SEP|OCT 2014
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Whitey’s Bi and P’town Past
Could it explain the unsolved case of The Lady of the Dunes?
The Queens of Halloween
A new wave of performers are practicing drag’s dark arts
Discriminating Art What makes male nudes gay, but not female ones?
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From The Publisher I asked a question recently to several of my friends in the LGBT community. It was a fairly simple question, and yet, apparently, the answer was not as simple. I asked “Who do you think are the three most powerful/influential members of the LGBT community in New England?” Several years ago this was a very easy question to answer. Most would have Barney Frank, Jarrett Barrios and Mary Bonauto in the mix somewhere (along with a few others) and the discussion would be over. Fast forward to 2014 and Barney Frank has retired from his position of power and Jarrett Barrios is in Los Angeles working for the Red Cross. Thankfully, our own local rock start, Mary Bonauto, is still expertly applying her skills. It struck me how, when I asked my question, the folks answering had to pause for quite a while and struggled to answer. I went on to wonder whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that the answer was so hard to find. Does it mean that the community has come so far and ‘won’ so many battles that the need for leadership in New England has diminished? After all, Massachusetts and our 5 neighboring states all have marriage equality and, for the most part, our elected officials are all aligned with on the right side of LGBT issues. Or is there a void that needs to be filled? Is it a problem that the Barney Frank’s and Jarrett Barrios’ of the area have moved on to other endeavors? I don’t think there is a right answer to that question and it makes for a great debate. It is a debate that we, at Boston Spirit, have decided to take on full force. And we are inviting you to join our conversation. Tell us what you think AND tell us who you think are the 3 most powerful/ influential leaders of the LGBT community in New England. E-mail your comments to feedback@bostonspiritmagazine.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
David Zimmerman Publisher
2 | BOSTON SPIRIT
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As We Go To Press … It’s easy to forget how seedy and underground gay culture used to be — and not too many years ago. With homosexuality so stigmatized, bars, clubs and other gathering places operated in shady environments where graft and crime allowed gay society to congregate. Sam Baltrusis’ story about the unsolved murder mystery of P’town’s The Lady of the Dunes peers into a murky 1970’s world where mob boss Whitey Bulger could “switch hit” and his crew could operate under the radar. Whether or not Whitey or the Winter Hill Gang are connected to the Dunes’ mystery has never been verified. But the potential connections that Baltrusis unearths are unsettling. What brought Whitey to P’town so frequently? Why was he spending so much time at the Crown & Anchor? Why did the corpse have a green towel or blanket believed to be from the Crown & Anchor towel with it? We may never have all the answers. Thankfully, with all the advances in gay rights, and the popular acceptance of LGBT people in the mainstream, queer culture has been able to creep out of the shadows and flourish in the full, transparent light of a new day. That makes it more difficult for criminal activity to mingle with and sully our good lives. Yet it remains important to continue reaching out to those who still live in cultures of lower acceptance, where queers still feel compelled to hide. Thank goodness for organizations like The Theater Offensive (TTO), which reorganized its mission a few years ago. After decades of high-brow recognition from the likes of reviews from The Boston Globe and other prestigious organizations — particularly through its much-lauded Out on the Edge Festival — TTO disengaged from its downtown-centric activities to bring queer theater out from the South End ghetto to communities like Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. In doing so, it shifted its demographic from primarily middle class, white, urban males to
4 | BOSTON SPIRIT
editor@bostonspiritmagazine.com
40 percent people of color. As one Haitian-American teen said, “I shouldn’t have to take two trains and a bus just to be who I really am! … I want to be out in my own neighborhood.” She’s right. TTO’s OUT in your Neighborhood (OUT’hood) is a good reminder to those of us who live blessed lives in the comfort of complete acceptance. We once lived in the shadows too. There are still those who don’t experience the same level of openness that we do. They still find they have to duck and hide and meet in clandestine spaces to be who they are. In order to help them to ‘come out, come out, wherever they are,’ we need to think about ‘going out, going out’ to wherever they are. Even as this arts season preview issue celebrates so much LGBT culture, it is important to recognize that many of our LGBT sisters and brothers still sit in the dark. For every seat you buy for a fabulous Pilobolus or Sweeney Todd performance, keep in mind the Haitian-American from Mattapan and her friends, and, perhaps, send TTO an extra dollar or two. Even as justice is bearing down on Whitey, justice is raising up basic equal rights for queers across our nation and the world. Being queer is not a crime. Let’s remain vigilant until the light of equality shines into every queer crook and cranny.
