LOFT Calendar
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Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 05:00 PM
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in White Plains, NYHIV STI Testing 4-16-24
Free HIV/STI Testing is provided through a collaboration with Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS) every month at The LOFT. Includes testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis. Testing is fast, free, and discreet.
In collaboration with Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS), free, in-person HIV & STI screening is at The LOFT every 3rd Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM by appointment only.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new procedures have been put into place to ensure the safety of you, LOFT, and HVCS staff.
- You must make an appointment, no drop-ins will be able to be screened that day.
- Pre-screening and counseling will be done prior to the appointment by phone with an HVCS counselor.
- You must wear a face covering over your nose and mouth for the duration of the in-person appointment.
To start the process and make an appointment contact Edgar Peralta at [email protected] or 845-704-7887 call or text.
If you are unable to visit The LOFT during the appointment period, additional appointments can be scheduled on a different day and time either at The LOFT or an HVCS location. Contact HVCS to find out more.
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Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 06:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): Young Adult Trans Peer Support Group
The Young Adult Transgender Peer Support Group is open to all trans, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people between the ages of 18 to 29. This group is open-topic and drop-in based.
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link
CONTACT: [email protected] or call The LOFT's helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 with any questions!
LOFT Peer Support Groups are open-topic, drop-in groups. Groups are led by facilitators who identify as peers with those in attendance.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
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Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 07:00 PM
The LOFT in White Plains, NY(IP): Al-Anon (AAC)
WHEN: Meets weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
CONTACT: [email protected] with any questions!
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Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 07:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): Men's Peer Support Group
The Men's Peer Support Group is an open-topic group run by a trained peer facilitator for men. For ages 18+, who identify as gay, bisexual, pansexual, or are questioning their sexuality.
WHEN: Tuesday evenings from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link
CONTACT: [email protected] or call The LOFT's Helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 if you have any questions about the group!
LOFT Peer Support Groups are open-topic, drop-in groups. They are led by facilitators who identify as peers with those in attendance.
There is no fee to attend discussion groups but a $5 donation is suggested, more if you can, less if you can’t. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
View all groups on our calendar!
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 08:00 AM
VIRTUAL(V): Qigong
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We will learn a simple 9-form practice designed to gather, purify, and transform our internal energy (qi). In addition to learning the form, we will discuss basic concepts of qigong and delve into some principles of qigong movement. These practices can be done standing, seated, or lying down. No prior experience or props are needed and all skill levels will find something new in this practice. The complimentary course is oriented to those of the LGBTQ+ community and designed with folx of that identity in mind. Particular focus will be brought to LGBTQ+ experience and the possibilities for qigong to provide a platform for acceptance, healing, and growth.
Qigong is a very accessible, no sweat workout but it is still a physical activity. Those who RSVP will be asked to complete a waiver confirming that they feel able to participate.
WHEN: Wednesday mornings from 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM with an optional 15-minute debrief and discussion
WHERE: Virtual Meeting - register below to receive Zoom link
WHO: LGBTQ+ community members who are aged 18+
Please complete required waiver here
Teacher Bio: B. Leavitt ("believe it!") is an evolving gender fluid person who is a lawyer, parent and qigong teacher/practitioner. They have a 200-hour teaching certification from the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi. Qigong ("chee-gung") has been a vital part of B's journey and they view the practice as having profound potential for providing TGNCNB folx a safe and powerful pathway to ease and comfort in their bodies. Focusing less on the outer appearance of qigong forms and more on the inner experience of movement, B creates a fun, open and healing practice. Following this qigong series for the TGNCNB communities, B. plans to offer a series for the LGBTQ+ communities to participate in. Dates of that series are to be determined.
A donation is accepted for our Qigong teacher for those who are able, recommended at $10 via Venmo or in-person.
LOFT Social Groups are open groups that welcome everyone ages 18 and over. Groups are led by members of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
View all groups on our calendar!
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 06:30 PM
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in White Plains, NY(IP): Knitting Circle
The LGBTQ+ Knitting Circle is open to all experience levels. Beginners welcome! Some materials are provided, but we encourage you to bring your own.
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
CONTACT: [email protected] with any questions!
