Our name has changed, but not our mission

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center is pleased to announce its new name: TriVersity — Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity. The center has changed its name but not its mission. A name helps to define an organization and the new name clearly plays a role in establishing the value of the center to all people based on sexual and gender diversity as well as to straight allies. The new name helps place clear emphasis on its vision to serve all no matter how they identify. As both sexuality and gender fall on a spectrum, many people do not identify with the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) tag. "TriVersity" puts us at the forefront of a change that is happening rapidly and indicates to all that the center is a safe and welcoming space for all.
One factor for the name change is closing a perception gap that the center is here to provide services and events only to the Upper Delaware area in Pike County when it actually attracts and works with individuals in the tristate area. Also many see the center as only events. This will be a way to rebrand services provided to the community.
Why TriVersity? "Tri" implies "three," and the balance of the name indicates "diversity." "Tri" describes the center in many ways: the geographic areas it works in (three states; Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York); that it advocates for social change that embraces diversity and eliminates oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity and that the center includes its straight allies who complete the community; and a philosophy that includes three key words — acceptance, support and empowerment. Also, the TRIangle has long been associated with the LGBTQ community.
Part of the way TriVersity accomplishes its mission is by offering various support programs. These include its P3 (People Promoting Pride) offerings. P3 is its LGBTQ and ally youth contingent. P3's adage is “Making It Better Now,” a slight variation on the It Gets Better Campaign as the Center works to improve their situations now. Currently, there are three P3 programs to aid in improving lives now: P3 Expressions, an innovative program where the youth in our community can freely express and release emotions through art; it helps convey what some cannot verbally articulate. P3 Support Discussion Group provides a place to meet, get support, receive acceptance, and to talk to other LGBTQ teens in a safe environment. And P3 Voices enables participants to share feelings and issues through sociodrama, a dramatic play in which individuals act out roles for the purpose of studying and remedying problems they are experiencing in living their truth in their everyday lives.
In addition to these programs the center also offers support gatherings for Parents of LGBTQ Individuals; Transgender Individuals; and Spouse/Partners of Transgender Individuals.
All groups are free and confidential. Check our website at udglbt.org or Facebook for updates on our upcoming groups as well as other events and programs.
With the name change this is the perfect time to be part of a publication that highlights the amazing communities in the tristate area by advertising in TriVersity's 2017 Rainbow Pages. The Rainbow Pages is an LGBTQ and Ally friendly directory, promoting local area businesses and tourism. Also the contents of the Rainbow Pages will be available online in a flippable format for the thousands of viewers visiting TriVersity's owebsite.
The Pages are distributed in high traffic business locations in the Upper Delaware Region of the Poconos, Pike, Monroe, Carbon and Wayne Counties, Sussex County, New Jersey and Port Jervis, N.Y., and Orange and Sullivan Counties. To advertise Call Jeremy 570-534-2940 or email him at rainbowpagespublishing@gmail.com
The corporate name will continue to be The Upper Delaware GLBT Center, Inc. and TriVersity will continue to be visible as it values its rich history and the vision that the founders, especially former Executive Director, Patty Tomaszewski, had for the organization.
All are welcome at TRIVERSITY — Your Gender and Sexual Diversity Center.
TriVersity aka Upper Delaware GLBT Center
Milford, Pa.