Good evening
I sent out an email to various email lists recently and am letting you know via this blog that I am switching my blog to a new address which is as follows:
http://lgbtseniorhealthseattle.wordpress.com/
Please check it out. Some of the info may be resources/articles that you have already seen so please be patient while I upload new information as time goes by. Please consider signing up for my new blog by clicking on the "follow" button in the top right corner of the blog website.
Also, please forward and share with your co-workers and friends via email, twitter or Facebook.
Thanks so much for your support.
Sharon Hennessy, MSW
Monday, July 9, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
6/29/12-The Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project
There is a wonderful organization in Houston, Texas, called "The Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project" who states that they are about, "Gathering the Unique Stories of the Lives of Lesbians Born in the Early 1900s".
Website - www.olohp.org
Email -info@olhp.org
Address - PO Box 980422, Houston, TX 77098
They have compiled and published two books:
Book:
"A Gift of Age: Old Lesbians Life Stories"
Book:
"Without Apology: Old Lesbian Life Stories"
Please consider purchasing copies of these priceless gems. Also, please consider checking to see if your local library (e.g. Seattle, King, university, college, school, church etc) has a copy of each of these books, and, if not, please consider requesting that they purchase copies of these wonderful treasures). Thank you.
I found these books while visiting the PSOLOC (Puget Sound Older Lesbians Organizing for Change) while visiting the Seattle lbt health fair at Gay Pride. Thanks again to PSOLOC and also to Ingrid (who organized this) for being who you are...
Website - www.olohp.org
Email -info@olhp.org
Address - PO Box 980422, Houston, TX 77098
They have compiled and published two books:
Book:
"A Gift of Age: Old Lesbians Life Stories"
Book:
"Without Apology: Old Lesbian Life Stories"
Please consider purchasing copies of these priceless gems. Also, please consider checking to see if your local library (e.g. Seattle, King, university, college, school, church etc) has a copy of each of these books, and, if not, please consider requesting that they purchase copies of these wonderful treasures). Thank you.
I found these books while visiting the PSOLOC (Puget Sound Older Lesbians Organizing for Change) while visiting the Seattle lbt health fair at Gay Pride. Thanks again to PSOLOC and also to Ingrid (who organized this) for being who you are...
Lesbian Health-Loving Ourselves, Loving Our Bodies
Good evening,
Please take a gander ("look" - my English grandmother used to say this to me) at my latest other blog posting that I feel is still relevant seniors and their caregivers:
http://buddhistdykebabeseattle.blogspot.com/2012/06/62912-loving-ourselves-loving-our.html
Please take a gander ("look" - my English grandmother used to say this to me) at my latest other blog posting that I feel is still relevant seniors and their caregivers:
http://buddhistdykebabeseattle.blogspot.com/2012/06/62912-loving-ourselves-loving-our.html
Thursday, June 28, 2012
6/28/12 - LGBT Elder Resources & Study
I have just learned of some wonderful lgbt elder resources and studies:
1. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
Website - www.lgbtagingcenter.org
This is a wonderful resource and is a project of Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) in partnership with:
American Society on Aging
Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity, Hunter College
CenterLink
FORGE Transgender Aging Network
GRIOT Circle
The LGBT Aging Project
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
National Council on Aging's National Institute of Senior Centers
Openhouse
PHI
This is supported in part under a cooperative agreement from the US Dept of Health and Human Services, administration on Aging. Woo hoo! This means that the federal government is supporting our family with acquiring and maintaining our health as we age - it's a beautiful thing!
One of the resources that this group provides is a guide, "Inclusive Services for LGBT Older Adults: A Practical Guide to Creating Welcoming Agencies" which is designed to educate service providers about the unique barriers that LGBT older adults face, and also includes ways that every agency can foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for many diverse populations, including LGBT older adults.
You can email them at info@lgbtagincenter.org or download it from their website (listed above).
2. Senior Services of Seattle/King County - www.seniorservices.og
Address - Senior Information and Assistance
2208 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone - 206-448-3110
TTY - WA Relay 7-1-1
info@seniorservices.org
This is a fabulous non-profit agency that is supported by United Way of King County investments.
Senior Information and Assistance is a great resource for offering support to King County seniors and their caregivers, and provides a full range of education, services and resources. Their goal is to maintain the independence, security and quality of life of seniors.
Advocates can meet with you in person, by email, by phone or people also have the option of going to the main website (listed above) which is a huge untapped goldmine resource.
I personally vouch for them as they provided some incredible and extensive support to me, as a lesbian, as my mother began her long weird and wonderful 11 year dance with Alzheimer's. They assisted me in finding 3 different homes for my mother, three different day centers, presenting her with the information she needed to feel comfortable moving out of her home, info on how to screen and hire caregivers, and also, a very kind listening ear. The two advocates that I found most sensitive to lgbtq issues (in my case being a lesbian caregiver with a very homophobic mother) were Sally Friedman and Daira Sawotchka. They are caregiving advocate gurus....
3. UW lgbt Caregiver Study - Caring for Partners
Website: www.caringforpartners.org
Email: info@caringforpartners.org
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-410-8701
Local Phone - 206-744-9518
I met one of the coordinators of this UW study, Andrea Lahr, at the LBTQ Healthfair this last weekend and was really delighted to learn of this study. We have all either experienced first hand or heard stories of lgbtq people not having the best experiences with healthcare systems. The Caring for Partners program is a national study that addresses these concerns.
Study Outline:
There are many stories about LGBT individuals unable to visit with or make care decisions for their partners in health care facilities. The Caring for Partners study is hoping to learn ways to improve care and reduce discrimination for LGBT people. We need your help.
Who are we looking for? We would like to talk with you if you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) person who had a partner who was very sick or injured in the last 5 years and stayed in a hospital or a health care facility. We would like to talk about your experiences making decisions about their care.
What happens if I agree to be in the study? We will ask a few questions to see if this study is a good fit for you. If it is, we will plan a time to talk with you. The interview may take place in person or by phone. You will receive $15 for your time. You will also be asked to fill out a short survey.
The Caring for Partners study is part of the End-of-life Care Research Program at the University of Washington. The study is funded by the National Palliative Care Research Center.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thank you!
1. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
Website - www.lgbtagingcenter.org
This is a wonderful resource and is a project of Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) in partnership with:
American Society on Aging
Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity, Hunter College
CenterLink
FORGE Transgender Aging Network
GRIOT Circle
The LGBT Aging Project
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
National Council on Aging's National Institute of Senior Centers
Openhouse
PHI
This is supported in part under a cooperative agreement from the US Dept of Health and Human Services, administration on Aging. Woo hoo! This means that the federal government is supporting our family with acquiring and maintaining our health as we age - it's a beautiful thing!
One of the resources that this group provides is a guide, "Inclusive Services for LGBT Older Adults: A Practical Guide to Creating Welcoming Agencies" which is designed to educate service providers about the unique barriers that LGBT older adults face, and also includes ways that every agency can foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for many diverse populations, including LGBT older adults.
