TWW Louisville June Fundraiser - The Louisville Youth Group: LBTQIA

The Louisville Youth Group (LYG), founded in 1990, currently serves more than 200 LGBTQIA+ and Allied young people each year, who participate in programs that provide social support, positive role models and health education. Your donation helps support programs such as weekly meetings, a youth leadership council and camp, LGBT outreach, and a LYG-sponsored prom.

If you can help support the mission, please visit louisvilleyouthgroup.com/donate to make an online contribution.  LYG would also appreciate any donation of non-perishable snack items, such as bottled water, box juice, etc. for their regular meetings. They often have 30+ kids in attendance. Bring items to the monthly TWW meeting on Saturday, June 10 .LYG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your contributions may be tax deductible. 

LYG offers a space where they can be themselves in a safe and supportive environment. This is what brings young people in each Friday. For some of them, the Friday night meeting is the first really safe and supportive environment they will have been in all week. For others, with more supportive families, it is a place to share with the friends they have in the group and make new friends.

Programs include:

Weekly Meetings
Fridays, 7:30 to 10:30p
Two Wednesdays per Month, 6:00 to 9:00p, Trans/Ally Night
Each week, LYG brings together LGBTQIA+ youth in a safe, fun and social setting. Themes and topics include: game night, suicide prevention, dance parties, and health education (just to name a few!)

Youth Leadership Council
The YLC is an opportunity for youth to gain vital leadership skills and help determine the activities of LYG. Council members lead sessions, plan events, and advise the LYG Board of Directors.

Leadership Camp
Always a youth favorite, LYG Camp is a fun weekend to socialize, learn leadership skills, and get out in nature. Activities include campfires, night hikes, challenge course, lots of eating, and lively conversation.

GSTA Outreach
Youth and educators learn how to start and grow a Gay-Straight-Trans Alliance. Participants also learn a student’s legal right to a safe learning environment.

Prom
Many LGBTQIA+ youth feel unsafe taking their date to Prom. LYG’s Prom is a fun and safe experience for ALL youth, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.

TWW - Louisville Member Spotlight "LGBTQ" - Meet Brandy

Interviewed by Amy Merrick

"After the election I found myself in mourning, in shock that our country would elect someone who stood so steadfastly against our actual and intrinsic values. I allowed myself approximately 24 hours of sadness and disgust before I shifted into resolve -- resolve to do my part to make certain the fear-mongering ideology that helped get Trump elected would not only be defeated, but it called out by me at each instance and 
opportunity, wherever I observed it.  

"I have found that being honest with myself, with my shortcomings, with my own prejudices, with my own privileges has been my tool for eliciting change within myself. After all, is there a better place to start than with that person in the mirror?

In the past, I had always been a backseat participant in politics. This included watching my wife run for public office while supporting her from the sidelines and writing speeches for our political friends. I had no intention of being actively involved myself, but I am now pleased to say that I am a founding member and co-chair of the Floyd and Clark County Stonewall Democrats. Our group is the very first offshoot of the Indianapolis-based organization and I am proud to say that we are growing in support and membership and have had successful meetings involving everyone from members of our community to our senator, Joe Donnelly. 

"I believe diversity should mark every aspect of our lives, but it is of particular importance if we hope to be a species that evolves and grows and learns. My wife and I have a philosophy that we have an obligation to live our lives in a manner in which we promote and perpetuate the concepts of diversity.  Specifically, we do this by being an 'out' lesbian couple within our community.  We are both safe within our jobs, safe within our families, safe within our finances and safe within our housing situation. As a result of the safety that we are afforded, we feel that it is our direct responsibility to live our lives 'out' so as to eventually make it safer for those people for whom that choice is not yet a safe one. By repeatedly and consistently putting ourselves out there for everyone to see and become accustomed to and not afraid of (due to their own ignorance because, as we all know, ignorance breeds fear), we hopefully make ripples in the world to allow for the safety and diversity of all people."

Safeguarding LGBTQIA Rights - Louisville area connections

Safeguarding LGBTQIA Rights

by Ellen Birkett Morris 

photo source Vice.com

It’s no secret that the current administrations in Washington and Frankfort are hostile to the rights of LGBTQIA citizens. On the first day of the Kentucky General Assembly two anti-LGBT bills were filed –a “License to Discriminate” House Bill 105 and anti-transgender “Bathroom Bill” House Bill 106.

