Diversity Richmond and WRIR partner for monthly radio show

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Published: Tuesday, September 29 2015

Please join us Thurs., Oct. 8, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
for a Live Show with audience participation, hosted by a local sexuality expert!

Through support of top-rated Richmond radio station, WRIR FM, we are now broadcasting monthly shows that address LGBT issues. Our first featured the good works of Diversity Richmond's 50+ program, SAGE Central Virginia, and our second showcased Richmond Triangle Players.

The next show will be especially exciting-aired in front of a live audience, and featuring well-known VCU Human Sexuality expert, Dr. Daphne Rankin as co-host. Our topics will be lighthearted and fun, such as: When did you k n o w? Who was your first crush? and more.

The action takes place at the Glave-Kocen Gallery, 1620 West Main Street, 23220. If you can join us, and we sure hope you can, email us at . We will send you more information once you make your reservation.

Please join us and bring a friend!

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

The pilot show of Diversity Richmond Speaks on WRIR 97.3 FM was hosted by Bill Harrison and featured guests Robyn Bentley and Shannon Marling.

Topics included issues related to LGBTQ+ older adults, including healthcare, trust, a senses of community, socialization, discrimination, transgender elders, and area resources for help and education, including Diversity Richmond’s own SAGE Central Virginia.

Listen to the show!

It takes a village

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Published: Friday, August 28 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

by Shannon McKay

It has been said many times that it takes a village to raise young people. I certainly love the idea and believe it to be true. Virginia Pride created RVA Youth Pride Village to show our young people and their families that they are supported, celebrated, and loved!

On one end of Brown's Island there is a large concrete circle that was once used to be used as an emergency helipad-now it is the location of RVA Youth Pride Village with activity tents going around the circle, dancing and performances happening on the circle, and great entertainment on our stage presented by Genworth. This location is perfect with the added bonus of the beautiful downtown RVA as our backdrop.

As the lead on this project, it was my goal to make sure RVA Youth Pride Village is inclusive of all people of all ages. This year we have some activities including a photo booth, balloon animal workshops, hoop dancing, drag performances, lip sync contest, a community art mural project. We are also bringing back some favorites from last year, such as wood working, henna and face painting, Jonathan Austin, Susan Greenbaum, and a dance party.

Check out our entertainment lineup at www.vapride.org and make your plans now to join us for the festival on Brown's Island September 12th 12-8pm!

A Different Drummer Drums at Virginia State University

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Published: Thursday, August 13 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

Diversity Richmond supports LGBT programs at VSU with grants, thanks to the leadership of Chevelle Moss-Savage, who serves as Outreach Coordinator within the University Counseling Center.

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WE WON!!!

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Published: Friday, June 26 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

SAGE Central Virginia Introduces Free Training Curriculum on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Aging Issues.

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Published: Tuesday, June 16 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

LGBT aging cultural competency training is available free of charge to aging network agencies and other service providers to improve crucial services for LGBT older adults.

[Richmond, VA] SAGE Central Virginia, the older adult program of Diversity Richmond, introduced today its new training program, a comprehensive curriculum for aging network providers and LGBT organizations that aims to improve the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Many LGBT elders refuse to seek services because they fear discrimination or abuse by staff who do not accept their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender-nonconforming expression.

Although largely invisible until very recently, LGBT older adults make up a growing share of the overall LGBT population and the larger senior population. Estimates of the LGBT older adult population in Central Virginia range from 7,000 to 18,000, although the actual number is difficult to ascertain because of the social stigma that exists against the LGBT community and the fact that many LGBT seniors never publicly come out. Their numbers are expected to double in size over the next several decades. This means that aging providers will increasingly be called on for services and supports that meet their unique needs. The trainings will give agencies the tools and information they need to create inclusive and affirming services for all LGBT older adults.

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SAGE Central Virginia's Cultural Competency Training Program

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Published: Thursday, June 11 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

Many LGBT elders refuse to seek services because they fear discrimination or abuse by staff who do not accept their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender-nonconforming expression. We're going to change that.

SAGE Central Virginia's Cultural Competency Training Program will give agencies and individual caregivers the tools and information they need to create inclusive and affirming services for all LGBT older adults. This introductory training is suitable for all levels of staff, including administrators, service providers and volunteers. And it's free! Trainings are held on Tuesdays at alternating times and listed on the Diversity Richmond calendar. Please let us know you are attending by sending an email to .

Want to help us fund these free trainings? Give a little or give a lot on our CrowdRise funding page and ask your friends to give too! Every little bit helps. Thanks!

OutRVA

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Published: Thursday, June 11 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

Did you know Richmond was named the top American city to visit this summer by American Express Travel? Invite your friends to spend LGBT Pride Month with us and check out one of these itineraries from our OutRVA Insiders. We're always looking for more Richmonders to share their favorite things to see, hear and do, so sign-up to be one here. You can also support our region's tourism campaign by ordering one of our OutRVA t-shirts here.

