The History and Future of Wva's Queer News.
ABOUT WVA's Queer News
Wva's Queer News was established in February 2004 by editor-in-chief Terry Urban. His hopes were to be able to give something back to the very community in which he came out.
He wanted to give the gay community an outlet from chatrooms, night clubs, and book stores--a place that they could call their own. In the first months, there was not a lot of content but as people became more interested and aware, our magazine really came into its own.
Debut of Columns and History of the Magazine
March 2005 - Johnboy19778 joined the staff as bear writer for our section now known as "Bear It All." Divaangelstarr also started up the Transgendered Traxx section this month.
April 2005 - Theengagedfew joined the staff with True Colors. He has been one of the most consistent and praised writers of our site. He also won a Best Article Award at the 1st Annual Terry Awards Presentations for his article on "The Westboro Baptist Church Series."
June 2005 - Slayerscythe introduced his advice column "Ask Jonathan." He remains to be an intricate part of Wvas Queer News and has been with our magazine for over one year. Happy Anniversary!
June 2005 - The Terry Awards were introduced to the chat rooms. They started off through email voting and are now a big part of the fun and chat in
Gay.com and AOL.June 2005 - Longtime friend, Wade or Ablkmascguy introduced two columns to our readers. "The Way I see It" and "Perspectives". He also won Best Column 2005 at the 1st Annual Terry Awards. He was a very active writer for the magazine and major contributor to the success of Wvas Queer News until he had to leave us for personal reasons in March 2006.
July 2005 - Lazeecrazeeone introduced herself to the community with her column "Lesbian Limbo" and continued until January 2006.
July 2005 - Dragonkith, Our leather writer brought to the Links of Lust a new concept with doing weekly interviews with other respected parts of the Leather Community and continues to be an active part of Wvas Queer News and also won a Terry Award for his contributions within the magazine.
July 2005 - Divaangelstarr joined the staff as our "Transgendered Traxx" writer to introduce to the world a diva or transgendered person of the week.
July 2005 - Jediknightguy came to us as a movie reviewer and a Star Wars enthusiast. His movie reviews were a popular part of the magazine. He later became Terry's second hand man in December 2005 until he moved away in July 2006.
August 2005 - A man called Steve came to the staff of Wvas Queer News with a column known as "Steves Corner." He won a Best Writer Award in 2006 at the Terry Awards and continues to win in the monthly awards. He became Terry's managing editor in August 2006, and has been a great help and advisor in making Wva's Queer News what it is today and he is considered a friend.
August 2005 - Wvallstar joined the staff and took over our "Somewhere over the Rainbow" section and continued until February 2006.
September 2005 - Charlestonwvbotm came to Terry with an idea for a column called "No Bullshit". He continued to wow the readers until January 2006.
October 2005 - Wvas Queer News and Terry presents "The Veto Lake Murders" (murder mystery game). A good time was had by all who attended and took part.
November 2005 - Sexitim had took over "Transgendered Traxx" section for Divaangelstarr. His introductions and bios on the queens were quite exceptional and even won him a Newcomer of the Year 2005 award at the 1st Annual Terry Awards. He is still part of our staff and has even founded Rainbow Connections, Inc.
November 2005 - Terry's partner Tom decided to do his own take on things with a column called "Looking at a Different Side of Things." He has not won any awards yet, but his column is a much read part of Wva's Queer News.
December 2005 - Terry and Wvas Queer News presents Sex Sells, a
gay.com party at True Colors and his first ever staff meeting before. It was a good time for all, and a much needed outlet from the chat rooms.January 2006 - Bombayproof took over "Somewhere over the Rainbow."
January 2006 - Stacey Gabriel or L8dyvenus came to the staff and took over "Lesbian Limbo." She is up for multiple awards at the 2006 Terry Awards.
February 2006 - Airboy101 took over "Somewhere over the Rainbow."
March 2006 - We introduced to the world a new writer and a talented one at that, Froggluver who created his own section "Randomosities" and got rave reviews for his articles such as The Colors of the Rainbow.
