Center Programs: Tobacco Working Group tag:www.thedccenter.org,2009-10-30:/blog//1 2012-05-25T21:45:48Z Movable Type 4.32-en Network for LGBT Health Equity Steering Committee Positions Open tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2304 2012-03-30T17:54:11Z 2012-03-30T19:17:21Z The Network for LGBT Health Equity is now accepting nomination to fill two positions on its 13 member Steering Committee. Please note that one of the two positions is designated as a youth/young adult position, and applicants must be between 18-24 years old. The purpose of the committee is to provide multidisciplinary input and guidance on activities for the Network. Members will participate by sharing information regarding tobacco and other LGBT health disparity opportunities, providing input on National Network efforts, and considering strategic policy enhancements that further LGBT health disparity work at their organizations. Responsibilities:Attend regularly scheduled phone meetings (generally once or twice a month)Attend one in-person meetings per year (paid for by the Network)Review and give feedback on policy, direction, and strategic planning of Network ActivitiesStrategize effective ways to increase Network visibility, organizational outreach, and membershipIdentify and increase the engagement of subgroups within the LGBT community (i.e., youth, rural, elder, etc)Support and enhance the goals and objectives of the Network in a changing environmentEngage agency/coalition groups on pertinent issues/opportunities and report back to the Committee If you are interested in nominating an individual or yourself for the committee the following is required (please send CV/Resume and Statement of Interest to lgbthealthequity@gmail.com):Current copy of the individual's CV or ResumeStatement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words and must be completed by the nominee)Complete an online application questionnaire (must be completed by the nominee) The Youth/Young Adult Nomination process is slightly varied. If you are interested in nominating a youth/young adult member or you are a youth/young adult and you would like to apply to be on the committee, click here to fill out the Youth/Young Adult Steering Committee Application form online. Youth/young adults can still be nominated or apply through the general nominations process (candidacy will not be affected by either application) and would follow the same guidelines by submitting the following: Current copy of the individual's CV or ResumeStatement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words)Complete a general online application or youth application (must be completed by the nominee) All Nominations must be submitted on or before April 16th, 2012 by 3PM EST to:lgbthealthequity@gmail.com Subject: Steering Committee Nomination. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working days of your email nomination. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please resend and call 617.927.6452 to ensure delivery. If you are submitting a nomination on the due date and have not received a confirmation by 4PM EST please call 617.927.6452 before 5PM EST to resend or confirm delivery. Nominations received after 4/16/2012 at 3PM EST will not be accepted. Front Desk lgbt health equity.jpgThe Network for LGBT Health Equity is now accepting nomination to fill two positions on its 13 member Steering Committee. Please note that one of the two positions is designated as a youth/young adult position, and applicants must be between 18-24 years old.

The purpose of the committee is to provide multidisciplinary input and guidance on activities for the Network. Members will participate by sharing information regarding tobacco and other LGBT health disparity opportunities, providing input on National Network efforts, and considering strategic policy enhancements that further LGBT health disparity work at their organizations.


Responsibilities:

  • Attend regularly scheduled phone meetings (generally once or twice a month)
  • Attend one in-person meetings per year (paid for by the Network)
  • Review and give feedback on policy, direction, and strategic planning of Network Activities
  • Strategize effective ways to increase Network visibility, organizational outreach, and membership
  • Identify and increase the engagement of subgroups within the LGBT community (i.e., youth, rural, elder, etc)
  • Support and enhance the goals and objectives of the Network in a changing environment
  • Engage agency/coalition groups on pertinent issues/opportunities and report back to the Committee

If you are interested in nominating an individual or yourself for the committee the following is required (please send CV/Resume and Statement of Interest to lgbthealthequity@gmail.com):
  • Current copy of the individual's CV or Resume
  • Statement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words and must be completed by the nominee)
  • Complete an online application questionnaire (must be completed by the nominee)

The Youth/Young Adult Nomination process is slightly varied. If you are interested in nominating a youth/young adult member or you are a youth/young adult and you would like to apply to be on the committee, click here to fill out the Youth/Young Adult Steering Committee Application form online. Youth/young adults can still be nominated or apply through the general nominations process (candidacy will not be affected by either application) and would follow the same guidelines by submitting the following:
All Nominations must be submitted on or before April 16th, 2012 by 3PM EST to:lgbthealthequity@gmail.com Subject: Steering Committee Nomination. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working days of your email nomination. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please resend and call 617.927.6452 to ensure delivery. If you are submitting a nomination on the due date and have not received a confirmation by 4PM EST please call 617.927.6452 before 5PM EST to resend or confirm delivery. Nominations received after 4/16/2012 at 3PM EST will not be accepted.

