RALLY (Respect ALL Youth) This is a Gay Straight Alliance Youth Group Ages 15-25 This group provides support to young people who are in the process of coming out. People who come to this group are able to speak out freely and voice their opinions, as well as share their hardships. The group also acts as an agent in planning social events.

Brief History: In 1972, Jeanne Manford started an international movement when she marched with her son Mortie in New York’s Gay Pride Parade. Enraged that her son had been beaten at a gay rights protest two months before while police did nothing, she carried a sign at the Pride march that said, “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children.”

30 years later, PFLAG has grown to include more than 500 chapters nationwide, over 200,000 members, supporters, and affiliates, representing the largest chapter network in the struggle for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights.

The Western South Dakota Chapter of PFLAG was chartered in 2004. Since then the organization has worked with the various agencies to assist the GLBTQ community. The local chapter provides a safe non-judgemental venue for parents,families, and friends to deal with their loved ones who have “come out”, by providing discussion groups, seminars and direct counseling. For more information contact the Black Hills Center for Equality at 605-348-3244 or Sandy Magnavito at 605-348-0567 or email us at pflag@bhcfe.org

Living Positive in the Hills

The purpose of the group is to help members cope with a life-threatening illness and to maximize their current life experience. The group provides a mutual support system to counter the effects of isolation. Periodically, educational topics are offered by different presenters to help enhance the quality of each member’s present situation. This group meets every other Thursday if anyone would like to attend.

Unified Live and Let Live Gay AA

Every Friday at 8pm is Let Live Gay AA. If you would like more information on this, for attendance or anything please contact the center.

PFLAG

Brief History: In 1972, Jeanne Manford started an international movement when she marched with her son Mortie in New York’s Gay Pride Parade. Enraged that her son had been beaten at a gay rights protest two months before while police did nothing, she carried a sign at the Pride march that said, “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children.”

30 years later, PFLAG has grown to include more than 500 chapters nationwide, over 200,000 members, supporters, and affiliates, representing the largest chapter network in the struggle for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights.

The Western South Dakota Chapter of PFLAG was chartered in 2004. Since then the organization has worked with the various agencies to assist the GLBTQ community. The local chapter provides a safe non-judgemental venue for parents,families, and friends to deal with their loved ones who have “come out”, by providing discussion groups, seminars and direct counseling. For more information contact the Black Hills Center for Equality at 605-348-3244 or Sandy Magnavito at 605-348-0567 or email us at pflag@bhcfe.org

Two Spirits Group

This group consists of individuals who discuss their spirituallity. Many of the members are of Native origin and believe they possess both male and female traits. This is traditionally a sacred trait in Native culture. This group meets bimonthly on Tuesdays at 7:00pm at the center. They also will be hosting social events as needed. All individuals are welcome to participate.

Every Friday at 8pm is Let Live Gay AA at the center. If you would like more information on this, for attendance or anything please contact the center.

The purpose of the group is to help members cope with a life-threatening illness and to maximize their current life experience. The group provides a mutual support system to counter the effects of isolation. Periodically, educational topics are offered by different presenters to help enhance the quality of each member’s present situation. This group meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday every month. This group is open to all Positive Individuals and their Care Givers. Anyone is welcome to attend.

This group consists of individuals who discuss their spirituality. Many of the members are of Native origin and believe they possess both male and female traits. This is traditionally a sacred trait in Native culture. This group meets bimonthly on Tuesdays at 7:00pm at the center. They also will be hosting social events as needed. All individuals are welcome to participate.

If you have any questions, or would like to participate in the two spirits group, please contact Gene at genes@bhcfe.org