Showing posts with label The Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Center. Show all posts

Monday, December 16, 2013

List of Employees Departing The Center Continues to Grow


Add Jessie Genther, longtime events manager for The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, to the growing list of the organization's departing employees. Genther, who joined the staff of The Center in 2008, tendered her resignation last week but is expected to stay on through December. 

Genther will be the seventh person this year to leave The Center's employ. With a staff of 19 employees, this represents a turnover rate of over 36% – well over the national average of 17% reported by the 2013 Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey.

According to Gallup polls, "at least 75% of the reasons for voluntary turnover can be influenced by managers. As the axiom goes, "People don't leave organizations, they leave managers."

Rex Fuller, The Center's Marketing and PR Manager, has stated that The Center's Board of Directors is currently "discussing new options for our management structure."

Monday, December 9, 2013

Things Fall Apart. Can The Center Hold Together After Mass Staff Exodus?


Martinez, Drayer, Padilla, Perea, Munoz and Wilkins all out in last six months
By Drew Wilson
The GLBT Community Center of Colorado continues to experience major management changes and staff upheaval as 2013 draws to a close. On the heels of The Center’s recent announcement that Carlos Martinez would be stepping down as CEO, sources say that Amy Drayer, VP of Strategic Initiatives, and Matthew Padilla, VP of Finance, have also left The Center’s employ in recent weeks.

Drayer’s Facebook page continues to list The Center as her place of employment but she is absent from The Center’s online staff directory.

These departees follow in the footsteps of a number of others who have left The Center in recent months. These include Shari Wilkins, director of The Center’s SAGE program, in October; Dani Perea, Communications and Marketing Manager, in July; and Moises Munoz, Rainbow Alley Program Manager, in June.

The exodus leaves interim CEO Deb Pollock in charge of a significantly reduced (and arguably less experienced) workforce with which to accomplish The Center’s mission to “engage, enrich, and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Colorado,” while the board of directors works on “identifying Martinez’ replacement.”

Sources close to The Center say the high employee turnover rate is symptomatic of institutional problems within the organization. “They are dropping like flies,” said one insider, citing ongoing internal and interdepartmental conflicts and power struggles.


* Full Disclosure: Drew Wilson worked as The Center's Communications and Marketing Manager from February to August of 2011.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Center to Hold Free LGBT Legal Clinic


The Center's Legal & Advocacy Program will be conducting a free LGBT Legal Clinic on Wednesday, September 25 from 5-7:30 pm. The walk-in legal clinic is for individuals seeking information or assistance on issues of discrimination, family law or estate planning. 
 
Attorneys from Bachus & Schanker, LLC and Feldmann Nagel, LLC. will provide referrals to appropriate agencies or may consider possible pro bono, low cost or sliding scale representation.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A conversation with DJ Gary Givant

A conversation with DJ Gary Givant
by Drew Wilson

The GLBT Community Center's long-awaited Rooftop Happy Hour series kicks off tomorrow night with amazing views, tasty things to eat and drink, fabulous people to schmooze with and DJ Gary Givant. I recently had the opportunity to chat with DJ Gary Givant and find out the secrets of his success as one of Denver's hottest DJs for over 30 years, the songs he never gets tired of and the time he met Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Beyonce!

DW: How'd you get into DJing and how long have you been doing it?
GG: I used to sneak into clubs with my fake ID when I was 16. It was the late 70's when Disco was at it's peak. I used to go up to the DJ, Woody, at this club in Des Moines, Iowa, called Uncle Sams. I'd ask him song titles and started buying 12" club remixes ... OMG! 34 years! Wow! I'm very blessed.


To what do you attribute your longevity? What is your claim to fame?
I'm one of the few DJ's around that has been spinning consistently since the 70's through today, and I always play the newest club mixes available. I've been a Billboard Magazine nightclub reporting DJ since 1993. That means me, plus the other DJ's (there are 140 or so of us in the US) help to compile the weekly Club Chart in Billboard Magazine. For doing that, I have had the opportunity to meet Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Beyonce. I don't get paid for charting with Billboard but the perks are worth the time that I put in reviewing the latest club music for them.