You can email them at info@lgbtagincenter.org or download it from their website (listed above).
2. Senior Services of Seattle/King County - www.seniorservices.og
Address - Senior Information and Assistance
2208 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone - 206-448-3110
TTY - WA Relay 7-1-1
info@seniorservices.org
This is a fabulous non-profit agency that is supported by United Way of King County investments.
Senior Information and Assistance is a great resource for offering support to King County seniors and their caregivers, and provides a full range of education, services and resources. Their goal is to maintain the independence, security and quality of life of seniors.
Advocates can meet with you in person, by email, by phone or people also have the option of going to the main website (listed above) which is a huge untapped goldmine resource.
I personally vouch for them as they provided some incredible and extensive support to me, as a lesbian, as my mother began her long weird and wonderful 11 year dance with Alzheimer's. They assisted me in finding 3 different homes for my mother, three different day centers, presenting her with the information she needed to feel comfortable moving out of her home, info on how to screen and hire caregivers, and also, a very kind listening ear. The two advocates that I found most sensitive to lgbtq issues (in my case being a lesbian caregiver with a very homophobic mother) were Sally Friedman and Daira Sawotchka. They are caregiving advocate gurus....
3. UW lgbt Caregiver Study - Caring for Partners
Website: www.caringforpartners.org
Email: info@caringforpartners.org
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-410-8701
Local Phone - 206-744-9518
I met one of the coordinators of this UW study, Andrea Lahr, at the LBTQ Healthfair this last weekend and was really delighted to learn of this study. We have all either experienced first hand or heard stories of lgbtq people not having the best experiences with healthcare systems. The Caring for Partners program is a national study that addresses these concerns.
Study Outline:
There are many stories about LGBT individuals unable to visit with or make care decisions for their partners in health care facilities. The Caring for Partners study is hoping to learn ways to improve care and reduce discrimination for LGBT people. We need your help.
Who are we looking for? We would like to talk with you if you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) person who had a partner who was very sick or injured in the last 5 years and stayed in a hospital or a health care facility. We would like to talk about your experiences making decisions about their care.
What happens if I agree to be in the study? We will ask a few questions to see if this study is a good fit for you. If it is, we will plan a time to talk with you. The interview may take place in person or by phone. You will receive $15 for your time. You will also be asked to fill out a short survey.
Can I do this anonymously? If
you want to participate without contacting us, you can fill out an
anonymous survey online. Because we will not know your name, we will
not be able to pay you for your time.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE IN THE STUDY:
Call us toll free: 877-749-3970
Email us: info@caringforpartners.org *
Visit our website: www.caringforpartners.org
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/
*Please note we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of email. The Caring for Partners study is part of the End-of-life Care Research Program at the University of Washington. The study is funded by the National Palliative Care Research Center.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thank you!
Andrea Lahr, MSW
Thank you to Andrea and her colleague, Dr. Ruth Engelberg, for coordinating this study. It is long over due - much appreciated.
Thank you to Andrea and her colleague, Dr. Ruth Engelberg, for coordinating this study. It is long over due - much appreciated.
6/28/12-LBTQ Health Fair - Seattle 2012
Welcome back to my blog and sorry for the delay - I appreciate all of your patience (it's the lack of sun, you know, and then the sudden appearance of it that makes me want to write!). My Mother's former adult family home Romanian owner used to say, "Sharon, we carry the sunshine in our hearts" Bless her - so great to have found her for my Mother's last days.
The Fair - great to have the fair up on Broadway and Pine, but, perhaps another location that is more disAbility friendly and individual rooms for more privacy for individual visits with providers would be much preferable. I was really happy to see such a diverse group of providers, including more people of color staffing booths (I still feel that there needs to be a lot more of these groups at these events, including staff who are behind the tables who are people of color so that we can reach out to more people of color. Also, great to see people with disAbilities represented (big improvement), including a woman playing an organ (though perhaps it would be better to have this in a separate room as the loud noise can become distracting) and the MS Society. It would be great if we could have more groups that staff tables focused on people with disAbilites, as well, but I feel that we're moving in the right direction and this is positive change. Also, great to see PSOLOC (Puget Sound Older Lesbians Organizing for Change) and to meet some of their members at the event. Also, great to see SAGE/Senior Services at the fair and it was a pleasure to meet the director of PFLAG. However, the acoustics for the event were not good, it was not disAbility accessible and the signs were very very confusing. Also, the dance event didn't work too well for me because all of the participants who arrived to dance were all in their early 20s were obviously strong athletes and this can be intimidating for people who are older and/or have physical disAbilities. I would have preferred it if more of the people staffing tables could have been sitting at the tables more consistently, particularly Seattle Counseling Services, as there is such a high level of untreated substance abuse and mental health issues that the community is dealing with, and so much stigma when it comes to acknowledging this as well as actually following through with seeking help. As a suggestion, maybe there could be more dance classes offered, e.g. beginners, intermediate, advanced, and also done in a separate room instead of the main area. Also, some gentle yoga classes would be great. Also, how about some self-esteem building presentations. I don't know about everyone else, but, I'm more interested in going to presentations in which we can participate by responding to questions by the presenter. Also, how about having a presentation on empowerment on lbtq empowerment and maybe one on art therapy so we can expand the fair a little.
I'd also like to see more outreach to younger women as it seems to be almost always middle aged and older women at these events, and, after all, we are all part of the same family.
Overall, great job, and very nice with how it finished with the start of the Dyke March.
Thank you so much Ingrid!
The Fair - great to have the fair up on Broadway and Pine, but, perhaps another location that is more disAbility friendly and individual rooms for more privacy for individual visits with providers would be much preferable. I was really happy to see such a diverse group of providers, including more people of color staffing booths (I still feel that there needs to be a lot more of these groups at these events, including staff who are behind the tables who are people of color so that we can reach out to more people of color. Also, great to see people with disAbilities represented (big improvement), including a woman playing an organ (though perhaps it would be better to have this in a separate room as the loud noise can become distracting) and the MS Society. It would be great if we could have more groups that staff tables focused on people with disAbilites, as well, but I feel that we're moving in the right direction and this is positive change. Also, great to see PSOLOC (Puget Sound Older Lesbians Organizing for Change) and to meet some of their members at the event. Also, great to see SAGE/Senior Services at the fair and it was a pleasure to meet the director of PFLAG. However, the acoustics for the event were not good, it was not disAbility accessible and the signs were very very confusing. Also, the dance event didn't work too well for me because all of the participants who arrived to dance were all in their early 20s were obviously strong athletes and this can be intimidating for people who are older and/or have physical disAbilities. I would have preferred it if more of the people staffing tables could have been sitting at the tables more consistently, particularly Seattle Counseling Services, as there is such a high level of untreated substance abuse and mental health issues that the community is dealing with, and so much stigma when it comes to acknowledging this as well as actually following through with seeking help. As a suggestion, maybe there could be more dance classes offered, e.g. beginners, intermediate, advanced, and also done in a separate room instead of the main area. Also, some gentle yoga classes would be great. Also, how about some self-esteem building presentations. I don't know about everyone else, but, I'm more interested in going to presentations in which we can participate by responding to questions by the presenter. Also, how about having a presentation on empowerment on lbtq empowerment and maybe one on art therapy so we can expand the fair a little.