]]> Youth Planning Committee--LGBT Health Equity Summit tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2256 2012-03-08T16:34:23Z 2012-03-08T17:01:07Z Are you between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you care about health and the LGBT community? Do you worry about the toll that smoking and tobacco is taking on the lives of your friends, family and community? Join The Network for LGBT Health Equity's youth planning committee for the 8th National LGBT Health Equity Summit, Bridging the Gap: Promising Practices in LGBT Health and Tobacco Control in Kansas City, Missouri on August 14th, 2012. The Summit will have workshops, lectures and talks designed to leave participants with the tools and strategies to advance their movement around LGBT health and tobacco control in their local communities, along with an amazing evening event (details coming soon). The youth committee will work on coming up with and organizing a youth focused activity for the Summit. Responsibilities will include a monthly planning call (or calls as needed), and a passion to be involved in the summit. This will be a great opportunity to network and make connections with organizations and other youth activists from around the country, meet interesting people, get great planning and organizational experience, represent youth and have fun! A limited number of scholarships will be offered for Committee Members to attend the Summit. Also please note that youth under the age of 18 will have to be accompanied by a chaperone. To fill out the application, please click HERE! The application Deadline is Friday March 9th at 5pm EST. Front Desk summit-logo-2012.jpgAre you between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you care about health and the LGBT community? Do you worry about the toll that smoking and tobacco is taking on the lives of your friends, family and community?

Join The Network for LGBT Health Equity's youth planning committee for the 8th National LGBT Health Equity Summit, Bridging the Gap: Promising Practices in LGBT Health and Tobacco Control in Kansas City, Missouri on August 14th, 2012.

The Summit will have workshops, lectures and talks designed to leave participants with the tools and strategies to advance their movement around LGBT health and tobacco control in their local communities, along with an amazing evening event (details coming soon).

The youth committee will work on coming up with and organizing a youth focused activity for the Summit. Responsibilities will include a monthly planning call (or calls as needed), and a passion to be involved in the summit. This will be a great opportunity to network and make connections with organizations and other youth activists from around the country, meet interesting people, get great planning and organizational experience, represent youth and have fun!

A limited number of scholarships will be offered for Committee Members to attend the Summit. Also please note that youth under the age of 18 will have to be accompanied by a chaperone. To fill out the application, please click HERE! The application Deadline is Friday March 9th at 5pm EST.

]]> Tell the DC Council - HIV+ Smokers need your help! tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2233 2012-02-28T20:15:08Z 2012-02-28T22:58:43Z Over the past few months, the DC Center for the LGBT Community has met with LGBT individuals, activists, and organizations to talk about tobacco. Many people understand that smoking is unhealthy, but did you know that HIV+ smokers are at risk for both HIV AND smoking-related illnesses and diseases? In our discussions, we have encountered many different exciting ideas about how to reduce smoking in the LGBT community. You can't make someone quit, but you can provide more information and help people make better choices. The DC Center and the Tobacco Working Group are asking the DC Council to make information about the effects of smoking for people living with HIV available in all stores that sell tobacco. According to the Department of Health, DC has at least 16,000 people living with HIV. That's at least 3% of the population living with HIV! The DC Center has created a petition to help explain to the DC Council the effects of tobacco on people living with HIV. Won't you join us? Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifOver the past few months, the DC Center for the LGBT Community has met with LGBT individuals, activists, and organizations to talk about tobacco. Many people understand that smoking is unhealthy, but did you know that HIV+ smokers are at risk for both HIV AND smoking-related illnesses and diseases?

In our discussions, we have encountered many different exciting ideas about how to reduce smoking in the LGBT community. You can't make someone quit, but you can provide more information and help people make better choices. The DC Center and the Tobacco Working Group are asking the DC Council to make information about the effects of smoking for people living with HIV available in all stores that sell tobacco.

According to the Department of Health, DC has at least 16,000 people living with HIV. That's at least 3% of the population living with HIV! The DC Center has created a petition to help explain to the DC Council the effects of tobacco on people living with HIV. Won't you join us?

]]> Tobacco Working Group Meeting: January 17th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2111 2011-12-30T23:01:49Z 2011-12-30T23:07:06Z The DC Center is working to reduce smoking in the LGBT community, and we need your help! On Tuesday, January 17th, we are hosting a meeting of the Tobacco Working Group, a collection of individuals and organizations working together towards this important goal. The DC Center is an organization that exists to help the LGBT community, and so we welcome any individuals who would like to join us and provide comments or suggestions. We want to do the best job possible, and we can only do that if we have the support of our community! You can find out more information on our website: www.outtoquit.org or on Facebook Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifThe DC Center is working to reduce smoking in the LGBT community, and we need your help! On Tuesday, January 17th, we are hosting a meeting of the Tobacco Working Group, a collection of individuals and organizations working together towards this important goal.