March 2006 - The 1st Annual Terry Awards Presentations were held at the Dils Center in Parkersburg, Wva. This night was a great success because of fine community people who took part in both financial backing and participation, these individuals include Linda from the Dils Center, Amanda Love and Utopia, Papa Bear from Vice Versa, Geena Jordan, Sahara Lee, Tammy Faye, Michelle St. James (Terry Award winner for Drag Queen or Diva of the Year 2005), Cherrypoppers, Charleston AIDS Network, and Donnashlandky.
April 2006 - David Turley brought to the pages of Wvas Queer News, a section for his hometown of Beckley, Wva, "Sex and the Little City."
May 2006 - "Straight Up" was introduced as a column by Tammy Trippet, a single straight mother who gave her opinon on gay issues.
May 2006 - "I'm Not Gay" was also introduced by Theholywriter who continued until Sept. 2006 when he accepted a job with a Marietta Printed Publication.
June 2006 - July 2006 - Witchchris came to the staff of Wvas Queer News, taking over two columns "Gay Teens" and "Somewhere over the Rainbow", his work here has been a great addition to our magazine.
June 2006 - A great writer, Bionicjoeyawitch came to the staff of the magazine, taking over two important sections "The Way I see It" and "No Bullshit". His work is praised by all who read it.
June 2006 - "The Columbus Report" was started by Holttim.
June 2006 - "The Chalkboard" was brought to life by Wvutowner. The article about Wonder Woman and another titled "Sound The Alarm" are among his best remembered.
June 2006 - Len from Stonewall Society, became a part of our staff, bringing to the magazine two columns, "Discrimination, The Demon Within" and also his "Up and Coming Legends" (GLBT artists reviews). He is a very active part of Wvas Queer News.
July 2006 - Steve of "Steve's Corner" became managing editor of Wvas Queer News. He was promoted for his hard work and dedication plus his skills as a copy editor.
July 2006 - Troy or Tman79 introduced his column "Rainbow Politics" and it has been a favorite within the Terry Award polls.
July 2006 - Terry started a new section, "Speak Out," in which he interviews individuals who work to advance the GLBT community.
August 2006 - Terry introduced three new state pages to help show show support to areas around West Virginia. "Gay Ohio," "Gay Pennsylvania," and "Gay Kentucky."
September 2006 - Naval20yards introduced his column "The Blind Truth."
September 2006 - Luciousleeza took over the column "Straight Up" to get a better understanding of the gay community and to offer her feelings on those issues.
September 2006 - "From the People" was introduced, and is a outlet for anyone who wants to write an article and express his or herself. So, feel free to let all your feelings flow. "Just Mikey" came to us this month and looks to be a great addition.
October 2006 - "Sunbeam, A Ray of Light" and" Styles" were both introduced to our magazine.
November 2006 - River Tees, started a line of Wvas Queer News products(shirts, calendars, and much more) Also this month we welcomed to the staff, Washwritr, with his new column "Robine's Roost".
December 2006 - "Cruisin" and "From Beyond" were both introduced to the magazine, From Beyonds writer is bodyshaves4u@aol.com ALso this month we discontinued Gay Ohio, Pa, and Ky. for fear of losing our state involvement.
January 2007 - Theengagedfew@aol.com begans his series on Fred Phelps, with his new section called "Addicted to Hate". Also this month we welcomed to the staff, Seth with his new column "At your Service!" and with the expansion of the lesbian page, we welcomed to the staff Flame with her rants, raves, and reviews.
February 2007 - Wva's Queer News expanded the lesbian and bears section. Adding many new columns and writers. New sections are Christina's Corner, Good thing I like maple Syrup, Dating 101, Female Star Factor, What the "L", and from Bear section - Perspectives around the 21st. At the end of February, we added Into the Light and Bearin it with Mike. Ended his column was MIkey, with "Just Mikey."
March 2007 - Steve resigned as managing editor and Jim Lawson took over the position. Jim Lawson, is not only managing editor and friend but he is also writer of Into the Light, Hiv living with Aids, and contributor to Speak Out. On March 7th, 2007 Randomosities celebrated one year as a column. We celebrated two years as a magazine on the 12th of March. We also set a new record of visitors in a day with a count of 280. We also had our second annual Terry Awards presentations and first ever Ms Wvas Queer News pageant on March 31st at Club Utopia.
