Each year, Rainbow Pride of West Virginia recognizes an individual who has proven invaluable to the LGBT community in West Virginia. Join us for dinner and a keynote speech delivered by this year’s recipient of the award.

Saturday June 5th, 6:00pm

Admission – -
$15 includes dinner
(please let us know if you require vegetarian option)

Purchase Tickets
Buy Online here

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Asbury United Methodist Church Address: ‎

Placement on map is approximate 501 Elizabeth Street Charleston, WV 25311-2105 Get Directions (304) 342-7811 * approximate times Area served: – Category: Unverified listing	Street view

There will be a Festivities Subcommittee meeting this Thursday 2/4/10 at 7pm in the Pride Office in Charleston.

Got any?

Some great ideas we’ve come up with are

• Power in Numbers
• Unity & Diversity
• One in Pride
• Come Together
• Ain’t Stopping Now!
• Don’t Stop Believing
• Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow
• Believe
• Power by Numbers

Tuesday December 1st is World AIDS Day and we here at PrideWV hope that you can do your best to show your support for those affected by this disease.

Below is a list of events in West Virginia that we are currently aware of. If you know of an event in your area, please feel free to reply to this email and we’ll do our best to spread the word.

Charleston
Covenant House
5:00 PM YogAID with Dan Connery
Asbury United Methodist Church
501 Elizabeth St
Charleston, WV
$10 suggested donation
6:00 PM Service – Asbury United Methodist
6:30 PM Candlelight procession to the Living AIDS Memorial Garden
1600 Block Washington Street East
Refreshments provided by Food Among the Flowers
7:00 PM -Adjourn

Morgantown

Caritas House
7:00 PM – Candlelight Vigil/Walk
Meet at Mt. Lair. Proceeds to County Courthouse Square at 7:30.
Speakers and refreshments provided.

Huntington
Tri-State AIDS Task Force
Open house
11:00am – 5:00pm
1038 6th Avenue
Huntington, WV
Come and get to know the Tri-State AIDS Task Force

President

Christopher Kimes

Chris Kimes is running for President of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia to bring about a statewide presence and encourage everyone to participate in the organization .  He recently served as the Chair of Membership and Fundraising and spent the past year working diligently to promote and enhance Rainbow Pride events.  Chris helped establish the Ignition project, an HIV/AIDS prevention service provided by Rainbow Pride.  He served as the Vice President and Secretary of the Kanawha Stonewall Democrats, the GLBT voice within the WV Democratic Party.  Chris worked with various AIDS related and GLBT agencies in Morgantown and Parkersburg.  Currently, he manages a program that advances minority and at risk high school students for WVU.  Chris holds a masters degree in administration and counseling from WVU.  Mr. Kimes would like for  everyone to also support the following people for the Rainbow Pride Board of Directors:  Chris Morrison (Martina Dezarea), Pam Young, Chris Bostic, David Epp, William Salyer, Scott King, and Kelly Wills.

Larry Genrick

For the office of President

Graduate of the University of Louisville, majoring in political science and business.

Currently employed as Controller of Capitol Paging in Charleston.

Joined Rainbow Pride of WV in 1999. Have served as President and Secretary. Currently a member of the Board at Large.

Joined The Living AIDS Memorial Garden in 2002. Member of the Board of Directors since 2004, currently serving as Secretary.

Kat Williams

Vice-President

Chris Morrison (aka Martina Desarea)

Chris Morrison, aka Martina Dezarea, is looking to serve as Vice President on the Rainbow Pride Board of Directors to help bring a more inclusive state organization.  Martina previously to moving to West Virginia worked with multiple GLBT organizations in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.  Ms. Dezarea became active in Rainbow Pride of WV when she won the title of Miss Pride of WV 2002.  This began her diligent work with the organization having served previously as both a Member at Large and Vice President on the Board of Directors.  Martina has been a female illusionist using her status to help further the GLBT cause. It was this dedication to Rainbow Pride and the community that propelled her to achieve the Miss Pride of WV 2008 title.

Caroline Starr-Wills

Pam Young

Jeff Crist

Jeff Crist is currently the Development Director for Covenant House and has volunteered for WV Rainbow Pride for the past two years.  Jeff earned his B.S. in Communications from West Virginia State College, where he wrote for the campus newspaper and was president of the Public Relations Student Society of America.  After graduation, Jeff was the Communications Director for a statewide non-profit for seven years, and has managed local restaurants throughout the Kanawha Valley.

Jeff served as the fundraising chairman for Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years, was a board member of the WV KIDS COUNT Fund, and has volunteered for the Kanawha Stonewall Democrats.  Jeff was also honored as the Alumnus of the Year at West Virginia State College in 1998.  Jeff lives on the East End of Charleston and has a thirteen year-old son, Alex, who attends John Adams Middle School.

