Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
On June 30th, GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project will wrap up our fiscal year and we hope to connect with many of you before the year end.
This past year, we have seen a steady increase in the number of survivors seeking services. To date, with the financial support from individuals like yourself, we have served over 500 survivors and anticipate over 600 will access our safe home, community advocacy and legal services by the fiscal year-end (a 10% increase over last year). These individuals have faced physical and sexual abuse, isolation from family and friends, disruptions at work, homelessness, and/or resistance from legal and medical systems that do not understand the unique needs of GLBTQ survivors. Now, many of these individuals and families are living in safety, free from violence.
However, there are too few GLBTQ-inclusive services to respond to the growing need. In the first 10 months of the year, we turned away 137 survivors because there was no space in our safe home. GLBTQ survivors need equal access to services/shelter. Thankfully, financial support from the community has allowed us to extend our work beyond direct care and services. This past year:
• we provided short-term support to other domestic violence programs as they worked with individual GLBTQ survivors and long-term assistance to programs that were transitioning to become fully inclusive.
• we continued our legal representation in a groundbreaking discrimination case where a gay male survivor was denied access to a domestic violence program’s services. The case is likely to set legal precedent and increase access for gay male, bisexual male, and transgender survivors. A decision is expected this fall.
• we saw years of our policy advocacy come to fruition with the passage of an inclusive US Violence Against Women Act which explicitly includes GLBT individuals and represents the first Federal GLBT non-discrimination provisions.
GLBTQ-DVP is working hard to support survivors by improving access to services – both increasing our own capacity and removing barriers to mainstream services.
We cannot do this work without your help.
If you have already contributed this year, THANK YOU!
If you have not contributed this year, please take a moment to make your donation today. As you pledge your gift, you join us in providing life-saving resources so that more survivors can find safety, hope, and the strength to re-build their lives free from violence.
Thank you for your support,
Curt Rogers
Executive Director
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The Spring Event
Purchase Tickets!
The Spring Event is the GLBTQ DVP’s (formerly the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project) annual cocktail reception to honor local individuals and organizations that embody GLBTQ DVP’s mission of providing support & services to GLBTQ victims & survivors of domestic violence.
The Spring Event will be held on Thursday, April 11th, 2013 at the Ames Hotel, Boston from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. General tickets are $75. Champion tickets are $250. The GLBTQ DVP champion ticket package includes two tickets and recognition as agency champions, for up to two individuals, in day-of-event material.
Spring Event Honorees
Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual and Domestic Violence, is a longtime supporter of GLBTQ rights and a staunch advocate for GLBTQ victims and survivors.
Kevin Doran, a GLBTQ survivor denied access to free domestic violence facial reconstructive services, is the complainant in a groundbreaking legal case to ensure others won’t encounter discrimination.
Verizon, a corporate pioneer in GLBTQ domestic violence philanthropy, was the first corporation to fund GLBTQ domestic violence programming at a significant level, and has done so for over 6 years.
Host Committee
event co-chairs:
David W. Brown & Benjamin Perkins
Randal Engelmann & Erik Gould
host committee:
Brian Boyle & Matt Savoie
Greg DeCenzo
Matt Foley
Chris Hemming
Scott Jones
Kevin Kealing
Stephen Ledbetter & Paul Sweeney
Timothy Munzert
Kelly Murphy
Brittney Nichols
Christopher Valente
Ruth Woods Dunham
Sponsors
Many thanks to our 2013 sponsors! Click the logos to learn more about this year’s Spring Event partners.
—Platinum Sponsors—
—Gold Sponsors—
—Silver Sponsors—
—Bronze Sponsors—
—Ally Sponsors—
Questions?
Contact the GLBTQ DVP Development Team
development@gmdvp.org or 617.354.6056
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GLBT Inclusive Violence Against Women Act Passes in the U.S. House of Representatives
February 28, 2013 – Earlier today, the US House of Representatives passed a GLBT-inclusive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which provides critical funds for programs that serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The legislation already passed the Senate and now heads to President Obama, who has pledged to sign the bill into law.
