This Just in from the Ocean State
RIP Myra Shays
A strong supporter of the RI LGBT community, Myra Shays died in April at the age of 93.
In 1982, while still living in New York City, Myra joined the NYC chapter of PFLAG, after learning that one of her daughters was a lesbian. Upon moving to Rhode Island, she founded the Providence PFLAG chapter in 1998. She established its board of directors, led monthly meetings to support parents and families, and grew the chapter’s presence in the area for the following 15 years. She was also a responder on the GLBT Helpline, and contributed greatly as a writer and editor with OPTIONS Magazine.
Pride Month in Westerly
Despite some pushback in some online forums, the Westerly Town Council proclaimed June Pride Month At meeting time, over a dozen people filled the council chamber in support of the designation. Only two or three people were in the room in opposition.
The proclamation, the reading of which received a standing ovation, read, in part: “Westerly recognizes the contributions of LGBTQIA+ residents, students, employees, business owners and visitors to the cultural and civic fabric of the town and remains committed to protecting their civil rights in our unified effort to forge a more open and just society.”
Open letter to lawmakers
A coalition of local organizations, advocates, and community members have sent an open letter to Rhode Island legislators urging them to reject a series of proposed bills that would undermine the well-being of LGBTQ+ people in the state.
“The majority of Rhode Islanders support equality, and we’ve proven that from one legislative session to the next,” the letter reads. It describes a series of proposed bills that target LGBTQ+ people and “run counter to our commitment to protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”
The letter was signed by over 60 organizations, including the National Education Association Rhode Island, Rhode Island Medical Society, Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians, Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rhode Island Psychological Association, Rhode Island Section of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Rhode Island Black Business Association, and Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights.
The letter was also signed by over 400+ individual Rhode Islanders, including medical providers, behavioral health providers, teachers, parents, and other concerned residents from towns across the state.
LGBTQIA+ summer bike camp
Bike Newport offers one-week Summer Bike Camps, including one week just for LGBTQIA+ campers, age 13 to 18, held August 11–15.
All campers need to know how to ride a bike. They will learn about bike handling, safety skills and basic maintenance. They will ride on roads and trails. All Bikes and helmets needed to participate are provided.
Camps are free for the youth of Newport with a focus on children from families with financial challenges. However all participants are welcome to contribute what they can, from $0 to $500 per week. All donations help to offset the costs of camp and our other programs.
For more, contact camp director Clare Woodhead at clare@bikenewportri.org or 401-619-4900.
Beyond the binary
On April 26, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County in Peace Dale (UUCSC) held an event called Beyond the Binary, intended to provide a safe place for gender diverse people and their friends and family to gather, and to educate the local community about gender diversity.
Numerous presentations were offered on topics ranging from a history of US LGBTQ+ liberation and allyship to trans rights in Trump’s America. One hundred and four people attended this important and affirming event, organized by the UUCSC’s Social and Racial Justice Group. Said spokesperson Cathy Solomon, “the event was dedicated to fostering joy, education, and inclusivity for all.”
