FORMER "EX-GAY" ACTIVISTS APOLOGIZE FOR THE HARM THEY'VE DONE!!

Three former “ex-gay” leaders were scheduled to make public apologies Wednesday in Los Angeles for the harm their ministries caused gays and lesbians, and will call for those still involved in ex-gay therapy to acknowledge their part.

KOTA video about Ryan's Courage Award and more

See the KOTA video about Ryan Bowker's Youth Courage Award and his work at The Center West. Go to: http://www.kotatv.com/ Look for Featured Video: KOTA Man Wins "Courage Award."
There are also pictures and coverage of the event at Broadway World .com

RYAN IN NEW YORK CITY

I talked with Ryan again tonight. He said the Pride Parade was incredible and that he had a great time yesterday. At the Trevor Project Banquet tonight he recieved his award and was able to visit and get his picture taken with everyone inclunding Nathan Lane and John Glover. John Glover told Ryan he really liked the t-shirt he was wearing and gave him some money to send him one. He was wearing the Black Hills GLBT Youth t-shirt with the hands and the triangle. Ryan will be home tomorow. He says the experience was incredible. This was Ryan's first airplane ride and his first trip to a major city. We are so glad it went so well

Dakotas Methodist Conference adopts petition inclusive of GLBT membership

At its meeting in Sioux Falls the weekend of June 9, 2007, the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a petition endorsing GLBT membership in the Methodist Church. The petition was in response to a ruling by the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church that upheld a pastor's decision in Virginia who denial membership to a gay man because he was gay. This petition will be forwarded to the United Methodist World General Conference for their consideration in 2008.

The Dakotas Conference consists of Methodist denominations in North and South Dakota.
The petition was written by the youth of Dickinson UMC in Dickinson, ND and submitted to the Dakotas Youth Annual Conference that preceded the Dakotas Annual Conference. The youth introduced it on the floor of the annual conference and after 30 minutes of debate on the floor and 15 minutes of small group discussion and a secret ballot, the petition was passed by the conference. The petition states:

We, as representatives of the youth in the United Methodist Church of all sexual orientations believe in promoting equality for all people seeking membership in our denomination.
Whereas the United Methodist slogan of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors does not advertise any exceptions when it comes to membership in the church. There is no fine print;
Whereas Jesus did not give any qualifications for being a part of his body -- only that we follow and believe;
Whereas a main reason for discrimination is the fear of change, something we cannot be afraid of;
Whereas the church must give the same consideration to all passages of Scripture: No passage deserves more or less scrutiny than any other;
Whereas we as a people, must not only interpret what God says in the Scriptures, but also what God says to us today;
Whereas the church exists to be a messenger of God's love. When the church denies that love to anyone by not allowing membership, they are effectively communicating that God is also denying them love.
Therefore, we propose an addition to the Book of Discipline stating that no person shall be withheld membership to the United Methodist Church on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Submitted by Tanielle Brost, Chance Cole, Connor Cole, Katharine Dalton, Emma McKirdy, Grace McKirdy, Ally Roemmich, and Jacob Tallmon, members of the Dickinson (ND) United Methodist Church youth group.

RYAN'S IN NEW YORK!!

I TALKED WITH RYAN THIS MORNING AND HE MADE IT TO NEW YORK FINE. HIS LUGGAGE WAS A DAY LATE. BUT, IT MADE IT TOO. HE WAS HAVING LUNCH WITH THE PEOPLE FROM THE COLIN HIGGINS FOUNDATION AND GETTING READY TO GO TO THE PRIDE PARADE. HE'S HAVING A GREAT TIME. HE RECEIVES HIS AWARD AT THE TREVOR PROJECT BANQUET TOMORROW NIGHT. WE ARE ALL WITH HIM IN SPIRIT AND PROUD.

NEW LOOK AT THE CENTER WEST

NEW DISPLAY CASES, NEW LAYOUT, NEW SHELVES, NEW MAGAZINE RACKS, NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE, NEW, NEW, NEW AT THE CENTER WEST.

STOP IN FOR A VISIT AND CHECK US OUT. I'LL PUT THE COFFEE POT ON. THERE'S ALWAYS REFRESHMENTS IN THE FRIG.

3601 CANYON LAKE DR, SUITE 4
RAPID CITY
605-348-3244

FREE HIV TESTING -- NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY

In honor of National HIV Testing Day June 27th, The Center West will be offering free HIV testing at their booth at the Black Hills Heritage Festival in Memorial Park June 29th - July 1st.