I'd also like to see more outreach to younger women as it seems to be almost always middle aged and older women at these events, and, after all, we are all part of the same family.
Overall, great job, and very nice with how it finished with the start of the Dyke March.
Thank you so much Ingrid!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
4/21/12 - LGBT Elders Movie & Fun Songs
Good morning and Happy Earth Day!
Here's some wonderful youtube videos about the lgbtq experience:
2. The Gentlemen's Rant: Homophobia:
3. The Homophobia Song by Katie Goodman's Band:
Special screening of "10 More Good Years" - Seattle
Saturday evening (April 21st)
Location - Lobby Bar
Address - 916 East Pike Street Seattle, WA 98122
| (206) 328-6703 |
Movie - screening of the award-winning documentary 10 More Good Years. This documentary explores the unique challenges that LGBT elders are currently facing, such as the process of aging alone, without financial stability and often finding the need to "re-enter" the closet.
The director of the film, Michael Jacoby, will be in attendance at this free event and will be available for a meet and greet after the screening.
http://allevents.in/Seattle/ 10-More-Good-Years-Public- Screening-and-Discussion-of- LGBT-Elder-Issues/ 330977200292445
http://www.10moregoodyears. com/
http://thelobbyseattle.com/
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
4/18/12 - GLBTQ Legal Clinic
One of the concerns that lgbtq people experience as we age is preparing for our later years and this includes preparing the legal documents of a Power of Attorney, Health Directive, POLST, domestic partnership and will. This is particularly important for lgbtq folks because of the discriminatory laws in various states as well as federal laws.
However, we are fortunate to have the GLBT Legal Clinic here in Seattle which is part of the GLBT Bar Association Foundation of Washington and the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics. This Clinic has a mission to provide GLBT friendly and knowledgeable volunteer attorneys to listen to your legal concerns.
They state that they provide clients with a half hour of free one-on-one legal help on topics including:
1. Job discrimination and harassment
2. Adoption and surrogacy
3. Transgender legal issues
4. Debt and bankruptcy
5. Relationship protection
6. Relationship dissolution
Times Available - The GLBT Clinic is held between 7.00 P.M. and 9.00 P.M. on the third Thursday of each month, my appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, please call 206-235-7235. A coordinator can be reached, and calls will be returned on Tuesdays between 12.00 P.M. and 3.00 P.M.
www.q-law.org/legalclinic
However, we are fortunate to have the GLBT Legal Clinic here in Seattle which is part of the GLBT Bar Association Foundation of Washington and the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics. This Clinic has a mission to provide GLBT friendly and knowledgeable volunteer attorneys to listen to your legal concerns.
They state that they provide clients with a half hour of free one-on-one legal help on topics including:
1. Job discrimination and harassment
2. Adoption and surrogacy
3. Transgender legal issues
4. Debt and bankruptcy
5. Relationship protection
6. Relationship dissolution
Times Available - The GLBT Clinic is held between 7.00 P.M. and 9.00 P.M. on the third Thursday of each month, my appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, please call 206-235-7235. A coordinator can be reached, and calls will be returned on Tuesdays between 12.00 P.M. and 3.00 P.M.
www.q-law.org/legalclinic
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
4/17/12 - SAGE lgbt fed gov conference/Seattle lgbt Senior Center bingo
Good evening,
Two events of great interest happening. One is national:
1. White House LGBT Conference on Aging
SAGE, who became the first official LGBT delegate to a White House Conference on Aging in 2005, is pleased to announce that The White House Office of Public Engagement will hold the first-ever conference dedicated specifically to LGBT aging issues on May 7, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Hosted in partnership with the University of Miami Center on Aging, the White House LGBT Conference on Aging is an opportunity for advocates, community leaders, and members of the public to engage with the Obama Administration on the health, housing, and security needs of aging members of the LGBT community.
The conference will feature presentations by Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Policy & Research Development Raphael Bostic, and SAGE Executive Director Michael Adams, among others. SAGE is working closely with White House officials, the University of Miami Center on Aging (who is a partner in our work with LGBT caregiving) and other LGBT aging leaders in South Florida, to plan this historic conference.
The White House LGBT Conference on Aging comes on the heels of an April 13 teleconference co-hosted by The White House Office of Public Engagement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and SAGE, on the progress being made to support LGBT older adults. For more information on time and location, and to register online, visit The White House site. http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/white-house-lgbt-conference-aging
This is a fundraiser for the West Seattle Senior Center - it's a fun mix of people laughing and winning prizes!! We've had such a great time and wonderful turnout for this event in the past, come join the fun in West Seattle.
Pre-Register - You MUST call, reserve and prepay through the Senior Center - 206-932-4044. Let them know you want to sit at the WOWS/Trish Throop table. Bring friends, the more the merrier.
Cost is $15 for the full 9 games if you pay prior , otherwise it's $20 at the door!! Cheap!!
Food and beverage is sold at the event, including alcohol, beer and wine. There is also a fun auction component between games, so you might want to bring extra funds ; )
Doors open at 5:30-first games starts at 7:00pm
Two events of great interest happening. One is national:
1. White House LGBT Conference on Aging
SAGE, who became the first official LGBT delegate to a White House Conference on Aging in 2005, is pleased to announce that The White House Office of Public Engagement will hold the first-ever conference dedicated specifically to LGBT aging issues on May 7, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Hosted in partnership with the University of Miami Center on Aging, the White House LGBT Conference on Aging is an opportunity for advocates, community leaders, and members of the public to engage with the Obama Administration on the health, housing, and security needs of aging members of the LGBT community.
The conference will feature presentations by Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Policy & Research Development Raphael Bostic, and SAGE Executive Director Michael Adams, among others. SAGE is working closely with White House officials, the University of Miami Center on Aging (who is a partner in our work with LGBT caregiving) and other LGBT aging leaders in South Florida, to plan this historic conference.
The White House LGBT Conference on Aging comes on the heels of an April 13 teleconference co-hosted by The White House Office of Public Engagement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and SAGE, on the progress being made to support LGBT older adults. For more information on time and location, and to register online, visit The White House site. http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/white-house-lgbt-conference-aging
==================================================
The other is a wonderful opportunity for the lgbtqi communities and allies to support the West Seattle Senior Services Center in West Seattle. Senior Services is greatly in need of extra funds at this time to make up for the short fall due to the recession so this is a great opportunity to raise funds for this organization while having a great time, as well as the chance to meet new people.
2. West Seattle's Rainbow Bingo - Friday April 20, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: West Seattle Senior Center
Theme of Fiesta! So grab your maraccas and join us for a fun of evening of Bingo and great prizes.