April 2007 - Sex and the little City celebrated one year as a column but signed off to relocate. With that being said, we welcomed two more columns The Power of One, and Life in a Small Town and disposed of Feminine Star Factor and Lezbian Dating 101. On April 11, True Colors celebrated its two year anniversary with the magazine. April 18th, and after a few weeks of vacationing from the magazine Steve debuted his new column "La Super Raquel." On April 25th, we welcomed "True Gay Love" as a column.
May 2007 - CHevycub4u@yahoo.com debuted his column Street Beats. May 9th we hit a total number of 287 unique visitors on the site. On May 19th, at the Tap Room we crowned our first ever Mr Wvas Queer News 2007, Robbie Miller. On May 26th, we had our first ever Pride in the Park Picnic, with COGLES and James.
June 2007 - Bionicjoeyawitch celebrated his one year anniversary with The Way I See It. Witchchris2000 celbrated his one year anniversary with Gay Teens, but switched over to Looking at a Different Side of Things. Len also celebrated one year of service with his two columns Discrimination and Up and Coming Legendary. Debuting this month, were Live and Learn, SASS, The Columbus Report, Dear Leather Daddy, Power Exchange and ending this month is Good thing I like Maple Syrup. A real loss but relocating was a priority , we wish her the best with things and she will be missed.
Other notables.
Erik (Drivemecrazy80) - No Bullshit
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Love of a Pet
Wvutowner - The Chalkboard
Open your Eyes
Artist Man's Corner
Tabby's Tavern
Partner Organizations
Rainbow Connections, Inc.
Http://www.myspace.com/Gaylifenewsletter Wva's Queer News Discussion Group - Meets every Thursday night (9PM) at Wvas Queer News Chat room to welcome all persons who could benefit from support and encouragement. (Starts in February 2007) Weekly topics vary and discussion can be quite lively, and its a great way to let us know how you think we are doing here with the magazine. For more information, email Wvasqueernews2@aol.com . Groups for All ages and Interests - Social time away from the haze of the late night scene. Featuring gatherings for the young, the wise, and the in-between. Future events will include Gay.com parties, sports teams of all kinds, and good camaraderie. Check out our calendar or call for events.(1-740-401-0106) Publication - FREE to everyone in the tri-state area and beyond. The Center also offers access to information about, and business cards from, dozens of gay and gay-friendly local businesses that welcome our business and support our programs. GL Special Focus
Non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to increasing AIDS awareness and providing emotional and financial support for persons living with HIV/AIDS - (304) 345-4673 or (888) 455-4673
Covenant House -
Dedicated to working for justice by offering direct services for people in need while creating social change through education
(304) 344-0530Inside & Out - Huntington social group
The Lambda Society is a student organization committed to providing support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight communities of Marshall University and the surrounding area; educating all people concerning the realities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life; and working for equal rights and justice for all people.
Marshall University Gay Straight Bisexual Alliance-
The GSBA fosters a climate of confidentiality for all LGBT and straight students, faculty, and members of our surrounding communities. Currently meeting Thursday Nights at 7:50 PM in Smith hall room 335. For more information please e-mail marshallgsba@hotmail.com or call (304) 617-1049. Marshall University Psychology Clinic Gay Men's Support Group-
Need a chance to talk about topics such as coming out, religion, meeting friends, dating, family issues, living in Huntington, Social support, and homophobia? The Marshall University Psych clinic is here to help. For more information contact the Marshall University Psychology Clinic at 304-696-2772 and select option 1 or 3 or e-mail Dr. Keith Beard at beard@marshall.edu.
GROWING UP GAY
Dr. Charles Lloyd of the Marshall University Classics Department is currently gathering stories on the topic of "Growing Up Gay in Appalachia". If you are interested in submitting your own story or have questions about his project you may email him at lloydc@marshall.edu
Marshall University Women's Center
The Women's Center strives to ensure a campus community in which women and men can live and work together in a mutually respectful and supportive environment where equality, responsibility, and personal empowerment are encouraged and fostered.