The Center For Disease Control has advised everyone to get tested for HIV. Knowing your HIV status is important in the prevention of HIV and AIDs and also for surviving the disease once it has been contracted.

The Center West, a resource, support, information and referral center serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community, its family and friends, offers free HIV testing all the time at it's offices at 3601 Canyon Lake Dr, suite 4, in Rapid City. As a service to the community at large, The Center West will also be offering testing to anyone at The Heritage Festival.

As part of it's grant from the Department of Health, The Center West also offers HIV prevention services and counseling and hosts a support group and referral services or those who are HIV positive and/or living with AIDS.

GLSEN YOUTH SCHOOL SURVEY

LGBT YOUTH! SPEAK OUT ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCES!

WE ALSO HAVE HARD COPIES OF THIS SURVEY AVAILABLE AT THE CENTER WEST.

Help GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) inform education policymakers and the public about what’s really going on in our nation’s schools by completing the 2007 National School Climate Survey, GLSEN’s fifth national survey about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in school. The National School Climate Survey documents the problem of anti-LGBT bias in K-12 schools across the nation.

If you attended high school or middle school sometime during this school year (2006-2007) and are at least 13 years old, tell us about your experiences in school. (If you did not complete the entire school year you are still eligible.) The survey is completely anonymous.

For more info and to complete the survey online, visit: www.glsen.org/2007survey

Anti-gay forces in religious Black community stray from the message of King

Fundamentalist Black religious leaders are turning their backs on the message of equality and fairness as preached by Dr. King. Yolanda King's message of inclusion as espoused by her father will be sorely missed. Read the entire transcript of Yolanda King's keynote speech at the Human Rights Campaign 2000 Detroit Gala Dinner.

LOCAL YOUTH WINS COVETED COLIN HIGGINS YOUTH COURAGE AWARD

Ryan Bowker of Rapid City has recently been informed that he has been chosen as one of the four national winners of the coveted Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award. Ryan has been active as a volunteer and client at the Center West in Rapid City. He has been active in RALLY (Respect ALL Youth) support group for LGBTQ teens and young adults at The Center West. He is also a founding member of the Paha Sapa Two Spirit Society, educational, social and support group for LGBTQ Native Americans sponsored by the Center West.

Ryan has been active in HIV and AIDS prevention at The Center West and has also been named as a voting member of the State Planning Group for HIV and AIDS Prevention for the South Dakota Department of Health.

Ryan is also trained in HIV testing and counseling and assists in the HIV testing program at The Center West.

For more information on the Colin Higgins foundation and The National Youth Courage Award go to: http://www.colinhiggins.org/courageawards/history.cfm

Congratulations Ryan. We are all so proud of you.

THE CENTER WEST DEFINED

The Center West shares a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation status with The Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. As such they are two branches of the same organization. The mission and goal of the Center West is to provide support, resources, education, referral and networking services to the GLBT community. The Center West also advocates for equality and a safe inclusive environment for everyone.

A diverse Board of Directors governs the Center West according to the laws of the State of South Dakota. The staff and volunteers at The Center West are accountable to that Board of Directors and its bylaws. The Center West is also accountable to the rules and regulations and policies of the various grants that it receives.

The Center West is not now nor has it ever been a product, outgrowth or legacy of any organization that may have preceded it in this community. While we have great admiration, appreciation and gratitude for all those individuals and organizations that worked hard to build community, The Center West is a new organization with no encumbrances, allegiances, debts or ties to the past.

The Center West is not a membership organization. It does not claim to represent the GLBT community. While The Center West respectfully tries to meet the wishes, needs and concerns of the GLBT community it serves, members of the GLBT community do not automatically have a seat at the decision making table. This is a privately run non-profit corporation not a community organization.

Volunteers at The Center West are considered staff members and are held to the same standards of conduct and rules as any paid staff member. They are expected to follow the rules and policies of the organization and to respectfully work toward the fulfillment and realization of the mission. The Board of Directors reserves the right to deny use of the facilities to anyone for just cause.

The Center West has partnered and shares facilities with another 501-C-3 non-profit corporation, which shares the same mission and goals. The Black Hill GLBT Youth Support and Resource Center works with The Center West in providing services to GLBT youth in Western South Dakota. It however is a separate organization.

