is today. We wouldn’t be here without you!
(Continued from page 3)
keep expanding but will bring awareness of the Center to different groups of people who may not know of us,”
said McSpirit.
The fourth plan centers around memorial giving. "Memorial giving would give the family of deceased members
a chance to honor them by giving to the Pride Center," conveyed McSpirit. Memorial giving would aid in enduring be future of the Pride Center through giving gifts such as monetary, establishing a 401K and opening an
insurance policy with the Pride Center as the benefactor. "We hope that these steps will allow us to extend our
reach to the greater community around us and let them know that we are here," stated McSpirit.
The Pride Center plans to continue to evolve for the greater community around them. "I know coming here for
the first time is tough," said McSpirit, "but I am excited and happy to welcome new and old faces to join us as
we enter this new beginning of outreach."
ADVERTISE
WITH US!
In the newsletter and on our
website! Reach
our many
subscribers and
site visitors!
Please contact
gary@pridecenter.org
for more information
11
Always remember:
Donations made to the
Pride Center of NJ are
TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
We thank you for your
contributions.
12
Building Successful Lives and Learning to Love From It
A Transman's Journey to Local Conferences by Tyler
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending an amazing conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
What’s so amazing about this conference? It’s a celebration of all gender diversity. This time last year (2014), I
was on my way home from my first time at the Keystone Conference. I was on my way back home to visit my
parents after spending time living my secret life as a Transgender man. Going home was stressful because
Keystone allowed me, as well as others, a week-long hiatus from the world that may not see us as the people
that we are.
I spent the first day out with 3 of my closest friends. In my eyes they were my brother and sisters- Hayden,
Tammi and Sandy. These three people helped me through the beginning of my transition by not only offering
advice on family, religion and Transitioning but have provided me (and everyone else at the conference) with
the family that we missed out on ever having.
Attending events such as the Keystone Conference, Southern Comfort and Philly Trans Health Conference
provide us with a chance to be part of the Transgender community. It creates opportunities to build connections with new friends and family, which is comforting and fulfilling when we have people related to us that are
unsupportive. Aside from personal support, these conferences also provide a sanctuary for parents and significant others who are trying to adjust to or understand our needs as Transgender people.
In a midnight discussion with a few Transwomen and men that I met, we battled with being able to feel the
beauty in ourselves when we go back to living our secret lives. My friend Hayden, a Transgender man, had
beautiful words for not only those at our table but anyone who was willing to listen:
“When I see you, I see beauty, and you’re always beautiful in my eyes because you’re being
the true to yourself. No matter what you’re wearing or how the rest of the world sees you, you
need to take your experience at this conference, with the rest of the people here, and walk
with them. We’re your family, you’re my sisters and brothers and for the rest of your life, as
long as you need it we’re all
here for each other, because
for many of us, this is all we
have left, and we’re going to
build successful lives and learn
to love from it.”
After being at an experience like
this, I realized that something our
world lacks is not only a place for
Transgender men and women to socialize, but supportive areas in general. Being a part of this event is
what lead me to volunteer at the
Pride Center of New Jersey. As a
Transman, being a part of a warm
environment and providing a place
to socialize and learn is the best
feeling in the world.
The Pride Center of NJ is an open, ever changing, growing space that is welcoming of all Trans* Identities, it
offers a Trans Support group, known as TrueSelves that is held on not only the first Monday (from 7:309:30PM), but the third Sunday (From 4:00-6:00PM). The Pride Center is also always looking for new ideas to
increase inclusivity, so if you’d like to start your own group, please reach out to programs@pridecenter.org.
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Orgullo: Our Spanish-Language Feature by Alec
¡Hola y bienvenidos al Boletín informativo de El Centro Orgullo! Publicaremos un boletín informativo cuatro
veces al año. Aquí averiguarás lo que pasa en El Centro Orgullo de Nueva Jersey (PCNJ). Tenemos muchos
individuos que son talentosos y dedicado que trabajan mucho para entregar un boletín informativo espectacular.
El Centro Orgullo de Nueva Jersey, que está localizado en Highland Park, abrió sus puertas en el ano 1994.
Des de ese ano el centro ha estado apoyando las necesidades de Gay, Lesbiana, Bisexual, Transgenero,
Intersexual y Queer (LGBTQ) y la gente que tiene curiosidad. Somos un espacio seguro para que usted descubra más sobre usted, gane aceptación, apoyo, amor y lo más importantemente, entendimiento. Este es
un lugar donde encontrarás gente nueva que se convertirse en amigos por vida. Tenemos una amplia
variedad de grupos para elegir de y una cantidad enorme de recursos. Sin tener en cuenta donde estás en
la vida, el Centro de Orgullo es un lugar para llamar a casa.
