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October 1, 2021
Welcome to The Rainbow Connection! A monthly newsletter highlighting programs, upcoming events, and more, brought to you by Rainbow Rose Center, serving York County's LGBTQIA+ Community.
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Welcome Note from Anne Gray, Board Member at Large
Hi All!
Welcome to the Rainb ow Connection! And welcome to LGBT History Month! Making October a month in which to celebrate and teach the historical contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans members of the community was an idea first proposed in 1994 by a teacher, Rodney Wilson, of Missouri. They suggested October because it is during the school year and Coming Out Day was already established on October 11th. Over time, having an LGBT History Month was endorsed by many LGBT civil rights groups, community support, and educational organizations, including the international group Equality Forum, which currently coordinates LGBT History Month.
Every year the Equality Forum highlights a list of 31 international LGBT Icons, which the public can nominate via their website. This year one of their former icons, Pauli Murray, is getting a lot of overdue attention thanks to a biographical documentary, "My Name is Pauli Murray", which is in theaters in a limited release and also available on Amazon Prime Video as of October 1. Pauli had some family roots in Pennsylvania, and lived in Pittsburgh at the time of their death in 1985. We encourage everyone here to join in the celebration of her/their life and the amazing accomplishments and positive influence they had despite the intersectional barriers they faced as a black person, as a woman, and as a gender nonconforming individual who might have identified as nonbinary or trans had they lived in a later time. A lawyer, poet, author, and civil rights activist, Pauli was born in 1910, and was ahead of the curve of American history in so many ways that the creators of the documentary acknowledge it just scratches the surface of all there is to know about them. You can see Pauli's LGBT History Month profile at https://lgbthistorymonth.com/pauli-murray.
What the official trailer here - My Name Is Pauli Murray - Official Trailer,
Speaking of celebrations, we hope to see you on Saturday, October 9th for our Coming Out Day celebrations this month, as well as on Coming Out Day itself, Monday October 11. National Coming Out Day is celebrated October 11th because that is the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The October 1987 March involved an estimated 750,000 attendees, many there to protest a 1986 U.S. Supreme Court Decision, Bowers v. Hardwick, which upheld the criminalization of homosexual sodomy in Georgia. The march was part of six days of protests and activities, including the first public display of the Aids Memorial Quilt.
National Coming Out Day is a day for Coming out of the Closet, celebrating the freedom to do so, encouraging others to know they are not alone if they ARE closeted, and for sharing our Coming Out stories with each other. Coming Out is for many an ongoing process rather than a single event, and we hope no one will ever shame someone else for not being ready to be fully Out in both their professional and personal lives. The Rainbow Rose Center is here to support all members of the community, wherever they are on their journey.
All my best!
Anne Gray
She/Her/Hers
Board Member at Large, IT Coordinator
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Curious about our local queer history? Check out "Out in Central Pennsylvania: The History of an LGBTQ Community" by William Burton with Barry Loveland!
 "Outside of major metropolitan areas, the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights has had its own unique and rich history—one that is quite different from the national narrative set in New York and California. Out in Central Pennsylvania highlights one facet of this lesser-known but equally important story, immersing readers in the LGBTQ community building and social networking that has taken place in the small cities and towns in the heart of Pennsylvania from the 1960s to the present day."
- Penn State University Press
“Out in Central Pennsylvania offers an important addition to LGBTQ history, giving us an expertly researched and compelling story of local activism told by the men and women who built community and political consciousness in the decades after Stonewall. In situating the particular challenges and creative efforts of LGBTQ organizing within broader national movements, William Burton and Barry Loveland remind us that the history of our fight for equality is found not only in big cities but also in small towns and rural areas across the country.”- James Polchin, author of Indecent Advances: A Hidden History of True Crime and Prejudice Before Stonewall
Find your copy and more information here! - https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-08479-4.html
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NEWS!
The Rainbow Rose Center participated in the inaugural Hanover Snack Town & Diversity Festival on September 18th. We had a wonderful amount of engagement by many community members from all over the county and were excited to share Pride with such an awesome group of people! Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Laura Cohen, Brianna Rivenburgh, Amberrose Stein, Caleb Schenck, and Tesla Taliaferro, for making the day happen! We look forward to participating again next year.
On October 2, 2021, people from all 50 states will be marching to protest Texas SB8 and to defend Reproductive Rights across the country. Co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood Keystone, this will include a rally and a march. The March will occur in Harrisburg, PA at the Capitol Complex from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on October 2nd. We hope to be at the Bans off Our Bodies event, but even if we can’t make it, we highly encourage people to attend this event in support of body autonomy! Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bansoffmybodypa.