What's the best part about DJing? What's the worst part?
The best part of DJing is the instantaneous crowd reaction and the energy the kids on the floor give me back!

The worst part of DJing is when a customer asks you to play a song, and you don't have it, you tell them to request something else, and instead, they go back to their table and have their posse of friends come up, one by one and request the song they asked for that I didn't have.




Where do you currently spin (in addition to The Center's Rooftop Patio)?
I'm spinning at:
Juke Ultra Lounge (1400 Market St in LoDo) - Thurs. and Sat. nights
Minibar (Cherry Creek) - check my Facebook/DJGaryGivant page for upcoming dates
Beautybar Denver (608 E. 13th Ave Capitol Hill) - Sun. 11:00 am brunch time
Hapa Sushi Bar and Grill (Cherry Creek) - Every other Sunday late night
Maloney's (LoDo) with award-winning DJ Kelly Insinna, alias DJ Sinna G, every other Sunday late night.

I also spin with DJ Tatiana from time to time ...

What song do you never get tired of? And what song would you like to never hear again?
Never get tired of "Good Life" by Inner City

I wouldn't miss hearing "Tardy For The Party" by Kim Zolciak.



Why should gay Denver come hear you at the rooftop on Friday?
Well, first of all, it is the kick off event for The GLBT Center Of Colorado's monthly happy hour event,the space is just fantastic! Secondly, I'll be playing a little bit of the history of dance music, from the 70's through today,it will be fun!

What's the craziest thing that ever happened during one of your sets?
OMG there has been so many! I guess one thing I do not like is when there is a mechanical malfunction and the sound stops, everyone points to the DJ, and usually, you don't have any control over it ... it's slightly embarrassing, but you laugh it off and start again!

Where can we find out more about DJ Gary Givant?
Google me! Haha! Facebook.com/DJGaryGivant. I update postings with my current playdates.



What message do you have readers of MileHighGayGuy?
Keep your mind open when it comes to music, and have a GR8 Summer!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

The Center wants you ... for their Board of Directors

The Center is looking for a few additions to their Board of Directors. Successful candidates will have experience in finance(CPA/Accounting experience preferred), health, technology or marketing/communications as well as a commitment to furthering the rights of LGBT people in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region.

A longtime member of The Center's Board of Directors, Dr. William Haas (pictured left) of Caring Hands Chiropractic recommends the experience to anybody who would like to make a positive difference for Colorado's LGBT population.

"I think it's really important to give back to the community," says Dr. Haas. "Anybody can give money but it takes a special person to give of their time and energy in this way and really work on behalf of the LGBT community."

Click here for more information or to fill out a Board of Director's Candidate Application. Deadline for applications is July 31, 2011.

Monday, June 6, 2011

The ABCs of PrideFest: C is for The Center

This year, the GLBT Community Center of Colorado (The Center) celebrates 35 years of service to Colorado’s LGBT community – and The Center’s new building at 1301 E. Colfax Ave. says it all.

The Center has grown along with the community, providing ongoing services and support, as well as our favorite annual celebration – Denver PrideFest. Check out The Center for support groups, social groups, youth programs, seniors programs, legal services, health services and a whole lot more.

And join The Center in commemorating 36 years of Pride at this year’s PrideFest celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!

This post by Matt Kailey originally appeared at The Center's Blog as part of The ABCs of PrideFest series. 

Monday, March 28, 2011

Obituary: Art Thompson, former Executive Director of The GLBT Community Center of Colorado

Arthur (Art) Forster Thompson, 65, of San Diego and formerly of Denver, passed away March 20 following a valiant battle against cancer. Art was born to the late Arthur Ray and Nanette Couts Thompson on June 29, 1945, in San Diego.