En el Centro Orgullo, ofrecemos no sólo los grupos sociales y de apoyo, también la prueba del VIH que
ocurre una vez al mes - por favor visite nuestro calendario para las fechas. Cada día es diferente aquí en el
centro, cada grupo tiene su día designado de la semana / mes, con un tiempo establecido. Nuestro
"Reservados para la cena" grupo es un club de lectura hora de la cena mensual que se reúne para leer y
discutir libros de ficción que provoca la mente . Se recomienda llevar algo de comer, o no dude en elegir
uno de los muchos lugares deliciosos que rodean el centro. Tenemos un "Grupo de Apoyo a los Cuidadores",
que proporciona un lugar seguro para las familias LGBTQ, socios y otros cuidadores de adultos con problemas crónicos de salud para discutir los problemas de cuidar a sus seres queridos. El grupo se reúne el tercer Martes de cada mes por la noche. "Comeout & Play" (COP, para abreviar) es un grupo social para las
personas de todas las identificaciones que son de la edad 18-39. A un que se basen en El Centro, sus eventos sociales se programan durante todo el Estado Jardín. El grupo se reúne regularmente en el primer y tercer Martes de cada mes (excepto dias festivos). Las salidas consisten de "horas felices", cenas, actividades
deportivas, actividades al aire libre, eventos culturales y salidas nocturnas.El calendario social de la COP
incluye salidas a lugares homosexual como eventos no relacionados con los homosexuales. Échales un
visita en Facebook para más información. Visite nuestro "Grupo de Apoyo Para los Padres Homosexuales",
que es un grupo mensual que se concentrarse en preguntas de padres gay o hijo(a)s de los papás homosexules. Eres más que bienvenido a a venir al grupo. Se reúne el primer Miércoles de cada mes. El grupo
"Hombres Homosexuales Vivendo Fuera de el Closet", es un grupo de discusión que proporciona un ambiente seguro y de apoyo. A donde los hombres homosexuales pueden conocer a otros hombres homosexuales con ideas iguales que estan en la comunidad. Si usted está buscando amigos o usted necesita de asesoramiento y apoyo, este grupo te hara sentir bienvenido y como en casa.Se reúnen todos los Miércoles. A
demás, también tenemos el grupo "Hombres Homosexuales Saliendo del Closet".
No se deberia confundir con el grupo "Hombres Homosexuales Vivendo Fuera del Closet". Este grupo se enfoca en conexo a hombres homosexuales saliendo del closet, y el otro grupo se enfoca en preguntas relacionadas con hombres homosexuales ya vivendo fuera del closet.También tenemos muchos grupos de mujeres . Tales como " WAMP " , música y arte por mujeres para mujeres . Una serie de conciertos bimestral
celebrada en el Centro de Orgullo de Nueva Jersey. Si usted se identifica como mujer, esta serie son para
usted. Si usted se identifica como una mujer venga y únase con nosotros para un poco de diversión , en un
lugar seguro y de comprensión.
Y por último pero no menos importante, tenemos "Raices Latinas", que es un grupo social / de apoyo
donde se habla español. El grupo se reúne el primer y tercer Lunes de cada mes de 7: 30-9: 00. Si usted
habla español y es miembro de la comunidad LGBT, no dude en pasar y reunirse con otros miembros de la
comunidad. Para más información envíe un correo electrónico: david@envisionplanning.net.
En el futuro si usted será capaz de encontrar algunos de nuestros otros articulos traducidos en español o si
usted tiene algunas ideas por favor contáctenos a newsletter@pridecenter.org siempre estamos buscando
a gente para ayudar y dar una idea.
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What’s Happening in the Community
May
23 — The Highland Park Outdoor Movie Theater starts again! Free movies shown in the municipal parking lot
downtown (on Raritan Avenue between 2nd and 3rd) every other Saturday through August. View the whole
season's schedule at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Highland-Park-Outdoor-Movie-Theater
23-26 — Go fly a kite, and watch renowned kite builders and competitors, at the Wildwoods International Kite
Festival.
24 — It's opening day at the Field Station: Dinosaurs theme park in Secaucus.
24 — Celebrate Jersey's homegrown food legend — pork roll (or Taylor ham) — at the Pork Roll Festival in downtown Trenton.
24-25 — The Blues & Wine Festival at Natirar Park in Peapack-Gladstone hosts a large outdoor tasting, with
blues and rock music by the Jody Joseph Band and Dugan Thomas to accompany it.
24-25 — The Electric Daisy Carnival, the world's biggest moving dance music party, is back at MetLife Stadium
with Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Hardwell and others.
24-26 — Try food from the state's best meals-on-wheels at the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth
Park in Oceanport!
Join the Pride Center at Asbury Pride - June 7 and North Jersey Pride - June 14! If you’d like
to march or help out at a festival booth, contact Amanda at programs@pridecenter.org
June
6 — Highland Park Farmer's Market begins! Get your fresh fruits and veggies downtown. Every Friday, June December, 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
29 — What better way to herald the arrival of beach season than with "Jaws"? The 1975 Steven Spielberg film
will be screened (admission free) as part of the New Jersey Film Festival at Rutgers University.
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2015 Board Members
President: Mark McSpirit
VP Operations: Joseph Spulick
VP Programming: Amanda Kelly
Marketing Secretary: Megan Picurro
Communications Secretary: Victoria Fisher
Treasurer: Vic Schimmenti
Major Events Trustee: Vinnie Funelas
Groups Trustee: David Rogoff
Social Programming Trustee: Carlton Hurdle
Cultural Affairs Trustee: Walter Hotkowski
Youth Liaison: Megan Picurro
Volunteer Coordinator: Gene Talbot
Health Trustee: Jean Richmond
Corporate Relations Trustee: Gary Pfeffer
Interested in becoming a member of the Pride Center?
Visit us online at http://www.pridecenter.org/joinpcnj/
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