Jeff’s goals for Pride include expanding membership among our straight and gay allies, focusing Pride’s fundraising strategies, and improving the quality of events offered to the community.

Andy Ragland

Founding member of RPWV

Member of Rainbow Pride of WV (RPWV) for more than a decade

Past chairman of RPWV – two one year terms

Past RPWV vice-chair and secretary

Founding member of Mountain State Bear club

Member of Mountain State Bear club for a decade +

Past chairman of Mountain State Bear club

Current board member of Living AIDS Memorial garden

I try to think “big picture” and  envision RPWV continuing to grow and expand,  using it’s 501(c)3 designation to serve the GLBT community and  truly becoming statewide.

Secretary

Daniel O’Neal

Daniel O’Neal is a native of Hurricane, West Virginia, and a 1991 graduate of Hurricane High School.  He possesses an RBA from Marshall University with an emphasis in American History and has been employed by the United States Postal Service for over thirteen years.  Daniel has been the acting secretary of Rainbow Pride since March and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Kanawha Stonewall Democrats.  You can read many of his blog postings on the KSD website. Daniel hopes to help continue Pride’s evolution into an organization that exists to truly help meet the various needs of the GLBT community in West Virginia and to look into expanding our focus into new areas of service.  Daniel currently resides in Saint Albans, in western Kanawha County, with his partner Greg and their four-legged daughter, Jasmine.

Treasurer

Chris Bostic

Chris Bostic, a Lewisburg, WV, native, has a history of serving local organizations with a focus on social justice.  Involved in local fundraising initiatives, Chris understands the significance of grassroots campaigns, including budget development and membership retention. As a project manager, Chris has gained experience and knowledge in all aspects of investment real estate, financing and property management. His experience includes Assistant Manager at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, WV, and a Food and Beverage Manager at The Embassy Suites in Charleston.  He has managed events at The Clay Center including Governor Manchin’s pre-Inaugural evening.  Inspired by his Grandmother’s sense of community service, and as a member of Generation Charleston and the YWCA, he looks forward to the chance to serve the LGBT community of West Virginia.

Larry Varney

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Larry Varney and I have be a resident of Charleston for 21 years.  I am a candidate for Treasurer and Member at-large for the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. I have been involved in many different volunteer organizations.  To list a few: Treasurer of WV School Association for 3 years, volunteer fire fighter for 7 years. I have held several management and supervisory positions: Home supervisor for Res Care for 2 years and am presently supervisor with Charleston Telephone Answering Service; Manager for KFC for 6 years. This information is to let you know that I am a responsible person and one who knows finances. I realize the positions are a very big task and takes may volunteers. The positions require good communication skills and the ability to work with others, which makes myself the best candidate for either vacant position and would appreciate you vote. Thank you

Member-at-Large

David Epp

David has 3 years experience as a volunteer with Pride, focusing on technology, preparing the 2009 Pride Guide, as well as maintaining the Pride web site.  He feels strongly about the role that technology can play in increasing support for this organization. particularly by improving communication with members and supporters through Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook.  He is a co-founder of 304blogs.com, the largest directory of West Virginia bloggers  David is also a founding member of Kanawha Stonewall Democrats.

Sammy Magner

Hi! My name is Sammy (Sam) Magner. I come form a small town in West Virginia and have been living in Charleston for the past ten years. I have enjoyed my life in the city and getting to know people in the GLBT community.

In the past I have worked with many other organizations to help them develop events and activities. Now, I am looking forward to helping Pride of West Virginia grow into a larger organization. WV Pride has grown over the years, putting together many wonderful events for our community. I would like to have the opportunity to take part in the future of pride. To do this I would like to help plan and create more exciting events for members of our community throughout the state. My vision is to see pride of West Virginia be in the top when it comes to pride festivals.

I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve the GLBT community

Thanks Sam Magner

David Shumate

Wishing Rainbow Pride of WV best of luck in 2010 , and seeking your vote as an at Large Board member candidate.

Kelly Wills

Scott King

Scott was Grand Marshall for the 2009 Pride Parade.  If you didn’t see him there, chances are at some point in the last year you may have had him ask you if you were registered to vote.  He was one of two openly gay delegates from West Virginia to attend the National Democratic Convention last year.  He founded the first chapter of the Stonewall Democrats in WV and attended their 2008 convention as well.  He is also active in the WV International Film Festival and previously served on the Board of Directors for the WV Humanities Council.

William Salyer

William Salyer is looking to serve as a Member at Large on the Rainbow Pride Board of Directors to help revitalize our current membership and see the organization grow.  Prior to moving to West Virginia, William worked on the Tennessee Pride Committee with various fundraising events.  William joined the Rainbow Pride of WV board serving as a member at large for eight years.  Mr. Salyer recently completed his tenure as Vice President on the Rainbow Pride Board of Directors.  William is dedicated to the GLBT community of West Virginia and seeing Rainbow Pride grow into a state wide organization.

