Hate Crimes Act

In late October, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a move that adds sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, along with disability to the federal hate crimes statute. "This is a very positive step towards equality," says Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD, "Crimes committed against someone simply because he or she identifies as or is perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is a crime committed against the community as a whole."

Montrose Counseling Center recognized the need to develop a Hate Crimes program when a client showed up who had been set on fire because he was perceived to be gay. MCC provides counseling and case management  services to hate crime survivors and their families. If needed, an advocate may accompany a person to file a police report or go to the hospital for medical attention. The Hate Crimes program is available to anyone who is the victim of a hate crime, regardless of the protected status, when the crime occurred, or whether the crime is reported. Help is available 24 hours a day through Gay & Lesbian Switchboard at 713.529.3211.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

When Hate Crimes rise to the level of murder, as they did with Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, and James Byrd, Jr., a black man, it sends a threatening message to the entire community. Every year, the Houston Transgender Unity Committee holds a ceremony in November to raise awareness of the bias and prejudice that has resulted in violence and scores of transgender or gender-variant murder victims around the world. On Saturday, November 21, the names of those victims will be read at a solemn ceremony at the Holocaust Museum Houston at 5401 Caroline. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception, and the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. in the museum theater. The Day of Remembrance is free and open to the public.

Transgender and Coming Out Support

Transitioning from male to female, or female to male, is a very visible change and one that involves a lot of forethought and support. The Transgender Support Group is a confidential place for individuals who identify as transgender. People in all stages of transition are welcome, whether you have not started, are in the process, or finished a long time ago. Topics of discussion will include: transgender indentities and identity formation; transphobia; coming out; gender affirmation; accessing competent health care; dating & sexuality; living authentically; etc. Meetings will be held Mondays from 6:15 - 8 p.m. through December 21, and participants may join at any time. There is no fee to attend, and you do not need to be a client of MCC to participate. Registration is requested, but not required. For more information, please call 713.529.0037 x703.

It is scary for many people to openly face the world when they fear persecution and judgment by their friends, family, school or church, the very people and institutions they look to for support. The Coming Out Support Group is a confidential place that is open to all persons who identify as GLBT, whether you are years into the process of "coming out," or if you are just getting started. Topics of discussion include: homophobia and self-loathing; coming out in the workplace; gay history/gay pride; coming out to family; spirituality; healthy relationships; etc. Meetings are held Thursdays from 6 - 7:30 p.m. through December 17, and participants may join at any time. There will be no meeting on Thursday, November 26. There is no fee to attend, and you do not need to be a client of MCC to participate. Registration is requested, but not required. For more information, please call 713.529.0037 x394.

Close

Education Program Coordinator Jaymie Mielke, MA, believes World AIDS Day is important because it increases people's awareness of HIV/AIDS and reminds us that HIV continues to be an epidemic that people face. "There are still a lot of myths out there regarding HIV/AIDS. Education allows these myths to be dispelled, as well as informs people how to prevent the disease, reduce their risk of infection, and the services that are available for those living with HIV/AIDS," says Mielke. One of the biggest misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, Mielke believes, is the belief that it targets certain groups, "It is important for people to remember that HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can be at risk, regardless of gender, race, age, or sexual orientation."

This World AIDS Day, help us bring awareness to HIV/AIDS by wearing a red ribbon, attending a local World AIDS Day event, participating in HIV testing, and talking about the day's significance. Don't let Tuesday, December 1, pass without recognizing the impact this disease has had, on our community and on our world.

Join us at the Citywide Candlelight Observance in Tranquility Park in Downtown Houston on December 1, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. "We invite you to join us in lighting a candle in memory of those we've lost, in support of those who continue to struggle with the disease, and in our shared hope for the future," says Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD.

Encourage your loved ones to get tested. MCC's Community Promise and Outreach teams will be doing free HIV testing and assessments on Tuesday, December 1, at the Kroger on Montrose Blvd from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., T's Barber Shop at 5824 Martin Luther King, Acres Home College of Barber Design at 2306 Ferguson Way and Texas Barber College at 610 W. Cavalcade. To schedule a free test at on another day, please call the Outreach department at 713.529.0037.

A Paper Chain of Remembrance will decorate Montrose Counseling Center's 2nd floor lobbies throughout December. Everyone is welcome to decorate a link with an inspiring message or in memory of someone we've lost to the disease. Each year, the chain grows as people give tribute to those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. A HIV/AIDS Around the World display will also decorate the 2nd floor lobbies in December. The display will feature pictures and stories of how HIV/AIDS has impacted nations around the world.

Celebrate World AIDS Day with us a few weeks early at the Illuminations Project on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Zilkha Hall. The show will feature local art, music, and dance performances that promote AIDS Awareness, in remembrance of everyone our community has lost to the disease. The performance raises much-needed funds for local HIV/AIDS service providers. The beneficiaries this year are Montrose Counseling Center and the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender History, Inc. For information about purchasing tickets, sponsoring the event, or placing an ad in its program, click here.