This is a fundraiser for the West Seattle Senior Center - it's a fun mix of people laughing and winning prizes!! We've had such a great time and wonderful turnout for this event in the past, come join the fun in West Seattle.
Pre-Register - You MUST call, reserve and prepay through the Senior Center - 206-932-4044. Let them know you want to sit at the WOWS/Trish Throop table. Bring friends, the more the merrier.
Cost is $15 for the full 9 games if you pay prior , otherwise it's $20 at the door!! Cheap!!
Food and beverage is sold at the event, including alcohol, beer and wine. There is also a fun auction component between games, so you might want to bring extra funds ; )
Doors open at 5:30-first games starts at 7:00pm
Address: Senior Center 4217 SW Oregon (corner of California, just north of Alaska Junction).
http://www.sc-ws.org/
http://www.sc-ws.org/
Thursday, April 12, 2012
4/12/12 - LGBT Senior Events & African American Film Festival
Senior Services of Seattle/King County is such a wonderful resource and this includes resources for lgbtq seniors as well as people who are contemplating the aging process. Here is a link for lgbt community brainstorming about resources for lgbtq aging folks which is well worth reviewing:
http://www.seniorservices.org/agingyourway/CommunityGatherings/LGBT.aspx
This event was facilitated by GSBA director, Louise Chernin - many thanks to her. Also, thanks to Microsoft for providing funding for Senior Services and for being supportive of their lgbtq employees.
==============================
There is also a wonderful African American Film Festival through Langston Hugo House from 4/14/12 to 4/22/12. These include lgbt movies and also a focus on Audre Lourde, one of most celebrated and talented lesbian elders.
http://www.langstonarts.org/
http://www.seniorservices.org/agingyourway/CommunityGatherings/LGBT.aspx
This event was facilitated by GSBA director, Louise Chernin - many thanks to her. Also, thanks to Microsoft for providing funding for Senior Services and for being supportive of their lgbtq employees.
==============================
There is also a wonderful African American Film Festival through Langston Hugo House from 4/14/12 to 4/22/12. These include lgbt movies and also a focus on Audre Lourde, one of most celebrated and talented lesbian elders.
http://www.langstonarts.org/
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
4/11/12 - Lewis Richmond Reading today - Town Hall
Hi there
I'm not familiar with this writer but the event looks really interesting and I really like the positive approach to aging. Also, I really appreciate the Buddhist connection to this event as this spiritual practice tends to be more lgbtqi friendly than some others. (Keep in mind the lesbian Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, who has wonderful books, as well as the fact that KD Lang is Buddhist).
Co-presented with the TOWN HALL CENTER FOR CIVIC LIFE, NORTHWEST CENTER FOR CREATIVE AGING, SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER, SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY, SAGE-ING GUILG, and NORTH EAST SEATTLE TOGETHER. Bay Area Zen Buddhist priest Lewis Richmond, whose Work as a Spiritual Practice and A Whole Life's Work, have long had constant readerships, visits with his already-popular new book, Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser (Gotham Books). "Embedded as our culture is in the fantasy of control and management, our deepest distress rises from being separated from natural process and our inevitable failure to manage, even defeat, aging and mortality. Lewis Richmond offers a practical, step-by-step set of attitudes and practices that open the reader to philosophical maturation, a proactive engagement with the meaning of one's changing state, and our attainment of personal dignity through our shared journey into mystery." – James Hollis, Ph.D. $5 tickets are available at the door starting at 6:30 p.m., or in advance via www.brownpapertickets.com (1-800-838-3006). Town Hall Seattle is at 1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca). Preferred seating for Town Hall members. For more information on this evening, please call Elliott Bay at (206) 624-6600, Town Hall at (206) 652-4255, or see www.townhallseattle.org.
I'm not familiar with this writer but the event looks really interesting and I really like the positive approach to aging. Also, I really appreciate the Buddhist connection to this event as this spiritual practice tends to be more lgbtqi friendly than some others. (Keep in mind the lesbian Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, who has wonderful books, as well as the fact that KD Lang is Buddhist).
LEWIS RICHMOND at Town Hall Seattle |
04/11/2012 7:30 pm
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
4/10/12 - Movie "Gen Silent" - UW Showing
Gen Silent Movie Screening
April 12, 2012 - 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Room 305, School of Social Work, University of Washington
Please join us for a screening of Gen Silent … the critically-acclaimed documentary that asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their friends, their spouses- their entire lives in order to survive in the care system.
Screening, Snacks and Community Discussion
Master of Ceremonies: David Haack of the Northwest LGBT Senior Care Providers Network: an informal network of senior care providers of all kinds working together to provide advocacy and quality of care for the LGBT seniors of Washington State.
Co-Sponsored by the Social Work Q and Gerontology Social Work Groups.
There is an ad for this movie on youtube.
Monday, April 9, 2012
4/9/12 - Fundraiser - 4/12/12
Spring is a time of new growth and new beginnings, including fundraisers for the non-profits that sustain many of us, particularly as we age and may develop disAbilities. The Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services group is a wonderful organization that provides resources and services to an underserved of Seattle, including senior lgbtqi folks. Please consider attending the luncheon if you're able to, passing this info along to your other email lists, Twitter accounts, and Facebook and sharing with your providers. Thank you.
abused Deaf women’s advocacy services
Please join us at our annual luncheon for stories of
Strength & Courage.
ADWAS Executive Director, Tiffany Williams, will share an update of her inaugural year at ADWAS and Jenné Chalfant will offer the insight of a survivor of domestic violence and how attitude can change everything.
Your RSVP is needed to reserve your seat. There are no tickets to attend the luncheon and admission is free.
Attendees will be asked to donate a minimum of $100 during the luncheon.
To RSVP please contact Carol Brown at carol@adwas.org and select one of the food choices below:
1. Chicken Saltimbocca Roulade, Imported Prosciutto, Smoked Provolone, Vine Ripe Tomato Tapenade, Basil Cream (Gluten Free)
2. Vegan Grilled Eggplant Roulade, Stewed Cannellini Bean Pate, Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce (Gluten Free)
If you can attend, please choose between the chicken or the eggplant.
To RSVP email carol@adwas.org with:
Luncheon to benefit abused Deaf women’s advocacy services.
 |  |  |
abused Deaf women’s advocacy services
Please join us at our annual luncheon for stories of
Strength & Courage.
ADWAS Executive Director, Tiffany Williams, will share an update of her inaugural year at ADWAS and Jenné Chalfant will offer the insight of a survivor of domestic violence and how attitude can change everything.
Friday, April 20th 2012
Noon - 1:30 PM
Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle Waterfront
Noon - 1:30 PM
Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle Waterfront
Your RSVP is needed to reserve your seat. There are no tickets to attend the luncheon and admission is free.
Attendees will be asked to donate a minimum of $100 during the luncheon.
