A week ago, advocate and friend, Tony R. pulled out his Rolodex and shared the sad news that the Capitol Hill Alano Club (CHAC) is facing a financial crisis.

For many years, CHAC has continued to provide clean and sober space for people in recovery. Every day of the week - literally from Monday to Sunday, CHAC provides safe space for the LGBTQ and Ally communities for meetings and social events. Safe and sober space is an integral component of recovery, especially for the LGBTQA communities. Faced not only with the stigma of addiction and recovery, LGBTQ members are often hit with issues of discrimination, transphobia, and homophobia, to name a few. CHAC ensures this safe and sober space exists for our communities. However, due to extraordinary expenses for maintenance and repairs on the rented space last year alone, and along with diminished meetings and membership income, CHAC is seeking emergency help.

A crucial and decisive point is upon us; a turning point in community challenge. An unstable condition is impacting our community members directly and indirectly - personal and professional; economic and socio-political. This situation must change. If we want positive change that supports all members of our communities, we must effect and affect change.

Surely, each of us, as individuals and communities are constantly faced with crises. Sadly, this situation is a crisis. CHAC is faced with a $10,000 deficit. Its current goal is to raise $15,000 by the end of July 2010 in order to survive. If, by August 1, 2010, this goal is not met, CHAC will close its doors. A safe and sober space for LGBTQ and Allies in recovery could be lost. But it doesn't have to be. We have the answer. We can respond.

Whether it's prescription medication, illicit drugs, and/or alcohol, addiction impacts our lives as a community. Prevention and intervention is our response. In addition to harm reduction counseling and/or traditional abstinence treatment, ongoing peer and community support that CHAC provides is a recovery tool that is in our hands. Professionally, I have seen the wonderful gift of recovery support provides many who are faced with addiction. Personally, I understand the amazing gift it provides not only for the individual in recovery, but for the people around them - the lovers, partners, parents, siblings, family, and friends.

This is my personal challenge to my brothers and sisters in the community - my fellow drag queens, health care providers, entertainers, politicians, burlesque performers, activists, title holders, advocates, educators, business owners, bar and club managers, designers, photographers, fashionistas, celebrities and FRIENDS - please consider a generous donation in any shape or form - direct monetary donation, monies from a fundraiser or whatever feels right and good.

Philanthropist and local business owner Quyen Luu of Café Metropolitain (1701 East Olive Way at Boylston, Seattle, WA), the Seattle Gay News, and I are hosting a variety show to raise funds on Sunday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m. All performers are welcome! Auction and raffle items are welcome! Please contact me directly at aleksa@alekasamanila.com if interested. The "Red Room" will be the designated "sober space" to honor and respect people in recovery.

To make a donation NOW or to learn more about "Staying Alive 2010," CHAC's fundraising effort, please go to www.capitolhillalanoclub.org.

XO, Aleksa Manila
aleksa@aleksamanila.com
www.ALEKSAMANILA.com

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