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Welcome to OUT! as I Want to Be
The place for GLBTQ Youth to come together in Mid-Coast Maine
OUT!...As I Want to Be is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer, and Questioning young people ages 14-22. We always
welcome Straight Allies.
Our programs and activities are driven by the needs, ideas, and energy
of youth, who participate fully in decision-making at every level. At
our weekly meetings; make new friends, see old friends, talk, laugh,
play games, see movies, learn about GLBTQ life, discuss serious and
not-so-serious issues.
Fashion's Night Out :: May 11, 2013
Fashion Show & Dance Party to benefit OUT!
David Scriven Crowley Gallery, 409 Main Street, Rockland, Maine
6:30 Cocktails :: 7:30 Fashion Show :: Dance Party to follow
Buy Tickets Online
No suicide has a single cause, but verbal harassment by her peers was
certainly a factor in a 13-year-old's tragic decision to end her life
last week in Troy, Maine. Her family's report that this young woman was
questioning her sexuality underscores this tragedy, highlighting the
reality that LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning)
youth comprise an unacceptably large percentage of youth suicides in
Maine.
Middle schools are the newest institutions coping with our changing
culture. At increasingly younger ages, our country's youth are receiving
messages about and exploring their own sexuality. Research has taught
us that differently gendered or oriented children know they are
different before the age of 10. The need for training for our school
teachers and administrators in the sexuality issues of this younger age
group is considerable.
Maine's new anti-bullying legislation is an important first step.
Yet, helping all of our kids feel welcomed in our schools requires more
than anti-bullying policies. All children who are bullied, regardless of
the reason, need adults who are willing to take notice, step up, and
speak out at the first sign of trouble.
For LGBTQ youth, we need to provide visible and audible reminders
that LGBTQ people are well represented in our communities: teachers,
other community leaders, authors, inventors, bankers, etc. They need
safe spaces that provide a place for them to explore who they are and
how they can stand tall in our communities. They need help and support
in finding their voices and how they can best contribute to our
community-at-large.
Out! As I Want to Be provides affirmation, support, guidance,
advocacy, and education to LGBTQ young people and their allies aged
14-22 in Mid-coast Maine and its offshore islands. We offer an evening
drop-in for members in Rockland every Wednesday and Friday. We are often
a lifeline for isolated rural youth through our 800 number: 530-6997.
We grieve that we don't reach every LGBTQ youth in need. Last Friday,
our youth members responded to news of the Mt. View student's
experience by initiating the drafting of letters to fellow young people
urging them not to consider suicide. As a community, we need to provide
alternatives to suicide.
Out! is working to establish GSTA's (Gay/Straight/Trans/Alliances)
and Safe Spaces in all of our schools. Join us in our grief and in our
work to build communities where all of our kids can thrive. Together, we
can build on our state's support for equality for all to make our
schools and communities safe, supportive environments for each and every
youth.
Thank you!!
Out! As I Want to Be concluded its
successful Matching Campaign in late December 2012!
We begin 2013 grateful for your support of Out's drop in, opportunities
for Out! youth to participate in LGBTQ youth events across Maine, and
outreach to schools and out communities. Out moved to our new drop-in
and office space at 328 Main St, Suite 305 in early December.
Out! youth had a front row seat at Marriage Equality Celebration,
held at David Scriven Crowley Gallery, Rockland in January.
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Recent Events
Feb 2: Advisor Training
Out held an all-day training for adults interested in serving as
advisors. These advisors se support LGBTQ youth and their allies, age
14-22 at the drop in and through special projects and events. Advisor
training is held as needed. Candidates should have strong communication
abilities, experience with working with youth, good boundaries and be
willing to make a commitment of every other week at a minimum. Anyone
interested in more information should contact Program Director Lis Clark
for more information at 1-800-530-6997 or outmaine@yahoo.com.
Jan 4: Open House
Out! held an open house on Friday, January 4, from 4-6 pm. Visitors stopped by for refreshments and to check out our new home.
Oct 23. Premier of "Two Seconds," a short dramatic film made by Project AWARE Teens.
Out! youth participated in the writing and creation of this film on
teen sexual health issues, a project of Family Planning Association of
Maine. Seating limited. 7pm. Crooker Theater, Brunswick High School, 116
Maquoit Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
FMI: http://www.mainefamilyplanning.org/blog/2012/what-i-learned-from-project-aware-teens/
Oct 20. 3rd Annual Maine QT Youth Summit, Lewiston
Out! staff and youth helped organize and nine youth attended summit
at USM, Lewiston Campus for LGBTQ youth, age 14-24. 9am – 10 pm.
Keynote: Mary Bonuato. Workshops included HIV prevention/sexual Health,
starting a GSA/GSTA, LGBTQ History. Gender Bender Dance followed from
7-10 pm. http://www.outrightla.org/
 September 18: Benefit for Out! As I Want to Be: CLOUDBURST: the movie
The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St, Rockland. 7pm. Tickets: $25.
Film by Thom Fitzgerald. Starring Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker &
Ryan Doucette. http://www.cloudburstmovie.com/
"Thom Fitzgerald's award-winning delight Cloudburst... a
film that expertly blends tender-hearted romance and uproarious comedy
and gives Olympia Dukakis one of the best roles of her career." -
Glasgow Film Festival
 August 19. Drag Show at The Pearl. Benefit for Out! As I Want to Be.
Featured Isis Vermouth, Kashi Golean, Shealita
Baby, Eva D. Destruction, Kayla Stennett & DJ Fowl Play. 275 Main
St, Public Landing. Tickets: Dinner $50. General Admission: $25. On
sale at Sweets & Meats, 218 So. Main St, Rockland, Rheal Day Spa,
453 Main St Rockland, and from Out! PO Box 1723, Rockland. Thanks to
sponsors: Sweets & Meats, Rheal Day Spa, Limerock Inn, Michael Good
Design, & Tradewinds.
August 4. Lobster Festival Parade.
Out! youth were joined by adult allies from the local community
this year as they marched and drummed in the 65th Annual Lobster
Festival parade in downtown Rockland.
 May 2-6. Jamie Nabozny & the film "Bullied: A Student, A School and A Case that Made History."
Jamie's visit to midcoast Maine included assemblies with more
than 3000 students from 8 schools, a screening and talk at The Strand
(available via MPBN: Speaking in Maine) and a visit with students and
advisors of GSAs (gay-straight alliances) from Downeast and northern
Maine in Orono. Sponsored by Out! As I Want to Be, with support from
Trekkers and David Scriven Crowley Gallery.
1-800-530-6997
 Like us on Facebook!
OUT! Drop-in Times:
Wed. 5-8pm; and Fri. 6-9pm
328 Main St
Suite 305
Rockland, ME 04841
This is in the Syndicate Building,
corner of Oak St and Main St,
3rd floor at the back,
upstairs from Black Parrot and FOG
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