To RSVP please contact Carol Brown at carol@adwas.org and select one of the food choices below:
1. Chicken Saltimbocca Roulade, Imported Prosciutto, Smoked Provolone, Vine Ripe Tomato Tapenade, Basil Cream (Gluten Free)
2. Vegan Grilled Eggplant Roulade, Stewed Cannellini Bean Pate, Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce (Gluten Free)
If you can attend, please choose between the chicken or the eggplant.
To RSVP email carol@adwas.org with:
- your name
- number attending
- food choice
- your address so we can mail a thank you
Luncheon to benefit abused Deaf women’s advocacy services.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
4/8/12 - Honoring Our LGBTQ Elders
In Honor of one of Seattle's Gay Elders:
This is an opportunity to honor Don Paulson whose birth dates are 1933-2012. He was a well respected artist, writer and researcher of drag culture in the Seattle area. He passed away on 2/6/12 and was 78 years old. He lived in New York during his artistic years, wrote for the Seattle Gay News and also assisted the Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Project with their research. He also wrote a book called, "An Evening at the Garden of Allah: A Gay Cabaret in Seattle" with Roger Simpson, and this book was published in 1996. We are blessed to have had Don be part of our lives and our history.
The history of lgbtqi folks is still often deleted from the history books, so it is crucial to have the organizations that are inclusive of this experience, as well the history of people of color, immigrants, people with disAbilities, elders and any other oppressed groups. Therefore, please consider contacting the two following organizations to donate any mementos, volunteer your time and expertise and/or to learn more about your own roots.
LGBT History Resources-Seattle:
1. Northwest Lesbian Archives -
Website - http://www.pnwlesbianarchives.org/
Email - info@pnwlesbianarchives.org
Focus - http://www.pnwlesbianarchives.org/collections/
2. Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Project
Website - http://home.earthlink.net/~ruthpett/lgbthistorynw/
Email - gayhistnw@aol.com
Focus - http://home.earthlink.net/~ruthpett/lgbthistorynw/
Friday, April 6, 2012
4/6/12 - Lesbian Retreat
Now that the warmer days are starting and it's time to be outside and enjoying the lovely parks, blossoming flowers and trees (assuming your pollen allergies are not too much!) as well as all the hiking trails, now is a great time to start thinking in terms of lesbian vacations and here is a great opportunity:
Reservation/payment deadline: May 6, 2012
Please email Lori Stevens at Loriahmoy@aol.com for more info and to reqeust an e-brochure to give more info or call (425) 750-6861
Join Us for a Lesbian Luxury Camp & Retreat Adventure
June 1-4, 2012
Seabrook, WA (just north of Ocean Shores)
Enjoy a sense of community as up to 20 lesbians share a modern oceanside home for an extended weekend of relaxation and fun! All meals are provided for you, along with a variety of optional activities each day. This is 'camp' like you've always wanted it to be! Spend as much or as little time with the larger group with so many things to do. Space is limited, so reserve your spot right away. Stay in the comfortable bunkroom or reserve a private room. Reserve now, for first choice on accomodations.
Here are some of the planned activities:
Game Night
Wine Tasting Party
Women's Wellness Workshop
Sunday Morning Meditation
Outdoor Games (volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes)
Bar-B-Que
Campfires with full-on S'more making
Craft Class
Movie Night
And on your own...
Nearby beach for walks, kite flying, horseback riding, etc.
Onsite restaurant and bar, spa, shopping, mini grocery, espresso
Bike rental
Indoor swimming pool
And 20 minutes away in Ocean Shores...
Bowling
Casino
More restaurants
More beach!
The ALL INCLUSIVE* Camp Fee is $285 per person for 3 nights
Add on a 4th night (Thursday, 5/31) for an extra $60 per person
Reservation/payment deadline: May 6, 2012
Please contact Lori for more information or to reserve.
*ALL INCLUSIVE includes: lodging, linens, basic toiletries, all meals and
non-alcoholic beverages (alcohol IS included at wine tasting event), and all supplies
related to classes and activities.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
4/5/12 - Variety of Topics
There are a variety of topics that I will cover today:
1. Laughter Club - this is a wonderful way to release stress and have fun:
The international referred journal Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life welcomes and encourages the submission of articles which reflect on ageing, perceptions of it and the impact that it has on Muslim communities both in Muslim majority countries as well as Muslims living in the west.
Questions and topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:
- The concept of ageing as discussed among Muslims
- Ageing identity and self among Muslims communities
- Challenges faced by Muslim communities as far as an increased ageing population are concerned
- Changes in the care of the elderly among contemporary Muslim communities
- Problems that elderly Muslims face in the West as far as care and support are concerned
- Ageing and faith
- Relations between the young and the old: inter-generational conflict, respect, and veneration
- Political and social discrimination against elderly Muslims.
The deadline for receipt of submissions is 31 July 2012
For this special issue, please direct all enquiries, requests for further information as well as actual manuscripts to our Assistant Editor: Ms Siobhan Irving
siobhan.irving@gmail.com<
Some information about Contemporary Islam:
- Contemporary Islam has an acceptance rate of about 33% (applying to original research papers, so excluding book reviews and special issue papers)
- Contemporary Islam has a very fast "time-to-first-decision" of 53 days on average despite submitting manuscripts to a very selective peer-review process (2 or 3 peer-reviewers)
-Thousands of academic institutions worldwide now offer access to Contemporary Islam
For further information about the journal, including a description of the aims and scopes, please see:
http://www.springer.com/
2. Call for Papers for a Special Issue of Aging & Mental Health: Dementia and Dementia Care in Asia
Special issue editors: Sheung-Tak Cheng and Steven H. Zarit
Aging & Mental Health, a leading interdisciplinary journal focused on the aging process and mental health, is calling for papers for a special issue devoted to the topic of dementia and dementia care in Asia. Papers reporting empirical research on, but not limited to, demographic trends of dementia prevalence, diagnostic issues, cognitive deficits, behavioral problems, stigma, caregiver mental
health, abuse, management of dementia in residential settings, and bereavement, are especially welcome. Each paper must include explicit data on one or more Asian populations; data on Asian ethnic groups in non-Asian countries are not included in this category.
Authors who are interested in submitting a paper to this special issue are invited to send a proposal to Sheung-Tak Cheng at takcheng@ied.edu.hk by June 15, 2012. The proposal should include a
synopsis of no more than 300 words structured into the following sections: Background, Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusion and Discussion. In the proposal, please specify whether you intend to submit a regular article (5,000 words) or a brief report (2,000 words).
Upon initial screening by the editors, authors will be invited to submit papers formally to the special issue. Deadline for the full paper will be October 15, 2012. All submitted papers will be
peer-reviewed and the editors will make the final decision on publication based on recommendations of the peer reviews.
For author guidelines for preparing the full paper, please refer to
1. Laughter Club - this is a wonderful way to release stress and have fun:
Phinney Laughter club meets next Tues, April 10 (and every month on the 2nd Tues) in The Blue Room, downstairs at Phinney Neighborhood Center (upper bldg). We start at 7:00 p.m. and go for about one hour. The cost is $5. Bring water – this is a laughter workout!
