What's Here?
BIG EXCITING NEWS!

• LGBT Therapist Network:  Our Spring Workshop; Our PRIDE Table; MN LGBT Mental Health Conference
• Network Steering Committee: Next Meeting
• Groups Offered
• Upcoming Classes & Workshops
• Conferences
• Upcoming Events
• Consultation & Referrals Wanted
• LGBT News Bits
• Quote of the Day

PLEASE SHARE INFO REGARDING GROUPS, EVENTS or WORKSHOPS!
Submissions due by: Fri., 4/10.
Advertise your business here.
This eNewsletter reaches over 100 psychotherapists and organizations, and is growing every week! 
Members are invited to submit notices & announcements!
Do you run a Group? Or know of an upcoming workshop or event for our clients or us? Know something that other QLGBTA mental health professionals may also want to know? Please submit it for the next eNewsletter! See end of eNewsletter for details.

LOOK WHAT'S UP with THE MN.LGBT THERAPIST NETWORK!
I. Our Spring workshop:
Thursday, May 7, 12-2pm. NOTE LOCATION:
Plymouth Congregational Church, located at LaSalle and Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. We will begin with member  announcements at 12:15 and the program runs  12:30-2pm.
Topic: "No Time to Be Shy: Selling Yourself in Today's Market"
This workshop will be facilitated by Phil Oxman, LP, and will include Chris Roberts and White Ash. Phil will speak about marketing issues relative to therapists and Chris and White Ash will speak from their experiences about advertising, business development & marketing.
Workshop Panelists:    
*Chris Roberts founded Roberts & More in 2001 t help clients succeed by suggesting and implementing strategies to enhance reputation. In her public relations and marketing roles, she designs and implements initiatives that result in clear identities, stronger reputations, increased revenue and enhanced employee morale.  She will share a short PowerPoint presentation for folks who are not experienced in marketing for themselves.

*Since 2001, White Ash has been creating boutique web designs and websites with a bit of panache.  He collaborates with internet and marketing specialists to integrate his clients' essential web presence with their
greater marketing strategies. (White Ash is the webmaster of our own LGBT Therapist Network.)

*Phil Oxman, MS, LP, has been in private practice for over 30 Years. He works with a wide variety of concerns presented in individual, couples, and family therapy.
Marketing efforts: "I have been featured in years past in newspapers and radio for my work with gay men, domestic violence issues, and therapy in general. I have never advertised in any newspaper or magazine but have placed a few ads in programs for musical performances.  I also have a separate listing in the Yellow Pages as well."

Network members will be able to share their marketing successes and ask questions. There will be extra opportunities for networking and advertising our members' psychotherapy businesses. Bring your brochures, business cards, and flyers!
Some snacks provided. Bring your bag lunch.
CEU certificate available. 
Price:  $ 20.00 nonmembers
$ 15.00 members
$ 10.00 students & retirees
PLEASE RSVP if you are coming to Dennis Christian <support@dennischristian.com >

II. LGBT Therapist Network Table at PRIDE 2009!
Thank you to the Network members who have already responded to volunteer to staff our table at The Twin Cities Pride Festival. We are planning a fun table that will distribute info about The Network & our 100+ members. We need more help: set-up, 2 hour shifts, take-down. Contact the Steering Committee (below) with your staffing availability and ideas. TC Pride Week-end is June 27 & 28.

III. LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference at UM: Spring 2010!        Developments!        DATE Set!
UM, 3rd floor Coffman for Friday, 3/26/10
~~~~~Be on the cutting edge! Volunteer now!~~~~~
The Network and the UM GLBTA Programs Office are going to partner with other UM offices and community groups to coordinate a mid-west conference on LGBTA Mental Health Issues!! The one-day conference, which will be held at the UM in Spring 2010, will be open to all mental health professionals and students in the mental health fields. We are in the early planning stages. We need your help! (See Steering Committee Update below.)

Steering Committee Update:

EXCITING NEW THINGS ARE HAPPENING!
JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE or the PRIDE Table sub-committee or 2010 Conference sub-committee!

All members are welcome to join the steering committee or sub-committees or come to meetings! 
We need help and ideas!

Next Meeting: Friday, April 10, 2009!
Meeting Location: Suite 203, 100 West Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404   (office of Irene Greene, 612.874.6442)
 
Agenda:
12:00-12:30: Network Business Meeting;
12:30-2: Coordination with UM about 2010 LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference

Steering Committee Agenda:
(1) Starts at Noon: Finalize the plans for our our Spring 2009 workshop:
Topic: "No Time to Be Shy: Selling Yourself in Today's Market"
Thursday, May 7, 12-2pm, Tubman Center (details above)

(2) LGBT Therapist Network table at Pride 2009: TC Pride Weekend: June 27-28:
We need help to plan, set up, take down and staff the booth (2 hour shifts). It will be a fun booth and a great opportunity to advertise The Network & our members.

(3) Starts at 1230: LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference for Spring 2010: (coordinated by the MN.LGBT Therapist Network and the University of MN & other metro LGBTA agencies)
We need help on the planning committing and we need Network members to review workshop proposals.
FIRST JOINT CONFERENCE PLANNING MEETING of LGBT Therapist Network and UM GLBTA Programs Office:
DATE: Friday, April 10, 2009
TIME: 1230-2pm
PLACE: The Semple Mansion: Office of Irene Greene, Suite 203, 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55404
Located across from the Plymouth Congregational Church. Ample free parking in front of the building and in the Plymouth Congregational Church lot across the street (across LaSalle Avenue). All members welcome!

Contact Irene @ irenegreene@earthlink.net or 612.874.6442 if you would like information about any of these above activities and/or to help.

We welcome more help on the Network Steering Committee:
Dennis Christian, Mindy Benowitz, Phil Oxman (welcome Phil!), & Irene Greene.

www.LGBTtherapists.org
Check out our website:www.LGBTtherapists.org  
Find your information and check out other therapists' information.

Groups Available:

DID Psycho-educational Group for Women:
Phase I starting Thursday, April 9. Meets for 12 Weeks.
For more information contact:
Irene Greene, 612.874.6442
100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55404
irenegreene@earthlink.net

Upcoming Classes & Workshops:

(1) Intersex Workshop:
Presented by April Herndon, Ph.D.

Thurs, April 9, 1:00-2:30 PM

UM Coffman Union, Board Room (307)

Dr. Herndon served as the Director of Programming for the Intersex Society of North America from 2005-2006. During this presentation, she will provide a basic introduction to intersex conditions and explain how intersex conditions challenge dichotomous notions of sex and gender. Using writing by people with intersex conditions and activists in the field, the presentation will highlight the goals of the movement for intersex rights and the struggles people with intersex conditions face.

(2) LGBT Couples' Workshop:
"Talking & Loving Better: Improve Your Communication and Get Your Mutual Needs Met"
The workshop will address honoring differences, identifying unhelpful communication ruts and making a plan together to  change them, strategies to share your needs, to listen to each other better, to manage conflict, and to increase affection and healthy hotter sex. 
Sat., May 16, 9-430pm. $350/couple; payment plan negotiable.
Irene Greene, Psychotherapist & Mediator
Will fill quickly. For flyer: irenegreene@earthlink.net
100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN  55404
612.874.6442

(3) The Sexual Health Institute presents
Sexual Compulsivity Educational Workshop for Clients: 
(This is a new group.)
Starts: Wednesday, May 6, 2009
6 weeks through Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Time: 6pm to 8 pm

A discussion group for understanding sexual compulsivity and treatment approaches.  This workshop is for individuals who have questions about sexual addiction/compulsivity, or avoidance of sexual behavior (sexual anorexia). The format will be a discussion format based on the following topics. 
The workshop contents will be:
    Week 1: Acting out cycle/Safety Plans
    Week 2: Sex Timeline/Behavioral Analysis
    Week 3: Understanding your Timeline
    Week 4: Co-factors of Sexual Compulsivity
    Week 5: Prevention Planning
    Week 6: Creating a Personal Definition of Sexual Health.

Group size is limited to 8 individuals. Register early.  Space is limited.
Cost is $170 for the entire 6 week series and includes the cost of materials, paid at the first session.
For More Information,
Contact Dr. Weston Edwards, PHD, LP at 612 987 4482

(4) Spring Yoga Classes!
With Jessica Flannigan at the Center for Performing Arts,
3754 Pleasant Ave S, Mpls.
All classes $8 by the session, $9 drop-in. New students please arrive 5 minutes early for paperwork.
INTERMEDIATE POSTURE FLOW
Mondays, 6:00-7:15pm, March 30th-May 18th
A challenging, rather vigorous flow of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation instruction for people with at least one year of yoga experience. Learn new variations and deepen your knowledge of yourself through standing poses, posture flows and inversions.
8 Mondays, $64 pre-registered

BEGINNING YOGA FLOW
Wednesdays, 10-11am, April 1st - May 27th