Suggested Materials:
- Size 8 straight, bamboo needles
- Yarn, look for something that's DK, worsted, or aran weight (may also be listed as weight 3 or 4 or as light or medium weight)
- A bag to hold your supplies
Recommendations:
- Please avoid using plastic or metal needles if you are a beginner, as these are more difficult to work with.
- Bamboo needles are very affordable and widely available.
- We recommend any natural fiber (cotton, wool, etc.) or a blend of natural fibers. It doesn't have to be expensive, but please avoid 100% acrylic yarn as this is difficult to work with, especially as a beginner.
LOFT Social Groups are open groups that welcome everyone ages 18 and over. Groups are led by members of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
View all groups on our calendar!
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 07:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): 20-Somethings Peer Support Group
LGBTQ+ 20-Somethings is a LOFT Peer Support Group for individuals who identify under the queer umbrella and are aged 20-29. Our discussions consist of topics brought by group attendees that night. Folx are encouraged to seek out new friendships, make connections, establish local LGBTQ+ affirming spots to meet up, share TV shows, movies, and book recommendations, or just kick back and listen to what like-minded people have to say!
WHEN: This group meets virtually on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link
CONTACT: [email protected] or (914)-948-2932 extension 13
LOFT Peer Support Groups are open-topic, drop-in groups. Groups are led by facilitators who identify as peers with those in attendance.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 07:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): Writers Workshop
Have you ever thought about writing creatively, and would like feedback on your creative project? Do you have a novel, short story, poem, or play inside of you that you've been developing? Come and join our workshop and receive the support and feedback that can help you get to that next level with your creative project!
CALLING ALL LGBTQ+ WRITERS!
WHEN: The 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link
CONTACT: [email protected] or call The LOFT's helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 with any questions!
Check out our new RESOURCES page listed with opportunities to publish your work, click here!
HOW IT WORKS:
- The Writers Workshop has become a VIRTUAL PROGRAM (with some selected times in the year for in-person gatherings).
- Workshops are held every 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. (Please note there are exceptions.)
- If you are looking to have your work reviewed, you need to submit your work by no later than the 2nd Wednesday and participate in the critique process. (For new submissions please email [email protected] no later than 6:00 PM ET to receive the link to submit before midnight)
- Submitting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month gives everyone a week to read all the submissions and produce critiques for everyone's work. Once you submit your work, you too will receive access to the submissions where you will also need to prepare a brief critique on every piece of work submitted. (You'll also receive a guide for writing critiques--it's really easy and a quick read). We have also recently added an "early bird submission" for those writers who want to submit longer than 6 pages. It's due on the 1st Wednesday of the month, giving readers two weeks to review their work.
- That 3rd Wednesday we will all meet and collectively review everyone's submission, writer by a writer. Everyone will have a chance to weigh in and offer their assessment in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. All writers who submit work for review are required to also attend, participate, and produce critiques for all other submissions to receive their critiques and feedback.
WHAT CAN YOU SUBMIT?
The Writers Workshop accepts most creative projects including but not limited to fiction novels, non-fiction, memoirs, essays, short stories, poetry, comic strips, screenplays, etc... The most common work that has been submitted by writers is fiction projects (novels and short stories) and poetry. While not a requirement, we do encourage submissions to contain LGBTQ+ themes. One of the great benefits of LGBTQ+ writing spaces is receiving feedback from writers who are centered on an LGBTQ+ identity and can offer insight and perspective that can enhance the quality of your project. Please note the submission length will vary from month to month.
It's my first time and I'm ready to submit my work...WHAT DO I DO?
First, double-check your submission:
- Is your name somewhere on the manuscript?
- Does it correspond to the submission standards: length, font size, double-space, and standard margins? Please do not try to manipulate your document to squeeze in extra content. This is highly inconsiderate towards your fellow writers. You are asking them to spend more time and resources on your work than on theirs. If your work does not follow the guidelines, you may be at risk of having it sent back to you and asked to have it conform to the standards laid out (you will still have to meet the established timelines for submission). Don't risk it, follow the guidelines.
- Once you've ensured that your work meets the submission standards e-mail [email protected] and let him know you're ready to submit your work. He will then supply you with a link to access the shared folder where writers upload their work. You will only need to do this one time, afterward, you should have access to the shared folder.
Submission Confirmation
- On the second Thursday, the day after submissions are due, the facilitator will send all writers who submitted a confirmation that details all the work that each writer is responsible for reading and reviewing for the workshop.