The DC Center is an organization that exists to help the LGBT community, and so we welcome any individuals who would like to join us and provide comments or suggestions. We want to do the best job possible, and we can only do that if we have the support of our community!

You can find out more information on our website: www.outtoquit.org or on Facebook

]]> Videos of Performances from Smokin' Words tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2110 2011-12-30T22:45:46Z 2011-12-30T22:59:12Z Justin icon2 90 dpi jpg version.jpgIn late November, the DC Center hosted Smokin' Words, a night of spoken word and poetry performances to expose the LGBT community's struggles with tobacco. Videos of the performances are now on YouTube.

See performances by:
Regie Cabico - Regie Cabico is a 3 Time National Poetry Slam Finalist and has appeared on 2 seasons of HBO's Def Poetry Jam. His work appears in over 30 anthologies including The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, Spoken Word Revolution & The World In Us; Gay & Lesbian Poets.

Liz Prescott - Liz was a semi-finalist in Capturing Fire, the first national, queer poetry slam. She has featured previously at the original Busboys and Poets, *Sparkle* a queer driven open mic at the 5th and K location, and The Garden open mic at Bloombars. Liz is the board president of mothertongue, a women's spoken word collective. She just released her first chapbook, The Calcium in my Bones in February.

Amy Saidman - Amy Saidman has been hosting and producing SpeakeasyDC since 2001. For over four years, she was the Program Manager for the Washington Storytellers Theatre.

J. Mace III - J Mase III is a Black/Trans/Queer/Rowdy-as-Hell Poet with a capital [P] based in Philly. As a performer and teaching poet J Mase III has rocked venues all around the country from colleges and radio stations to group homes and youth centers. An organ donor, J Mase is the author of If I Should Die Under the Knife, Tell My Kidney I Was the Fiercest Poet Around and creator of the annual performance event Cupid Ain't @#$%! To find out more about J Mase III, simply stalk him on his website www.jmaseiii.com or on facebook.com/masonthewordartist.

Gowri K. - Gowri is program director at BloomBars community arts space and teaches a course on poetry and social justice at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She has performed at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage and Lincoln Center Out of Doors and her poetry has appeared in Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Bourgeon, and Lantern Review.

J.T. Bullock - JT Bullock is poet, writer, and aspiring teller of stories who resides outside the District line (in Silver Spring, Maryland).He has competed in three National Poetry Slam competitions, most notably the 2006 Nationals in Austin where he ranked 19th in the nation.

]]> Freedom from Smoking Class Planned for January tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2081 2011-12-12T00:57:26Z 2011-12-15T22:55:21Z Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. The DC Center is currently putting together a new seven week Freedom from Smoking to start in January. We are tentatively planning for the classes to take place on seven consecutive Thursdays starting January 12th at 7:00 PM. The schedule may change slightly based on the needs of group participants. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class. This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at justin@thedcenter.og. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM For more information contact Justin at justin@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245. The DC Center freedom1.gifReady to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. The DC Center is currently putting together a new seven week Freedom from Smoking to start in January. We are tentatively planning for the classes to take place on seven consecutive Thursdays starting January 12th at 7:00 PM. The schedule may change slightly based on the needs of group participants.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class. This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at justin@thedcenter.og.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

For more information contact Justin at justin@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245.