James Lopata Editor
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Contents
Boston-bound Pilobolus
SEP|OCT 2014 | VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 5
Hit List
Hit List ‘Everyone,’ Everywhere Bon ‘Voyage’ Community Cliffnotes Word Is Out Go Figure
8 10 12 14 16 18
Feature Ending Gay Dadscrimination
21
Provincetown’s Gone Girl
22
Couple who met in Massachusetts founded and runs the largest community of gay dad bloggers anywhere Whitey Bulger, gays, and the Lady Of The Dunes murder mystery revisited New England’s oldest unsolved murder mystery in Provincetown reiterates that beautiful places are not immune to horrible crimes. Here’s a timeline of events juxtaposing the Lady of the Dunes case with key events James “Whitey” Bulger’s life:
History Endangered
39
40-year-old Sexual Minorities Archives of Northampton may be forced out of its housing unless funding arrives soon
30
39
Culture Discriminating Art
Why is male figurative art today so frequently considered ‘gay’? Local painter Tom Acevedo asks from his professional experience of being rejected by ‘mainstream’ galleries and decides to stand by his art
Frank on Film
The nation’s most prominent gay pol gets the big screen treatment
Serious Camp
Gay creators of ‘Far From Heaven’ do more than pay homage
80
62
One Man, Many Faces
64
Chosen Friends
66
Moving Out
69
Modern Man
73
The Queens of Halloween
81
Boston-bound Pilobolus helped Nile Russell rediscover his love of dance
Rising star Davron S. Monroe adds ‘Sweeney Todd’ role to his wide-ranging repertoire Tennessee Williams festival in P’town gives center stage to playwright’s colleagues The Theater Offensive’s neighborhood-building approach proves home is where the art is Jonathan Cutler uses architecture and interior design to build bold new worlds
A new wave of performers are practicing drag’s dark arts
Scene
Seasonal Fall Arts Preview
Moving Through Life
53
Point Foundation Leadership Dinner 84 Living Soulfully Summer Garden Party 85 Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) 33rd Annual Summer Party and Prelude Event 86 PFLAG New President Welcome 87 11th Anniversary Celebration for First Residential Group Home for GLBTQ Youth 88
Calendar New England Events
56 60
Family Matters
With ‘The McCarthys’ a Certain Sassy Gay Friend Returns to Boston
The Queens of Halloween
Whitey’s Bi and P’town Past
Could it explain the unsolved case of The Lady of the Dunes?
The Queens of Halloween
Discriminating Art What makes male nudes gay, but not female ones?
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Layout 20140910 Cover.indd 1
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A new wave of performers are practicing drag’s dark arts
8/18/14 12:37 PM
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but not female ones? What makes male nudes gay,
Art Discriminating practicing drag’s dark arts A new wave of performers are
Halloween The Queens of The Lady of the Dunes? unsolved case of Could it explain the
Past P’town Bi and Whitey’s
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Coda
SEP|OCT 2014
8
Spotlight
ON THE COVER Fall Arts Preview 39
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SPOTLIGHT Trending STORY Scott Kearnan
Hit List NEWS, NOTES, AND TO-DOS FOR EVERY GAY AGENDA Youth. The Internet applauded enthusiastically, sending the mayor’s meme-ready story viral through sites like BuzzFeed, which touted her for “[responding] to Anti-LGBT Phone Calls in the Most Awesome Way.”