New to yoga or want to develop depth to an existing practice? Flowing from pose to pose with the breath as a guide can be a fabulous dance-like experience, with proper technique and awareness. This class focuses on the foundations of vinyasa yoga and safety in movement.
9 Wednesdays, $72 pre-registered
 
GENTLE YOGA FLOW
Thursdays, 6:00-7:15pm, April 2nd - May 28th
For people who want to focus on the subtle graces yoga can bring through slow movement, breathing practices, and meditation. Beginning students, those recovering from injury, chronic back pain sufferers, and seekers of relaxation welcome.
9 Thursdays, $72 pre-registered
Contact Jessica to register, jessflan at hotmail.com

(5) REIKI TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE for March 2009:
Reiki Training will add a new tool to your repertoire: it can be used either alone or to support & supplement other therapeutic modalities. Use Reiki  "hands-on" or "hands-near", or send it through time [future or past] and space [across the room or city or ocean!] Learn to give Reiki to yourself, clients, patients, students, family & friends. Both receiver & practitioner experience peace and well-being.   Touching the client is not necessary.
 
Level 1: (Prerequisite: Level 1)  1 day   $165
March 7  (Saturday)    9 am to 6 pm
Level 2: (Prerequisite: Level 1)   1 day   $165
March 14  (Saturday)    9 am to 6 pm
Levels 1 & 2 for Healing and Helping Professionals:  2 days  $265
Any combination of  Levels 1 & 2 dates
Advanced (ART): (Prerequisite: Levels 1 & 2)   1 day    $185
March 28   (Saturday)         9 am to 6 pm
Small Classes are held at Crescenterra Health Center, 245 N Prior, St Paul MN 55104
Non-refundable deposit:  $50   CEU's: $5

Request Registration Form:
    Barbara M. Simmonds, M.A., Reiki Master- Teacher
        Phone:     612 827-2877
        E-Mail:     barbarasimmonds@bmsreiki.com
FFI:    Web:    www.bmsreiki.com   describes Reiki in much more detail!

Conferences:

(1) Bisexuality Conference:
BECAUSE (Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Uniting, Supportive Experience) is the premier weekend event in the Midwest for bisexuals, queers, trans, bi-curious, questioning, and all others, regardless of identity. Our theme this year is IMAGES -- taking a look at Images in Media and Art of Gender Expression and Sexuality. 2009 will mark the 15th BECAUSE Conference.
Robyn Ochs is keynoting on Friday night. Erika Kate McDonald (Fluid), performance artist, will be featured on April 18th.
Register today and become part of history! Everyone is welcome! www.becauseconference.org

(2) Trans Community Health & Wellness Conference:
Fri, May 15 - Sat, May 16, 2009
Metropolitan State University
The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition presents its 3rd annual health and wellness conference for trans and gender variant people, partners, friends, family, medical providers, allies and community. Friday will be "Provider's Day" with sessions on trans health for health practitioners, educators, and students. Saturday will be "Community Day" for trans people, partners, family, and allies to explore health and wellness. Keynotes will be MJ Gilbert (Co-Chair of the U of M Transgender Commission), Earline Budd and Ignacio Rivera. Volunteers, sponsors and planners needed! www.mntranshealth.org/


(3) Queer Asian Pacific Islander National Conference:
August 14-16, 2009
Seattle, Washington

The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), a federation of LGBT Asian American, South Asian, and Pacific Islander (API) organizations, is planning a national activist convening for August 2009 in Seattle, WA. We hope to acquire and expand the aptitude, ability, and achievements of LGBT APIs, break barriers, and connect community so that we can build the capacity of local groups, invigorate grassroots organizing, train leaders, and challenge homophobia, racism, and anti-immigrant bias. For more information and to register, please visit the conference www.nqapia.org/

Upcoming Events: 

(1) OutFront Minnesota justFair GLBT Lobby Day:

Thurs, April 23, 2009

Minnesota State Capitol
75 Constitution Ave, St. Paul

Come to the largest GLBT Lobby Day in the country and help persuade lawmakers to consider GLBT-friendly legislation! Join us to rally and hear great speakers, participate in workshops focused on hot topics, show the state how strong the GLBT community is, and meet with your representatives about GLBT rights! Register online   www.outfront.org


(2) April 17, 2009 - The Day of Silence:
 
The History of the Day of Silence
 
Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
 
What is the Day of Silence?
The Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is a student-led day of action when concerned students, from middle school to college, take some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to the name-calling, bullying and harassment -- in effect, the silencing -- experienced by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) students and their allies.
 
www.dayofsilence.org

Consultation & Referrals Wanted:
 
(1) Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Name: Teri Blauer
Comment: I am looking for a GLBT-friendly practicum opportunity for next fall. I am a MA student at the University of St Thomas School of Counseling, Marriage and family track. I am looking for a challenging practicum working with a variety of clients. 
 
If anyone has an opening, and would allow me to apply, I would love for them to contact me:
 
Teri Blauer
tblauer@gmail.com
612-940-9068

LGBT News Bits:

(1) GLSEN Study Harsh Realities Finds Transgender Youth Face Extreme Harassment in School:
 
NEW YORK, March 17, 2009: Transgender youth face extremely high levels of victimization in school, even more so than their non-transgender lesbian, gay and bisexual peers. But they are also more likely to speak out about LGBT issues in the classroom, according to Harsh Realities: The Experiences of Transgender Youth in Our Nation's Schools, the first comprehensive study on transgender students, released today by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
 
