Raise Up planning a series of events over the summer

Jasper’s LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) awareness organization, Raise Up, is launching a series of new projects and events this year.

Raise Up was created by Jasper natives Sarah Barry and Tommy Craven in 2011. Since then they have held a series of events including educational film screenings at VUJC, a suicide awareness event at the Dubois County Courthouse, participation in the Strassenfest Parade, and more.

This year, Raise Up is continuing to raise awareness and fight for equality through a continuation of successful past events and the launching of some new and exciting projects.

First, each week, visit http://www.facebook.com/raiseuplgbt and listen as Sarah and Tommy discuss relevant LGBTQ topics in a podcast titled Raise Up Weekly! Listeners can answer the questions posted on Facebook during the week, and Sarah and Tommy may discuss your answers during the show.

Raise Up will also be hosting bi-monthly webinars on various LGBTQ topics called Raise Up Cyberchats. To view a webinar visit http://www.facebook.com/raiseuplgbt and sign up..Viewers will also be able to ask questions, live during the webinar.

Raise Up is also launching the Raise Up Book Club. Once a month Raise Up will be choosing a book relevant to the LGBTQ community. Readers can visit http://www.raiseuplgbt.com or www.facebook/raiseuplgbt to discuss the book and related topics.

Every month, Raise Up will be continuing to host Raise Up the Curtains: LGBTQ Film Screenings at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus. After some films there will be a discussion with panelists educated on each topic followed by a chance for audience questions. The first screening, Paris is Burning, will take place in July, and more information will be available soon.

The group will also be participating in the 2013 Strassenfest Parade again and are asking for those interested in volunteering to please email them at raiseuplgbt@gmail.com or to sign-up by visiting their Facebook page.

To learn more about Raise Up and upcoming projects, or to make a donation, visit www.raiseuplgbt.com.