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RAYN -
For More information please go to our site at
RAYN, formerly Project HOPE, is an empowerment program for gay, bisexual, and questioning guys 13-25. This program has been in existence since 1998 and provides fun social events, support networks, and unrestricted sessions on relationships and safer sex. Our goal is to create a stronger, more supportive community here in the Tidewater area.
Check out our MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/rayn_events
This site, and all links from this site, contain HIV prevention and/or gay related material. If you are not seeking or may be offended by such material, please exit this website.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Youth Out United Support/Discussion Group (Y.O.U)
Every 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month
TACT Building
9229 Granby Street, Norfolk VA 23503
5:00pm-7:00pm
*First meeting Feb 4th*
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| For more information or to RSVP for events, Contact Jerome @ (757) 583-1317 ext. 630. |
Host a M-Group
M-Group is a fun and supportive way to hear how other guys are dealing with relationships, sex, and being safe. M-Groups are fun, unrestricted, and confidential. You invite 5 to 10 gay males under 25 and we'll provide the pizza, soda, and $20.00 gift certificate for the host.
If you're interested in hosting a session, please call (757) 583-1317 ext. 630.
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ACTIVITIES
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HIV Testing:
Free HIV Testing is available. Call (757) 583-1317 ext. 630 for an appointment. Social Events:
RAYN offers fun, safe, activities for gay & bisexual guys 13-25 years of age. In the past RAYN has hosted dances, out of town retreats, pride events, festivals, alternative proms, holiday dinners, movie nights, and beach parties.
M-Groups:
Fusion is a one-time session for gay and bisexual guys ages 13-25. We provide a fun and supportive way to hear how other guys are dealing with relationships, sex, and being safe. Fusion sessions are fun, unrestricted, and confidential. If interested in hosting a session call (757) 583-1317 ext. 630. You invite 5 of your friends and provide the space, we provide the food and drink and you get a $20.00 gift certificate ti the store of your choice.
Core Group:
Core Group is a group af gay and bisexual youth 13-25 years of age who assist in the planning, organizing, and advertising of RAYN sponsored social events.
Internet Outreach:
The Education Coordinator provides ongoing Internet outreach targeting several different local chat rooms on Gay.com, Manhunt.net, & Adam4Adam.com. Through this outreach, information about HIV/AIDS and testing is given as well as answering any questions people might have. Bar Outreach:
The Education Coordinator participants perform ongoing bar outreach targeting several different local bars. Through this outreach, information about RAYN and upcoming events is provided, as well as handing out safer sex material and answering questions about RAYN. |
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CONTACT
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YOUTH COORDINATOR
JEROME CUFFEE
Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce (TACT)
9229 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23503
(757) 583- 1317 ext. 630
"Reaching Area Youth Now" |
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YOUTH OUT UNITED
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What is a homosexual?
According to Webster's dictionary, a homosexual is defined as "of having sexual desires for those of the same sex" Society however, has defined gays and lesbians by what they do in bed. Just as heterosexuals are not completely judged or defined by their sexuality, neither should homosexuals. Gay people come from all races, religions, economic conditions, and areas of the world. They are our neighbors, friends, relatives, schoolmates, and coworkers.
1 in 10 people is believed to be gay!
Being gay is not an illness. In 1974 the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disturbances. Since being gay is not an illness or disease, it has and needs no "cure."
How do you know if you are gay?
Not suprisingly, there is no easy answer to this question. Some people know that they are gay at an early age, while others don't know or don't acknowledge their feelings until they are adults. Because of changes in hormonal structure, adolescence is a time of conflicting sexual and emotional feelings. Your sexual feelings may be so strong that they are not directed toward any particular persons or situations, but seem to emerge without case. You may not know what to call your sexual feelings. There is no rule that says you have to decide right now. In time you will discover what is right for you. It is a common misconception that sexual orientation is a choice, when instead it is something that is discovered. The key is to keep yourself healthy and safe. Finding people to trust and for guidance is crucial. You are not alone.
What Now?
The slogan "gay is good" can have a hollow ring if you are young and struggling with your identity. You can't imagine gay being good while feeling shame and guilt. It takes a lot of energy to deny your feelings and it can be costly. Working this hard to conceal your thoughts and feelings is called "being in the closet." It is a painful and lonely place to be, even if you stay in there to survive. Many gay, lesbian and transgender young people believe that they are alone; that he or she is the only person, that they know, who is gay. Unfortunately we lose many of our gay youth to self-destructive acts. It does not have to end this way. There is an entire community of gay and gay friendly people out there to support you!
Homosexuals are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, and aunts. They are lawyers, police officers, carpenters, and teachers. They are the people who live next door , the people you see in school, and the people you work with. Essentially... they are just like everybody else.
Yes, there is help.
Groups have formed across the nation to help young people come to terms with their feelings. In the Hampton Roads area, a group called Youth Out United is available.
Youth Out United (Y.O.U.) was started in an abandoned warehouse in 1988 by young people who wanted a place where they could meet, and talk about things that concerned them, with members of their own peer group. In 1998 Y.O.U. was "adopted" by the Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce as part of its AIDS prevention efforts. Y.O.U. is a support group that provides social and support activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people ages 13-25 who are coming to terms with their affectional orientation. Y.O.U. meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 5pm at 9229 Granby Street. Y.O.U. offers a safe place to talk about things you may not feel comfortable discussing with others. It is a place where you can be you. TACT also offers RAYN as a safe outlet in our community. RAYN is an empowerment program for gay & bisexual guys 13-25. RAYN provides fun social events, support networks, & unrestricted sessions on relationships and safer sex. For more information contact the RAYN Coordinator (Joseph) at (757) 583-1317 ext. 630.
Bookstores & Other Friendly Places
Naro Cinema: 1507 Colley Ave. Norfolk, (757) 625-6276
Papers & Publications
Lambda Directory: (757) 486-3546 http://www.lambdadirectory.com
Out & About: (757) 583-7468
PFLAG: (757) 588-6552
National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437)
National Gay & Lesbian Hotline: 1-888-843-4565
TACT: (757) 583-1317 http://www.tact-online.com
Virginia AIDS Hotline: 1-800-533-4148
HIPS Hotline (For Adolescent Prostitutes): 1-800-676-4477
National Gay & Lesbian Youth Hotline: 1-800-347-TEEN (8336)
National Runaway Switchboard (Adolescent Crisis Line): 1-800-621-4000
TEENS TAP (Teens Teaching AIDS Prevention): 1-800-234-TEEN (8336)
The Teen AIDS Hotline: 1-800-440-TEEN (8336)
Spiritual Support
All God's Children Community Church: (757) 480-0911
New Life MCC: (757) 362-3056
For more information contact a Y.O.U. advisor Jerome Cuffee at (757) 583-1317 ext. 630.
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