Coalition for Equal Rights Not Special Rights -
An advocacy group located in Morgantown, WV. Please contact the coalition at (304) 291-6135.
A social group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuals and Allies serving the GLBT community of the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia.
WVU COSO -
West Virginia University Council on Sexual Orientation located in Morgantown, WV. Please contact them at (304) 293-4040 ext. 4025 WVU BiGLM -
West Virginia University GLBT student group located in Morgantown, WV. Please contact BiGLM at (304) 293-8200 or (304) 965-3552WV Human Rights Commission -
The WV Human Rights Commission offers documents on hate crimes and other information relevant to WV. Please contact the Commission toll-free at (888) 676-5546WV Hate Crimes Task Force -
The West Virginia Hate Crime Task Force is a working group made up of representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement departments, human rights agencies and civil rights organizations. Please contact their hotline toll-free at 1-888-676-5546.Rainbow Pride of West Virginia Inc.
Planning for annual parade and festival C.O.G.L.E.S.
Community Oriented Gay & Lesbian Events & Services
Not for profit corporation that produces annual West Virginia pride picnic. Largest gay and lesbian event held annually in Charleston WV Since 1993. Support group for other WV organizations. Contact for various support issues.
West Virginia GLBT Pride
Pennsylvania Gay Life Newsletter Another gay newsletter, YOU SHOULD SEE. --- Http://www.geocities.com/gaylifenewsletter/frontpage.html
West Virginia Pride Committee
Grafitti Magazine
Portsmouth P Flag Check out Portsmouths P Flag Group.. Http://home.earthlink.net/~pflag45662/
Gay and Lesbian Community Center
The ACLU
Gay Real Estate
Graffiti wrote "Hats off to the Terry Awards"
Hello darlings. Well, well. I had a new discovery this past week and I want to share it with everyone. No, I haven't found the secret to the fountain of the youth, although I certainly could use it, but I have found a new web site for the entire West Virginia family.
While most of the copy is for man, there is a little something for the ladies. I'm sure Terry Urban, who developed West Virginia's Queer News at
http://www.wvasqueernews.com , would love to have more lesbians and transgenders participate on the site. But, most of all, it is a great site with up-to-date information on news, dating, personals, and the gay scene in the Mountain State.The Terry Awards were held March 18 at the Dils Center in Parkersburg honoring many writers for the site, as well as those who view its pages every day. This was a great evening, although I heard the real fun began after I left.
I had to leave before the Divas performed and I'm sorry I missed the show.
Terry must have a heart of gold, as well as a lot of talent to pull off this site. It also sounds like he has great support from people around the state. Terry's dream is to get the West Virginia gay community together more without it always having to be in the bars.
My hats off to you Terry, there is no reason to be hiding in the darkness of the bars anymore. Sure, I love a good party and we have some wonderful alternative clubs in the state. The music in these clubs is the best anywhere and the great atmosphere is obviously bringing many people in because I see as many straight people in the clubs these days as I see family.
We all support some wonderful causes and our dollar spends just like anyone else's. The Charleston Aids Network was in the house to receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Thanks to them for all their help.
Speaking of helping communities and making a difference. I was chatting with some of the writers from the site. Stacey Gabriel, who writes Lesbian Limbo and keeps up with the "L" Word," was sitting at a table of women ready to have a good time. Stacey's sister Candice was out for the evening to show some support for her sister. You go firl. It is hard when there is no family support, so when there is, it really helps.
The girls tell me the best place to find some companionship these days is on the golf course. I would take up the sport, but my heels get stuck in the grass. I get very excited looking at those long shafts and playing with those balls, well do I need to say more.
It was nice to meet everyone and find out what is happening around the state. We have to keep the clubs open, yet Terry has it right - we need to be more visible in the daytime in our communities fighting our battles. No one else will fight them for us.
By Picabo Pucker
Received an award from the Gaylife Newsletter, 9/23/2006 at the Reader's Choice Awards and Editors Achievement Awards for Best Gay Publication..
Wva's Queer News
Terry
351 Everson Road
Belpre, Ohio
(1-740-401-0106)