The bill explicitly includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals and represents the first Federal GLBT non-discrimination provisions. The House passed the bill just three weeks after the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention release a report that GLB individuals experience rates of domestic and sexual violence equal to or greater than their heterosexual counterparts.
The unprecedented legislative achievement is the product of years of continuous advocacy by many GLBTQ organizations. The GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project (GLBTQ-DVP) has been an active member of the LGBT subcommittee of the VAWA Steering Committee and has worked hard to protect funding for GLBTQ services and to dismantle exclusive provisions of the previous version of VAWA.
“The new legislation is an important advancement in expanding the nation’s understanding of domestic violence to be inclusive of GLBTQ victims and survivors,” said Curt Rogers, Executive Director of GLBTQ-DVP. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin stated that “it’s tremendous that both Republican and Democratic leaders came together to ensure that all domestic violence victims, including those who are LGBT, will not face discrimination when they seek services.”
While the new legislation does explicitly include GLBTQ survivors and opens new funding streams for services to these populations, the legislation also disqualifies GLBTQ organizations from accessing other VAWA funding sources that were previously available and are currently funding GLBTQ programs, such as VAWA’s “Culturally-Specific” grant programs.
While it is hoped that the new legislation will mean a net gain in service dollars for GLBTQ victims and survivors, the immediate impact is unclear. It is imperative that the newly funded GLBT-inclusive “Underserved Populations” grant program is initiated immediately and begins funding GLBTQ programs before those that are currently funded through the “Culturally-Specific” grant programs lose access to funding due to new exclusive language. Massachusetts currently has two “Culturally-Specific” VAWA grants for GLBTQ victims representing $600,000 in service dollars that could be in jeopardy.
The reauthorization of VAWA represents a significant step toward recognizing the experience of GLBTQ victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Although there is still much work to be done to ensure continuity of service for GLBTQ survivors, the bill marks a historical achievement for GLBTQ communities.
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GMDVP Announces New Name
We are excited to formally announce our name change from the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project to the
GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project.
In 1994, we were initially founded to provide support and services for gay male victims and survivors of domestic violence; however, by 2000, our agency expanded its focus to include bisexual men and transgender individuals.
Two years ago, we engaged in a strategic planning process where stakeholders acknowledged the diversity of our clients and expanded the mission to include all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer communities. The name change reflects our new mission and our dedication to delivering support and services to GLBTQ victims and survivors of domestic violence.
We believe that all victims and survivors deserve support and services that are culturally competent and that regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We hope you join us in this journey as we deepen our outreach and education efforts in GLBTQ communities and continue to advocate for equal access to domestic violence services for victims and survivors.
Thank you for your support,
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Take the Plunge | GMDVP’s 9th Annual Winter Plunge!
On Sunday, February 24th at 12 pm the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP) is hosting its 9th Annual Winter Plunge! GMDVP and its supporters gather annually for the plunge into the icy Boston Harbor, in order to raise money to provide support and services to GLBTQ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The event raises awareness about GLBTQ domestic violence, celebrates the work that GMDVP does within the GLBTQ community, and serves as an essential fundraiser that increases access to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. At the event you will find warm and friendly faces, live music and an agency that works tirelessly to advocate for and support GLBTQ survivors.
Costumes are a vibrant part of the plunging tradition, but optional for plungers. Outfits will range from drag queens to penguins to Elvis Presley. The winter plunge is a great way for the community to support GMDVP, with plungers raising funds in the style of walk-athons. Last year alone, the plunge raised over $12,000 for GMDVP and was put toward services for GLBTQ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Take the Plunge
We are currently recruiting plungers to dive into Carson Beach with us this February! If you register to plunge with GMDVP, we ask that you set a target fundraising goal of $500 (we ask each participant to raise a minimum of $100).
