19 minute read
Spring Break in Henderson
By SARAH MITCHELL
Spring Break 2021 is just about here! Despite the fact that we are still living through Covid-19 restrictions, there are still some fun and exciting things that you can do on your spring break here in Henderson. These include many outdoor venues that allow for social distancing and fresh air.
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One option is the Lion Habitat. This is a great place for any animal lover. The Lion Habitat is home to over twenty lions, wild birds such as ostriches and emus, and a giraffe named Ozzie!
Covid has changed the way that they are currently operating. These changes include the requirement of wearing a mask, temperature checks, and reservations required through online booking. However, don’t let any of this stop you from enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds of a pride of lions! The Lion Habitat is located at 382 Bruner Ave in Henderson.
Another option for your spring break activities is the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. The preserve is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl, as well as numerous resident desert birds. There are nine ponds available for birdwatching, with a path that takes you to the different ponds. The path is about 3/4 of a mile long, and the preserve is about 140 acres. The preserve is located at 350 E. Galleria Dr. in Henderson.
If you’re willing to go a bit outside of Henderson, be sure to check out the Bowl of Fire. This beautiful area has brightly colored red, pink, and orange Aztec sandstone seen most prominently in Valley of Fire State Park. The Bowl of Fire is accessible from Northshore Drive at the Callville Wash crossing with about a two mile walk. Unlike the often rather busy state park to the north, this area is less visited, perfect for social distancing. If you go, make sure to check out the elephant rock and the stripy hillside!
Enjoy both your spring break and the beauties of nature with these outdoor activities.
Access to Healthcare Network
3085 E Flamingo Rd, Ste A Las Vegas, NV 89121 844-609-4623 AccessToHealthcare.org
Affirming God’s People UCC
1140 Almond Tree Lane, Unit 303 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 906-4608
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN)
1830 E Sahara Ave Ste 210 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 382-2326 AFANLV.org
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
3201 S Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 862-8075 AHF.org
American Civil Liberties Union
601 S Rancho Dr, #B-11 Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702) 366 1226 aclunv.org
Battle Born Progress
(702) 900-3665 BattleBornProgress.org Bears Las Vegas
BearsLV.org
Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada
714 E Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89014 (702) 369-8700
Crush
Socrush.com
Equality Nevada
1490 W Sunset Rd, Suite 120 Henderson, NV 89014 855-955-5428 EqualityNV.org
Gender Justice Nevada
900 E Karen Ave, Suite C-211 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 324-1271
Golden Rainbow
714 E Sahara Ave, Suite 101 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-2899 GoldenRainbow.org
Help of Southern Nevada
1640 E Flamingo Rd, #100 Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 369-4357 Helponv.org
Henderson Equality Center
1490 W Sunset Rd, Suite 120 Henderson, NV 89014 855-955-5428 HendersonEqualityCenter.org
Henderson Police Department
223 Lead Street Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 267-5000
Hopelink of Southern Nevada
178 Westmister Way Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 566-0576 Link2Hope.org
Indigo Valley Church
1027 South Rainbow Blvd. #199 Las Vegas, NV 89145 (702)439-4511
Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the
Desert Empire PO BOX 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 DesertEmpire.org
Lambda Alano 12-Step Meeting
900 E Karen Ave, Suite A202 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 737-4673
Las Vegas TransPride
1140 Almond Tree Lane, Unit 303 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 906-4608
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
725 East Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 386-1-70 LACSN.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-784-2433 SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org
Nevada Gay Rodeo Association
NGRA.com
Nevada Tobacco Quitline
800-QUIT-NOW NevadaTobaccoQuitLine.com
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
4981 Shirley St. Las Vegas, NV 89107 NPHY.org
PFLAG
PO BOX 20145 Las Vegas, NV 89112 (702) 738-7838
Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach
100 E Lake Mead Pkwy. Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 564-4224
Salvation Army Southern Nevada
2900 Palomino Ln Las Vegas, NV 89107 (702) 870-4430
Southern Nevada Association of Pride, INC
4001 S Decatur Blvd, #37-540 Las Vegas, NV 89103 866-930-3336
Trevor Project Suicide Hotline for LGBT Youth
866-488-7386 TheTrevorProject.org
A Wild and Precious Life
A Memoir By Edie Windsor
By SCOTT CLONAN
When I first saw this book, I immediately thought, “this is a book I should read!” I felt as if it was my responsibility to know more about the person who did so much to aid the cause of my civil rights. So it sat on the pile of books for far too long before I finally picked it up. This is anything but a dry memoir that should be read because of an obligation. It was a fascinating glimpse to a bygone era, and a truly awe inspiring romance. Edie generously shares her life with us, and she was a hoot! The book moves through Edie’s adult life, but does not focus on her ground breaking law suit that ended The Defense of Marriage Act.
