Gay Community Center of Richmond: Cultural and social programming, event and meeting space and Diversity Thrift serving Central Virginia Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender residents

The CVRP Leadership Cabinet met recently to brainstorm goals for the group. The committee will soon bring suggestions to the larger membership for consideration. Brad Kutner was elected Cabinet Chair.

Pictured are Beth Panilaitis, ROSMY; Roland Winston, GETEqual Virginia ; Keri Abrams, Fan Free Clinic; Brad Kutner, GAYRVA; Bill Harrison, Richmond Gay Community Foundation; Kevin Clay, Richmond Business Alliance; Tiara Davis, Equality Virginia; Michael Recant, First Unitarian Universalist Church; Jonathan Zur, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities;  Chris Kopczynski, Metropolitan Community Church.

The Richmond Gay Community Foundation will host the opening of “Clocked Out” on Friday, May 10th, from 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M at the GCCR Gallery (located at the Gay Community Center of Richmond,1407 Sherwood Ave). Following the opening, the exhibit may be viewed during normal Gallery hours, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday.

The show is an exhibition of the work of five Foundation employees. All work at Diversity Thrift, a program of the Foundation. As artists, they struggle to balance their day jobs as truck drivers, cashiers and store managers with their passions to create. For them, the end of a work day signifies the beginning of something entirely new.

Stop by and see the fantastic works of local Richmond artists Shawn Saharko, Henry Winfiele, Kris Woodson, Darren Schledt, and Chris Page.

Salem Acuña is a latino, queer organizer, currently on staff with Southerners on New Ground (SONG), a southern-regional, LGBTQ organization that works on racial and economic justice. Born in Santiago, Chile, he immigrated to the United States with his mom and younger brother at age seven. Raised in Arlington, Virginia by working-class, immigrant parents, he became politicized by both the daily struggles of immigrant life in the U.S., and by the ongoing political disarray in Washington.

Through working and loving with SONG, he has developed a strong passion for intersectional movement-building, with a focus on elevating the work and leadership of LGBTQ people of color and immigrant folks.  In the last year, has worked with various social & racial justice groups in Virginia, including the Wayside Center for Popular Education, the Virginia People’s Assembly, Residents of Public Housing in Richmond Against Mass Evictions (RePHRAME), and the Virginia Anti-Violence Project.

Regionally, and through his work with SONG, Salem is a member of Project South and the Southern Movement Alliance, a coalition of southern-regional, racial justice organizations that have come together build and sustain a Southern Freedom Movement.

Fan Free Clinic is seeking an HIV testing/prevention test counselor who will conduct outreach and educational activities and STD prevention to reach individuals at risk for HIV infection. Settings are varied such as community organizations, bars, college campuses, schools and health fairs, and FFC transgender clinic. The successful candidate will have knowledge of and be comfortable working with men who have sex with other men. The counselor will also be expected to work effectively with and supervise interns and volunteers.

Requirements

At least 2 years of college required, Bachelor’s degree in health science, health education or related field preferred. HIV and AIDS knowledge preferred. Candidates must demonstrate oral and written communication skills. Computer skills are required and proficiency in Microsoft Office products preferred.

Employees must be able to work collaboratively with a variety of staff within the organization. FFC expects individuals to have a strong work ethic and commitment to our mission and values. Must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently. Some evening and weekend work required. Successful candidate must possess skills that support and enable sound decision making. Fluency in Spanish a plus!

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS
• Knowledge of the target populations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Demonstrate  strong organizational skills
• Demonstrate effective oral and written  communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to effectively use social media
• Ability to organize work, coordinate projects, set priorities, adhere to deadlines and follow-up on assignments with minimal direction
• Must have reliable personal transportation

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience

Fan Free Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.fanfreeclinic.org

To apply, email cover letter, resume’ and three professional references to  ckincaid@fanfreeclinic.org. Any resume’ sent without the accompanying cover letter or references will not be considered. No phone calls please. Application deadline : April 30.2013

(From the Richmond Times-Dispatch) When she was growing up, homosexuality was “classified as a mental disorder,” said Dorothy Fillmore, Associate Director of Academic Operations at VCU and a major advocate for LGBTQ rights.

“So, realizing that you were a homosexual had some risky implications,” she said.

This month, the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth is recognizing Fillmore for her work, which has impacted organizations across central Virginia.

“I am very overwhelmed by being placed on the same platform as The Valentine Richmond History Center and Congregation Beth Ahabah,” Fillmore said. “I’m honored.”

These two organizations — along with Fillmore — will be recognized for their work in the LGBTQ community at ROSMY’s 2013 Catalyst Award ceremony this month. Read more here >>