Don’t forget your costume! There is a long-standing tradition of quirky costumes, including an annual appearance by our resident Ice Queen. Although costumes are a big part of the day, they are optional. We have several participants each year in swimwear!
If you are interested in plunging with us this February, email us to register at crogers@gmdvp.org or call us at 617-354-6056.
- Fundraising Commitment: $500 dollars (minimum requirement $100)
- Time: 10:45 am – 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 24th, 2012
- Location: Carson Beach (meet at the boat house)
- Costume: The quirkier the better! Feel free to contact us if you need help thinking of a great costume!
Support Your Friends
Pledge money to your friend and watch them jump into icy cold water? Come down to Carson Beach to join us for this event and celebrate the work of GMDVP! The support from friends and spectators help to make this event really special. Your presence not only helps to cheer on the plungers, but it also raises awareness around the importance of this issue within the GLBTQ community. Come show support this winter, listen to live music and meet new people!
Donate Today!
If you’re unable to plunge, but are interested in support GMDVP please feel free to pledge to one of the plungers! All donations help GMDVP to provide support and services to GLBTQ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Directions:
Driving:
Public Transportation:
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GMDVP Receives Verizon Grant for Education & Outreach Program
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project Receives Verizon Foundation Grant for Education Outreach Program
Thursday, December 6th, 2012
Stephanie Lee, Regional Director of Public Affairs, Verizon
State Representative Kay Khan
Curt Rogers, Executive Director, GMDVP
Kevin Kealing, Board Chair, GMDVP
Matt Foley, Director of Client Services, GMDVP
The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP) received a $10,000 Verizon Foundation grant to support a domestic violence prevention program that educates gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men about domestic violence and the role they can play in responding to it. Campaign goals are to empower men to speak out against domestic violence, act as positive influencers to other men, and provide awareness and resources to the community.
The award was presented Wednesday, December 5th at 3:30 pm at the Family Justice Center, 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. Massachusetts Representative Kahn and Verizon Regional Director of Public Affairs, Stephanie Lee, attended the event in order to show their support for the work of GMDVP.
GMDVP is one of 19 nonprofit agencies across Massachusetts that will receive a total of $220,000 in grants to support domestic violence prevention and services programs. This year, the Verizon Foundation focused its funding on programs that engage men in domestic violence awareness and prevention; mobilize teens to engage in healthy relationships and in spreading domestic violence prevention; help survivors transition through economic empowerment programs; and support families through healthcare initiatives.
“The Verizon Foundation is working to help stop the cycle of violence by providing financial, technical and human expertise to organizations that focus on education, prevention, victim relief and empowerment,” said Stephanie Lee. “We appreciate GMDVP’s leadership on this important issue, and are proud to support them in their mission to ensure domestic violence survivors are able to live safer, healthier and happier lives.”
Kevin Kealing, GMDVP’s Board Chair, underscored the importance of the Verizon Foundation grant. “Verizon’s leading role in domestic violence philanthropy is already a model for other corporations. However, their ongoing support of GMDVP also encourages corporations to be mindful of marginalized domestic violence victim populations. Verizon’s support is critical to our ability to meet the needs of GLBTQ survivors.”
The Verizon Foundation is focused on accelerating social change by using the company’s innovative technology to help solve pressing problems in education, health care and energy management. Since 2000, the Verizon Foundation has invested more than half a billion dollars to improve the communities where Verizon employees work and live. Verizon’s employees are generous with their donations and their time, having logged more than 6.2 million hours of service to make a positive difference in their communities. For more information about Verizon’s philanthropic work, visit www.verizonfoundation.org; or for regular updates, visit the Foundation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/verizongiving).
GMDVP provides crisis intervention for GLBTQ victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. GMDVP works with all survivors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GMDVP’s offerings include education, advocacy, and direct services including a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, an emergency safe-home and legal advocacy. GMDVP has been providing services for 19 years and serves Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. 24 hour hotline: 800.832.1901
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Halloween Party a great success!!!