The chapters that I was most interested in were the ones that showed what gay/lesbian life was like in the pre-Stonewall days. I want to have a summer house in the Hamptons! Edie was also a pioneer in computers, one of the few women working at IBM.
Thea was the love of Edie’s life, but it was not love at first sight. She also was not her only love. They looked like the perfect couple from the outside, but as with any couple, they had their struggles. Those struggles are still relevant now and to any couple, not just a same sex couples. The section where Edie lost Thea was very moving, yet difficult to read.
Unfortunately, Edie passed away before the book was completed. This left the ghost writer, Joshua Lyon, to complete the story. I loved that he ended each chapter with a “reflections from a friend of Edie’s” but his choice of font was a struggle to read. Overall, the book was a joy to read and read like a novel.
LGBTQ+ Youth and Suicide
By KATHERINE RUE
The year 2020 has brought with it a number of stressors and uncertainties, many related to the Coronavirus pandemic. People across the world have had to live in completely new ways: quarantining under stay-at-home orders; losing jobs, housing, or healthcare; and at a constant level of anxiety about the risk of contracting or passing the virus. Research now shows that this level of societal stress disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ youth.
Even before the pandemic, the numbers were staggering. In data collected from January to March 2020, The Trevor Project reported that 40% of respondents had seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months, and 15% had attempted it. This number is even higher when looking at transgender and nonbinary respondents: over 50% seriously considered suicide, and 1 in 5 attempted it.
With all of the challenges that COVID-19 brings, the weight of stress on the community is felt even more keenly. According to a
metadata report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ households have lost a job (compared to a little less than half in non-LGBTQ+ households). Over 70% Latinx LGBTQ+ people and 95% of Black LGBTQ+ people reported at least one serious financial problem. It has affected our community’s ability to have food, keep a job, and get necessary medical care. All of this stress contributes to lower mental wellbeing.
There is good news, however. The community can help lower the risk of suicide amongst our youth in a number of ways. The Trevor Project’s “YOU-CARE” slogan gives specific steps on how to support a person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts. The slogan stands for “You Connect, Accept, Respond, and Empower.”
The first step, Connect, is about making sure that the person has access to a support network and resources. These can be lifelines such as the Trevor Project itself, guidance counselors, friends, or community groups. The second, Accept, is to understand that the person’s feelings are valid and should be taken seriously. You can do this by validating their feelings, showing genuine concern, and above all, being nonjudgmental as you listen to them.
If someone tells you that they have a plan to commit suicide, you can use the third step, Respond, to take that plan seriously and tell someone who can help. This is putting your friend’s safety first. Lastly, you can Empower them to reach out to The Trevor Project Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are an LGBTQ+ teen or young adult experiencing suicidal thoughts, please use one or all of these resources: • The Trevor Project Help Line: 1-866-488-7386 • The Trevor Project Text Line:
Text START to 678-678 • Trans LifeLine: (877) 565-8860
The City of Henderson and its residents are extremely lucky to have Debra March as their Mayor. Mayor March is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, as well as every individual here in the city, no matter their background. She is open to, and accepting of all, underrepresented groups and considers it one of her roles as Mayor of Henderson to ensure every resident is afforded the same opportunities and quality of life.
Mayor March is a strong advocate for economic development in Henderson and is working to attract new business, create jobs, and diversify the local economy. Good planning is the foundation for economic vitality and the City relies on a five-year strategic plan that helps focus their efforts in the right areas.
They are seeing the results of these
Mayor Debra March
By STEVEN MITCHELL
efforts with the wonderful growth in west Henderson and the revitalization of historic downtown Henderson. With this strong focus, Henderson has welcomed Google, Amazon and will soon be home to Haas Automation, who is relocating here from California. Additionally, Mark Davis (owner of the Raiders) has purchased the Aces and is moving them to Henderson. They will be building a Diversity Center for sports and all areas of the community.