SING THE PRAISES of the Boston Gay Mayor Kim Driscoll
GIVE A ‘LIKE’ TO THE PRO-GAY STATUS MESSAGE sent by Salem Mayor
Kim Driscoll, which recently spread like wildfire across social media. Shortly after the North Shore city announced it had received a perfect score on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index, a new evaluation of LGBT inclusivity, Driscoll terminated a longstanding contract with Christian university Gordon College for the management of its Old Town Hall, citing an “exclusionary behavioral policy” that violated the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. Rankled right-wingers around the country flooded Driscoll’s office with anti-gay phone calls, so she publicly announced that each such call would elicit a $5 donation to the North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender
Men’s Chorus, which announced that it will become the first gay chorus to tour the Middle East. From June 18-29, 2015 the chorus will perform at historic sites in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ein Gedi, Israel and Istanbul, Turkey, where the final show will take place during Pride celebrations. “Music builds bridges, enhances communication, breaks down stereotypes and humanizes the “other” in powerful ways,” said the Chorus in a statement. Donations to support its tour can be made at bgmc.org
as a woman, to wreak revenge. Fox will play an out-of-drag role as a bullied high school student. More: hurricanebianca.com
Joslyn Fox
COME OUT for Come Out MetroWest, a
fundraising event on Saturday, September 27 to benefit the West Suburban Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth (WAGLY). Held at Wellesley College, it will host honorary chairs Deval and Diane Patrick, honored guest Barney Frank, and a performance of “The Kid Inside,” singer Will McMillan’s autobiographical look back at life as a gay teen. Moneys raised will help WAGLY expand geographically and add additional programs for middle school youth. More info: wagly.org
GRAB YOUR POPCORN for the film
debut of Worcester-based drag queen Joslyn Fox, AKA Patrick Allen Joslyn. The fierce, foxy performer didn’t take home the crown on Season 6 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but her sweet personality earned her fan favorite status – and a role in “Hurricane Bianca,” the upcoming comedy film from winning queen Bianca Del Rio. The “Mrs. Doubtfire”-esque flick is about a NYC teacher who is fired from a job in a small Texas town for being gay – then returns, disguised
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
HIT THE HISTORY BOOKS , because
the US Department of the Interior has announced a 12-18 month long study that will research LGBT-related sites for inclusion in the National Park Service. Currently the Stonewall Inn is the only
PUBLISHER
David Zimmerman
Vermont Pride: Sunday, September 14 in Burlington
EDITOR IN CHIEF
James A. Lopata ART DIRECTOR
Dean Burchell
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
Jenn Dettmann jenn@bostonspiritmagazine.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Chris George, Michael Poulin
PUBLISHING/SALES CONTACT
CONTRIBUTING LIFESTYLE EDITOR
publisher@bostonspiritmagazine.com 781-223-8538
CONTRIBUTING ARTS EDITOR
Boston Spirit magazine. A Division of Jake Publishing, LLC Published by Jake Publishing, LLC. Copyright 2004 by Jake Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without the written permission of Boston Spirit magazine. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, organization or business in this magazine does not reflect upon one’s sexual orientation in any way. Boston Spirit Magazine 398 Columbus Ave #395 Boston, MA 02116
Scott Kearnan
Loren King
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Acevedo,
Tony Giampetruzzi, Randy Gomes,
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS COVER IMAGE Photo of Skyscrapers
from Pilobolus by Grant Halverson
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SEP| OCT 2013
LGBT-associated place that has been designated as a historic landmark by the NPS, and Stonington, Connecticut’s James Merrill House, former home of the gay Pulitzer Prize winning poet, is one of just four LGBT-related properties included in the National Register of Historic Places. Although research remains ongoing, some New England sites identified by NPS for potential consideration include Provincetown’s Atlantic House, Boston’s Jacques Cabaret, the Maine home of lesbian author May Sarton, and the State Street Bridge over Kenduskeag Stream in Maine, where the assault and drowning of gay teenager Charlie Howard in 1984 inspired the founding of what would eventually become EqualityMaine. To submit ideas and public comment, email lgbthistory@nps.gov
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Kathy Griffin Boston
‘It’s a dream audience: people who are smart and get your references,’ says gay fave comedienne of Bostonians
Happy 30th Club Café!
