| November | 2010 |
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| Male Sexual Assault: Rarely Reported and Vastly Misunderstood Gary Heath, BRAVO’s Domestic Violence Program Coordinator Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical challenges. In their lifetime, one in three women will be the victim of sexual assault, and one in six men will be the victim of sexual assault. The rape of adult males is an issue that has been largely neglected and widely misunderstood. When men are raped, they are usually assaulted by other men, and like females, by someone they know, family members, romantic partners, acquaintances, or dates. Sexual assault has little to do with the sexual orientation of the rapist or the victim. Rapists may choose victims simply because they are available, without concern for sexual orientation, gender, or age. Rapists oftentimes target those who are vulnerable, accessible, and less credible and thus less likely to report their perpetration to friends, family members, law enforcement, and service providers. Gay and bi men who have been raped may attempt to make sense of their rape by rationalizing the assault and blaming themselves. Self blame, fear of authority or moral judgment from law enforcement, medical providers, and counselors may impede gay men’s ability to seek assistance from traditional support systems. If you are a survivor you may feel angry, anxious, scared, or depressed. You may have trouble sleeping or eating, or may want to sleep and eat all the time. You might have flashbacks of the assault or have a hard time concentrating or you may have none of these feelings. Know that BRAVO, SARNCO, SVES and other local service providers are here to help. Please join BRAVO and other community co-sponsors for “Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse on Oprah: Expanding Awareness and Understanding,” on Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, 55 West 12th Avenue, Drinko Hall, Room 348, Columbus, Ohio. (Male Survivors Flyer) Campus Co-Sponsors:
- Top of Page - Transgendered Community Still Battling Ignorance Kelli Medaglia, BRAVO Volunteer In our modern world — laced with diversity of culture in food, dress, religion, heritage and artistic endeavors — it seems nearly out of place and plainly questionable regarding the negatively-charged perceptions toward transgendered persons. A dichotomy exists whereby our societal differences of thought and presentation are encouraged. Yet, for the number of times one says or hears, ”It's a free country,“ there are countless instances of condescension and outright dismissal concerning those who are transgendered. Moreover, many are quick to place judgment through open ignorance, acknowledging any lack of exposure to — or wherewithal of — the transgendered community overall. Largely, this is attributed to a long-held notion of harboring suspicion toward anyone who is remotely considered ‘different.’ Often, that perceived difference — through a sense of newness and subsequent inability to control one’s immediate world — gives way to feelings of insecurity in very self-absorbed ways. Such myopic approaches are never predicated upon rational thought. “What a disgusting and immoral lifestyle.” Many communities (transgendered included) tend to present some form of stereotype; although, with constant evolutions of culture, we typically dismiss outdated perceptions because they’re simply not socially relevant. For example, contrary to common thought, the majority of individuals under the transgendered umbrella are not flamboyant show girls nor psychologically confused or challenged. Additionally, generating income through gainful employment, electoral voting, and grounded relationships are mainstays of transmen and transwomen alike. If those are disgusting qualities, perhaps our collective world requires a resetting of sorts. “... just a bunch of weirdo faggots.” Misconceptions present an easy road for summarizing any given grouping of people. The separating factor is evident when we eliminate mental laziness: taking simple steps toward learning about others who may espouse different, conflicting or seemingly unusual characteristics in their life approaches. The word, “transgendered,” is merely a referencing adjective that is no different from descriptives as blonde, conservative, tall, Protestant or healthy. Various words can shape a thumbnail sketch of us without comprehensively defining who any of us are. A climate of active learning only reveals a greater depth and appreciation for each’s unique qualities while eroding irrational fears and suppositions. The world is increasingly smaller and its methods for connecting everyone are always expanding. This is notable in easily recognizing that we’re all neighbors in some fashion and the paths we forge inevitably intersect. A bit of added knowledge about our immediate and widespread communities adds substance and breadth for each of us... and all of us. Unchecked ignorance and the perpetuation of misguided opinions play themselves outward each year in the form of bewildering, hate-inspired violence toward unassuming, law-abiding people within local communities on a national scale. The annual recognition of transgendered victims who have lost their lives at the hands of violence and mistreatment takes place at 7:00 p.m. on November 18th at King Avenue United Methodist Church. - Top of Page - Ohio Transgender Day of Remembrance Events Cincinnati Thursday, November 18, 2010 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hebrew Union College 3101 Clifton Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 Columbus Thursday, November 18, 2010 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. King Avenue United Methodist Church 299 King Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43201 Cleveland Friday, November 19, 2010 5:45 p.m. at The Justice Center, then a short march to City Hall. Program begins at 6:00 p.m. Justice Center 1200 Ontario Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 - Top of Page - Look For Community Shares and BRAVO In Your Company’s Workplace Giving Campaign Community Shares connects workplace campaign donors to community-based nonprofits working on long-term solutions to local needs. If you are reading this article, it’s likely you are already involved with BRAVO and know about the important work we are doing. You can easily support BRAVO by making a paycheck donation in your workplace giving campaign. In these challenging times, it takes all of us working together to strengthen our communities and support local nonprofits. Let your friends and co-workers know they can also support your cause and BRAVO. If your company does not include Community Shares and BRAVO, please consider asking that BRAVO is included. Click here to find out if Community Shares of Mid Ohio and BRAVO are a giving option in your workplace charity campaign. - Top of Page - |
In This Issue:
An evening of fine dining, premier homes and engaging conversation: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? offers an intimate dining experience with 8 - 10 individuals in a private home. A touch of intrigue rounds out the appeal as the mystery of where and with whom guests will dine will unfold that evening at the opening reception.
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 Support. Connect. Succeed Together. BRAVO is a founding member of National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP).  |
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