Welcome New Board Member Brian L. Harrison

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Published: Thursday, June 11 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

A Richmond native, Brian Harrison left RVA as a young adult and recently returned with a new vigor and has readily assumed leadership positions in the LGBT community. He is in the Business Analyst/Project Manager profession with Suntrust Mortgage after having spent over 20 years in the financial industry at both large and small firms. He is a major player in the Suntrust LGBTA Teammate Network and has already scheduled a Diversity Richmond presentation for its members.

Brian has spent the last fifteen years doing grassroots fundraising in Richmond and the Washington, D.C. aura where he served on the board of Brother, Help Thyself. We are very excited about the leadership that Brian brings to our board.

Diversity Thrift wins Best Thrift or Consignment Store

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Published: Thursday, June 11 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

"Diversity Thrift is a program of Diversity Richmond, which used to be called the Richmond Gay Community Foundation. The thrift store is a "quirky, junky, crowded, fun place," says Bill Harrison, the nonprofit's president and executive director. But it's a place with a purpose. During the last 11 years, Diversity Richmond has awarded $855,000 to community organizations, such as Jewish Family Services, the Virginia Historical Society and Rosmy. Much of that money came from thrift store sales." Style Weekly.

WRIR’s Inspire Indeed features Bill Harrison

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Published: Tuesday, May 26 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

Alan Hudson interviews Diversity Richmond President Bill Harrison on their show, Inspire Indeed. The show aired May 26. Harrison talks about Diversity Richmond’s recent rebranding, the history of LGBTQ in Richmond, plans for the Diversity Richmond building, and Diversity Thrift.

Listen to the archive of the show here.

GCCR announces new name, celebrates with full house

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Published: Sunday, April 19 2015

Written by Diversity Richmond

Thank you to the hundreds of people who joined the celebration April 15 as we rolled out our new brand, celebrated trailblazers and acknowledged the good work of so many wonderful organizations. It is because of your support that we have contributed over $855,000 back into the community over the last eleven years.

Last night was a celebration of life, of justice and of civil rights progress. As we paid tribute to our past, we look forward with excitement to our future.

We need volunteers to help us as we plot our next steps. For example, we only use a portion of our building and are looking for people to guide us as we look at how the expansive section of unused space might be utilized.

We also have an underutilized art gallery and need people who can help us better market that space to the arts community. These are both exciting projects so if you would like to know more about the work, please contact me.

And...you must check out our wonderful, beautiful new website DiversityRichmond.org

These are exciting times for our community. Please join our team and help us move forward.

“Diversity Richmond” Announces $33,000 in Community Contributions and Unveils New Name and Look

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Published: Wednesday, April 15 2015

(Richmond, Va.) -- April 15, 2015 – For more than 10 years, the Richmond Gay Community Foundation and its rainbow-hued community center on Sherwood Avenue have been at the epicenter of progress for Richmond’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered citizens. Today, the organization celebrated another chapter in its history by presenting $33,330 to LBGT-friendly organizations, recognizing trailblazers and unveiling a new look and name.

Going forward, the organization will be known as “Diversity Richmond,” a nod to its long-standing commitment to inclusion, fairness and equality.

“Despite having given more than $855,000 to community partners in the last 10 years, we lack the name recognition that you’d expect,” explained executive director Bill Harrison. “The truth is, we have been supporting Richmond in ways large and small, and we decided it was time to more effectively tell our story, beginning with a new look and name.”

The organization raises money through Diversity Thrift, one of Richmond’s most popular thrift stores, as well as through building rentals and its ever-popular bingo games. Those proceeds are used to fund programs to support LGBTQ+ programs and LGBTQ+-friendly organizations in Richmond. For example, Diversity Richmond has long supported the Fan Free Clinic and its HIV/AIDS outreach programs, Richmond Triangle Players and ROSMY, but also partners the Black History Museum and Cultural Arts Center of Virginia, Richmond Region Tourism, Virginia State University and the Virginia Historical Society.

Today, Diversity Richmond presented checks to 16 partner organizations and recognized supporters and trailblazers (list attached). Attorney General Mark Herring, a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, was part of the celebration, along with Carol Schall and Mary Townley, the lesbian couple who were plaintiffs in Virginia’s marriage equality lawsuit. Their daughter Emily was also honored with a $1,000 college scholarship. Among others recognized were retired Richmond Police Chief Ray Tarasovic and Richmond Police Major Odetta Johnson.

“Today we celebrated a strong and vibrant community that continually works for a healthier, united society,” said Harrison. “It was very encouraging to see so many segments of a diverse Richmond come together as one. Barriers that divide only bring defeat. United we are heathy.”