The Center West works with Equality South Dakota in advocating for equality and fairness for GLBT people. It is however, a separate organization. The Center West will from time to time enter into contract with Equality South Dakota and other organizations to provide services that fall within the scope of our 501-C-3 designations.

Stephen Colbert: Homosexuals should come with a warning label

Stephen Colbert's hysterically funny put down of James W. Holsinger's nomination to be Surgeon General. Bush is slapping the gay community in the face with this absurd nomination. Homosexuals should come with warning labels!

THE DAY THAT WAS IN MASSACHUSETTS

READ FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF THIS GREAT DAY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN MASSACHUSETTS.

A HUGE WIN IN MASSACHUSETTS!!!!

I just recieved this today from The Human rights Campaign. It brought a tear to my eye. What a day!!

Massachusetts Legislature Defeats Discriminatory Anti-Marriage Amendment

Proposed Amendment Would Have Rolled Back Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples

WASHINGTON — Today, during a joint session, Massachusetts lawmakers voted 151 to 45 to defeat a measure that would have placed a discriminatory, anti-marriage constitutional amendment before voters on the November 2008 ballot. The proposed amendment threatened to undo the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s historic 2003 decision making the state the first to recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples.

“This proposed constitutional amendment was a misguided attempt to put peoples’ equal rights to a vote. We are grateful that the overwhelming majority of Massachusetts legislators rejected this divisive measure,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Today’s vote is a reaffirmation of Massachusetts’ proud record of choosing equality over discrimination. For the past three years, loving and committed same-sex couples have enjoyed the equal right to marry in Massachusetts. Despite the doomsday predictions of opponents of equality, the sky hasn’t fallen, and no one’s marriage has been threatened. To the contrary, the institution of marriage has been strengthened as same-sex couples and their families have enjoyed the equal rights and protections they deserve under Massachusetts law. The legislature’s action ensures that they will continue to enjoy those equal rights and protections.”

The Massachusetts state constitution requires that just one-fourth of elected legislators approve an “initiative amendment” (a proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the legislature by initiative petition signed by a specified number of voters), in consecutive joint legislative sessions before the proposed amendment goes to the voters. Opponents of equality gathered signatures to place the proposed anti-marriage amendment before the legislature by initiative petition. Last January, 62 of the state’s 200 legislators voted in favor of the proposed amendment, which would define marriage “only as the union of one man and one woman.” If 50 or more legislators had voted in favor of the proposed amendment today, it would have been placed before the voters on the 2008 ballot.

Solmonese added: “We hope that this decisive vote puts to an end, once and for all, attempts to bypass the Supreme Judicial Court’s historic decision in the Goodridge case. The system worked; the court did its job by applying the state constitution to guarantee equal protection for all Massachusetts citizens and legislators did their job by defeating the anti-marriage amendment, which sought to return same-sex couples to second-class status. Now, we look forward to seeing other states join Massachusetts in recognizing marriage equality and putting an end to discrimination against same-sex couples and their families.”

Today’s vote comes as other states are considering providing equal marriage rights to same-sex couples under state law. Earlier this month, the California state Assembly passed a bill that would provide same-sex couples with the equal right to marry under state law. Marriage equality legislation has also been introduced and is still pending in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act denies the equal rights, benefits, and responsibilities of marriage to same-sex couples under federal law.

“Today, the legislature made a powerful statement that it’s wrong to vote on rights,” said Marc Solomon, Campaign Director for MassEquality, a coalition of local and national organizations defending equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Massachusetts. “This is a day for all of Massachusetts to celebrate. We thank The Human Rights Campaign for its early and significant support of MassEquality. HRC’s contributions of financial resources and staff time were critical parts of our campaign to defeat this dangerous amendment.”

The Human Rights Campaign is proud to have partnered with Mass Equality to work to defeat the anti-marriage amendment. Since the Goodridge decision in 2003, the Human Rights Campaign has invested more than $1 million in the work of MassEquality. In the weeks leading up to today’s vote, HRC sent four staff members to Massachusetts, who devoted hundreds of hours to defeating the discriminatory amendment.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

HOMOSEXUAL PANIC DEFENSE STILL BEING USED

I THOUGHT THIS TYPE OF DEFENSE STRATEGY HAD FAILED LONG AGO. IT NEVER GOES AWAY. HOMOSEXUAL PANIC DEFENSE RESULTS IN HATE CRIMES AGAINST GAY PEOPLE BEING LEGITIMIZED. IT DIDN'T WORK WITH THE MATHEW SHEPHARD TRIAL LET'S HOPE IT DOESN'T WORK HERE.

