Pride Center of Vermont

Overview

The Pride Center of Vermont, formerly known as RU12? Community Center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Vermont. Established in 1999 by a group of Vermont undergraduate students from the University of Vermont and Middlebury College, it is New England's most comprehensive community center focused on advancing community and the health and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Vermonters[1][2][4].

History

Initially, the organization operated solely with volunteers until its first Executive Director was hired in 2002. Over the years, the Pride Center has evolved to include a broader range of programs and services, expanding its impact across Vermont[1][2].

Programs and Services

The center offers a variety of programs and services designed to meet the distinct socio-economic, health, and safety needs of the LGBTQ+ community:

• SafeSpace: An anti-violence program for survivors of abuse or violence.
• GLAM: Enhancing health and wellness for young gay, bi, and trans men through stigma-free HIV/STD testing and education.
• *Trans Community Wellness Project**: Focused on building community for transgender, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals.
• 6 Degrees: A social networks model for HIV testing.
• Momentum: Programs for LGBTQ+ individuals over 55.
• Thrive: For queer and trans people of color.
• Family and Elders Programs: Support services for families and older adults within the LGBTQ+ community[2][4].

The Pride Center also features a drop-in resource center, community meeting spaces, a 3,000-volume lending library, the David Bohnett Cyber Center, and social events. Additionally, it houses the Vermont Queer Archives, which preserve the state's unique LGBTQ+ history[1][2][3].

Mission and Impact

The organization's mission is to celebrate, educate, and advocate for LGBTQ Vermonters. It plays a crucial role in connecting rural LGBTQ individuals to build community, visibility, and power. The Pride Center collaborates with other organizations to ensure a supportive environment for all Vermonters, fostering inclusivity and health through initiatives like the Vermont Diversity Health Project[2][4].

Challenges and Controversies

Recently, the Pride Center has faced allegations of antisemitism due to a statement regarding international conflicts. This led to resignations from some board members and concerns about inclusivity within the organization[5]. Despite these challenges, the center remains committed to its core values of equity and inclusivity[5].

External Resources

For more detailed information about current programs and events, or for ways to support the Pride Center's mission, interested individuals can explore the organization's resources and engagement opportunities.

[1] https://www.pridecentervt.org/about/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Center_of_Vermont [3] https://justfoodhub.us/pride-center/ [4] https://women.vermont.gov/lgbtqia [5] https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/pride-center-of-vermont-is-roiled-by-allegations-of-antisemitism-41763109