SALUTE THE RAINBOW FLAG
in the Green Mountain State. The annual Pride Vermont parade and festival will take place on Sunday, September 14 in Burlington, with additional Pride-related events to take place throughout the month. In the past it has included a drag-filled High Heel Race down cobblestone Church Street and Women’s Tea Dance. Keep an eye here for updates: pridevt. wordpress.com [x]
Our multiplex community center shows no signs of aging
Mayor Races Then and Now
The last open Boston campaign— 1983—was first time gays wooed
November 18, 2003
ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS PREVIEW PREVIEW PREVIEW The day that changed the gay rights movement forever
PREVIEW
SEP|OCT 2014 | 9
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SPOTLIGHT Books STORY Scott Kearnan
Kristin Russo and Dannielle Owens-Reid
‘Everyone,’ Everywhere FROM A DIGITAL PLATFORM TO A NATIONAL BOOK TOUR, THIS DYNAMIC DUO EDUCATES LGBT YOUTH AND THEIR PARENTS Kristin Russo and Dannielle OwensReid don’t like to tell kids, “It gets better.” They want to make it better. “I’m going to get beat up saying this, but I’m not a fan of that slogan,” says Owens-Reid. Everyone is Gay, the tonguein-cheek joint moniker, hosts a youthoriented website of LGBTQ resources and brings humor-based live presentations to high schools and colleges across the country. “The phrase ‘It Gets Better’ suggests sitting back and waiting for what you’re going through to pass. That isn’t cool. We need something more tangible. Let’s figure out how to make it better, right now.” How? It’s not only young people who need tools of educational and empowerment, they say. So do their parents. Hence the duo’s new book, This is a Book for
10 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Parents of Gay Kids: A Question & Answer Guide to Everyday Life. An accompanying book tour visits Brookline Booksmith on Saturday, November 22, and they plan visits with local LGBT youth organizations while in town. The tome is an extension of The Parents Project, an offshoot of Everyone is Gay that is designed to help parents understand and support LGBTQ kids. As its intentionally literal title suggests, This is a Book reads like a “Dummy’s Guide” to queer issues, answering foundational questions about gender identity, sex and more using levity and humor — which is Dannielle’s forte, as founder of the Tumblr “Lesbians That Look Like Justin Bieber” — as well as accessible but scholarly
context — Kristin has a master’s degree in gender studies. “There really aren’t any resources like this out there,” says Russo. Supportive organizations like PFLAG are great, assuming they’re available, but many parents still want a rudimentary background and basic concerns allayed in private. And, say the friends and authors, parents deserve an optimistic outlook and the reminder that, with proper support, their child can today live a happy, healthy life as part of the LGBT community. “As we wrote our book proposal, it seemed like anything remotely similar was written in the ‘70s, with a very clinical, gloom-anddoom approach,” says Russo. This Book is based on questions raised by their parents in their own respective coming-outs. They assembled a panel of parents to discover other common concerns. Some were predictable. (In Chapter 2: “Is This My Fault?”) Others unexpected.
