State Rep Bill Lippert Honored at Boston Gay Men's Chorus' Performance at Latchis Theatre

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus served up a memorable night of song, advocacy, and community spirit in front of a capacity crowd at the Latchis Theatre on Saturday night, November 1st. The sold-out event helped raise more than $25,000 for the Brattleboro Retreat's LGBT Program, now in its 5th year of serving the LGBTQ community.

As a part of the evening's program, the Retreat presented Representative Bill Lippert of Hinesburg with the hospital's 2014 Anna Marsh Award in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness or addiction.

In presenting the award, Retreat CEO Dr. Rob Simpson noted that Lippert had made it, "his life's mission to fight for equality for our neighbors who have faced discrimination because of their LGBTQ identity and also to provide care and advocacy for Vermonters suffering with mental illness and addiction."

Lippert's remarks upon receiving the award reflected the evening's theme of civil rights. "I want to accept this award on behalf of all the LGBTQ people who have gone before me," he said. "The sad reality is we've lost too many people along the way. We've lost them to HIV/AIDS. We've lost them to depression and suicide."

Invoking psychiatric medicine's historical mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals, Lippert added, "It's important for us to hold all of this in our minds as we celebrate the Brattleboro Retreat's LGBT program. It makes it that much more important to understand where we've come from and where we're going-that we now have affirming programs in the mental health system that understand our full and welcome place in the community."

This first-ever Brattleboro appearance by one of New England's most successful community-based choruses showcased a wide range of music from classical to popular, with highlights that included John Grant's "Glacier," George Michael's "Faith," and a surprise encore of Katy Perry's "Firework."

As a fundraiser for the Brattleboro Retreat's LGBT Program, proceeds will support the hospital's innovative psychiatric service that provides people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender with mental health and addiction treatment in a safe and affirming environment staffed by professionals with specialized education and experience related to gender and identity. A video produced by Brattleboro's Mondo Mediaworks debuted at the event, highlighting the LGBT Program's unique mission.

In addition to ticket sales, sponsorships and premium ticket purchases helped increase the evening's fundraising tally. To thank sponsors and donors, a pre-performance reception was held at Duo Restaurant in downtown Brattleboro.

According to Konstantin von Krusenstiern, vice president of Strategy and Development at the Brattleboro Retreat, the evening's success was made possible through the efforts of countless supporters and volunteers.

"It was a serious undertaking to bring 100 performers from Boston for this show. I am grateful to the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro for providing space for a green room and dinner," said von Krusenstiern. "Duo Restaurant pulled off an incredible pre-concert reception, and I also want to thank the many Retreat employees who volunteered in a number of capacities. It truly was a team effort."

The Richards Group was the evening's lead Gold sponsor. Silver Sponsors were Downs, Rachlin, Martin and Trust Company of Vermont; Bronze Sponsors included Bast Investment Company, Brattleboro Ford Subaru, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Chroma Technology, Dominion Diagnostics, Farnum Insulators, Mary Faucher and Steve Klugman, GPI Construction, and Sodexo. Media Sponsors were Communicators Group, WKVT, and WRSI.

The Brattleboro Retreat, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Recognized as a national leader in the treatment mental illness and addiction, the Brattleboro Retreat offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment.

To post a comment, you must register and login.