"We're not out of the woods with AIDS yet," says Mielke, "People continue to be infected with HIV, both in the U.S. and worldwide. Although there has been great advances in medication/treatments for HIV/AIDS, there is still no cure or vaccine. HIV/AIDS continues to be a world-wide epidemic."

Close

At The Secret's Out on October 22, Montrose Counseling Center's Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD, and President of the Board of Directors Corey E. Devine presented Mark McFarlane with the 2009 Stella Scott Volunteer Award. McFarlane, who recently left the Board of Directors after nearly seven years of service, has been a long-time supporter of MCC. During those years, he served two terms as Vice President and five terms as Secretary.

Mark joined the Board of Directors in 2003 after being invited by his friend and then-coworker Jeffrey Palmer. While on the Board, he volunteered to attend various MCC and community events, participated in multiple fund-raising efforts, brought several new members to the Board, and often used his IT skills to help our organization. "His good nature, positive energy, enthusiasm, and optimistic outlook will be missed at the Board Meetings, but we know we have developed a lifelong friend in Mark McFarlane. Montrose Counseling Center is a better organization because of people like Mark," says Robison.

T he Stella Scott Award was created in honor of the mother of one of MCC's founding Board Members, Bill Scott. Her financial backing helped establish Montrose Counseling Center more than 30 years ago. Each year, the Stella Scott Award is given to someone who has provided outstanding support and generosity to enhance MCC's continued service to Houston's GLBT communities.

Close

During the month of October, a display commemorating National Latino HIV Awareness was put up in the 2nd floor lobby by MCC's Education Department. National Latino HIV Awareness Day falls on October 15 every year.

   
On October 22, nearly two hundred MCC supporters attend The Secret's Out. The evening includes an inspirational program of testimonial speakers, the premiere of a new video featuring our Community Promise program targeted at African American Men who have Sex with Men, reception, and dinner.

Community Promise Specialists Justin Frazier and Ryan Johnson display their program's new Safer Sex box, which will be displayed in local bars. Inside the box are condom packs that contain role models stories of how community members have changed their behaviors in order to reduce their risk of HIV infection. By sharing their stories, the role models hope to inspire others to be safer, too.

Close

At the October meeting, Montrose Counseling Center's Board of Directors chose its officers for the upcoming year. Congratulations are in order for President Corey E. Devine, Vice President Sash Cavin, Treasurer Chris Robertson, and Secretary Jose Apodaca, who were re-elected to office. Congratulations also to Angela L. Young, who was elected to the At-Large position. For MCC's Permanent Endowment Board, President Ralph Herring, Treasurer Paul Han, and Secretary Tommy Schwartz were re-elected for another term.

Close

Whether you're hosting a party this holiday season or doing your regular grocery shopping, you can support MCC without spending an extra dime! Simply link your Randalls Remarkable Card to MCC's account by filling out this application and presenting it at the Courtesy Booth. You can link your Kroger Plus Card to MCC's account by printing this bar code and having your checker scan it. If you haven't re-linked your account to us since July, it's time to do so!

Have you decided that you'll do your holiday shopping in the privacy and comfort of your own home? By using Goodshop to do your online shopping, Montrose Counseling Center can receive a percentage of your purchases. Simply choose us as your designated charity. It's that easy! Goodshop allows you to shop at over 700 stores online, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, Sears, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, and many, many more.

Did you know that you can raise money for MCC every day by replacing your current search engine with Goodsearch? Simply choose MCC as your designated charity, and we will receive a penny every time you run an online search. Get started today by adding Goodsearch to your internet toolbar.

Close

You are invited to Carl Han's 4th Annual A Brunch in November on Saturday, November 21, from 12:30 - 3 p.m. in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. This year's theme is Mardi Gras, and the menu includes delicious, authentic New Orleans cuisine, including gumbo, sausage red beans and rice, and bread pudding. $10 at the door. Every penny will be donated to HATCH. Please Rsvp BY EMAIL no later than Friday, November 13 if you plan to attend.

Close

Under the reign of Emperor and Empress XXV Matt and Marcia Mink Anne Gill, the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. (ERSICSS) raises funds for HATCH as one of Reign XXV’s charities. Please help HATCH by supporting them at these upcoming events, which include a Denim Party at BRB at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 8.

Close

Email You may consider yourself well informed about MCC. You may have friends and family who have received our services, or you may have come to us for help in the past. However, you may not know our whole story. Maybe you haven't seen the GLBT Cultural Center in our new home at 401 Branard. Maybe you don't know about our progress in the last year, how new programs have begun and existing programs have expanded. Do you know that we are now able to serve GLBT and Questioning youth on their school campuses? Have you heard of our new HIV prevention methods using community role models? Are you aware that we have added new support groups to better meet the needs of all members of the community?

Please join us for a behind-the-scenes tour, available at 6 p.m. every Monday in November. Tours last half an hour and provide detailed information about our programs and services. Walk-in's are welcome! Simply check in with our receptionist on the 2nd floor. You may also Rsvp to 713.800.0872 or by Email.