(In Chapter 5: “Does Being Gay Mean My Child Is Going to Be Promiscuous?”) All the questions are approached with patience, respect, and a brush of humor, the same tactic the duo has used when helping LGBTQ youth through their online advice column or in their skit-like YouTube videos. “When you laugh, you connect,” says Russo. “Humor opens doors that nothing else can open.” And they’ll continue to work to make life better for LGBTQ youth, even when doors are closed in their faces. They recall one California high school where news of their presentation elicited “scary comments” from the community, says Owens-Reid. The school’s administrator even declined a “safe space” sticker for the office. But those moments only make the success stories sweeter: like the kids and the parents they’ve helped that stay in touch with e-mail updates about their improving relationship. The key, as they make clear in their new book, is using comedy instead of combativeness, and answering questions that help parents come around with gentle understanding.
“We open doors,” says Russo. “It comes from a more powerful place when someone walks through on their own.” [x]
For more info, visit everyoneisgay.com Catch them at Brookline Booksmith on Saturday, November 22
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It’s been ten years since Massachusetts became the first state to afford same-sex marriage. Now, nearly half of Americans live in states with same-sex marriage. To say much has changed would be a dramatic understatement. So it’s surprising, then, that there are still so few wedding planning resources for gay couples—particularly resources that can guide their travels to other countries, where it’s vital to understand unique legal and cultural considerations. Enter Voyage magazine, a new publication from Wayland, Massachusetts-based Destination Wedding Travel Group. The group founded its flagship website, DestinationWeddings. com, in 2004 as a one-stop
resource for planning celebrations in about 42 countries. In 2013 it launched the LGBT-specific offshoot GayDestinationWeddings.com, which has been certified by the Gay Wedding Institute. And this year the company has created Voyage as “a labor of love to inspire the industry” to become more inclusive and savvy about gay wedding needs, says Melissa PrideFahs, the company’s director of marketing and customer engagement. “If you’re going to be in the business of promoting weddings, you need to put your money where your mouth is,” says Pride-Fahs, who says the company feels a responsibility to reflect the diverse couples with which it works. The debut
issue of Voyage includes a photo-filled look at the first legal gay marriage in Bora Bora, profiles of gay-friendly destinations like Curacao, and expert advice on same-sex wedding photos, among other articles. Pride-Fahs says that the magazine will work in tandem with the site to help couples sift through information about the legalities and bureaucratic processes associated
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with gay marriage in other countries, and identify resorts and vendors that are LGBTfriendly. That even includes incorporating a robust “secret shopper” program, testing international properties by posing as potential couples. Not only does the service guide couples to welcoming destinations, like perennial favorite Hawaii or increasingly-popular South Africa,
but it “strongly discourages” them from patronizing less tolerant locales—where comfort and sometimes, safety can be compromised. “We spend a lot of time doing the research,” says Pride-Fahs. And as a corporate partner of the HRC, the company has access to data about LGBT rights and issues that allow it to stay abreast of constantly changing international laws
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and policies—and spot tomorrow’s emerging gay wedding markets today. “Marriage equality is very important to me,” says PrideFahs, who adds that she and her husband are individual HRC members. “We’ve really nurtured this publication to be something special for the community.” [x] Gay Destination Weddings
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SPOTLIGHT Community STORY Scott Kearnan
Community Cliffnotes
Spotlighting New England LGBT organizations and the work they do. Helping you to discover some new neighbors—and fresh facts—about our diverse community.
Living Soulfully How many friends do you have? 50? 100? 1,000? More? On Facebook, any of the above is possible. But IRL—that’s “in real life”—many of us are lucky to have even a small, tightknit circle of friends with whom we really connect. In an increasingly hectic, fast-paced world, and especially in the particularly plugged-in gay community, it’s easy for social media to become the default setting for “personal” interaction. Many men miss the experience of being present, in the moment, with people who value us for the kindness of our spirit—not the title on our business card, the six-pack in our online profile, or the cachet of our Twitter account.
Where to look? Living Soulfully.
14 | BOSTON SPIRIT
WHAT IS LIVING SOULFULLY?