]]> Announcing the Third Place Winner of the Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Will Silberstein tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2040 2011-11-23T23:17:23Z 2011-11-23T23:23:05Z The DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $50 third place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Will Silberstein! Will is a paramedic in the greater Philadelphia area. Will is planning to further his education in the coming fall at West Chester University, concentrating on preventive medicine. The "Smokin' Words" event marks Will's first, and probably not last, venture into poetry. Will's winning poem is reprinted below by permission of the author. The Little Engine that Thought It Could Puff... Puff..., Puff... Puff..., Heavy load today, where y'all goin', Over the hill, you done loadin'? That's a hard trip, you got enough coal? I've been feeling pretty down, on the whole, I better get going, I have a long day ahead, I should be fine though, my coal is burning red, Hang on tight, you're in for a ride, I'd sit in the dining car, there's no smoke inside. Puff Chuga Puff Chuga, Puff Chuga Puff Chuga, Three hundred more miles to go, I've done Three, Three hundred to go, and I'm home free, Two cars of coal, that's all I ever need, Since the day I took track, two cars please. Puff Puff Chuga Puff Chuga Puff Chuga Puff Puff Chuga Burning Away, My coal is totally gone, I just don't know, What could have gone wrong, The top of the hill is in sight, I can't go back, But with no coal, all I can do is sit at this switchtrack, PFFfffffffff.... Puff Chuga Chuga Chuga, Puff Chuga Chuga Chuga, Hey is everything alright, can I help you? You're just sitting here with nothing to do, This is a tough route, but we're nearly there, I've said too much, I'll get out of your hair, No please wait, don't go just yet, I burned all my coal, now I'm cold and wet, I'm stranded here, and feeling way too glum, Hey! You've got coal, can I bum some? I used to burn my coal, from here to madrid, But not so much anymore, now I'm hybrid, Half a car today, It's part of my step program, I had my doubts at first, But now I think I can! You can have my coal, if it'll help you, I don't need it, and I think you do, Seeya on the other side, I gotta go, You should hurry, The station says it's gonna snow. Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga, I'm hoping to be full electric next week, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I thought I could, I thought I could, SHUT UP! Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock. Front Desk Thumbnail image for Will Silberstein graphic.jpgThe DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $50 third place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Will Silberstein!

Will is a paramedic in the greater Philadelphia area. Will is planning to further his education in the coming fall at West Chester University, concentrating on preventive medicine. The "Smokin' Words" event marks Will's first, and probably not last, venture into poetry.

Will's winning poem is reprinted below by permission of the author.


The Little Engine that Thought It Could

Puff... Puff...,
Puff... Puff...,
Heavy load today, where y'all goin',
Over the hill, you done loadin'?
That's a hard trip, you got enough coal?
I've been feeling pretty down, on the whole,

I better get going, I have a long day ahead,
I should be fine though, my coal is burning red,
Hang on tight, you're in for a ride,
I'd sit in the dining car, there's no smoke inside.

Puff Chuga Puff Chuga,
Puff Chuga Puff Chuga,
Three hundred more miles to go, I've done Three,
Three hundred to go, and I'm home free,
Two cars of coal, that's all I ever need,
Since the day I took track, two cars please.

Puff Puff Chuga Puff Chuga
Puff Chuga Puff Puff Chuga
Burning Away, My coal is totally gone,
I just don't know, What could have gone wrong,
The top of the hill is in sight, I can't go back,
But with no coal, all I can do is sit at this switchtrack,
PFFfffffffff....

Puff Chuga Chuga Chuga,
Puff Chuga Chuga Chuga,
Hey is everything alright, can I help you?
You're just sitting here with nothing to do,
This is a tough route, but we're nearly there,
I've said too much, I'll get out of your hair,

No please wait, don't go just yet,
I burned all my coal, now I'm cold and wet,
I'm stranded here, and feeling way too glum,
Hey! You've got coal, can I bum some?

I used to burn my coal, from here to madrid,
But not so much anymore, now I'm hybrid,
Half a car today, It's part of my step program,
I had my doubts at first, But now I think I can!

You can have my coal, if it'll help you,
I don't need it, and I think you do,
Seeya on the other side, I gotta go,
You should hurry, The station says it's gonna snow.
Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga
Chuga Chuga Chuga Chuga,
I'm hoping to be full electric next week,
I think I can, I think I can,
I think I can, I think I can,
I thought I could, I thought I could,
SHUT UP!


Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock.

]]> Tobacco Town Hall at the DC Center tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2039 2011-11-23T18:34:45Z 2011-11-27T06:19:26Z Everyone knows cigarettes are bad for you. So why do people keep smoking? Join The George Washington Cancer Institute, The DC Center for the LGBT Community and Mautner Project as we present Clearing the Air, a town hall style meeting to discuss tobacco in the DC area. We've gathered a panel of experts to talk about tobacco and AIDS, tobacco and minority populations, and a briefing on tobacco policy in D.C. We will meet on Monday, November 28, 2011 from 7pm- 8:30pm at the DC Center - 1318 U Street NW Washington, D.C.. Light refreshments will be provided. Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifEveryone knows cigarettes are bad for you. So why do people keep smoking? Join The George Washington Cancer Institute, The DC Center for the LGBT Community and Mautner Project as we present Clearing the Air, a town hall style meeting to discuss tobacco in the DC area. We've gathered a panel of experts to talk about tobacco and AIDS, tobacco and minority populations, and a briefing on tobacco policy in D.C.

We will meet on Monday, November 28, 2011 from 7pm- 8:30pm at the DC Center - 1318 U Street NW Washington, D.C.. Light refreshments will be provided.

