UofM to host spring/summer LGBTQ Coming Out Group
ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan/Ann Arbor Office of LGBT Affairs will offer a nine-week coming out group beginning June 9. The group will help participants explore a variety of coming out issues, and is open to UofM students and non-students alike. There is no fee to participate.
Group co-faciliator Mike Wright said that the group will be "a discussion-based, participant-driven group." Topics will include exploring same sex attractions, issues of self-esteem, and coming out to self, friends and family. Other topics related to these issues will be discussed. People of all genders and ages are welcome.
According to co-facilitator Jaiden Carlton, "The group is important because it affords participants an opportunity in a safe, affirming and confidential environment to explore issues surrounding LGBT identities and to better understand their own identities."
"There are many challenges to coming out, and we try to help participants better understand the process and to help them with their own unique situations," Carlton added.
The group will meet Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 4.
To set up a pre-screening interview, contact Jaiden Carlton at [email protected], Mike Wright at [email protected], or call 734-763-4186.
Bracelet sale to benefit TransGender Michigan
LANSING – TransGender Michigan has joined the Lance Armstrong Foundation, AIDS Partnership Michigan, and other organizations that are using brightly-colored silicone bracelets to raise funds and awareness.
TransGender Michigan's orange bracelets say, "Transgenerator," and the group hopes that they will join the rainbow of other bracelets being sported by activists and fashion-conscious youth.
The bracelets can be purchased online at http://www.transgendermichigan.org. The bracelets are $3 each or two for $5.
Get your house in order with Divine Peace
Day-long workshop series June 11
CLARKSTON – Divine Peace Metropolitan Community Church will host a day-long series of free workshops on June 11 to help participants get their financial, personal and relationship "houses" in order.
Individual event workshops include "Cornerstones of Investing," "Healthy Living," and "Leaving Your Family Informed – or Not," which will cover communicating with family members about participants' wishes in the event of illness or death. "Leaving Your Family Informed" will also guide participants in organizing vital legal documents, like insurance papers, to aid family and partners in finding them should that be necessary. Other workshops will cover necessary legal paperwork and relationship issues.
Local financial, health, legal, and other professionals are donating their time to provide the workshops.
The idea for the event "just came out of my brain," said Rev. Deb Dysert, minster of Divine Peace MCC. "In light of the Terri Schiavo stuff, it's clear that we need to be thinking not just of the here and now, but what may happen in the future. We need to be intentional about making sure we're okay."
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast donated by Big Apple Bagels. Lunch is being donated by local restaurants including LA Cafe, Hero's Barbecue and Brew and Chicken King.
The day "is our gift to the community," said Dysert.
"Getting Your House in Order" will take place at Divine Peace Metropolitan Community Church at 5311 Sunnyside Drive in Clarkston. While pre-registration is not required, the church asks that participants pre-register by June 10 to allow them to provide sufficient food for all who attend. For more information or to pre-register call 248-618-1186.