Trans Minor Rights is holding their second annual VRchat Virtual Pride on October 9th – 10th, 2021! Walk around a virtual world where you’ll get to make new friends, learn more about Pennsylvania-based organizations, watch our YouTube and Twitch live streams, dance, and have fun! You DON’T need a virtual reality headset to join! Find out how to join by visiting their webpage at https://transminorsrights.org/virtual-pride-2021/ |
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EVENT NEWS!
We’re excited that superstar volunteer Kyle Howard is joining Jenny Beth Kissner to co-chair the Events Committee! Kyle was super active throughout all of Pride month in ensuring our numerous events went off without any hitches or glitches, and we also appreciate his generosity in supporting our Clothing Closet program. Kyle is an instructor at York College and he will be sharing the story of his experience leaving the closet at our upcoming Coming Out Day Blessing.
Speaking of Coming Out, October is LGBTQIA+ History Month! We’re super excited to partner with Out & About and the White Rose Bar and Grill to put on the Coming Out Day Celebration on Saturday, October 9th, 2021.
On National Coming Out Day, the Rainbow Rose Center will partner with Union Lutheran Church to offer a streamed, in-person Blessing at 7pm. Interested in sharing your Coming Out story with the community? Sign up to share your story at the event here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040f45a8ac2ca5fb6-coming1
We’re also looking forward to participating in Central Bark’s Fall Festival on October 23rd. Stop on by and bring your dressed up furry friend to 3615 E. Market Street from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! Enter to win the Rainbow Rose Center’s raffle basket with awesome Pride gear! Other activities will include food trucks, a bouncy house, games, trick or treating, live dog training demonstrations, pet adoptions, face painting, and more! Learn more about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/363932191753782.
We are also planning a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil for Saturday, November 20th. Please follow our social media page for event details as we get things finalized.
Check out our event flyers below to learn about these events and more coming up!
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MARKETING & COMMUNICATION NEWS!
 The Rainbow Rose Center is excited to announce that we have filled our Marketing & Communications Committee chair position! Sue DuMars has joined our board and brings a wealth of experience in both the nonprofit world and in marketing. She works as the Executive Assistant at Community Progress Council and has previously worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Out Door Country Club after her retirement from coaching competitive sports. Sue looks forward to supporting the Rainbow Rose Center’s mission and the work we do to benefit the LGBTQIA+ Community of York County.
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Coming Out Day Celebration & Blessing October 9 and 11, 2021
 Join us on Saturday, October 9th at the White Rose Bar and Grill for a fun-filled Coming Out Day Celebration. Registered participants for the Rainbow Rose Virtual 5k can pick-up their race packet during the daytime event.
This is a rain or shine outdoor event held in the White Rose Bar & Grill parking lot located at the corner of Philadelphia and Beaver St in Downtown York City (48 N Beaver St, York, PA 17401). Join in for some family fun with activities for folx of all ages - face painting, balloon twisters, nonprofit partners, drag performances, and more - between 12:00 p.m. an 4:00 p.m.! After that, enjoy live band performances till 7, when additional drag performers will participate in adult-oriented entertainment till 8:30 p.m. Keep up on all event details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/843431449702448
Don't forget to join us on October 11th. On National Coming Out Day at Union Lutheran Church for the streamed and in-person Blessing at 7:00 p.m.
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A Rainbow Rose Center Preferred Partner
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asks participants to literally walk in high-heeled shoes. It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun and it gets the community talking about something that’s really difficult to talk about: raising awareness about the serious causes, effects, and remediation of gender-based violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join the York YWCA and Rainbow Rose Center on Thursday, October 14th as we commit to ending gender violence. All proceeds benefit YWCA York, York County’s provider of comprehensive services to victims of violence. Register at: https://bit.ly/2WXP4e1
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Looking for a fun event for the WHOLE family? Then mark your calendars and get ready for an event the whole family will love! 30+ Vendors, Food, Bouncy House, Games, Live Dog Training Demos, Trick or Treat for the kids, Pet Adoption, Rescues, Raffles, Face Painting, and a Pet Dress Up Contest! While you're there, stop by the Rainbow Rose Center booth. We look forward to seeing you there!
Where: Central Bark York, 3615 East Market Street, York, PA
When: Saturday, October 23rd, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Social Dogs on Leashes Welcome. Click on the flyer to learn more.
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It's not tool late to join us for the first ever Rainbow Rose Center virtual Rainbow Run 5k!