During his early career he worked for both San Diego County Supervisor Lou Conde, and California State Assemblyman and Senator John Stull, before founding his own consulting firm.  Later, he served as the Executive Director at San Diego's Lesbian and Gay Men's Community Center and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the LGBT Community by the California Legislature, San Diego's Mayor Dick Murphy, San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins and United Way of San Diego Council.
 

Art was the chair of San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy's LGBT Advisory Board and treasurer of AIDS Foundation San Diego before moving to Denver to serve as Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado. Art served as the Executive Director of The Center from 2002 to 2005, during a particularly trying time in The Center's history.  Art lead Colorado's LGBT community through some lean years, always ensuring that The Center's doors remained open and continued to provide the greatest number of services possible.  Art was also instrumental in stewarding Roy Wood, a donor whose planned gift enabled The Center to take the first steps toward building and owning its permanent home at 1301 East Colfax Ave. in Denver.
Art, a kind and true gentleman, enjoyed the theater, loved to cook and to travel, and spent as much time as he could at the family's ancestral cabin on Palomar Mountain. Art is survived by his domestic partner, Catherine (Kitty) Chisholm.  He also leaves behind a sister, Cathee Harris, and a brother, Barnard Thompson, along with his loving extended family including his ex-partner Mark Bjorstrom of New York City.
Following private family services, a Celebration of Art's Life will be held in June 2011.  Memorial donations in Art's name may be sent to: The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, 1301 E Colfax, Denver, CO  80218.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Cast your votes for Westword's 2011 Best of Denver poll

Westword’s Best of Denver poll is underway and The GLBT Community Center of Colorado (The Center) needs your votes! Click this link and answer ‘Denver PrideFest’ for questions #3 and #38 and write-in ‘Best GLBT Organization in Colorado – The GLBT Community Center of Colorado’ for #148.

Disclosure: MileHighGayGuy.com's Drew Wilson is the new Communications and Marketing Manager of TheCenter.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Volunteer opportunities at The Center and Denver PrideFest

The Center has lots of fun and fabulous volunteer opportunities available including several positions for Denver PrideFest 2011 like Community Outreach Coordinator, Green Initiatives Coordinator, Quadrant Coordinator, Volunteer Captain, Main Stage Coordinator and OutWest Stage Coordinator.

Click here to learn more and follow The Center on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about GLBT happenings in Colorado.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

GLBT Community Center of Colorado applauds Senate vote to repeal discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) applauds today's U.S. Senate vote to repeal the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy.

This vote means the military's 17-year prohibition on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military is a step closer to ending. The DADT repeal bill, passed earlier in the week by the House, will now go to Pres. Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it into law next week. After that, the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will certify the lifting of the ban. It is expected to be fully lifted 60 days after the certification.

"We are pleased that the Senate listened to the American people, who overwhelmingly approve of gays and lesbians being able to serve openly. Repealing it is the right thing to do," said Center spokeswoman Heather Draper. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell has long infringed on the fundamental rights of gay and lesbian military men and women, which has been painfully obvious since the policy was implemented in 1993." 

A 2010 survey by The Washington Post/ABC News found that 75 percent of Americans support gays serving openly in the military.
DADT cost U.S. taxpayers more than $200 million in its first 10 years, according to the federal Government Accountability Office, because service members are trained and prepared for duty, and then money is spent investigating and discharging them. A follow-up study estimated the cost at $363 million.

More than 14,000 military men and women have been fired under the law since 1994.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Be Safe!

The Center reminds you to be safe! The community forum will be held at The Center on Thursday, Dec 9th from 6:00-7:30pm.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Be Safe!

EMBRACE and a number of other local GLBT organizations are partnering with The Center  to increase the Denver gay community’s safety awareness in light of some recent gay bashing incidents. There will be a of town hall meeting with the Denver Police Department, District 6 at The Center next Thursday, December 9 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Be Safe!