Living Soulfully is a group for “men who love men” that has chapters in about 12 different North American cities. (The Boston chapter has about 80 members, says David Aurelio, one of four local coordinators.) The Living Soulfully diaspora emerged as a way to cultivate experiences and maintain relationships that begin at rural New York’s Easton Mountain, which describes itself as a “community, retreat center and sanctuary created by gay men as a gift to the world.” Founded in 2000 by Boston native John Stasio, Easton Mountain is informed by a vision that culls from social justice movements, hippie-era counterculture, and New Age spirituality, among other inspirations. Throughout the year it hosts guests from
throughout the country; they come to a picturesque 175-acre property for diverse workshops, special events and retreats that focus on everything from meditation to writing, erotic awareness to community building exercises.
HOW DID IT START?
Living Soulfully is a place where “men who love men can learn more about ourselves and create a heartfelt community,” says Aurelio, a member of four years. If Easton Mountain is the heart of a certain community of gay men, then Living Soulfully chapters are the scattered limbs energized by its lifeblood. The Boston group has really been active since the late-00s, and now meets on the first Sunday of every month (October through June) from 6-8 p.m. at
Spontaneous Celebration in Jamaica Plain (45 Danforth Street).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Many reasons. For one, “It’s a place for men to interact that isn’t part of the bar scene,” says Aurelio. “It’s an aspect of gay life that doesn’t rely on appearances or partying for enjoyment.” Indeed, you’ll want to leave any subculture-on-subculture cattiness at the door. In a world where men, including gay men, are socialized to eschew emotional intimacy, Living Soulfully encourages members to disclose and embrace their vulnerabilities in order to build the group’s cohesiveness. The purpose is to support one another and never tear each other down. That includes supporting members on their spiritual journey, as well. Gay men raised in “traditional” religions are often forced to choose between their sexual identity and their faith. Easton Mountain founder Stasio is a former seminarian with a deep-rooted,
globally minded theological background. That ethos informs the shamanisticsounding rituals of the Living Soulfully groups: for instance, the Boston chapter’s annual opening exercise, where sticks and branches from Easton are bound and passed among members who help set a collective intention. “We never mention a particular religion,” says Aurelio of Living Soulfully. “It’s a way for each person to find out more about his own spirit, and how it relates to the greater group.”
WHAT HAS IT DONE?
Maintaining social connections among likeminded men is central to Living Soulfully’s mission. (Hence the photos from a recent member-hosted garden party seen here.) And wide-ranging workshops that keep the Easton experience rolling throughout the calendar year are its primary focus. Aurelio shares some examples: yoga, meditation, sketching, martial arts, intimacy exercises,
and mandala making as a tool for self-discovery. These are just a few workshops you might discover. And though Living Soulfully isn’t intended to be some kind of swinging singles group, it does honor the sex-positive sensibility of Easton Mountain, where workshops about intimacy and the harnessing of male erotic energy are treated with the respect accorded to any aspect of life. “We don’t try to be ascetic monks,” chuckles Aurelio. “Sexuality is an important part of a full, healthy life, which is something we look try to look at from all angles.” [x]
JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM: To learn more and connect, visit livingsoulfully. org or eastonmountain.org.
