Plimoth Plantation Explores 17th Century Colonial and Native GLBT History

Plimoth Plantation, located in Plymouth Mass, held its second annual, “Out At Plimoth Plantation,” an all-day, inclusive, LGBT event on Saturday, September 26, 2009 featuring family activities, unique, historical lectures including, Native/two-spirit perspectives from Harlan Pruden of the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society; a Colonial look at what Plimoth Plantation knows about gay tolerance during the 17th century and an exploration of a woman’s same sex perspective during the 18th century, presented by Dr. Jennifer Manion, History Professor at Connecticut College. In addition, the day highlighted a “Family Resource, Wedding and Event Expo” presented by Plimoth Plantation’s exclusive caterer, Creative Gourmet and sponsored by Verona Salon of Plymouth, MA. The day finished with a taste of history at the museum with a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet and Social Mixer, a perfect place for guests to discuss the day’s events, and where people connect with new friends.

“History is everybody’s story…Plimoth Plantation’s mission is to provide powerful, personal experiences with that history as we know it,” said, Richard Pickering, Deputy Executive Director. “We are successful when we are able to bring the past alive for our guests by presenting relevant, true historical accounts that they can identify with, giving them a new perspective and a real connection to the past. We are confident members of the GLBT community will enjoy seeing and hearing that they too have a valid place in early American history.”

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http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/action/

President Obama is committed to developing a coordinated, measurable and successful National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) to address the HIV epidemic in the United States (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the US Territories). This requires enlisting the help of many communities and individuals across the United States to provide input into the NHAS. The Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) is announcing an online ‘Call to Action: Americans Speaks About HIV/AIDS’ to encourage community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, businesses, research institutions and other groups to hold their own discussions about the strategic steps we need to take as a nation to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

What you can do?

1. Brainstorm ideas and identify specific action steps that address the three National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals to reduce HIV incidence, increase access to care and optimize health outcomes for people living with HIV, and reduce HIV-related health disparities.
2. Develop recommendations for each National HIV/AIDS Strategy goal that could be fulfilled by the federal government, state and local governments, non-profits, businesses and other entities.
3. Write a summary of your group’s recommended action steps for each goal of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
4. Type your recommendations directly into the web site comment field or upload a Word or PDF file with your recommendations directly on to the ONAP web site.

How will submissions ONAP receives from the “Call to Action” be used?

This information will be considered and evaluated during the drafting of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. We will summarize submissions to the “Call to Action” and the Community Discussions in a report that highlights common themes expressed by participants.

How long will the ONAP website be accepting submissions for the “Call to Action”?

The “Call to Action” started on October 2, 2009. The ONAP website will receive public input submissions until November 13, 2009.

Visit the ONAP website to submit a comment!