Close

One component of the newly designed Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston website is the GLBT Resource Directory, where GLBT-dedicated and -affirming service providers are encouraged to add/update their listings. Organizations can be viewed in the following categories: Arts/Cultural, Community/Events, Education/Advocacy, Health Care, HIV/AIDS Support, Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Religious/Spiritual, Senior Support, Social/Recreational, Support Services, and Youth Support.

If you are the representative of a GLBT-affirming agency, please add/update your organization's listing by clicking here.

Close

GLBT youth, ages 13-20, and GLBT seniors, ages 60 and older, are invited to make use of the David Bohnett Cyber Center Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2 - 4 p.m. The Cyber Center consists of state-of-the-art computers and color laser printer. Cyber Center shifts are staffed by volunteers, who can assist participants as needed. Please note that the Cyber Center will be closed on Friday, November 27.

Cyber Center users do not need to be clients of MCC or participants in SPRY or HATCH. GLBT youth and seniors are welcome to drop by during Cyber Center hours. The Cyber Center is located in Room 101 of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. For more information, please call 713.800.0872.

Close

Are you 60 years or older? Do you want to stay active with a supportive network of your peers? Please join us at Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years (SPRY)'s upcoming Socials, which will be located in Room 101 of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. November's events include:<

• Pot luck on Thursday, November 12 at 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to pair with ham!
  
• Movie screening of The Killing of Sister George on Thursday, November 19, at 2 p.m. Join us for this oldie but goodie!

For more information about SPRY, visit the SPRY website, watch this video, or call 713.529.0037.

Close

Montrose Counseling Center's Continuing Education classes will feature Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis on Friday, November 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. The class will take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC and is open to everyone. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for LMSWs, LBSWs, LCDCs, and LPCs. The class costs $30 if prepaid. There will be an additional $10 fee if paid at the door.

For more information about upcoming Continuing Education classes and how to register for them, click here. Please call MCC's Education Department at 713.529.0037 for additional information.

Close

Looking for a venue for an upcoming commitment ceremony, movie screening, meeting, or event? The GLBT Cultural Center has available, affordable space. Rentable spaces can accommodate up to 268 people.  Lease-able office space is available for nonprofit groups, but spaces are going quickly. For more information, click here.

Close

We sincerely appreciate Pride Houston, Bryant Johnson, and Gary Wood for hosting the "Houston Coming Out!" Celebration, of which MCC's HIV programs were beneficiaries.

Thank you to La Strada Restaurant for creating a special menu and fund-raising opportunity for Montrose Counseling Center in early October.

Huge thanks go out to Susan Parker, for including MCC in the online book launch of her memoir Walking in the Deep End.

We'd like to thank YATE Acrobats and Martial Arts performers and Houston's WYLDSTYLE Hip Hop Dance Company for including a fund-raising aspect for HATCH in their October 31 and November 1 performances of The Legend of Yin and Yang.

Thanks to Falcon, Scott Kenyon, and Josh Jones for organizing the "Fire It Up" show. Proceeds will be used to send people living with HIV/AIDS to the upcoming Illuminations Project, of which MCC is a beneficiary.

Our thanks go out to those who hosted the following ERSICSS shows in support of HATCH as one of Reign XXV's charities:

• Boys Do BBQ Party
• Postal Auction show
  
• Larry and Selena's 10th Anniversary Party
• Double Nickel show
  
• Falcon's Feathers and Fur
• Murder and Mystery Night
  
• Blair Underwood Presents...
  
• Pumpkin Patch show

We extend our sincerest appreciation to the following people, who were essential to the success of The Secret's Out:

• Corey E. Devine, Dennis Robinson, and Angela L. Young, who served on the Event Planning Committee
• Jose Apodaca, Jim Bailey, Jeff Bishop, Delma Cummings, Corey E. Devine, ERSICSS, Craig Farrell, Ally Gracia, Paul Guillory, Carl Han, Bob Hergenroeder, Sally Huffer, Mike Jozwiak, Tom Mathews, Brendan Mikeska, Jim Owens, Susan Parker, PFLAG, Ann Pinchak, Judy Reeves, Chris Robertson, Dennis Robinson, Ann J. Robison, Ash Semien, Eric Skains, and Angela L. Young, who hosted tables at the event
• City Council Member Wanda Adams, Bill Blake, Corey E. Devine, Billy Ford, Ashley Lemon, Lee McGuire, Ann J. Robison, and Angela L. Young, who participated in the evening's program
• Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and the members of the Board of Directors who donated wine
• Brad Odom, who lent us the sound system
• Silver Eagle Distributors, who sponsored the event
• Village Greenery & Flowers, who donated a beautiful flower arrangement
• Jim Benton Catering, who provided the wonderful food
• Ally, Ashley, Blake, Dee, Francis, Glenn, Jennifer, Jesse, Kelly, Leslie, Mandy, Mike, Paul, Rachael, and Viki, who generously donated their time as our hard-working volunteers!

Close