SPOTLIGHT News STORY Randy Gomes
Word Is Out Boston Mayor Marty Walsh
On Aug 4 The Princeton Review released its annual list of “The Best 379 Colleges.” The annual survey asked 130,000 students at 379 top colleges to rate their schools on dozens of topics and report on their experiences at them. Students were asked 80 questions about their school and themselves. From that data the magazine compiled 62 different “Top-20” lists, including ones ranking the most LGBT-friendly and LGBT-unfriendly colleges. Local universities which made the LGBT-friendly list were Emerson College (3rd place), Smith College (4th Place), and the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham (8th Place). The only local college to make the LGBT-unfriendly list was Gordon College in Wenham (15th Place). Stanford University was ranked the most LGBT-friendly college while College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO, was ranked most LGBT-unfriendly.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined more than 170 mayors in signing onto a new partnership between The US Conference of Mayors and The BULLY Project, a collaboration formed as part of a major national initiative to develop local solutions-based responses to combat the epidemic of bullying in local schools. “Every child deserves a chance to wake up every morning and go to school without fear of being bullied. My administration is 100% committed to creating safe environments for our children to learn, grow, and thrive,” explained Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. “At the US Conference of Mayors, I was proud to join mayors from around the country who share the same vision in this campaign to end bullying.” As part of the initiative, Boston will have access to technical support from a team of education specialists at the University of Illinois in partnership with The BULLY Project, the advocacy and educational organization inspired by the award winning film, Bully. The experts will provide advice and research on programmatic approaches to ending bullying, solutions with a sustainable impact that lasts beyond National Bullying Prevention Month in October.
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A range of gender identity treatments— including hormone therapy and genderreassignment surgery—could soon be covered in both private insurance and in public programs for Massachusetts residents. The Patrick administration said in late June that it is seeking to extend health care coverage as part of MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, for medically
necessary treatments needed to address gender identity or gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is the diagnosis given to people who experience extreme distress due to a disconnect between their birth sex and gender identity. In a written statement, Gov. Patrick said he was “proud to be part of a commonwealth that puts equality as its top priority,” adding,
In early July, Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll wrote a letter to Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay terminating a management contract the City held with the College for Old Town Hall. Although the City and Gordon College had already planned to terminate the contract, Driscoll opted to end it early, on July 15, as a response to Gordon’s current policies with regards to LGBT individuals, as well as Lindsay’s signing of a letter to President Obama supporting allowing religious institutions to discriminate in employment practices on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As a result of the letter to Lindsay going viral on the Internet, Driscoll’s office was reportedly flooded with phone calls regarding the decision, both positive and negative. “It’s been overwhelmingly positive and heartwarming, Salem, Mass. Mayor Kimberley Driscoll
“Massachusetts is a leader in health care, where we make the tough decisions for the good of our communities, and where discrimination of any kind, will not be tolerated.” The initiative comes on the heels of the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ decision in May to end its ban on Medicare coverage for sexreassignment surgery.
not just from LGBT residents, but also from allies,” Driscoll said. However, in response to the negative feedback from conservative, right-wing callers—some of whom were prompted by commentator Glenn Beck— Driscoll wrote another letter, this time to Steve Harrington, the interim executive director of the North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (nAGLY). In it, she vowed to donate $5 to nAGLY for each call she received in protest of the City’s termination of the contract with Gordon College, and encouraged others to donate as well. “Quite frankly, it was a way to deal with the negative callers in a way that offered a positive outcome—kind of like the silver lining on a dark cloud,” said Driscoll who ended up donating $805 as a result of the initiative. [x]
SPOTLIGHT Numbers COMPILED Randy Gomes
Go Figure
52,400 same-sex couples were impacted by the outcome of the August 6 oral arguments in the five marriage cases before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. [Source: UCLA’s Williams Institute]
14 million
70
18,300 children of same-sex couples were impacted by the outcome of the August 6 oral arguments.
