Educating the Educators: OutCenter Hard At Work With Diversity & Competency Training
In the past two months, the OutCenter has provided LGBTQ+ sensitivity trainings for two different groups.
In the past two months, the OutCenter has provided LGBTQ+ sensitivity trainings for two different groups.
by Chris Lacefield
The first and foremost goal of the Teen Pride program is to create a safe place for the LGBTQ+ teens and their allies in our community.
On September 14th, the Michigan State Board of Education approved of new voluntary guidelines for creating safe school environments for LGBTQ students. The Board voted 6-2 in favor of the the new guidance protocol.
On July 29th, our Lake Effect Pride event lit up the riverside as LGBTQ+ folks and their allies celebrated moving together toward a more equal Southwest Michigan. An annual fundraiser (or should we say… “friend-raiser”), Lake Effect Pride has rocked Benton Harbor for at least the last five summers. This year, the event set a new record with a great number of attendees, as well as pulling in almost double the usual amount of money raised for the OutCenter’s programming. This was also the first year in which we hosted a 50/50 raffle, raising $10,000 for the OutCenter and another $10,000 for ARS Arts & Cultural Center, the lucky winner. Anna Russo-Sieber, head of ARS, has been a long-time member of the arts and culture community in the area. She said after winning the raffle that the $10,000 was going to the kids, a great message to everyone, and in line with our goals for the event: to honor, to educate, and to celebrate.
Just a few days ago, Whole Lives, Healthy Lives (WLHL) hosted their last meeting of August. If you weren't able to make it, mark your calendars, because upcoming meeting dates have been announced!