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Board Member Discusses Resignation From Pride Center And Controversy Over Bar Name

Oak45
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Yesterday we told you about the controversy swirling about the planned new name of a gay bar in Winooski, Vermont.  The failure of the Pride Center of Vermont to condemn the owner’s plan to name it Mister Sister led two board members to resign. One is Bailey Cummings, who is upset that the center is not taking a position. She says the bar owner has not been listening to the community’s concerns.
"The biggest thing that this is bringing to light is the fact that our community has a lot of trans-phobia and trans-misogyny entrenched in it.  I personally wasn’t as aware of it before as I am now. So I think that community centers and organizations and just community members ourselves are going to need to really look at that and figure out what we can do to make sure transwomen and other transpeople are safe, listened to and taken care of, supported in our community. And I think we really need to really dig into the people who have been perpetuating these trans-misogynist and trans-phobic sentiments and works to correct it.”

The Pride Center of Vermont released a statement in the wake of Cummings’ and another board member’s resignation, recognizing that the issue is polarizing the community and its board, but noting it will not take a stance regarding the name.  Interim executive director Josie Leavitt says it’s crucial to remain neutral.   “We’re a community center so part of what we do is we support everyone within the LGBTQ spectrum.  And that is our job.  And that is what we will continue to do and we will do it, we will do whatever we need to to continue to support the trans community.”

The Pride Center of Vermont is holding a Town Hall tonight at the Champlain Senior Center to discuss the issues in hopes of coming together as a community.
 

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