When Mayor March ran for office, she heard from the community that many
people wanted to be more engaged with things happening at the city. She then started monthly “March On” events once she was elected Mayor. These events are used as a way to inform and maintain open dialogue with residents on topics for which they have expressed interest. It is a wonderful way for the City and its residents to come together and solve problems. Mayor March said that she is looking forward to the resolution of the pandemic and being able to host March On events in the future. In the meantime, she has created a “Mondays with the Mayor” video series on social media where she shares city highlights to keep our residents informed and engaged in our activities.
Before being elected Mayor of Henderson, March was involved in multiple organizations that are dedicated to serving Henderson. Although she had to limit her participation in many of these organizations once she became
Mayor, in order to prevent any perceived conflicts of interest, her engagement with those organizations exposed her to different viewpoints. They gave her a 360-degree perspective on how to better serve all residents, especially their more vulnerable populations.
Mayor March’s career has taken an interesting journey. Her career first began as a Nevada park ranger. She then went on to work eight years as a social worker, which lead to working nearly two decades in real estate where she became director of UNLV’s Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies. After that she was appointed as the Ward II Councilwoman in 2009. Her career path has not only helped her appreciate the value of natural resources and planning for future generations, but also made her more aware of the common values we all share for a high quality of life.
In 2018 she was named one of only twenty-five participants in the 2018 Women in Government Leadership Program. Mayor March felt truly honored to be selected and given the opportunity to work alongside other women who are taking a leadership role to improve their communities. The traits they all shared were a deep commitment to public service and a personal investment in leading and mentoring the next generation of women in civic roles.
Mayor March strives to ensure that individuals from all walks of life feel safe, secure, and accepted in the community. What empowers one underrepresented group may not be the same for another group. However, promoting a culture that is free from stereotyping, harassment, discrimination, and is open to all\ viewpoints, is the catalyst toward all groups being accepted, included, and embraced. She is especially proud that Henderson earned a 94 out of 100 score on the 2020 Municipal Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign. They have also launched a campaign called “Henderson is a Place for Everyone to Call Home.” They invite
anyone to join the conversation with them on social media using the hashtag #HendersonIsForEveryone.
In a time where the country is so divisive, Mayor March is able to focus on the needs of one community, the City of Henderson. The issues we face at a local level are very different from those seen at the national level. As the Mayor of Henderson, she focuses on the priorities that have the most impact on the daily lives of the residents and businesses: community safety, livable communities, economic vitality, quality education for our kids, and high-performing public service.
The Mayor has a plaque on her desk that reads, “Without facts and data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” She has found that solutions are best discovered through open dialogue that is supported by facts and data. This results in a strong plan of action that directly addresses the challenge and has a measurable outcome for success. This is her way of cutting through the partisan politics and showing voters that she can implement solutions to our issues; by keeping an open dialogue.
Mayor March will continue to collaborate with state and national leaders on issues that have the greatest impact on the Henderson residents. She is grateful that Nevada has such a strong congressional delegation that understands our local needs.
When asked about how Covid-19 has impacted the way she leads the City of Henderson, Mayor March ensured that even in times of crisis, her vision has not changed, and their focus on long-term objectives has remained constant. She gives credit to past and present leadership strategies that helped the city and community respond quickly to the pandemic. They were able to respond nimbly to the pandemic due to ongoing efforts over the last decade to enhance community preparedness. They have created an emergency management team, upgraded their emergency operations center, and has created a comprehensive community outreach “Get Ready! Stay Ready!” program.
Although this has been a very challenging year due to the pandemic, planning and preparation has helped them through and in the coming months we will see the culmination of many projects. They will continue to seek and provide assistance for the residents and businesses that still need help, but Mayor March believes the Henderson is poised for a swift and strong recovery.
It is amazing to have a woman such as Mayor March as a leader in the community of Henderson. Someone who has such a heart and passion for inclusivity for all individuals. Mayor March looks forward to her next two years as Mayor to continue the incredible momentum they have enjoyed.
Understanding Grief: It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
By CHRISTOPHER BRACE, LCSW
WHAT IS GRIEF?
If you are like most human beings, you have most likely experienced grief whether it was for a family member, friend, pet, or even a relationship. Since mid-March of last year, the entire country has had no shortage of grief, whether it be lost time with loved ones, postponed or canceled celebrations and vacations, and the general loss of a sense of security. As of this writing, 463,659 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 since the first recorded death in February 2020. In consideration of these examples, grief can generally be defined as intense feelings of sorrow and mental anguish after a loss.