]]> Announcing the Second Place Winner of the Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Richard Tayson tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2038 2011-11-22T22:41:05Z 2011-11-22T22:52:26Z The DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $75 second place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Richard Tayson! Richard Tayson is the author of The World Underneath and The Apprentice of Fever, and the co-author of the memoir Look Up for Yes. Tayson's awards include the Wick Poetry Prize, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, Prairie Schooner's Edward Stanley Award, and a Pushcart Prize. A doctoral candidate at the Graduate Center in New York City, Tayson is now writing a dissertation on William Blake's influence on punk singer Patti Smith. Richard's winning poem, "What Stops Me Sometimes Doctor," was published by the Kent State University Press in The Apprentice of Fever. It is reprinted below by permission of the author. What Stops Me Sometimes Doctor What stops me sometimes Doctor is a puff a toke an open me up and take me down and dirty now stone in my blood. What stops me is one of my four voices the one with that beautiful-by-ugly-by-beautiful face attached my mother what stops me is her seven-til-thirteen-year-old thighs spread open by her stepfather's hands the way he'd skin the lid off a can of peanuts and sometimes Doctor a man's fingers in my mouth is her mouth is what happened next and why not my mouth lived safely in her body nine months is what happened next and made her eat two pounds of chocolate every afternoon made her silent all my life made her want to be ugly so no one would look at her and what makes me want seed want no tree want speed want no car want smoke want no sky want sight want no eyes want you to put it in put it in I say stay out put it in don't speak it's our secret Mother we can't go forward because of the light he swallowed from your split womb so now the light up take these snort this have a sip buy you a drink kid doesn't that make you feel a whole lot better? thing that goes through me in that fatherly voice says Doctor from the inside out I'm nothing but junk. Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock. Front Desk Thumbnail image for Richard Tayson graphic.jpgThe DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $75 second place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Richard Tayson!

Richard Tayson is the author of The World Underneath and The Apprentice of Fever, and the co-author of the memoir Look Up for Yes. Tayson's awards include the Wick Poetry Prize, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, Prairie Schooner's Edward Stanley Award, and a Pushcart Prize. A doctoral candidate at the Graduate Center in New York City, Tayson is now writing a dissertation on William Blake's influence on punk singer Patti Smith.

Richard's winning poem, "What Stops Me Sometimes Doctor," was published by the Kent State University Press in The Apprentice of Fever. It is reprinted below by permission of the author.


What Stops Me Sometimes Doctor

What stops me sometimes Doctor
is a puff
a toke
an open me up and take me
down and dirty now stone
in my blood. What stops me

is one of my four
voices the one with that
beautiful-by-ugly-by-beautiful
face attached my mother
what stops me

is her seven-til-thirteen-year-old
thighs spread
open by her stepfather's
hands the way he'd
skin the lid off a can of peanuts

and sometimes Doctor a man's fingers
in my mouth is her mouth
is what happened next
and why not my mouth
lived safely in her body nine months
is what happened next
and made her eat two pounds of chocolate
every afternoon made her

silent all my life
made her want to be ugly so no one would
look at her and what makes me

want seed
want no tree
want speed
want no car
want smoke
want no sky
want sight
want no eyes
want you

to put it in put it
in I say stay out put it
in don't speak it's our

secret Mother we can't
go forward because of the light
he swallowed from your split
womb so now the
light up take these snort this have a sip buy you a drink kid
doesn't that make you feel a whole lot better?

thing that goes through me in that fatherly
voice says Doctor
from the inside out
I'm nothing but
junk.


Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock.

