OutSmart - This Issue

SHARE THE WEALTH

For the second year, we recommend worthy nonprofit groups for end-of-year giving.
by Tim Brookover

"H.A.T.C.H. saved my life," Ryan Fugate said.

Now a soft-spoken 28-year-old, Fugate fled at age 19 from his abusive, violent family in El Paso. "I knew I was gay, and with the years of torment and everything, it was a big struggle," he recalled in a recent interview. "I was immensely depressed and immensely fearful."

Fugate ended up in Houston, living with friends who had also left Jehovah's Witness parents. One night, he ventured into Heaven, the nightclub the predated South Beach. A young man named Emmett approached him with a card for H.A.T.C.H., Houston Area Teen Coalition for Homosexuals. ("I guess he saw how awkward I was," Fugate said.)

Fugate began attending H.A.T.C.H. activities. "It was the first time I was in a peer situation where I was completely accepted for who I was," he said. "H.A.T.C.H. also gave us a voice. It was the first time many of us were encouraged to express what we felt and thought."

Now a trained massage therapist in a two-year relationship, Fugate said he cherishes his H.A.T.C.H. years and still fears what his life might have become without the organization. "There are so many kids who are alone and out there," he explained. "They don't have any support. For me, H.A.T.C.H. was the only safe place."

To continue serving our community, including people like Ryan Fugate, organizations like H.A.T.C.H. need money. Contrary to a common belief, nonprofit groups receive most of their funding from individuals, rather than foundations or corporations. In a weakening economy, finding contributions grows tougher for even well-known organizations.

Day after day, scores of worthy groups perform vital, valuable work that makes life better in Houston. The following 2002 list (and the names of the 2001 selections) represents only a fraction of the local GLBT nonprofit sector, which typically must make do with fewer resources than its mainstream counterpart.

Charity does begin at home. Especially at this season, we encourage support for the many organizations that build the community.

H.A.T.C.H.

713/942-7002

www.hatchyouth.org

People With AIDS Coalition-Houston

Programs for individuals living with HIV include the Milam House transitional residence and childcare. On December 7, the coalition will host "Bed and Breakfast," a benefit to fund beds for the New Beginnings Housing Restart program.

713/522-5428

www.neosoft.com/~pwac

Donald R. Watkins Memorial Foundation

The foundation provides health and supportive services to individuals living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. With offices in the Texas Medical Center, southwest Houston, and Conroe, the organization serves a predominantly African-American population.

713/528-1748

www.josephgathe.com/drwmf

Lesbian Health Initiative of Houston

Marking 10 years of service in 2002, this all-volunteer organization presents regular health fairs for women and offers free mammograms and breast-cancer screening. The next health fair will take place on June 14 at Montrose Clinic.

713/603-0023

www.lhihouston.org

Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Cineastes are prepping for the eighth festival, opening May 29. One of the largest queer-movie happenings in the Southwest, the festival presents features and shorts at six venues. Auteur alert: Organizers begin accepting submissions this month.

713/524-3818

www.hlgff.org

Share the Wealth 2001

AssistHers

713/521-4628

Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History

713/227-5973

www.gcam.org

James Byrd Jr. Foundation for Racial Healing

888/656-6414

www.byrdfoundation.org

Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center