The address is: 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, 98103.
Taught by - Teresa Verde
Certified Laughter Leader
===============================
ACADEMIC JOURNALS- CALLS FOR PAPERS RELATED TO AGING:
1. Call for Papers on the Topic of Muslims and Ageing for a Thematic Issue of Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life
The international referred journal Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life welcomes and encourages the submission of articles which reflect on ageing, perceptions of it and the impact that it has on Muslim communities both in Muslim majority countries as well as Muslims living in the west.
Questions and topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:
- The concept of ageing as discussed among Muslims
- Ageing identity and self among Muslims communities
- Challenges faced by Muslim communities as far as an increased ageing population are concerned
- Changes in the care of the elderly among contemporary Muslim communities
- Problems that elderly Muslims face in the West as far as care and support are concerned
- Ageing and faith
- Relations between the young and the old: inter-generational conflict, respect, and veneration
- Political and social discrimination against elderly Muslims.
The deadline for receipt of submissions is 31 July 2012
For this special issue, please direct all enquiries, requests for further information as well as actual manuscripts to our Assistant Editor: Ms Siobhan Irving
siobhan.irving@gmail.com<
Some information about Contemporary Islam:
- Contemporary Islam has an acceptance rate of about 33% (applying to original research papers, so excluding book reviews and special issue papers)
- Contemporary Islam has a very fast "time-to-first-decision" of 53 days on average despite submitting manuscripts to a very selective peer-review process (2 or 3 peer-reviewers)
-Thousands of academic institutions worldwide now offer access to Contemporary Islam
For further information about the journal, including a description of the aims and scopes, please see:
http://www.springer.com/
2. Call for Papers for a Special Issue of Aging & Mental Health: Dementia and Dementia Care in Asia
Special issue editors: Sheung-Tak Cheng and Steven H. Zarit
Aging & Mental Health, a leading interdisciplinary journal focused on the aging process and mental health, is calling for papers for a special issue devoted to the topic of dementia and dementia care in Asia. Papers reporting empirical research on, but not limited to, demographic trends of dementia prevalence, diagnostic issues, cognitive deficits, behavioral problems, stigma, caregiver mental
health, abuse, management of dementia in residential settings, and bereavement, are especially welcome. Each paper must include explicit data on one or more Asian populations; data on Asian ethnic groups in non-Asian countries are not included in this category.
Authors who are interested in submitting a paper to this special issue are invited to send a proposal to Sheung-Tak Cheng at takcheng@ied.edu.hk by June 15, 2012. The proposal should include a
synopsis of no more than 300 words structured into the following sections: Background, Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusion and Discussion. In the proposal, please specify whether you intend to submit a regular article (5,000 words) or a brief report (2,000 words).
Upon initial screening by the editors, authors will be invited to submit papers formally to the special issue. Deadline for the full paper will be October 15, 2012. All submitted papers will be
peer-reviewed and the editors will make the final decision on publication based on recommendations of the peer reviews.
For author guidelines for preparing the full paper, please refer to
http://www.tandf.co.uk/
Honor and Respect for a Local Lesbian Elder
One of our own lesbian community performers, Lisa Mills, died in Seattle on 4/2/12. She was well known and well loved for her work with Swamp Mama Johnson. Prayers and peace to her family and friends.
===============================================================
Honor and Respect for a Nationally Known Lesbian Elder
A Jewish lesbian feminist poet, Adrienne Rich, died on 3/29/12. She was 83 and had written a vast number of books, including poetry and prose, including twenty four volumes of poetry and six books of prose. She was well respected in academia and also in the secular community. Prayers and peace to her family and friends.
===============================================================
Sunday, April 1, 2012
4/1/12 - Karen Armstrong Reading on 4/4/12
Spring is a wonderful time to think about renewal and growth, both literally and figuratively, and the following reading at Seattle University looks really interesting:
Presented by the SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MINISTRY & THEOLOGY. Scholar and public intellectual Karen Armstrong, one of the most original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world, makes the case for compassion—intrinsic to humans, at the heart of all religious, ethical, and spiritual traditions, and worth working toward—the subject of her online 'Charter for Compassion,' and of her recent book, Twelve Steps To a Compassionate Life (newly in paper, Anchor). Karen Armstrong is the author of many books on religious affairs and history, including The Case for God, The Bible: A Biography, Buddha, Muhammad, The Great Transformation, and many more. Free admission. Campion Ballroom is located on the Seattle University campus at Tenth Avenue & E. Jefferson Street. For more information, please see www.seattleu.edu. 
KAREN ARMSTRONG at Seattle University
04/04/2012 7:00 pm
Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (Paperback)
$14.00
ISBN-13: 9780307742889
Saturday, March 31, 2012
3/31/12 - BOLDfest - Interview
One of the ways that we have to celebrate and empower ourselves is through community events such as BOLDfest which is held every year in Vancouver, Canada (just north of us). The following is an interview with the organizers for this event, Pat Hogan and Claire Robson. They have very kindly agreed to do an interview with me via the internet which I have listed below. I want to thank Pat and Claire for organizing this event and also for agreeing to do this interview.
1. Pat -What is your background in events coordination prior to starting BOLDfest?
My main start as presenter/events organizer was when I and 3 other women, started up Sound & Furies Productions in 1990 to put on a series of all-women events during the Gay Games in 1990. Prior to that I organized many political and cultural events in the Okanogan in the late 70's with feminist organizations. Since 1990 Sounds & Furies continues to bring in lesbian entertainment, political events and fundraisers although not as intensely as in previous years.
2. Claire - What is your background in events coordination prior to starting BOLDfest?
My background was mainly in the arts, as a performer of spoken word and emcee at fundraisers, such as Disability Pride. I had run a women's reading series in Boston for many years, and an open mic at Crone's Harvest (the Women's bookstore in Boston).
3. Pat - Can you tell me a little bit about your educational background and experience in women and lgbtqi issues?
I took several women's studies courses in Vancouver and in the Okanagon in the 70's; however, most of my experience in women and LGBTQI issues has been by being personally involved, often employed in, the feminist, lesbian and queer communities. In the mid-70's, I authored a grant which employed myself and 4 other women and I ran an advocacy office for women's issues, which also spearheaded a women's transition house. Simulatenously, I co-founded the Okanagon Women's Coaltion with a Secretary of State grant.
During this time I organized the first conference outside the Vancouver mainland to address domestic violence, this being after attending a conference in Vancouver featuring activists and authors, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon.
After training with Dr. Sharon Kahn, UBC in the early days of Assertiveness Training, I then co-facilitated Assertiveness Training courses for 2 years through Langara College's women's studies program.
-No. Okanagon rep to the B C Federation of Women, a decentralized and radical province-wide organization of women who met regularly to advocate and strategize for women's rights.
-Programmer on Co-op Radio's "Woman Vision" for 2 years 1979 - 1981.
- Owned/ran Josephine's, a coffee house on Vancouver's eastside that hosted speakers and events regarding women and LGBTQ issues.