]]> Announcing the Winner of the Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Sam Sax tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2037 2011-11-22T22:20:09Z 2011-11-22T22:41:33Z The DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $100 first place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Sam Sax! Sam Sax is a queer Jewish Bay Area based poet and educator. Oakland's first queer Grand Slam Champion, he runs 'The New Shit Show,' a reading series aimed at producing consistent and innovative writings. You can see more of his work in RATTLE, Muzzle Magazine, The Evergreen Review and elsewhere. He can be reached at samhsax@gmail.com Sam's winning poem is reproduced below, with his permission: for cigarettes you fuck. you death drive. you thicken in my chimney 'til the whole house is full of soot. you bleached fang in a brown skirt. angel dressed in your smokestack gown. you wearing the most vile cologne that somehow everyone seems to falls in love with the worst friend to have on your best night the best night unfolding like a portrait in the chest you family heirloom. wicked inheritance. draped in a necklace of white paper cups. you passed down through the blood. your guts made from the thick toxic stuff they use to keep bugs off the tobacco. you dirty bathwater drawn to me as a moth to headlight. after sexed yourself invited yourself to dinner spoke at half my family.s funerals funny how you dangle different from the lip of coffin than the mouth of a cowboy. how i found you in a photograph between my mother.s lips six months pregnant with me. funny she swore she never smoked during my pregnancy. you swallow money like a toll bridge to brimstone. how you laugh at the woman on my street whose throat has clawed its way out her mouth like a mad deity. you fire we fed our children. you spineless suicide you felt so large in my eight year old fingers when i held you to my untrained ear you whispered in your chemical clear: for the rest of your life i will let you burn me alive and swallow my ghost but know this is a blood pact, asthmatic boy. know i have brought men with more backbone than you can stand to their knees like a drunk zeppelin in a quiet city.s searchlight. that i am mined from the most vile parts of the dirt. that you will learn to fit me in your mouth easier than your family sam. i am the throbbing bloodline in a powerless plant and even the largest of moths turn to powder in my hand. Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock. Front Desk Thumbnail image for Sam Sax graphic.jpgThe DC Center is pleased to announce the winner of the $100 first place prize for the 2011 Smokin' Words Poetry Competition: Sam Sax!

Sam Sax is a queer Jewish Bay Area based poet and educator. Oakland's first queer Grand Slam Champion, he runs 'The New Shit Show,' a reading series aimed at producing consistent and innovative writings. You can see more of his work in RATTLE, Muzzle Magazine, The Evergreen Review and elsewhere. He can be reached at samhsax@gmail.com

Sam's winning poem is reproduced below, with his permission:


for cigarettes

you fuck. you death drive. you thicken in my chimney
'til the whole house is full of soot. you bleached fang

in a brown skirt. angel dressed in your smokestack
gown. you wearing the most vile cologne that somehow
everyone seems to falls in love with

the worst friend to have on your best night
the best night unfolding like a portrait in the chest

you family heirloom. wicked inheritance.
draped in a necklace of white paper cups.
you passed down through the blood.

your guts made from the thick toxic stuff
they use to keep bugs off the tobacco. you dirty
bathwater drawn to me as a moth to headlight.

after sexed yourself
invited yourself to dinner
spoke at half my family.s funerals

funny how you dangle different from the lip of coffin
than the mouth of a cowboy. how i found you in a photograph
between my mother.s lips six months pregnant with me.
funny she swore she never smoked during my pregnancy. you
swallow money like a toll bridge to brimstone. how you laugh
at the woman on my street whose throat has clawed its way
out her mouth like a mad deity. you fire we fed our children.
you spineless suicide

you felt so large in my eight year old fingers
when i held you to my untrained ear
you whispered in your chemical clear:

for the rest of your life
i will let you burn me alive and swallow my ghost
but know this is a blood pact, asthmatic boy.
know i have brought men with more backbone
than you can stand to their knees like a drunk
zeppelin in a quiet city.s searchlight. that
i am mined from the most vile parts of the dirt.
that you will learn to fit me in your mouth easier
than your family sam. i am the throbbing bloodline
in a powerless plant and even the largest of moths
turn to powder in my hand.


Thank you to all who entered the competition! Brought to you by The DC Center and Split This Rock.

]]> Request for Proposals: Web-designer for Updates to The DC Center Websites tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2006 2011-11-08T19:35:02Z 2011-11-08T19:56:48Z The DC Center is looking for a creative, experienced, budget-conscious web designer to do some updates to three of its websites: dcfukit.org, thedccenter.org/dctoolkit/, and outtoquit.org. These websites are focused on safer sex practices (FUK!T and TOOLKIT) and helping LGBT people quit smoking (OutToQuit). Please be aware, the DCFUKIT.org website features sexually explicit material, and updating the site will require you to view sexually explicit material in order to complete the work. A template has already been chosen for the FUK!T website, but the other websites need some creative eyes and brains to help update them and make them more navigable. The work should be completed by December 22nd, 2011. If you're interested, or need more information, please contact brant@thedccenter.org. The chosen proposal will include a budget, a short description (2 page or less) of planned changes, and no more than 3 pages of any images or designs to illustrate your vision for the websites. Any interested parties should submit materials no later than Wednesday, November 23rd, and the selected designer will be contacted by November 30th. Brant
tobhiv.jpgThe DC Center is looking for a creative, experienced, budget-conscious web designer to do some updates to three of its websites: dcfukit.org, thedccenter.org/dctoolkit/, and outtoquit.org. These websites are focused on safer sex practices (FUK!T and TOOLKIT) and helping LGBT people quit smoking (OutToQuit). Please be aware, the DCFUKIT.org website features sexually explicit material, and updating the site will require you to view sexually explicit material in order to complete the work.