IT’S A COMPLICATED PROCESS
A popular and dated grief model is the Kublar-Ross 5 stages including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This model provides a good basis for understanding common behaviors in grief. However, a common complaint is that it implies that grief is processed with a start and finish that eventually wraps up neatly in a bow when you reach “acceptance”. In lieu of convincing you that this model is “wrong”, I propose an alternate model that gives a much fuller picture of the grieving experience.
This alternate model is known as the Dual Process Model. This model suggests two distinct types of stressors that are processed throughout grief, and it does not constrain coping with grief to a set period of time. The DPM claims that there are loss-oriented stressors and restoration-oriented stressors that can resurface as time passes from the first of day of the loss. Loss oriented stressors focus directly on the loss and include tasks such as looking through old photos, remembering memories of a loved one or relationship, and “missing” whom or what you have lost. Restoration-oriented stressors have to do with the stress of isolation and “filling” the space the loss leaves in its wake. A short list of restoration-oriented tasks includes renegotiating household chores, parental responsibilities, and changing accounts. These stressors cause oscillation between lossoriented and restoration-oriented tasks for grieving the loss.
Grief does not have a time table, and it doesn’t ask permission to cause gut-wrenching emotional pain. If you or someone you know has recently suffered a loss, consider meeting with a professional with special training and expertise in this area. Remember that grief is messy, and it’s okay to not be okay.
clothes get looser, the jiggle starts to go away, and you like what you see in the mirror. Everything in life looks and feels better.
This is the perfect time of year to get outside and get moving. The weather is warm but not hot. The sun is shining. Walk. Run. Do yoga in the backyard or the park. Do push-ups. Do sit-ups. Your mind and your body will thank you for it. And, if you’re looking for a little attention from others, you will find it.
How can I stay safe while flying?
Air travel and COVID-19
By KATHERINE RUE
More travelers have returned to the skies since after the pandemic began.
It is recommended to consider the reasons for travel and only travel if it’s urgent. The phone rang today like it does often, and as happenstance would have it my sister was calling. Only this time it was not the latest on today’s news or which Netflix series is all the rave. My father had emergency surgery and there were complications. Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has taken over the world and it is recommended that airline travel is a last option; maybe driving would be better. Flying is of course quicker and is an option that offered the opportunity to see my father, given the family’s state of emergency.
Feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude is an understatement, especially considering that so many have not been able to visit loved ones that have contracted COVID-19, given its severity and contagiousness.
Air travel, considered key to the American way of life pre-pandemic, took a huge financial hit when COVID-19 spread globally, and it still raises concerns for people worried about catching the virus. People have become more willing to return to normal life. Airports and airlines have taken all sorts of measures to reduce risk of transmission, and it has become commonplace for organizations and the government to require masks to receive services or products.
Other tips for air travel:
• Nonstop flights if possible. • Restaurants are still closed, think about packing food. • 12 oz hand sanitizer in carry-on is allowable on airlines. • Keeping hands in pockets may help in refraining from touching surfaces. • Wipe down surfaces like the seat, if able, once on the airplane. • Choose a window seat, less likely to come in contact with people. • Pack extra masks. • 6 F social distancing when able. • Wash hands with soap and water once landed.
Youth Programing:
Youth Tutoring
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 430pm – 530pm
Youth GSA Social Group
2nd and 4th Friday of each month, from 6pm – 7pm
Youth BiSexual+ Social Group
2nd and 4th Friday of each month, from 6pm – 7pm
Youth Transgender Social Group
2nd and 4th Friday of each month, from 6pm – 7pm
Adult Programing:
BiSexual+ Adult Social Group
1st Wednesday of each month, from 630pm – 730pm
Reiki Circle by Sharyn Mitchell
1st and 3rd Friday of each month, from 630pm – 9pm
People of Color Social Group
2nd Tuesday of each month, from 6pm – 730pm
Transgender Adult Social Group
3rd Wednesday of each month, from 630pm – 730pm
Community Corner with SNAPIQS
Southern Nevada Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society 4th Tuesday of each month, from 630pm – 730pm
LGBTQIA+ 12 Step Fellowship Group
Saturday, each week, from 1030am – 1130am
More Social Groups to come! To stay up to date on all of our groups please visit, www.HendersonEqualityCenter. org/calendar-2
