14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

The 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair on Saturday, June 23rd was a wild success! Thank you again to everyone who put their time, energy, services, and passion into this wonderful event!

Congratulations to our Raffle Winners!

This year, we had some wonderful raffle prizes to share! Many thanks to all who donated their products and services.

After health fair participants filled out health assessments, they were invited to enter our raffle drawing. Here are the prizes we awarded:

Four passes to SIFF Uptown Cinema, unlimited movies through the end of the year

Two tickets to a Seattle Storm game

Four tickets to a Rat City Roller Girls bout, plus merchandise vouchers

Two tickets to a Seattle Women's Chorus performance at St. Mark's Cathedral

Two tickets to a film at the 2012 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Two tickets to the Wildrose Tavern's Gay Pride Block Party

One gift bag from Babeland

Congratulations to everyone who won a prize! We hope you enjoy them!

Special blessed thanks to the First Baptist Church for providing a no-cost meeting space!

Thank you, Volunteers!

Many thanks to our lovely volunteers for putting together a fabulous 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair!

Without your support, we could not have pulled this together.

Terr got our Rainbow Health Fair Committee started this year, and created the Google Site we used to stay organized. Liz led the charge on developing our magnificent health fair poster. Mary and Sam spearheaded our fundraising efforts, raising a total of $1,900! Sara Jay provided critical feedback during planning sessions and did some wonderful outreach. Jen was the "Logisitics Wizard" - not an easy role to play! Sam also played an important administrative role in the committee.

We also had six volunteers who helped create a sign for the health fair, managed the music, worked the front desk, helped set up and break down, and more!

Many thanks to all who made a contribution!

Rainbow Health Fair Map

Message from the YWCA's CEO: Proud to highlight YWCA’s commitment to our diverse community

Gay Pride Month provides us with a timely opportunity to highlight the important commitment that the YWCA makes in providing services to a diverse community of women, men and children – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.


We believe that every person has inherent dignity and worth. This belief guides everything we do at the YWCA: how we work with clients, our policies, our relationships with colleagues, partners and donors. It’s embedded in our mission/vision statement: “We believe that working together we can create a community where all people live in dignity, free from violence, racism and discrimination.”

The LGBTQ community has experienced a history of violence and discrimination, and we believe that standing with our LGBTQ clients, staff, volunteers, board members and supporters is one concrete way we express our belief in the dignity and worth of every human being.

In celebration of Gay Pride Month, YWCA staff and volunteers are looking forward to participating in the 38th annual Pride Parade: The Many Faces of Pride, in Seattle this Sunday (June 24). We hope to see you along the parade route – we’ll be the group dressed mostly in orange!

We also hope you will join us at the 14th annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair on June 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at Seattle Central Community College. This fun event features complimentary health resources–from Zumba to acupuncture, massage therapy and nutrition.


These are just two of the events that our YWCA will be participating in that celebrate our rich, diverse community. Please visit us here on ywcaworks.org or like us on Facebook to learn about the events that we are joining or hosting in the upcoming months.

This blog post was originally posted on YWCA Leadership Blog: Message from our CEO, Sue Sherbrooke.

Rainbow Health Fair: The More, the Merrier!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have partnered with a few more health and wellness providers. The more, the merrier!

In addition to the services and activities we've already posted, expect to see these services at the 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair this Saturday.

Naturopathy & Acupuncture

Kira Baum, ND, LaC is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist in Seattle. She provides comprehensive holistic health care for most medical concerns. She is dedicated to assisting people in achieving their health goals with the use of safe and effective natural modalities, like nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

Naturopathy

Les Witherspoon, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician. He will answer questions and provide information for clients about transgender health and gender variant health issues.

Nutrition

Join Beve Kindblade, Nutritionist, for a lively workshop and discussion about nutrition, health, and wellness. She integrates the best of traditional medicine with a natural health approach. Her workshop will be from 3:30pm-4:20pm. Learn about nutritional essentials to take control of your health, renew your energy, and look your best - naturally.

Relationship Skills

NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse works to end violence and abuse by building loving and equitable relationships in our community and across the country. Join DeAnn Alcantara-Thompson in a relationship skills class from 12:30pm-1:20pm or 1:30pm-2:20pm.

Safer Sex

Health care professional Candace Cantrell, President of Seattle Girls of Leather, will be answering questions about safer sex. Candace has many years of professional and personal experiences in alternative sexuality communities, making her a dynamic educator. Seattle Girls of Leather will also be providing snacks for health fair participants! Thanks, SGOL!!!

Reiki

Diana Balgaard is a Reiki Master and has practiced Reiki since 1990. Reiki is a divinely guided energy. Your body has its own intelligence. Clients can feel balanced, energized, relaxed, and lighter after a treatment. Diana will provide 10 minute treatments at the health fair.

Susan G. Komen, Puget Sound Affiliate

Elisa Del Rosario and her colleagues from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Puget Sound Affiliate are once again joining the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair. Komen has awarded YWCA Women's Health Outreach with a grant that has provided critical funding for the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair every year for 14 years. Our local affiliate has always supported the LBTQ community. Representatives from Komen will be available to share information about the local affiliate and the work they do in our communities.

Tarot Reading

Returning is our very popular Beverly Bryant who has read Tarot professionally for over 15 years. Tarot readings can help give guidance and be used for decision making and direction in finances, relationships, or careers.