A template has already been chosen for the FUK!T website, but the other websites need some creative eyes and brains to help update them and make them more navigable. The work should be completed by December 22nd, 2011.

If you're interested, or need more information, please contact brant@thedccenter.org. The chosen proposal will include a budget, a short description (2 page or less) of planned changes, and no more than 3 pages of any images or designs to illustrate your vision for the websites.
Any interested parties should submit materials no later than Wednesday, November 23rd, and the selected designer will be contacted by November 30th.

]]> Volunteers Needed for "Smokin' Words" Performance tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1963 2011-10-20T20:14:30Z 2011-10-20T20:54:12Z The DC Center and Split This Rock will be sponsoring Smokin' Words, a night of spoken word, poetry, and other performances about the LGBT community and our struggles with smoking. The event will be held at Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW on Thursday, November 17th and we are looking for a few volunteers to assist. For complete information about this event, click here. The event starts at 9:00 PM but volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:00 PM. Volunteers will assist in setting up the room, greeting visitors, and will generally assist with whatever is needed to make the event a success. Follow the link below to register online to volunteer at this event: tinyurl.com/smokinwordsvolunteers. To learn about more volunteer opportunities, follow us on twitter at twitter.com/centervolunteer. Front Desk Smokin Words.jpgThe DC Center and Split This Rock will be sponsoring Smokin' Words, a night of spoken word, poetry, and other performances about the LGBT community and our struggles with smoking. The event will be held at Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW on Thursday, November 17th and we are looking for a few volunteers to assist. For complete information about this event, click here.

The event starts at 9:00 PM but volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:00 PM. Volunteers will assist in setting up the room, greeting visitors, and will generally assist with whatever is needed to make the event a success.

Follow the link below to register online to volunteer at this event:
tinyurl.com/smokinwordsvolunteers.

To learn about more volunteer opportunities, follow us on twitter at twitter.com/centervolunteer.

]]> Fighting for knowledge - LGBT Data and Tobacco Surveys tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1959 2011-10-19T20:35:39Z 2011-10-19T21:04:14Z Earlier this year, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, stated how important it is that LGBT data be collected in national health surveys, and promised to make sure LGBT identity is included in the questions. Building on that momentum, the Network for LGBT Health Equity has written letters to the National Institute for Health about an upcoming tobacco survey, urging that LGBT identity be included in the survey. Having these questions allows government, nonprofits, and health care providers to analyze data about our community and our needs, letting us know what works and what doesn't. As recently as 2003, words like "gay" and "transgender" have been whitewashed from research and grants, resulting in time and money being diverted from LGBT health issues. Thanks to the Network for LGBT Health Equity, and keep up the good work! Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifEarlier this year, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, stated how important it is that LGBT data be collected in national health surveys, and promised to make sure LGBT identity is included in the questions.

Building on that momentum, the Network for LGBT Health Equity has written letters to the National Institute for Health about an upcoming tobacco survey, urging that LGBT identity be included in the survey. Having these questions allows government, nonprofits, and health care providers to analyze data about our community and our needs, letting us know what works and what doesn't. As recently as 2003, words like "gay" and "transgender" have been whitewashed from research and grants, resulting in time and money being diverted from LGBT health issues.

Thanks to the Network for LGBT Health Equity, and keep up the good work!

]]> Latino GLBT History Project Hosts 6th Annual Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Reception tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1946 2011-10-11T20:22:56Z 2011-10-11T20:34:51Z The Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is hosting the 6th Annual Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Reception on Friday, October 14, from 6:00pm -8:00pm at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036. LHP is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBT History Month with a special reception featuring a bilingual Spanish and English historical exhibition on Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) activism in Washington, D.C., over the last three decades. "LGBTQ Latinas/os have played a positive, influential role in contributing to the rich, diverse history of our nation's capital as an epicenter of local and national advocacy for civil and human rights," said Mr. David M. Pérez, LHP President. "We will remember the heritage, history and activism of great leaders and movements that have come before us in order to strengthen and empower today's advocates in our common struggle for equality." The reception will include special remarks from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the U.S. House of Representatives. The reception includes complimentary light appetizers, refreshments and an opportunity to meet with regional community leaders. A $5 donation is suggested. Event sponsors include the DC Center for the LGBT Community's Out to Quit program, Brother Help Thyself and the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club. RSVP on Facebook. Front Desk Hispanic Heritage Reception graphic.jpgThe Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is hosting the 6th Annual Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Reception on Friday, October 14, from 6:00pm -8:00pm at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036.

