LGBTQIA People with Disabilities Meeting in DC

A triangle made up of rainbow colors with the symbol of a person in a wheelchairThis is a new group being introduced targeting people with disabilities (PWD). It seeks to support, educate, empower and create change for PWD. Discussion would include but not limited to:

  • Common intersections between LGBTQIA/ disability.
  • Dating/ relationship perspectives
  • Creating access/ breaking down barriers in public spaces for LGBTQ PWD’s .

The group facilitator will be Actor/ Disability Advocate Andy Arias – queries can be sent to andyarias09 at gmail.com.
Meetings are every second Friday of each month.

Date/Time
Date – 03/10/2017 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location
The DC Center

Pride month video

photo of an old movie cameraThe office of Diversity has received a contract to produce videos for the special emphasis months and would like to complete the LGBT Pride month video by March 2016. We are looking for volunteers to appear on camera as well as ideas for content. What do you wish to convey to the PTO community about pride month and LGBT employees? This is a great opportunity to present ideas and represent our group! Anyone willing, please step forward and contact us.

Featured Group: National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)

“We are scientific and technical professionals who earn our livings in the fields of: materials science, biomedical engineering, geography, archeology, neurobiology, meteorology, oceanography, medical technology, physics, electrical engineering, biochemistry, zoology, psychobiology, computer science, epidemiology, microbiology, environmental science, linguistics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, science education, sociology, astronomy, botany, molecular biology, anthropology, law, aerospace, engineering, science policy, physiology, ecology, patent law, geology, health professions, mathematics, and more!

We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and allies. Those of us who are able, are out and proud. We advocate equal employment opportunity, professional networking, role modeling, science education, and scientific freedom/responsibility. We practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with PRIDE.”

-noglstp.org

Featured Group: oSTEM

“Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. The national society has been built by students, for students.  We started as a single chapter in 2005, and today we encompass more than 50 chapters across the country.  Anyone who wishes to connect or start an oSTEM chapter should email us at info@ostem.org.  We have a chapter manual with helpful tips and knowledgeable mentors who are ready and eager to assist.”

ostem.org

Last Day to buy IFS Tickets at half price is tomorrow!

Photo of bruschettaFive tickets for $5 or ten tickets for $10 (One ticket redeemable for one sample serving). These tickets on special member pricing will remain on sale only through August 6th. Our table will feature Italian cuisine samples from an LGBT Owned catering business to include Bruschetta, Italian Meatballs, De-constructed Stuffed Mushrooms, Prosciutto Onion Gorgonzola and Stuffed Campari Tomatoes. Other offerings include Chicken Bririyani and Falafel; Samosas and Korean Dumplings; Mini Beef Patties and Jerk Chicken; Persian Chicken Kabobs; Eggplant Salad; Chicken Gumbo; Lemon Ricotta Kale Dip; Ethiopian Minchetabsh; Chocolate Dipping Station; Roasted Chicken and more! Don’t miss a great deal, contact Larry Sternbane and Michael Tzeng to get your half price tickets before they’re gone!

End of Fiscal Year BBQ

Photo of barbecue ribs on the grillThe National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) would like to collaborate with the other affinity groups at the PTO in organizing a barbecue.  The barbecue would be open to all of the participating affinity groups members and would serve to celebrate the end of the fiscal year. Mid-October was the time frame that we thought would be ideal for the event but, depending on the participants, the time frame can be changed. Are you interested in participating? Leave a comment or e-mail our inbox.

Welcome!

Photo of champagne bottle exploding in celebratory modeAs we are closing in to the Lambda Flyer’s first anniversary, we are launching a new site where all members will be able to check on the latest updates, events and resources available. This format enables more flexibility for all of us on the board of directors to publish content outside the PTO network, giving members the ability to read, communicate and is also available for those who don’t use Facebook as a social platform. Now, please keep in mind this site is still in development, so you might see some changes within the coming weeks.

Now, first order of business, we are in the planning stages for the International Food Sampling event at PTO and we’re happy to report, a couple of local LGBT catering businesses have joined us and have accepted our request to feature their menu. Now it’s time to coordinate and more details about the lineup will be coming out soon. In the mean time, tickets to the event will be on sale shortly so save the date!

In other news, here’s a short reminder for those who wish to extend their federal benefits to their families in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the now defunct Defense of Marriage Amendment (DOMA). There’s a special 60-day open enrollment period which will end on August 26. Those who wish to enroll their spouses and step children in their Federal health, life, dental and vision insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance for family members, don’t forget to go by the Customer Service Center and bring your Marriage License.

Lastly, don’t forget to come down and socialize at the Innovative Grounds Coffee Shop for the bi-weekly Lambda Coffee Break tomorrow at 2:30 PM. Our group gathers in front of the coffee shop at the Madison Building, concourse level.