Our first ever Rainbow Run 5k virtual event coming up. We will kick off the race on Coming Out Day - Monday, October 11, 2021, and it runs (no pun intended of course) through Transgender Remembrance Day on Saturday, November 20th. In this virtual run, you have over a whole month to complete your race and submit your results! More information and race sign ups, can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/York/RainbowRose5K
If you are registered by September 30th, you can do packet pick-up at our Coming Out Day Celebration at the White Rose Bar & Grill parking lot on Saturday, October 9th.
Didn't register by September 30th? We've extended registration! Those who register after the 30th will receive their swag after October 9th. More details to follow on time and location.
For those who registered after September 30th, registration for the race is $40.00 and includes:
1. Cotton race t-shirt
2. Rainbow socks
To register, go to RunSignUp.
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race directors, Christina Stetler and Melanie Playdon, at rainbowrun@rainbowrosecenter.org.
A portion of your registration goes to support the Rainbow Rose Center's programming, which includes support groups for Transgendered individuals, those living with HIV, and Queer Transgender People of Color (QTPOC). Your registration also help the Rainbow Rose Center take the big step of finding a physical location and make additional resources available to the LGBTQIA+ community!
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Visit the Rainbow Rose Center website for exciting new additions, program offerings, services, and more! Don't forget to check out the Rainbow Rose Center's new digital pamphlets:
Rainbow Rose Center Main Pamphlet
Rainbow Rose Center Programs & Services Pamphlet
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CURRENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE
We are currently only meeting virtually via Zoom but this may change in future months.
York Transgender Support Group
Occurs 4th Saturday of Every Month from 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
October 23
November 27
Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Support Group
Occurs 2nd Sunday of Every Month from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
October 10
November 14
Living Proudly HIV Support Group
Occurs 2nd Wednesday of Every Month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
October 13
November 10
Safety is our utmost priority for all virtual support group meetings, so we do not publish meeting link details publicly. To participate our meetings, join each group's mailing list at:
www.rainbowrosecenter.org/programs/
and fill out the intake form to receive instructions on how to join the meeting.
For more information about services for our Transgender community in Pennsylvania, visit: www.TransCentralPA.Org
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We're Looking for Volunteers!
By volunteering with the Rainbow Rose Center, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact in our beautiful community. Volunteering also presents the chance to meet and bond with likeminded LGBTQIA+ folx and allies! We need help with day to day activities, and we're also looking for committee members to directly influence the direction of the organization. There are so many ways to get involved as a volunteer at the Rainbow Rose Center, and we have opportunities for volunteers of all ages! Each volunteer adds value to our organization, and we greatly cherish each individual that dedicates time to help our cause.
Sign up to become a volunteer
HERE.
Don’t have time to volunteer but still want to contribute? Consider making a donation to support the Rainbow Rose Center! Your support helps our Resource Specialists provide invaluable information to members of the LGBTQIA+ community on where they can go to get the help they need to thrive right here in York County! Donate directly on our website at https://www.rainbowrosecenter.org/donations/
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The Rainbow Rose Center is a Smoke Free Organization. All our events are SMOKE FREE in partnership with Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center as part of their initiative for a healthier and longer-lived community! We do not accept sponsorship or vending applications from tobacco, vaping, cigarette, or other similar companies.
If you need information on smoking cessation or are interested in quitting contact the Pennsylvania Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or contact the RRC Programs Committee at: programs@rainbowrosecenter.org
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Join us on Facebook to learn more about Rainbow Rose Center, stay up to date on events and programs, and join the Rainbow Rose community! www.facebook.com/rainbowrosecenter.
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To Send a Letter to Rainbow Rose Center:
P.O. Box 1134
York, PA 27405
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Visit Our Preferred Partners!
The Rainbow Rose Center is excited to welcome the YWCA York as a Preferred Partner! YWCA York is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity FOR ALL. What's super exciting to our community is that they are a gender-inclusive YWCA and are eager to work with the gender non-conforming community to provide services, including shelters, therapy, and more!
The Rainbow Rose Center Preferred Partner Program is designed to connect our supporters, allies, and the York LGBTQIA+ community with local consumer businesses and organizations that are passionate about equality and acceptance. Our Preferred Partners support our community every day by creating environments where people of all backgrounds can feel safe, supported, and welcome. We are proud to partner with the following organizations and businesses and encourage members of the York community, both LGBTQIA+ and allies, to visit and support them. Be sure to keep a look out throughout York County for our Preferred Partnership logo!
Current Preferred Partners include:
 
Become a Preferred Partner!
If you are part of an organization or business that would be interested in becoming a Preferred Partner, please visit our website at https://www.rainbowrosecenter.org/preferred-partners/ or email Nate Tile at fundraising@rainbowrosecenter.org.
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