Music

Also returning is Marla S. Nonken. Marla is a songwriter and performer, who has played at a wide array of venues - from grassroots to political rallies to yoga classes. She plays many genres and styles that focus on healing, emotions, and lightness. She believes that music and sound soothe the soul and offer nourishment.

Self Defense & Kung Fu

Michelle McVadon has been teaching self defense and Kung Fu (from Seven Star Women's Kung Fu) for 25 years. She holds the rank of Chief Instructor, has 5th degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu and 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. Her class will be from 2:30pm-3:10pm.

Join us at the Rainbow Health Fair on Sat., June 23rd!

Statement from Patricia Allen-Lehman, our Rainbow Health Fair poster woman.

One of my personal goals in life was to be able to help all women empower their lives in every way. Without good health we cannot achieve our dreams. I was so pleased when Liz Latham (Documentary Film Producer and Rainbow Committee member) asked me to participate in this project.

As a side note… I am wearing my mother’s cap and uniform. She was the first African American R.N. in the city of Seattle. She passed away July 26^th, 2011.

Discover the many health and wellness providers at Rainbow.

Try out different health services at the 14th Annual Rainbow Health Fair! Services will be provided by a wide array of alternative and traditional health care providers. We are excited to bring these experiential services to the community, empowering YOU to regularly and actively take care of your health and well-being!

Acupuncture

Regular Rainbow participants Renee Benedict and Lorrie Wallace of Emerald Gate Acupuncture will give treatments for rest and relaxation, especially good for those with stress-filled lives.

Kathryn Tooker, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, will provide acupuncture and information about Chinese medicine.

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Connie Amundson will provide chiropractic screenings to regain and maintain health through gentle state-of-the-art chiropractic wellness care.

Counseling

Donna Dover, who is with Seattle Counseling Services, will talk with you about mental health and chemical dependency. She will provide referrals, resources, and self-care information.

Energy Healing

Linda Rasmussen is a certified Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) Elite Master. She will provide short healing sessions, helping people learn non-force energy balancing procedures, using the power of the mind.

DaKara Kies returns with Heart Point Healing, which taps into the deepest wisdom of your heart and set your body and mind free.  Maria Vallianatos brings back her Amethyst Bio Mat. Come and feel the energy of this wonderful healing tool.

Health Exams

Lois Thetford, Physical Assistant at NeighborCare, and Dr. Kim Van der Zee from Swedish Medical Center, will be providing health exams. Exams will include blood pressure checks and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments.

Heart Health

Hope Heart Institute will provide 20 people with cholesterol and glucose health. Through education and medical advances, Hope Heart Institute makes the number one cause of death more treatable and preventable.

Hepatitis Testing

Millions of people have hepatitis and don't know it. Find out your status by getting tested. Testing will be provided by Hepatitis Education Project.

HIV Testing

Amber Tejada is a HIV/STD Prevention Counselor at Gay City Health Project, promoting wellness in the LBTQ community. She will provide HIV testing, information, and resources.

Hypnotherapy

Kristin Rivas, C.Ht., is a certified and licensed Hypnotherapist. Her passion for hypnosis was born from a life-saving experience. Learn about the benefits of hypnosis.

Massage

Try out the benefits of massage with one of our returning licensed massage therapists. Karen Naguma focuses on digestive and reproductive issues, E. Houston LeBrun focuses on pain relief and restoring well-being, and Zoe Abigail Bermet helps your body and mind achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Karen, Houston, and Zoe will be joined by Everest College massage therapy students.

Mammography

 YWCA Women's Health Outreach conducts a mobile mammogram screening for income eligible people 40 and over, who are un- or under insured, under the WBCCHP . The mobile mammogram coach from Swedish Hospital will be on site, with Allison Novins, ND, as the medical provider on board, providing breast exams and pap tests.

Naturopathy

Dr. Letitia Colston's practice includes a special interest in health care for sexual minorities, women's health, digestive and mental health. She will provide health exams.

Physical Therapy

Jutta Schneider, PT, emphasizes health and wellness through a strong exercise and manual therapy-based approach. She will provide screening and assessments.

A Rainbow of Information on Health & Well-Being

Past Rainbow Health Fairs have hosted an information table full of educational resources for our community. This year, we will be hosting more than 25 exhibitors, each with their own table of information and materials. We'll have a diverse selection of information on topics ranging from ovarian cancer to coming out classes, to sleep health! You can even register to vote and adopt a new pet!

This year's health fair will take place from noon to 5pm on Saturday, June 23rd - exhibitors will be there the whole time!

Come with questions, ready to learn how to be financially, mentally, and physically healthy!

Many thanks to all our exhibitors!

Here is a list of what will be available:

• Ovarian and Breast Health Education (Ovarian & Breast Cancer Alliance & Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Affiliate)
• Sleep Health (Erin Sheldon, RPSGT, Swedish Medical Center)
• Information on HIV (Mujeres Diversas & BABES Network-YWCA)
• Physical Activity & Education for Cancer Survivors (Team Survivor NW)
• Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders (Senior Services/SAGE)
• I am who I am... Without apology - A Peer Support Group
• Transgender Peer Support (Ingersoll Gender Center)
• Financial Planning (Noemi Chaparro, Mass Mutual Financial Group)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Mental Health & Chemical Dependency (Seattle Counseling Service)
• Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins (Local Hazardous Waste Management Program)
• Adopt a Companion Animal (MEOW Cat Rescue)
• Register to Vote
• Fertility Planning (LGBTQ Fertility)
• Seattle PFLAG
• Multiple Sclerosis Education (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter)
• Nutrition Information