HB 105 would strip the enforcement powers from local Fairness Ordinances passed in cities and counties across Kentucky. HB106 would outlaw transgender people from using any restroom or changing facility under the jurisdiction of the state that matches their gender identity.

This sort of discrimination creates a hostile atmosphere and creates a tacit approval for discrimination and harassment in schools, accommodations, restaurants and on the streets. Here are some of the ways you can get involved and stand up against hate.

• Write to Your Legislator 
• Share LGBTQ Stories on Your Facebook and Twitter Feed 
• Reach Out to Members of the LGBTQ Community to Create a Positive Inclusive City 
• Report Hate Crimes
• March 
• Volunteer 
• Donate

For specifics on how take action, check out these organizations:

http://www.hrc.org/local-issues/kentucky

Human Rights Campaign fights for LGBTQ equality in Kentucky alongside state and local groups and lawmakers. Find out more about what HRC is doing for LGBTQ equality in Kentucky and how you can get involved with the local community.

http://www.kyequality.org/

Kentucky Equality Federation is Kentucky's largest all-volunteer grassroots lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex ("LGBTI") civil rights and advocacy organization for both social and political equality. We lead efforts for equality and fairness at the state level. 

http://www.aclu-ky.org/article/lgbt-rights/

The ACLU of Kentucky works towards a society in which all individuals enjoy the basic rights of equality, privacy and personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. This means an America where people can live openly without discrimination; where there is respect for our identities, relationships and families; and where there’s fair treatment in employment, schools, housing, public places, health care and government programs.

http://www.pcsoky.org/site/

Pride Community Services Organization offer a range of programing (some multi-lingual) including youth, older adults, legal services, arts and culture, information/education, policy/civic engagement, training/community outreach, physical and mental health and anti-violence.

http://www.fairness.org/

The Fairness Campaign is a broad-based community effort dedicated to equal rights. Its primary goal is comprehensive civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Fairness Campaign accomplishes its goals through public education and advocacy, political activity, community building and reciprocal alliances with others in the social justice community.

TWW June Meeting - LGBTQIA

Together We Will Louisville and Southern Indiana is focusing on Connecting with the LGBTQIA Community during the month of June.  And since “Connection” is our focus, we’ve decided to approach our monthly meeting differently and have a picnic.  Kicking off the picnic will be the Derby City Sisters, a chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  The remainder of the picnic will focus on sharing a meal and fellowship with other members of our community. 

The Derby City Sisters are a modern order of nuns dedicated to community service, fund-raising, outreach, advocacy, education for safer sex awareness, and a ministry of presence.  They promote human rights, respect for diversity, and empowerment of the  LGBTQA family within the Louisville community while enabling each individual to embrace their unique beauty and fully realize their self-worth.  Overall, the Sisters are a delightfully colorful group spreading glitter and light wherever they go.
  

During the month of June, we will also be raising money for the Louisville Youth Group.  The mayor’s budget does not include funding for this very important group during the next fiscal year, which is a devastating blow. This group helps young LGBTQIA people celebrate who they are and get the support they need.  A published article about Carter Devore, a young transgender male, exemplifies the importance of the Louisville Youth Group to the young people in this community.  Donations may be made online or at the picnic.  

Picnic details:

Date/Time: Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 2-4 PM

Location: Cox Park 3730 River Rd, 40207 (River Road east of Kingfish on the river)

Bring:  A sign-up poll will be published on the TWW Facebook site, and will include items such as food (sweet, savory, sides), drinks, paper plates/cups and plastic utensils, napkins, plastic tablecloths, ice in coolers, a first aid kit, trash bags, kites, bubbles, etc.

• If you bring food, please be sure to list all ingredients 
• Kids are welcome and Cox Park is the perfect spot for kite flying.  No childcare will be provided.  Bubbles, Frisbees, kites, etc., are great ideas for the kiddo's.  Please don't bring hard balls/bats, or anything that hurts when it hits.
• YOU!  We want to see and meet you!  This is a great opportunity to get to know one another while hanging out with some awesome nuns!  It's time that we have some fun before knuckling down for the next round of the RESISTANCE!

