Ron Clemons Joins –Alternating Currents

Ron has been an active member of the lgbtq community for over 32 yrs. He is an out and very proud Gay man and has tried to use his life experiences to assist others in facing their day to day challenges.  He has an undergraduate degree form Miami University, and a Masters Degree from the University of Cincinnati.  Both degrees are in Social Work. He received an associate’s degree in Photography from Antonelli College in 2004, where he graduated Sum Cum Laude and is listed in the who’s who of Junior colleges and universities 2004.  He has worked with a variety of populations and has experience as a clinical therapist, chemical dependency counselor, diversity trainer/consultant, college professor, program director, executive director, community organizer and has also done board development.

 He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of CARACOLE, Inc., The 1809 LGBT Alumni Board of Miami University, and current President of SCORPIUS of Cincinnati, a local leather club in the Cincinnati area. His past board involvements include the Cincinnati Men's Chorus, AVOISE, STOP AIDS (AVOC) and The Council on Alcoholism.

In working with the lgbtq community, Ron has taken notice of the lack of attention given to the members of the population that are beyond the developmental issues of being a teenager, a 20, 30 or 40 yr. old.  Members of the community at the other end of the spectrum have different life issues that are not being addressed.  There is a stigma in our culture for "getting old".  Aging is a very natural part of the life process.  Ron would like to bring a more affirming and accepting energy to the community for those of us with different physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.  He sees a great value in connecting the dots so that our self view becomes more of a perspective of continuum. He will address issues such as coming out later in life, changing self concepts, affirming self images as older adults.  Additionally, he will explore, dealing with aging parents, financial issues of retirement and partner benefits, retirement options and how to develop a new identity as we approach and enter the autumn/winter years of our existence.  His belief is that aging is a gift that is to be enjoyed.