The Center wants the gay community to know that there has been increased attention recently regarding violence against the local LGBT community and they are currently working with community members and police officials to address anti-LGBT violence.
The Center will be hosting a community forum on issues of LGBT violence on Thursday, Dec 9, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Please keep an eye out on their website for more information about this important event.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Center - Homo for the Holidays

The Center reminds us that the holidays are often a hard time for LGBT people, because their families aren't supportive or for some LGBT youth, they've been kicked out of their homes completely.
 
If you've felt helpless when hearing news of gay teen suicides, or if you get angry when you hear a politician compare being gay to alcoholism, please remember that The Center is working hard to advocate on behalf of Colorado's LGBT community.
 
The Center is collaborating with Denver Public Schools on programs to prevent anti-gay bullying and working to help make legislative changes to empower our community.
 
This is important work that requires your support. Donate now to help The Center continue their efforts to advance LGBT Colorado. Click here for more information on how to donate, or contact Development & Communications Director Debra Pollock at 303-951-5204, or dpollock@glbtcolorado.org.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Family Fun and Photo Day

This Sunday, Nov. 14, The Center will come alive with the sound of little feet and a few big ones too! The Center is hosting Family Fun and Photo Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes a free portrait sitting, gingerbread house making and a holiday food drive.

For those interested in the free portrait sitting by professional photographer Steve Crecelius (value = $350), email Jessie at jgenther@glbtcolorado.org to schedule a session -- but hurry because they are filling up fast!

Each family will get two 5x7 portraits for free (must be picked up at The Center) with the option to purchase more.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Center dismayed by U.S. Senate candidate Ken Buck's statements

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) was dismayed to learn that a Colorado candidate for U.S. Senate believes the outdated notion that homosexuality is a choice and compares homosexuality with alcoholism.

U.S. Senate candidate Ken Buck (above) compared homosexuality with alcoholism during his comments on Sunday morning's "Meet the Press." Buck told moderator David Gregory that he believes being homosexual is a choice and "birth has an influence, like alcoholism and some other things. But basically, I think you have a choice."

Center Executive Director Carlos Martinez said Buck's comments don't reflect the views of the majority of Coloradans.

"It is unfortunate that an individual seeking an elected position that would represent the people of Colorado would choose to say such things, a nervous mistake or not," Martinez said. "What is clear is that such comments are not reflective of the truly inclusive nature of this state."

Rep. Mark Ferrandino, one of four openly gay or lesbian Colorado state legislators, has fought for years to protect and advance LGBT Coloradans.

"I've been proud to be part of this state making significant progress in fighting for the equality of all Coloradans with recent passage of the Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act and expanding health insurance benefits to domestic partners of state employees," said Ferrandino. "It is frightening that such dangerous, and blatantly incorrect, rhetoric is coming from a candidate so detached from the majority of Coloradans."

Recent polling has shown that economy and jobs, rather than social issues, are the most important issues to voters. "It is imperative, however, that voters also pay attention and take into consideration candidates' perspectives on equality as they prepare to complete their ballots," said Mindy Barton, legal director at The Center. "Coloradans should elect people who are aware of the diverse nature of their constituency."

Polling from the Pew Research Center released this month found that 90 percent of registered voters say the economy will be "very important" to their vote while nearly as many (88 percent) rate jobs as very important. Just 32 percent say the issue of same-sex marriage is very important -- the lowest percentage for all 13 issues tested.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The GLBT Center of Colorado urges a 'No' vote on Amendment 62

votebutton-104pxThe Center is asking you to Vote No on Amendment 62!  In 2008 Coloradans rejected a similar measure, Amendment 48, by a 3-to-1 margin with 73 percent, or 1.7 million voters, overwhelmingly rejecting it in every county. 
 
The so-called "personhood" amendment is a dangerous and deceptive measure that if passed, would change the state constitution and insert the government into the personal, private health-care decisions that women and their families make every single day. 