Despite the impending storm on Sunday evening, GMDVP supporters braved the weather to celebrate our 15th annual Halloween Party! Hosted at The Estate Boston, the Halloween Event included a a costume contest, party, and silent auction.
Attended by Batman and Robin, Austin Powers, a “Binder Full of Women”, the Gray Lady, and many sailors, the Halloween Party offered a chance for folks to dance to the beats of ((((Group Hug)))) deejays Nathanel Bluhm and BRDR or hang out in the velvet chairs along the balcony and watch Mizo Fizo’s psychedelic visuals. Emcee Kris Knievil keep the silent auction energy moving as attendees vied for hot packages including a trip to Paris, a sunset sail on a private yacht, and private skating lessons from Olympians Matt Savoie and Suna Murrray. And, at the end of the evening, guests headed to Underbar to make the most of their complimentary entry into Chris Harris Presents Halloween.
We at GMDVP would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Halloween Party- from our sponsors and auction donors, volunteers and attendees. We already can’t wait to celebrate with you all next year!
Keep visiting our Facebook Fanpage to see more photos!
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*** BREAKING NEWS *** Probable Cause Found in Gay Man’s Discrimination Suit Against Mainstream Domestic Violence Program
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has found that a gay male domestic violence survivor has probable cause in his discrimination complaint against the R.O.S.E. Fund.
The complainant (whose name is being withheld to protect his privacy) is in need of facial reconstructive surgery to repair broken facial bones and teeth suffered during an abusive relationship. The complainant attempted to apply for The R.O.S.E. Fund’s facial reconstructive surgery program but was told that he could not apply due to his sex. The R.O.S.E. Fund routinely provides free access to facial reconstructive surgery to female victims of domestic violence.
GMDVP’s Legal Assistance for Victims program is funded to provide holistic legal services around a survivor’s experience with domestic violence. Often our legal work is specifically focused on overcoming GLBTQ-based discrimination for the survivors we represent (such as with the police and criminal justice system). This time, the survivor came to GMDVP requesting assistance in overcoming discrimination from another domestic violence organization, The R.O.S.E. Fund.
GMDVP worked to encourage The R.O.S.E. Fund to respond appropriately to the survivor before finally moving forward with the MCAD complaint — which alleged discrimination on the basis of sex in a place of public accommodation and in the provision of services. The complainant is not seeking monetary damages, only that he be provided the requested facial reconstructive surgery and that the R.O.S.E. Fund change its policy and stop discriminating in the provision of services on the basis of an applicant’s sex.
The R.O.S.E. Fund has defended its policy to limit services to female survivors of domestic violence arguing “that including men it its programs would detract from its purpose, and discourage volunteer and financial supporters.” MCAD rejected the R.O.S.E. Fund argument that exclusion of males is based on a legitimate and non-discriminatory determination that female domestic violence survivors suffer unique self-esteem issues that male domestic violence survivors do not.
The State of Massachusetts is clear in its messaging to contractors and grant recipients that state-funded domestic violence services must be available to all survivors. However, some domestic violence programs, such as the R.O.S.E. Fund, have argued that it is appropriate to deny services to victims based on gender. GLBTQ advocates have argued that denying services based on gender and/or sexual orientation is discrimination.
Curt Rogers, GMDVP’s Executive Director, is a gay male survivor who was repeatedly denied access to domestic violence shelters when he was fleeing an attempted murder at the hands of his abusive partner. “As a victim who was denied services, it is clear to me that denying access based on gender or sexual orientation is straight-forward discrimination. It is also devastating to GLBTQ victims who are then re-traumatized, left without support and, in many cases, more likely to experience continued and escalating abuse.”