LHP is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBT History Month with a special reception featuring a bilingual Spanish and English historical exhibition on Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) activism in Washington, D.C., over the last three decades.

"LGBTQ Latinas/os have played a positive, influential role in contributing to the rich, diverse history of our nation's capital as an epicenter of local and national advocacy for civil and human rights," said Mr. David M. Pérez, LHP President. "We will remember the heritage, history and activism of great leaders and movements that have come before us in order to strengthen and empower today's advocates in our common struggle for equality."

The reception will include special remarks from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The reception includes complimentary light appetizers, refreshments and an opportunity to meet with regional community leaders. A $5 donation is suggested. Event sponsors include the DC Center for the LGBT Community's Out to Quit program, Brother Help Thyself and the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club. RSVP on Facebook.

]]> Smokin' Words Poetry Contest tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1940 2011-10-06T19:23:23Z 2011-11-03T21:45:34Z 2011 SMOKIN' WORDS POETRY CONTEST DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2011 The DC Center and Tongue In Your Ear seeks poetry with the theme of "Quitting Smoking" as part of The Great American Smoke Out November 17, 2011. Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 dollars will be awarded to the top poems. Poems will appear on The DC Center's website and will be read at the SMOKIN' WORDS Spoken Word event at Busboys & Poets. For more information about the event, go to the DC Center's website. POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES 1. Must be 18 years of age or older as of November 17, 2011. 2. Must be an original work. You can submit 1-3 poems of any length. Include a cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, email address and title(s) of the works submitted. Previously published poems are acceptable as long as the copyright reverts to the author and the author acknowledges the publication on the cover sheet.. 3. Judging criteria will be based on originality, technical skill & theme. We are open to all styles of poetry as long as it is typed neatly on the page. We cannot use youtube or audio clips to determine the finalists. All submissions will be judged anonymously. NOTE: We are looking for poems that do not glorify or glamorize smoking. The theme of smoking opens itself to The Struggle to Quit Smoking, Family, Addiction, Health, Class, The Environment & Media, among other topics. Be creative. Judges will consist of professional poets versed in all styles: performance, experimental and academic as well as health practitioners and educators who are knowledgeable on the issues of smoking. 4. In the event that the judging panel finds no poem worthy of publication, the panel has the right to declare a non-winner. The judges decisions are final. 5. All adult poets living in the United States of various genders, classes, identities & various professional levels are open to apply. Poems can be written in another language as long as the poem(s) are accompanied by an English Translation. (Please include the name and contact of the translator on the cover sheet.) 6. Email poem(s) and cover sheet to Justin@thedccenter.org. The deadline is November 13, 2011. Winners will be announced November 15, 2011. A copy of the rules are available for download here. Justin poetry contest icon.jpg2011 SMOKIN' WORDS POETRY CONTEST

DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2011
The DC Center and Tongue In Your Ear seeks poetry with the theme of "Quitting Smoking" as part of The Great American Smoke Out November 17, 2011. Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 dollars will be awarded to the top poems. Poems will appear on The DC Center's website and will be read at the SMOKIN' WORDS Spoken Word event at Busboys & Poets. For more information about the event, go to the DC Center's website.

POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES

1. Must be 18 years of age or older as of November 17, 2011.

2. Must be an original work. You can submit 1-3 poems of any length. Include a cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, email address and title(s) of the works submitted. Previously published poems are acceptable as long as the copyright reverts to the author and the author acknowledges the publication on the cover sheet..

3. Judging criteria will be based on originality, technical skill & theme. We are open to all styles of poetry as long as it is typed neatly on the page. We cannot use youtube or audio clips to determine the finalists. All submissions will be judged anonymously.

NOTE: We are looking for poems that do not glorify or glamorize smoking. The theme of smoking opens itself to The Struggle to Quit Smoking, Family, Addiction, Health, Class, The Environment & Media, among other topics. Be creative. Judges will consist of professional poets versed in all styles: performance, experimental and academic as well as health practitioners and educators who are knowledgeable on the issues of smoking.

4. In the event that the judging panel finds no poem worthy of publication, the panel has the right to declare a non-winner. The judges decisions are final.

5. All adult poets living in the United States of various genders, classes, identities & various professional levels are open to apply. Poems can be written in another language as long as the poem(s) are accompanied by an English Translation. (Please include the name and contact of the translator on the cover sheet.)

6. Email poem(s) and cover sheet to Justin@thedccenter.org. The deadline is November 13, 2011. Winners will be announced November 15, 2011.


A copy of the rules are available for download here.

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