Mail-in ballots for the November elections were sent to voters on Oct. 12, early voting will be Oct. 18-29 and Election Day is Nov.2.  

This amendment could have a huge impact on reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization, which is the way a lot of LGBT families are created. Get more information at www.62voteno.org.   
For additional information about the pending ballot initiatives, please stop by The Center and pick up a copy of the 2010 Colorado Ballot Measure Voter Guide put together by the non-partisan Colorado League of Responsible Voters and The Colorado Civil Engagement Roundtable. 

Friday, October 8, 2010

SAGE of the Rockies conference on aging begins today

The first regional SAGE of the Rockies conference on LGBT aging, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Choosing to Live Well," is designed to give people the tools they need to plan and be prepared so as they grow older, their lives are healthy and safe.

The conference starts Friday at 1 p.m. and runs through Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place.

The conference -- produced by The Center's SAGE of the Rockies program -- will feature nearly 30 breakout sessions on topics ranging from financial and estate planning to staying connected through social media. By the end of the conference, participants will have an "action blueprint" to help them move toward the kind of LGBT community that will help them thrive and grow older with confidence.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Gaybutante this Saturday

Gaybutante, The Center's annual fundraiser for Rainbow Alley, is a chance for LGBT youth to tell their stories and be themselves in front of a caring and supportive audience. Modeled after the debutante tradition, Gaybutante doesn't just "accept" the youth for who they are, it honors and empowers them to take pride in themselves.

Your contribution of $75 today will allow a Rainbow Alley youth to experience Gaybutante, which is this Saturday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Sponsor a youth so he or she can hear positive messages of hope about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. To sponsor a youth, click here.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Center: Our hearts go out to victims of anti-gay bullying

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) is deeply troubled by the recent suicides of five gay teens nationally because of suspected bullying and harassment.

The five teens who took their own lives are: Raymond Chase, 19, a student at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island; Tyler Clementi, 18, a Rutgers University student; Seth Walsh, 13, of Tehachapi, California; Billy Lucas, 15, of Greensburg, Indiana; and Asher Brown, 13, of Houston, Texas.

"It's tragic that these young men with so much life ahead of them took their own lives because of anti-gay bullying and harassment. Our hearts go out to their families and friends," said Center Executive Director Carlos Martinez (pictured left). "These unfortunate events serve as a reminder that all students should be treated with dignity and respect, and that we need to ensure that anti-bullying policies in schools and universities are followed and enforced."

Unfortunately, suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth is nothing new. LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey. And for every completed suicide by a young person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made, according to the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey.

In Colorado, 70 percent of more than 300 LGBTQ youth surveyed by The Center in 2010 reported being called names and not feeling safe at their school. Nearly 40 percent reported that they have contemplated suicide.

The good news is that there are many organizations locally providing services and resources for LGBT youth. The Center's Rainbow Alley -- a drop-in center for LGBT and questioning youth ages 12-21, their families and allies -- experienced an average of 600 visits a month in 2009.

Rainbow Alley provides health services, counseling and referral, youth-led events and activities, and life resources in a safe and supportive space.

Also, Rainbow Alley each year hosts Queer Prom so LGBTQ youth have a safe space to celebrate the popular rite of spring. The Alley also hosts Gaybutante -- modeled after the debutante tradition -- where LGBTQ gaybutantes share their inspiring coming-out stories in front of a group of caring and supportive adults. This year's Gaybutante celebration is Saturday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel.

In addition, Rainbow Alley staff work closely with high schools' Gay-Straight Alliance organizations and various community service organizations to prevent anti-gay bullying in schools.

Other resources available to Colorado LGBTQ youth include the Colorado Anti-Violence Program, LGBT centers and alliances in Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction, the Colorado chapter of The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, OASOS (Open & Affirming Sexual Orientation & gender identity Support) in Boulder; LGBT student centers on college campuses and many others.