Pierre Berastain, Co-Chair of the GLBT Domestic Violence Coalition, stated “GLBTQ individuals experience domestic violence at rates equal to or higher than heterosexual women. I hope the MCAD probable cause finding helps programs see that blocking GLBTQ survivors’ access to services is not only wrong, but also illegal.” Wayne Thomas, GMDVP’s attorney representing the complainant, indicated that “the case could set a clear precedent about access to domestic violence services and that it is especially important for traditionally marginalized GLBTQ victims.”
GMDVP is aware that this case may be controversial for some in the domestic violence and sexual assault community and that it may set legal precedent with implications for some domestic violence programs. At the end of the day, GMDVP is providing legal services to a survivor who is requesting equal access to facial reconstructive surgery and we trust the community will stand with us in support of this survivor.
GMDVP has advocated to increase access to services for GLBTQ victims of domestic violence since its inception in 1994. In the past 5 years, the organization has provided technical assistance to mainstream domestic violence programs that are transitioning into fully inclusive programs.
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Sneak Peak: Halloween Party Silent Auction!
GMDVP’s Halloween Party just got hotter! As if the glitz of emcee Kris Knievil and beats of ((((Group Hug)))) Nathanael Bluhm and BRDR weren’t enough… we’ve also released a sneak peek at our silent auction!
Bid on (and win) one of our signature auction packages:
Photography by Moyan Brenn
Paris Nights Treat yourself and that special someone to a week of Parisian delights! Enjoy 6 nights/7 days in a private Paris apartment – perfect for a winter or summer getaway! Accommodations include a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, multi-language television, and free wi-fi. Then, relive your Paris memories through Executive Chef Christopher Coombs’ contemporary French cuisine during a dinner for two at Deuxave upon your return stateside. Package includes coach air travel for two from the U.S. to Paris.
Boston Staycation Get away from it all without leaving Beantown! Enjoy dinner for two on the town, relax in contemporary luxury at the Ames Hotel, and indulge in a leisurely brunch for two!
Sunset Sailing Relax as you watch the sun sink behind the Boston skyline while you gently cruise out to the Harbor Islands on a 30 foot Sabre sailboat. Your private sail for 2-3 people includes wine, nibbles, and 3 hours of pure ocean bliss.
Provincetown Getaway Summer is calling and so is a weekend in Provincetown! Whisk away on the PTown ferry and prepare to be pampered a the Anchor Inn Beach House. Enjoy a home-baked brunch before heading out for salon treatments at SNIP and P-Town Massage. End your day with waterfront fine dining at The Mews before crawling into bed- relaxed and refreshed!
Photography by Bill Holmes
Wine and Dine Grab four of your closest friends and head for classic New England and European-inspired cuisine at Eastern Standard. Enjoy sophisticated fare while you tantalize your taste buds with delicious wine pairings drawn from locales across the globe.
Master Chef Budding chefs will delight in learning new tricks with one of ArtEpicure’s cooking classes. Whether you’re hoping to perfect your technique or learn the secrets of a particular region, ArtEpicure’s classes will inspire the Julia Child in you! Then, relax after class with a delicious dinner for two at Flora Restaurant.
Feature Film Calling all movie critics! Now you can take in all the new flicks with a 10-pass package to AMC movie theaters.
Winter Skating Do you dream of twirling on the ice like a pro? Perfect your moves with a one-hour lesson from three-time U.S. bronze medalist and 2006 Olympic figure skater Matt Savoie at the Boston Frog Pond, then relax and talk shop over hot chocolate and treats on Newbury.
Also featuring packages with donations from: Acote, Club Café, Elizabeth Grady, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Etant, The Fireplace, Garden at the Cellar, Geoffrey’s Boston, Jillian’s/Lucky Strike, Lineage, MAC, NewRep Theater, Sault New England, Speakeasy Stage Company, The New England Aquarium, Upstairs on the Square…and many more!!!
And remember, if you buy your tickets before October 26th, you’ll receive free entry into Chris Harris Presents Hot Mess Halloween!
We’ll see you there!
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