*In case of rain, the picnic will be moved to Glassworks at 8^th and Market.

Coffee Break Activism - 5/30

Coffee Break Activism:
by Naomi Penner

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

1) Your neighborhood lacking sidewalks and affordable housing? Would you like less money invested in LMPD and more in eliminating food deserts? Get involved in the city budget process. Mayor Fischer's 2017-18 budget proposal is in review by Metro Council until June 30th.

Here's how to take action:

• a. Learn about the budget and how tax dollars are spent with Kentuckian For the Commonwealth's    "People's Guide to the Budget":   https://www.kftc.org/peoplesguidetothebudget
• b. Read about the Mayor's proposal:                            https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/2017-18-recommended-budget
• c. Let your councilperson know your thoughts about the budget! Connect with them here:           https://glasscapitol.org/louisville 

2) On May 14th, a national group of “Anti-Abortion” extremists called Operation Save America (OSA) verbally and physically harassed patients while they tried to keep appointments at the last abortion clinic in the state, EMW.

Call your Metro Councilperson and tell them:
"We must protect the EMW Women's Surgical Center from dangerous extremists - please create a 20 ft. safety zone now!"
More info here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-jIY6VUm_h7RjVJX1hiZzEwbE0/view

3) If you care about clean air and your fellow low-income, Black, and Brown neighbors who live near corporate polluters, please speak out against the efforts of the American Synthetic Rubber Company, who are trying to get the city government to support them in lowering pollution standards.

Call/write a letter to the Mayor using this sample message:

"I am asking Mayor Fischer to deny the request for lower pollution standards by the American Synthetic Rubber company. We need to send a message that the lives of low income, Black, and Brown people matter."Learn more about the proposal:
https://insiderlouisville.com/metro/councilwoman-green-calls-for-air-quality-officials-to-reject-pollution-waiver-for-rubbertown-plant-ahead-of-second-public-meeting/

4) Councilman Bill Hollander (District 9) has proposed a new tree ordinance, which would protect Louisville's trees. More trees equals better air quality, lowered heating and cooling costs, and improved quality of life. Contact your council person or the full council here:
https://www.louisvillecan.org/protecttrees

Sample message:
"I support Councilman Hollander's tree ordinance. We are losing trees at an alarming rate and our temperatures are rising. Trees not only help regulate temperature, but lower heating and cooling costs, clean the air, and improve quality of life. Please invest in the environmental well-being of the city and the people. Support the tree ordinance."

5) The FCC voted 2-1 in favor of dismantling net neutrality rules. This would remove government regulation of ISPS (Internet Service Providers) and give corporations total control over the internet - great for corporations but not for consumers. The FCC is open to comments until August 16th. Leave at comment:
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=17-108&sort=date_disseminated,DESC

Sample message:
"I oppose the dismantling of net neutrality. It does more to help corporations, and less to help the people. The Internet should be fair for all and not sold to the highest bidder. Please reconsider your recent vote. Keep net neutrality." 

Coffee Break Action Items - 5/12

Louisville Metro members -- Please look at the 2017-18 budget  

Reach out to your Councilperson NS share your thoughts

Coffee Break Activism
by Naomi Penner

You can find your councilperson here: https://louisvilleky.gov/city-services/mylouisville

Learn about the budget and how tax dollars are spent with Kentuckian For the Commonwealth's "People's Guide to the Budget": https://www.kftc.org/peoplesguidetothebudget

Get to know some key points in Fischer's budget, which focuses heavily on public safety and LMPD: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/metro-government/2017/04/27/fischers-budget-proposal-7-things-know/306595001/

May Fundraiser - Volunteers of America

The TWW charity drive for May will be in support of Volunteers of America 

VOA will be discussing healthcare access at our May meeting. 

Volunteers of America (VOA) programs are focused on housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors; addiction recovery services for men and women; care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities; and HIV testing and education.  

Find more information on programs and services their Website

You can bring items on their wish list (below) to our May meeting - Sunday, May 21. Register HERE  

Or you can ship to them directly:

Volunteers of America
570 S. 4th St., Suite 100, 
Louisville KY 40202 
(c/o Farrah Ferriell).

