Gender, Sexuality & Culture:

A Screening of “Be Like Others”

www.belikeothers.com

a film by Tanaz Eshaghian

When: Wednesday, August 4^th, 2010

Time: 7:00pm

Where: Caspian Restaurant

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, a country with strict social mores and traditional values, sex-change operations are legal. Yet homosexuality is still punishable by death. Highly feminine and attracted to members of the same sex, yet forced to live in secret for fear of retribution, a generation of young Iranian men are adopting an identity legally allowed to them—transsexual. In pursuit of what one man calls simply, “a decent life,” they flock to the country’s best-established gender reassignment surgeon, Dr. Bahram Mir Jalali, and are counseled by 24-year-old Vida, a post-op woman who claims to be “reborn” but warns of dangers that still await. Iranian-American filmmaker Tanaz Eshaghian accompanies several young men as they contemplate and prepare for their transformation, then follows them into and out of surgery. Intimate and unflinching, BE LIKE OTHERS is a fascinating look at those on the fringes of Iranian life—those looking for acceptance through the most radical of means.

The screening of this film will be followed by a discussion facilitated by

Dr. Negar Shekarbi, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Bio: Dr. Shekarabi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Shekarabi completed her graduate work at Pepperdine University where she obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Shekarabi has extensive training working with the college-aged and young adult populations on a variety of mental health concerns including, but not limited to: mild to severe mood disorders, anxiety disorders and stress management, developmental transitions, acculturation issues, gender identity and sexual orientation, self-esteem, and trauma. Dr. Shekarabi currently works as a staff psychologist in a counseling center at a prominent and highly diverse southern California university. She also teaches graduate students in psychology at Argosy University in Orange, CA.

Wednesday July 7th @8PM                                    Sunday, July 25th @ Mason Park, Irvine

If you don’t want to play that’s ok! You can cheer your favorite team and enjoy the picnic and games we have set up for you!

Tournament Date: Sunday, July 25th

Registration Deadline: July 16th

Location:  Mason Park, Irvine

Registration Cost (if payment and registration submitted by July 16th):

• $240 for a team up to 6 players, $40 each additional player - Cost after deadline: $300
• $40 per person - Cost after deadline: $50

Lunch, tea, and drinks will be provided the day of event - cash only.

PARKING

Mason park offers parking.

REGISTRATION (Please click on the link below)

Team Registration

Individual Registration

BECOME OUR TOURNAMENT SPONSOR (click on the link below to view our sponsorship packages)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Do you want to aid in sponsoring the event?  Learn more here about how you can become a NIAS sponsor and what benefits you gain.  Sign up for sponsorship before the event to increase awareness of your organization at the Volleyball Tournament.  Click here to learn more about becoming a sponsor.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA WALK FOR LUPUS NOW

When: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Where: Orange County Great Park
Time: Check in 9:00AM; Program begins 9:30AM; Walk begins 10:00AM

Click here for directions to Orange County Great Park

Route is 3.1 miles with a 1 mile option

Walk for Lupus Now^® is the signature event of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. In more than 50 cities across America, thousands of people walk to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lupus and raise essential funds for research, education, and support services. November 2008 marked 50 years since a drug has been approved for the treatment of lupus. There is hope on the horizon, and with your help we can find better treatments and a cure for lupus.

We are going to have a great time at the Orange County Walk, and we hope you’ll be there wish us. It’s easy! Just click on the link below and you’ll be taken to our team page, where you can easily register to become a member. Whether or not you’re able to join, please consider making a donation. Making a difference starts with one step. Thank you for taking this step!

Click here to view the team page for NIAS Foundation

NIAS Team

 

 

Thickest forests…treacherous footpaths….breathtaking views… If you think these are things you’ll never get bored of - why don’t you come and join NIAS at Top of the World

The hiking event is going to be held on June 6th, @ 8:00am

Location: Top of  the World (Laguna Beach) 21601 Treetop Lane, Laguna Beach, 92651

Hope to see you all there

NIAS Team

NIAS will provide snacks and goodie bags for all kids.

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to attend (Orangewood Children’s Foundation rule)

We have to respect the children’s privacy; please remember no cameras or camcorders allowed inside the facility.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation is a facility to shelter Orange County children who were the victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. The focus is on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, developing a wide range of activities, scholarships, support and programs to give every child every chance to succeed.

RSVP:

Since space is limited we ask you to be courteous and only commit if you know 100% you can attend. Please do not RSVP if you think you “might” be able to attend and cancel last minute, that way you will make it difficult for us to replace your spot last minute.

You need to RSVP by e-mail to Niasinfo@niasnet.org include your name and phone number.

Date: Wednesday 4/14/2010, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Meeting Time: In front of Wholesome Choice in Irvine @ 5:15. OUT OF RESPECT FOR EVERYONE PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME. WE LEAVE PROMPTLY @ 5:15pm. Or you may meet us directly in front of OWC by 5:50pm. The address is 401 the city drive-south, Orange, Ca 92868-3303.

 

During the holidays there are children who are placed in foster care without family and friends. We have asked the kids what they want for Christmas and many of the older children have asked for Target gift certificate card (any amount) and the little ones have asked for stuffed animals (please bring new unwrapped, no used toys accepted). Please bring a gift to our December meeting and share your blessings with children who are less fortunate.

CASA serves children who, for their own protection, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can consistently spend time with one child, building a relationship and ensuring that each child is receiving the support and attention he or she needs and deserves while going through the foster care process.