Ardith Michaux

Brooks Rollyson

Kenny Grady

Aaron Bradley

Carl Maxwell

“I believe that our community should come together and work toward the common goals of our community.  The Rainbow Pride of West Virginia is an organization that has the community building mechanisms to facilitate the goals of our community.  From my observation as a founding member of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, we have made improvements to our community.  We should strive harder and with fortitude, WE CAN accomplish our goals.”

Carl Maxwell is a founder of the Living AIDS Memorial Garden, along with late Jeff Huff and Bruce Severino.  Mr. Maxwell is an registered architect.

Larry Varney

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Larry Varney and I have be a resident of Charleston for 21 years.  I am a candidate for Treasurer and Member at-large for the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. I have been involved in many different volunteer organizations.  To list a few: Treasurer of WV School Association for 3 years, volunteer fire fighter for 7 years. I have held several management and supervisory positions: Home supervisor for Res Care for 2 years and am presently supervisor with Charleston Telephone Answering Service; Manager for KFC for 6 years. This information is to let you know that I am a responsible person and one who knows finances. I realize the positions are a very big task and takes may volunteers. The positions require good communication skills and the ability to work with others, which makes myself the best candidate for either vacant position and would appreciate you vote. Thank you

James Pritt

Heidi Richardson Evans, author of Daisybones.com and Charleston, WV artist, is blogging for Rainbow Pride of WV in this year’s Blogathon.

Heidi has been blogging about her life and art for four years and displays her digital and mixed media art at area venues as well as her online shop.

She has been active in LGBTQ activism since her teens and is especially proud to support queer visibility in Appalachia.

We’re 16 days out until the 13th Annual West Virginia Pride Parade and Festival! Get your calendars ready and your hotel reservations booked.

Click event banner below for Calendar listing

Keep in mind that we have two events that will sell out! Tickets are now available for purchase online and we highly suggest that you reserve your tickets now.

Miss Rainbow Pride of West Virginia 2009
The Clay Center, One Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
May 29th 2009. 6:00pm
That’s right. Ms RPWV 2009 will be at the Clay Center this year! Join us in our largest venue in RPWV history at West Virginia’s premiere facility to the Arts and Sciences. This WILL sell out!
$15/person Order Ticket
$70/table (includes admission for 4 attendees) Order Ticket

Power of One Award Dinner
Charleston House – Holiday Inn, 600 Kanawha Blvd East, Charleston WV
Each year, Rainbow Pride of West Virginia recognizes an individual who has proven invaluable to the LGBT community in West Virginia. Join us for dinner and a keynote speech delivered by this year’s reciepient of the award.
$35 includes dinner with vegetarian options – Order Ticket
**Purchase of tickets to this event includes admission to the After Party, The Rainbow Party, in the lounge from 9pm to 12pm.**

With the 2009 Season upon us we are hoping that you might consider donating your time to volunteer at an event this year. Volunteering at a pride event is a great way to make new friends, give back to your community, and provide help to our modest core of volunteers. I do hope you will consider giving your time to help create a better community.

Below are the events that are produced by Rainbow Pride of West Virginia. Don’t see the event you want to work at below? Chances are the event is produced by one of our partner organizations. For clarification please feel free to contact me at crouse@pridewv.org

Thanks,
Charlie Rouse

2009 Volunteer Signup

Event: Miss Pride of WV/ Charleston
Date: 5/29/09, Friday
Time: (5PM setup)-11PM
Number of volunteers needed: 10
Volunteer staff needed for ticket booth sales, pride merchandise table, backstage assistance, and other activities to be determined by the Pageant Director. We are looking for volunteers to donate 2-4 hours of their time or more to the event. Contact pageant director Jeremy Elswick at jelswick@pridewv.org for more information

Event: Rainbow Run for Covenant House/ Charleston
Date: 5/30/09, Saturday
Time: Setup time (7:30 PM) take down time (Noon or 1PM)
Number of volunteers needed: 2
Volunteers needed to staff pride merchandise table and informational booth. Primary responsibilities include selling flags and tee shirts, distributing informational flyers, and answering questions about 2009 Pride Season Events. We are looking for volunteers to donate 2 to 4 hours for this task. Contact Charlie Rouse at crouse@pridewv.org for more information.

Event: Huntington Pride Picnic/ Huntington
Date: 5/31/2009, Sunday
Time: Setup time (9:00AM- tear down time 5PM)
Number of volunteers needed: 15
Volunteers needed for ticketing sales, merchandise and informational booth, grill staff, entertainment staff. Volunteers needed to donate their time to do, ticket sales, provide general information about events, cooking and setup and take down of equipment. Contact Charlie Rouse at crouse@pridewv.org for more information.