Wish List:
- new twin bedding
- soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent
- new washcloths & towels-
 new undergarments for adults & children
- ground coffee & sugar
- pillows
- fans
- safety space heaters
- diapers (any size)
- baby care items
- $20 retail store gift cards

VOA also has an Amazon Wish List, 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3FBQG8XHFZRNX/ref=cm_sw_em_r_g__wb

TWW May meeting - Healthcare coverage

Betsy Foster, a healthcare expert will present our May Focus addressing healthcare coverage (ACA, Pre-ACA, and TrumpCare). Our objective is to educate our community about healthcare - the good, the bad, and the potentially very ugly.  This meeting will include a workshop to highlight the many journeys undertaken by individuals pursuing coverage.  

When you leave this meeting, you will be armed with talking points for use in discussions you may have. 

Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America will also speak about ACA and the effects of the changes on its clients. 

Jennifer Hancock

Volunteers of America CEO and President

As usual, this meeting is open to the public, so feel free to share with anyone you know that would be interested in participating in this discussion.

Register HERE and please share with friends and family.

TWW - Louisville Member Spotlight "Health Care Coverage" - Meet Betsy

May Member Spotlight - Betsy 
by Amy Merrick

                                                                        Betsy far left

Betsy is an advocate, a mother, a small business owner and a woman who has spent her life fighting for health care rights. She is a health insurance consultant on ACA, Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance regulations. Originally from Macon, Georgia, Betsy has lived in Kentucky off and on for 20 years. She has two amazing sons who are equally passionate about the environment and healthcare. You will often hear Betsy speak of her oldest son Len, who is the oldest living survivor with his particular heart defect and was uninsured for seven years prior to the ACA. Here is Betsy’s story in her own words.

"My life changed drastically in January 2016 when I started traveling with the Arkansas Travelers for Hillary Clinton. I had never been involved in a political campaign before but I had a chance to support a woman I had admired since she was First Lady and started the discussions on universal health care. I have been a health care advocate since my son's birth with a rare heart defect. Thanks to the ACA, my son had insurance coverage while I could remain self-employed. Now those successes were under attack.

"I spent 2016 doing everything I could to support my candidate. I never in a million years thought that she would lose to the eventual victor. Like many of you, I was truly devastated after the election. It took me weeks to even figure out what my next steps would be. I had a lot of time to reflect on the loss, the future and the past, and my anger... oh, the anger. I have never ever been so angry. I found Pantsuit Nation Louisville (now TWW) and found those who were feeling as lost as I was. It provided an outlet for all of us to discuss how we felt. For me it turned into activism for ACA where I speak publicly about healthcare.

“I do not know what I would have done without this amazing group of people! I lost many friends as have others as a result of this election and found many more through the activities in this group. In the very early days a very dear friend, Lisa DuPree, started a walking group at Cherokee Park. We walked every morning at 5:45. It did not matter what the weather was. We were so busy talking about how we felt that we didn’t even notice – it was such great therapy. That first group has now turned into a couple more. I look forward to those walks every day. They were my salvation in the early days now they are my lifeline with good friends.

"We are under attack in this country at its most basic level. Attacks against people of different races, cultures, religions, genders and LGBTQ. The USA was founded to provide equal rights under the law for all. That was the intent of the Constitution and it is still the intent today. Throughout history and up to today we have seen that tenet being ignored, usurped in the cruelest way possible. In my lifetime I have seen many changes in the right direction but not nearly enough. We are in an era now where I fear that if we do not keep on being visible at all times for EVERYONE we will not continue to go forward. The picture of the faces fighting today is a diverse one and we should continue to fight together for all. If you do not understand or are not comfortable with an issue or cause, ask. That is how we learn. Be there!
I am and from this day forward will continue to be an activist. This is just the beginning. After the recent ACA vote I even had thoughts of running for office. I will definitely be out there helping to find and mentor candidates to take Congress back in 2018 and 2020. The time is now and we can do it.

“The most effective tool for change I have found is talking, being out there on the front lines, being visible and making sure that what we say can be heard for the facts, not the language of our actions. Be steady, be firm, be heard! One thing is for sure -- the current President has knocked us out of our complacency. This country was built on diversity. We have to fight for the rights of everyone.... the rights we had taken for granted and the rights we are fighting to win."