FACTS ABOUT RAPID CITY MAYOR'S RACE

I have been conducting some research into the candidates for Mayor of Rapid City. I also had the opportunity to take part in a conversation with one of the candidates over the week end. I've uncovered some very interesting facts of which people may not be aware.

I am not endorsing any candidate. My purpose here is to put forth the facts as I have been given by several individuals who are in position to know what is going on in Rapid City politics.

I was told by several individuals that the real power behind Sam Kooiker is the core of the right wing of the Republican Party. They indicated that if we want Bill Napoli, Eli Schweisow, Elizabeth Krause and Rick Kreibel running City Hall then we should vote for Sam Kooiker. This group's attitude toward the GLBT community has not been good to say the least.

Over the week end I was able to take part in a conversation with Allan Hanks. I informed him that many in the GLBT community had supported Mayor Jim Shaw in the election because Mayor Shaw had been supportive of the GLBT community and had been very support of Tom Murphy in his transition to Marla Murphy while sitting on the City Council.

I asked him what kind of a relationship the GLBT community could expect to have with a Hanks Administration. He responded that if elected everyone would receive equal treatment and respect from his office. He went on to say that there would be no discrimination in his administration.

I was also informed that in the run off for City Council in Ward four Lori Hadley is also in the right wing camp while Kroeger is seen as a moderate.

I would encourage everyone to do their own research, make their own decisions and then get out and vote. In a close election with a low turnout the GLBT community can have a big impact. Let's make it so!!

Young Man Orchestrates Massive Gay Pride Parade on YouTube

See a massive Gay Pride Parade on You tube. Young man's post turns into a massive display of Gay Pride throughout the country.

INCREDIBLE COMMENTS FROM SENATOR MIKE GRAVEL

Senator and Democratic candidate for President Mike Gravel recently gave his personal reasons for being against "Don't Ask. Don't Tell." I must admit I got emotional when I read his. I am a gay Vietnam era vet and this means a lot to me. He has raised his stature in my eyes.

PRIDE FEST IS BACK

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS RESPONDED TO THE LAST E-MAIL WE SENT OUT, IT CAN BE DETERMINED THAT WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH ATTENDANCE TO JUSTIFY CONTINUING WITH PLANNING FOR PRIDE FEST 2007 ON JULY 21ST AND 22ND.

WE HAVE CREATED A NEW INFORMATION PAGE FOR THE PRIDE FEST. IT WILL BE THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR ALL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE FESTIVAL. JUST GO TO: http://pridefestsd2007.blogspot.com.

THE SITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, BUT IT HAS INFORMATION THAT IS UP TO DATE. MORE WILL BE ADDED AS TIME AND INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED AND EXPRESSED THEIR WISH TO HAVE THE FESTIVAL. WE LOVE YOU!!

South Dakota Pride 2007 has not been canceled! Yet!

I recently put out an e-mail to only the GLBT community that we may have to cancel pride because of a lack of interest. First of all that decision has not been made nor will it be made until the Board of Directors meeting on Monday. However, we may have to cancel. Let me explain why.

When I said lack of interest it wasn't because we don't have enthusiastic dedicated people helping to put it together. We do. And they have been doing a great job. The line up for Pride has been looking great.

So what is the problem? We have a nationally known singer song writer lined up to play for the event. We have several representatives from national GLBT organizations scheduled to speak and do work shops. Expenses for the festival are approaching $3000. That is not unexpected or unreasonable. We have several vendors including food vendors who need to know that it will be worth their investment to participate. We need to know how many vendors the festival can handle without their loosing money.

Therein lies the problem. In order to justify the expenses and to give assurances to those other organizations and vendors, we need to have some idea as to how many people will be attending. I sent out an e-mail asking people to let us know if they would be attending the Pride Festival. Where they would be staying. and what they would like to see.

To date I have received confirmation from 6 people that they will be attending. I can not justify the expenses or get the vendors to participate unless we can have some confirmation that we will have an adequate attendance to make it worthwhile for them and for those of us who are putting it together.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to how to rectify this situation, let me know. I don't want to cancel pride. Too many people have worked too hard to put it together. But without an adequate response from the GLBT community at large we can not continue.

Mike Coats, Director
The Center West