Nearly nine out of 10 transgender students experienced verbal harassment at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation and gender expression, more than half experienced physical harassment because of their sexual orientation and gender expression and more than a quarter experienced physical assault because of their sexual orientation and gender expression. These levels of victimization were higher than those faced by the non-transgender lesbian, gay and bisexual students who participated in the 2007 National School Climate Survey, GLSEN's biennial survey of LGBT students.
 
In addition to looking at comparisons between transgender and non-transgender students, Harsh Realities specifically examines the experiences of the 295 transgender students who took the National School Climate Survey.
 
The full report can be viewed at  www.glsen.org/
 
About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes
to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org
 
(2) US will sign UN declaration on gay rights:

Sources: US to sign UN gay rights declaration
Officials: Obama administration to reverse Bush stance on gay rights at UN
March 17, 2009  AP Report

The Obama administration will endorse a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality that then-President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
U.S. officials said Tuesday they had notified the declaration's French sponsors that the administration wants to be added as a supporter. The Bush administration was criticized in December when it was the only western government that refused to sign on.

The move was made after an interagency review of the Bush administration's position on the nonbinding document, which was signed by all 27 European Union members as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries, the officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because Congress was still being notified of the decision. They said the administration had decided to sign the declaration to demonstrate that the United States supports human rights for all.

Gay rights and other groups had criticized the Bush administration when it refused to sign the declaration when it was presented at the United Nations on Dec. 19. U.S. officials said then that the U.S. opposed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation but that parts of the declaration raised legal questions that needed further review.

According to negotiators, the Bush team had concerns that those parts could commit the federal government on matters that fall under state jurisdiction. In some states, landlords and private employers are allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation; on the federal level, gays are not allowed to serve openly in the military.

It was not immediately clear on Tuesday how the Obama administration had come to a different conclusion.

When it was voted on in December 2008, 66 of the U.N.'s 192 member countries signed the declaration - which backers called a historic step to push the General Assembly to deal more forthrightly with anti-gay discrimination.

But 70 U.N. members outlaw homosexuality - and in several, homosexual acts can be punished by execution. More than 50 nations, including members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, opposed the declaration.

Some Islamic countries said at the time that protecting sexual orientation could lead to "the social normalization and possibly the legalization of deplorable acts" such as pedophilia and incest. The declaration was also opposed by the Vatican.
 
(3) State's largest school district ends anti-gay policy: 
 2/11/09
For more than a decade, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board had a policy that forbade teachers and students from speaking about homosexuality, except to describe it as abnormal or invalid. But the board 2/9/09 approved a more inclusive policy after years of work by community members to make the district more accepting of all students.

The old policy, enacted in 1995, read, "Homosexuality [will] not be taught/addressed as a normal, valid lifestyle." The policy originally applied just to health classes but eventually came to pervade all aspects of class instruction and extracurricular activities. The board's vote to eliminate the policy earned praise from GLBT groups.

The old wording was replaced with a policy that directs school teachers and staff to treat LGBT subjects "in a respectful manner that is age-appropriate, factual, and pertinent to the relevant curriculum."

Anoka Hennepin School District is the largest district in the state, serving 40,600 students in more than a dozen communities in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, including Anoka, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Dayton, Fridley, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove and Ramsey.
 

About this eNewsletter:
The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is a free networking tool for members of the LGBT Therapist Network. All Network members are welcome to contribute to this grass-roots bi-weekly eNewsletter. Just send your referral question, announcement, member accomplishment, space available information, event, conference, workshop, group information, or other pertinent notice to irenegreene@earthlink.net .

The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is sent out every second Tuesday of the month.  All responses to questions, ads, workshops, etc. should be emailed directly back to the contact person in the notice. If you want your name added or deleted from the Network email list, please contact us.  Please note that if you do decide to delete your email, you will no longer receive general Network
communications, such as event announcements. If you want to become a member of this organization please visit:  <http://www.LGBTTherapists.org >
Thank you! Irene Greene, MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter Coordinator 

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"If you are well-adjusted to ill-fitting beliefs that permeate society, you're going to have trouble."
David Schnarch, PhD., therapist & author of Passionate Partners