Event: Interfaith/ Charleston
Date: 6/1/2009, Monday
Time: Setup time (5:30 PM and event ends at 7:30)
Number of volunteers needed: Varies
Volunteers needed for ushering and reception setup. Please contact David Shumate or Andy Ragland at maragland@citynet.net

Event: Pride Open House/ Charleston
Date: 6/1/09, Monday
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Number of volunteers needed: 2

Volunteers needed to distribute information in the Pride Office space. Contact Charlie Rouse at crouse@pridewv.org for more information.

Event: Womyn’s Night At Appalachian Power Park/Charleston
Date:6/5/2009
Time:7PM Setup- until event end
Number of volunteers needed: Varies
Volunteers needed to assist with admission area, and show staff. Contact Caroline Starr-Wills at cstarrwills@pridewv.org.

Event: Mister Pride of WV Contest, Charleston
Date: 6/5/2009
Time:Varies
Number of volunteers needed: Varies
Volunteers needed for back stage staff, and informational table. Volunteers asked to donate 4 to 8 hours for this event. Please contact Jeremy Elswick for more information at: jelswick@pridewv.org

Event: Power of One Dinner
Date: 6/6/2009
Time: 6PM to 9PM
Number of volunteers needed: 2 to 4
Volunteers needed for ticketing and admission area for event. Volunteers are asked to dontate 3 Hours for this event. Contact Charlie Rouse at crouse@pridewv.org for more information.

Event: The Rainbow Party
Date: 6/6/2009
Time: 9PM to Midnight
Number of volunteers needed: 2 to 4

Volunteers needed to assist with admission area for event. Volunteers are asked to donate 2 to 3 hours for this event. Contact Charlie Rouse at crouse@pridewv.org for more information.

Event: 2009 Parade and Festival
Date: 6/7/2009
Time: 8AM-5PM
Number of volunteers needed: 15
Volunteers needed to assist with festival staging and setup, informational and merchandise tabling, providing assistance to attendees, and assistance with Parade lineup. Volunteers are asked to consider donating a hour of their time to assist with this event. For more information contact Charlie Rouse at: crouse@pridewv.org

Despite the fact that just last week, the House of Representatives passed a transgender inclusive hate crimes Bill (Special thanks to Representatives Rahall and Mollohan), and

Despite the fact that last week the Maine State Senate voted out a Marriage equality bill for their state’s LGBT community, and

Despite the fact that a growing number of Americans support equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and

Despite calls from moderates within the Republican party to bring an end to the exclusionary principles that got them creamed in the 2006 and 2008 elections, what does the WV State Republican Party do?

http://wvgazette.com/News/200905040128

That’s right. State Republicans in the House of Delegates have called on Governor Joe Manchin to add to the upcoming special session, legislation that would create a special election referendum defining marriage.

You may remember the promoters of this initiative trying to pressure the Governor like this before. He didn’t give in then, and we need to make sure he doesn’t give in now. Please, call the Governor’s office and ask him not to include this legislation in his special session agenda.

The number is 1.888.438.2731

Email: Governor@WVGov.org

Be sure to keep a polite and civil tone with whomever you speak with and in your email. Additionally, it will go a long way to point out that the Governor did not give in to this demand last fall, and he should remain consistent in NOT putting this issue on a special session agenda.

Thank you,

Seth DiStefano
Organizer, ACLU of West Virginia

As West Virginians, be aware of the following:

BOTH Representatives Nick Rahall and Allen Mollohan voted for Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Bill (HR 1913); Shelley Moore Capito voted with the Republican mainstream against the bill.

I repeat:

Shelley Moore Capito AGAINST the Matthew Shepard Act

This is far from over, we’re now awaiting a vote from the US Senate. Do your part.

Photograph - Chip Ellis. 

It what seems like yet another reminder that younger generations can teach us a lot about ourseleves, a St. Albans High School student, Clayton Stover, petitioned the Kanawha County school board members to add sexual orientation to the school system’s cultural diversity policy.

We are humbled by such incredible courage to stand before such an audience, let alone live day to day in an environment as brutal as high school, while advocating for justice for ALL people…including those who are so easily maligned verbally and physically assaulted.

31st District House Delegate Carrie Webster also sent a letter to the Kanawha County Board of Education offering support of this addition.

School board general counsel Jim Withrow said the school system is already revamping its diversity policy. About four months ago, a group of teachers suggested the school board include sexual orientation in the policy, he said.

Board members could vote on the revisions as early as next month, he said.

 

Thank you Clayton for your courage to speak up.  We are inspired.