- Reviews are oral and given at the workshop. No need to write them out, unless you would like.
- Our submissions also operate on a sliding scale. The way the sliding scale works is everyone submits a max of 1650 words. If more than 5 people have submitted by the end of the 2nd Wednesday of the month (submission deadline) there will be no increases in submission length. If 4 people or fewer submit, writers will be given a 24-hour extension to add additional content based on the number of submissions. The facilitator will determine the new amount of content that can be added and will share it in the confirmation process. It's completely optional, the writer can leave their submission as is, or opt to add additional content within that new 24-hour window. Specific Instructions will be provided for that particular workshop by the facilitator.
Workshop Participation
- Attendance & participation is mandatory if you have submitted work for review. You are also expected to offer commentary and critique that demonstrates you have read the material of others and have given it some thought and consideration.
- Workshop Critiques: No need to write a dissertation or give a 20-minute explanation. Rather, try to distill at least three key observations on what was strongest about the piece, the weakest, and something else that caught your attention. That's the sweet spot as everyone else will offer their insight to complete the bigger picture analysis.
- Please remember all of this relies on everyone showing up and doing their part. Other writers are giving up their time and resources to help your craft grow--please do the same and in the same amount asked.
Submission Standards
**IMPORTANT: PLEASE read the submission guidelines carefully. Failure to comply with the length and standards can result in a return of your submission.**
Sliding Scale Submission Length: 1,650 Words *
PLEASE Double Space and use 12 pt. font
(Does not include a brief paragraph that summarizes/explains work-200 word limit)
* The way the sliding scale works is everyone submits a max of 1650 words. If more than 5 people have submitted by the end of the 2nd Wednesday of the month (submission deadline) there will be no increases in submission length. If 4 people or fewer submit, writers will be given a 24-hour extension to add additional content based on the number of submissions. It's completely optional, the writer can leave their submission as is, or opt to add additional content within that new 24-hour window. Specific Instructions will be provided for that particular workshop by the facilitator.
2024 Workshop Schedule
Workshop Month Submission Due Date
second Wednesday/month:Workshop (7:30 pm-9:00 pm) EST-3rd Wednesday/month: December 2023 December 13th December 20th January 2024 January 10th January 17th February 2024 February 14th February 21st March 2024 March 13th March 20th
LOFT Social Groups are open groups that welcome everyone ages 18 and over. Groups are led by members of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
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Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 05:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): C.A.L.M - Centered at LOFT Meditation
Discover tranquility at C.A.L.M. - Centered at LOFT Meditation, a welcoming group within The LOFT community. Step into a space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to unwind and recenter their minds.
Immerse yourself in a diverse range of soothing meditations, from calming breath exercises to guided sessions, mindfulness practices, and enchanting mantras. C.A.L.M. offers a unique blend of techniques designed to cater to various preferences, ensuring that everyone finds their path to inner peace.
This inter-generational program is part of Silver Connections, The LOFT's initiative for LGBTQ+ community members aged 55 and above. However, this inclusive meditation experience is open to individuals of all ages, 18 and older. Join us as we create a harmonious space to foster well-being and connection within our vibrant community.
WHEN: Every Thursday evening from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link
CONTACT: Call The LOFT's Helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 if you have any questions about the group!
The LOFT and Queery volunteer James Young facilitates this group. To learn more about James and Queery, click here.
LOFT Social Groups are open groups that welcome everyone ages 18 and over. Groups are led by members of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
Donations are welcome. Suggested donation is $5; more if you can, less if you can't. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
View all groups on our calendar!
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Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 07:30 PM
VIRTUAL(V): Mental Health Peer Support Group
The LGBTQ+ Mental Health Peer Support Group is for members of the LGBTQ+ community, ages 18 and over, who are living with a mental health condition, either diagnosed or undiagnosed.
WHEN: The 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PMWHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom linkCONTACT: Email [email protected] or call The LOFT's Helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 if you have any questions about the group!
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LOFT Peer Support Groups are open-topic drop-in groups. They are led by facilitators who identify as peers with those in attendance.
There is no fee to attend discussion groups but a $5 donation is suggested, more if you can, less if you can’t. Fees related to activities are the responsibility of participants.
View all groups on our calendar!