Sounds & Furies was/is a vehicle for women and LGTBQ activities, issues, the arts.
-Programmer on Co-op Radio's "Woman Vision" for 2 years 1979 - 1981.
- Owned/ran Josephine's, a coffee house on Vancouver's eastside that hosted speakers and events regarding women and LGBTQ issues.
Sounds & Furies was/is a vehicle for women and LGTBQ activities, issues, the arts.
4. Claire - Can you tell me a little bit about your educational background and experience in women and lgbtqi issues?
I did English and philosophy at university, then went on to do an MA and teacher training. I taught high school for sixteen years (seven as an assistant principal). It was an important job in that it was good for the girls in a traditional school to be mentored by a strong female leader, but I was way in the back of the closet. I quit that job to come to North America and write my book, a memoir, and became a street window washer in Boston, which I did for eleven years. It was at that time that I became very out and visible in the queer reading/writing/activist scene. Then I put teaching and writing together, and started teaching memoir writing workshops. When my partner and I relocated to Vancouver, I founded Quirk-e, the Queer Imaging & Riting Kollective for Elders. We were fortunate to get solid funding, and that is now the center of my intellectual and professional life. I completed my doctorate in 2011. My research is all about how writing memoir can help us understand more about the domestic, gender, political structures we inhabit.
5. Pat and Claire - What is the age group that you are reaching out to with BOLDfest?
Pat: I founded BOLDFest and always intended that it be about and for an "older' age group of lesbians & dykes, inspired by two other North American conferences I attended .
HOWEVER, We warmly welcome women of all ages; younger women do attend BOLDFest. Having lesbians of various ages at BOLDFest enhances the experience for all who attend. Many younger local women also come to the dances and entertainment at BOLDFest. That said, we do feel that it's important thst the issues of older lesbians are addressed and that we create a space where we can come together and make connections. BOLDFest is one of the very few such venues still in existence for old(er) lesbians.
6. Pat - How old were you when you first aware that you had feelings for women? Can you tell us more about that e.g. situation, name of person, how you met, what happened with your connection?
While always having 'girl friends' through adolesence, teens and beyond, my first feelings toward another woman was with a female doctor who had just delivered my daughter, a confusing and stressful time of my life. Undoubtedly the feelings were in part based on my very vulnerable state at that time.
I moved to Canada from the US in 1969 and was part of a a growing number of "back to the landers" which was a mix of hets and lesbians. I hung out with some radical dykes at that time, a few years before I came out.
. During the mid-70's when I was first active in the feminist community, I was surrounded by lesbians and lesbian caucuses existed at all feminist meetings. I was spending 99% of my time with women and became a lesbian soon thereafter. I had had sex with a couple of women before I actually thought of myself as a lesbian.
7. Claire - How old were you when you first noticed you had feelings for women? e.g. situation, name of person, how you met, what happened with your connection?
I have always felt these feelings – as soon as I was old enough to feel attraction. I had my first relationship with a woman (Linda) when I was 19 and a student, but didn't have any community to come out in. So I got married to a guy. That was fortunately short lived (3 years). I came out in my marriage, left my husband and lived in a lesbian separatist squatting community in East London. That was an introduction to feminism, consciousness-raising and a lot of short term relationships and sex! Unfortunately, it went along with a pretty druggy, boozy lifestyle. I got out of that and into a long term relationship with Lucy. Many years later, I have been with my current partner and wife, Joy, for 23 years.
8. Pat - When did you first start BOLDfest? How did it get started?
BOLDFest, as it is known now, was started in 2005 and had a very long title -- The West Coast Women's Conference & Gathering for Old(er) Lesbians (or something like that - have to look it up). I had attended a Golden Threads gathering in Provincetown the year before as well as a SAGE Conference in NYC. The combination of the social and academic nature of these two diverse conferences inspired me to do something in Vancouver. Having produced many events over the years, this was a continuation of what I've been doing all along. As with other ventures and adventures, I was taking a risk that it, BOLDFest would work out financially and popularity-wise.. Taking a risk has never stopped me before and it didn't this time either. It was well worth the effort (and a bit of angst!).
I called together friends who have worked with me at Sounds & Furies' events to see if they'd volunteer at the 1st BOLD Conference. Claire Robson, who I had just recently met when she moved from east coast US, and who was quickly making herself known in the LGBTQ community, came forward to volunteer. She was/is a dynamo and took charge. I loved it! I asked her to join me as a working partner for the following year's conference, she said yes, and we haven't looked back. The name BOLD was thanks to Claire's cleverness and wit with words. We started calling it BOLDFest when we noticed that a lot of our inquiries about the Conference referred to it as a "Festival". We thought, "why not??" It IS a mini-Festival after all, with workshops, entertainment, socials, etc.
In the past 3 years we've added another component to BOLDFest, namely, the BOLD Film Festival. We've featured films by and about old(er) lesbians, but not always. Ferron: Girl on a Road, Edie and Thea, classic old lesbians shorts, a restrospective of Forbidden Love are examples of films we've had previously. We are looking forward to hosting a BOLD Film Festival again this year, curated by Amber Dawn, program director of The Vancouver Queer Film Festival. the BOLD Film Festival will be held in the afternoon of September 9th, possibly in the evening as well, at the close of the BOLdFest Conference at a theatre relatively close to the Coast Plaza Hotel BOLDFest's venue. Women from out of town and the US often stay another evenng to take in the Film Festival.
9. Claire - When did you first start BOLDfest? How did it get started?
Pat started BOLDFest eight years ago and I volunteered to help out as her right hand woman. She invited me to become an equal partner the next year, and I've been on board ever since. I still respect Pat's years of organizing and activism and trust her judgment about the conference's direction.
10. Pat - Who is your favorite Canadian musician? Who is your favorite lgbtqi musician (Canada or elsewhere)?
I think my favorite Canadian lesbian musician is Heather Bishop whose voice, stage presence and politics are magnanimous. Heather is a passionate, strong, politically-aware woman; she was awarded the Order of Canada, a prestigious honor.
Ferron and Faith Nolan, two different kinds of songwriters and singers, are also people I really admire.
Although not a musician, one of my favorite lesbian performers is Kate Clinton. Her ability to bring together humour, wit and political issues on stage is stellar.
11. Claire - Who is your favorite Canadian musician? Who is your favorite lgbtqi musician (Canada or elsewhere)?
KD. Ferron. It's hard to make a judgment between the two. I also love Kate Reid's work as a crossover artist who appeals to a wide range of people while sticking to her lesbian roots and sensibility.
12. Pat - Have you ever seen KD Lang in person? And, will you be inviting her to any future conferences?!
Yes, I first saw KD when she was performing at a club in Vancouver early in her career; what I remember from that night was that she was wearing crinolin and boots; she threw herself off the stage and everyone went wild! I saw her again after she had become "famous" at a benefit at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. The front few rows were filled with dykes who went crazy when she sang "Crying" a song she and Roy Orbison also did together. I saw her again, from a distance, at the opening of Gay Games in Sydney Australia in 2002. And then again, saw her at opening of Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver.
Would be great to have KD at BOLDFest and should we ever be so lucky to get that kind of sponsorship, who knows????, it might happen!!!
13. Claire - Have you ever seen KD Lang in person? And, will you be inviting her to any future conferences?!
I have seen her live (in Boston) and would love if it she came to the conference. It would take some fund raising to get her there I suspect!
14. Pat and Claire - How many people come to your event each year?
Somewhere between 150- 200; it varies each year. Included in that # are local women who attend some, but not all of the Conference.
15. Pat and Claire - What year did you first start it?
As mentioned above, BOLD, by its original name, started in 2005.
16. Pat and Claire - Can you give me an example of the cities and states that event participants come from to attend your event?
US: Florida, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana
Canada: Ontario, Quebec Alberta, Saskatchewn, Manitoba, Yukon Territories, British Columbia
Elsewhere - Australia
17. Pat - Can you tell us one of the most exciting moment that has occurred at one of the BOLDfest conferences?
PAT: While there have been many exceptional women at the conference, as presenters and participants, it was a thrill and an honor to have Col. Grethe Cammermeyer with us 2 years ago, presenting her life and her film "Serving in Silence". At the same BOLDFest, she also sat on a panel with 2 other very diverse women - Marion Lay, well known woman sports activist. Olympic medalist and community leader, and LaMar Van Dyke, radical lesbian separatist from the 70's who traveled with a band of dykes in VW vans called, the Van Dykes - and has been featured in the New Yorker magazine. Having LaMar at the Conference was herstorical, memorable, fun.
CLAIRE: There've been many. Every year I am amazed at the intelligence and initiative of our participants. One of the all time exciting moments, however was last year's Butch Femme Fashion Show. It was professional, electric, historic. If you weren't there, you missed a one off amazing event – over twenty models, music, skits, history in the making!
18. Claire - Can you tell us one of the most unexpected moment that has occurred at one of the BOLDfest conferences and how did you handle this?
I think one of the most unexpected moments was when a young straight woman from a wedding party down the hall managed to get into the Sat night dance because the wedding party was dreary and we were having so much fun! That was okay, but her large tuxedo clad and rather drunk and belligerent boyfriend came looking for her. I had to walk him out of the ballroom and calm him down. It seemed ironic and amusing to me that a young gal was sneaking into the older lezzie dance because it was better than the big fancy straight wedding party!
19. Pat - Can you tell us what you are looking forward to most about the event this year?
Hard to say: it's all looking good. But I am excited that out of towners will have a chance to hear Vancouver's own SugarBeach, an exceptionally talented and dynamic musical duo. Also looking forward to our very first LESBIAN KAROAKE!!
20. Claire - Can you tell us what you are looking forward to most about the event this year?
SugarBeach are amazing – so our Saturday night concert will be great. Also, our Friday night is kind of typical of BOLDFEst. We kick off with a discussion on feminism with local activists and then segue into lesbian Karaoke and dancing!! We like to discuss the deep issues and we also love to shake things up and have fun.
21. Pat and Claire - Please describe the events that are taking placing at this event.
Starting with a Pre-BOLDFest Harbour Cruise on Sept 5 - an increasingly popular event - the schedule of events t during the weekend are as follows:
Thurs Eve Sept 6
- Welcoming Reception with MC Marion Lay, prominent activist for women in sports, Olylmpian medalist
- Bold Woman of the Year Award - Arden Eversymeyer, OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change) Herstory Project from Texas
- Jazz pianist, Dorothy Dittrich, composer and musician, on piano; background music for awhile, ending up with singalongs around the piano.
- , Social mixer for meeting and greeting BOLD 2012 women.
Friday September 7
- Singles Breakfast (optional extra activity)
- 9:45 - 11:45 am Morning workshops (SHARON: We are still working on confirming workshops and don't have them in time slots yet.
- Luncheon on the Patio with guest speaker
- 1:45 - 3:45 pm Afternoon Workshops
- 4:30 pm Dance Class - get read for Dancing Friday and Saturday night!
- 7:30 - 9 pm PANEL DISCUSSION on Lesbian Feminism &Gender Today (this title may change)
- 9 pm - 11 pm LESBIAN KAROAKE with DJ, Some Dancing
Saturday September 8
9:45 am - 11:45 am WORKSHOPS
LUNCHEON - Everyone on their own
Saturday Afternoon Options
- Introduction to Dragonboating - Granville Island
- Short Films
- Rest & Relax with new/old friends
- Walks, ETC
Saturday evening, Sept 8
- 5 pm No Host Bar, Social
- SILENT AUCTION BIDDING BEGINS! Big Prize is a trip for 2 on OLIVIA CRUISES + weekend get-aways, art, jewelery and much more.
- 6 pm Gourmet Buffet Begins
- 7:30 PM ish BOLDFest 2012 Performers SUGARBEACH, entertain the crowd for over an hour with their upbeat songs and performance. Award-winning songwriters andn performers, this Canadian-Aussie musical duo has been performing both locally and throughout North America both at concerts and Pride stages.
- 9 pm - Midnight DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY to the sounds of the Duelling DJ"s, Susan Yaeger and Jacqui Hope.
- Sunday morning Sept 9
- 10 am - 11:30 am
- CIRCLE, WRAP UP, FEEDBACK, CLOSING CIRCLE led by Bridgid McGowan -- back my popular demand!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, SEPT 9
- BOLD FILM FESTIVAL at VIFF, the Vancity International Film Festival Theatre (Film Festival planning in progress)
22. Pat and Claire - What are some of the lgbtqi events/happenings that you can recommend to us that are going on in Vancouver? Are there any specific lesbian clubs/bars/events?
Vancouver Pride - a huge and wonderful weeklong event culminating in the Pride Parade on August 5, 2012. For other Pride events go to http://www.vancouverpride.ca/event-calendar
Vancouver Outdoor Women's Club hosts many outdoor events, meetings, socials for women/lesbians.
No lesbian bar per se these days. Lots of gay clubs, though, mostly if not all, in the West End aka the "Gay Village" - the neighbourhood sectioned off by Davie and Denman Streets. The Oasis, Neighbours, Little Sisters Book Emporium (central meeting/info place 1238 Davie).
See Xtra.ca on website for events, news, etc. Xtra is our bi weekly lgbtq newsppaer which has sister papers in Toronto and Ottawa.
23. Pat and Claire - Is this event open to transgender, bisexual, queer, straight, undefined folks?
BOLDFest is open to anyone who defines as a woman and as a lesbian. This is pretty simple. Beyond BOLDFest, Pat and I embrace everyone who stands with us under the umbrella of 'queer' and support many events and organizations that are open to anyone. This one event, BOLDFest, focusses on, and supports anyone who identifies as lesbian and n particular, on issues relevant to the lives of older lesbians. Given our invisibility in mainstream culture generally, we think it's important to keep this space available.
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