additional workers will be protected by President Obama’s federal executive order requiring contractors to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. [Source: UCLA’s Williams Institute]
civil-rights groups, including the NAACP, recently signed a letter addressed to President Obama that urged him not to include religious exemptions in an executive order that seeks to prevent LGBT discrimination by federal contractors. [Source: Washington Blade]
[Source: UCLA’s Williams Institute]
22.8%
8.3%
2%
of LGBT youth have attempted suicide in the past year. [Source:
of LGBT youth have made serious suicide attempts in the past year—defined as attempts that resulted in an injury that required treatment by a medical professional. [Source:
of heterosexual youth have made serious suicide attempts in the past year. [Source: UCLA’s
UCLA’s Williams Institute]
6.6% of heterosexual youth have attempted suicide in the past year. [Source:
UCLA’s Williams Institute]
Williams Institute]
21% of LGBT people report having been treated unfairly by an employer. [Source: UCLA’s
UCLA’s Williams Institute]
Williams Institute]
18 | BOSTON SPIRIT
3%
of Americans identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the 2013 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first large-scale government survey measuring Americans’ sexual orientation. [Source: Washington Post]
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FEATURE Media STORY Tony Giampetruzzi
Brian Rosenberg and Ferd van Gameren, husbands and proud fathers of three children PHOTO Robert Figueroa, FotoFig.com
Ending Gay Dadscrimination Couple who met in Massachusetts founded and runs the largest community of gay dad bloggers anywhere Brian Rosenberg and Ferd van Gameren, husbands and proud fathers of three children, are determined to end “Dadscrimination” or, more specifically, “Gay Dadscrimination,” especially in areas where gay families are viewed as less than equal because gay marriage or gay adoption are not legal. “Five years ago when we became first time dads while living in Manhattan, we got very late notice when our son was available for adoption. In fact, we were called two days AFTER he was born, we were informed that he was healthy, and that he could be picked up the next day,” says Rosenberg, a native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, who met van Gameren, a student from The Netherlands who was studying in Boston and went on to teach before the pair moved to New York City where they decided to have kids. “I freaked out,” he says, noting that, with no family members nearby, there wasn’t anyone in proximity who could lend a helping hand, let alone give advice on the travails of instant fatherhood. So, they did what any parent would do (and does umpteem times between learning they are having a baby and then sending it off to school, say, when the kid turns five.) “We went to the big box store that specialized in baby items and walked around to get all the things that we needed. We noticed that everywhere we turned we saw things like “mommy tested-mommy approved” or “for moms by moms,’” he recalls. As they continued their shopping trips, (which became more and more frequent after they welcomed twin girls Sadie and Ella through a surrogacy relationship 17
months later), they were further bombarded with mom-centric messages when they found themselves visiting stores with even more specific gender focus: “From Bump to Baby” and “Moms to be and More”—to name a couple. They quickly realized that they couldn’t be the only gay dads who felt so isolated. What resulted is an unusually slick website, gayswithkids.com that simultaneously demystifies gay fatherhood while providing a robust array of expert advice, information and photography and other compelling content, relevant, really, to any father let alone the gay set. According to the pair, who this year celebrate their first anniversary, the online community aims to normalize the experience of gay parenting by sharing stories, news, advice, and in-depth reporting on topics of interest to gay dads, many of which are typically not covered in mainstream media. Gaywithkids.com also hopes to inspire a whole new generation of gay men who are interested in raising children but whose only experience with kids may be Modern Family. “When we adopted our first child five years ago, one of the first things we did to help us prepare was search the Internet and try to connect with other gay dads so we could learn from their experiences,” explains Rosenberg. “We were surprised to find there were no sites or resources available.” “We felt isolated because we had no community of gay dads to turn to and with whom we could identify, and we also felt alienated by all the mom-centric focus,”
adds van Gameren. “There was nothing online!” Having gone through both the adoption process with son Levi, and the surrogacy route with Sadie and Ella, they have firsthand knowledge of the many paths that gay men follow to fatherhood and have amassed a respectable and well-known roster of experts and journalists to contribute to the site. Today the pair boasts that the site has the largest community of gay dad bloggers anywhere, sharing their everyday experiences and providing insight and tips on various issues related to being a gay dad with a combination of industry and personal experience. From handling divorce to dating tips for the single dad to the effects of drinking and doing drugs—the site covers a lot of ground. It’s also geared to dads everywhere, not your Audi-driving 40-somethings in urban America. “That was something that surprised us early on. For some reason we thought that most gay dads are more or less like us, guys in their 40s, living in big cities, and that’s not true at all,” says Rosenberg. “Gay dads are all sizes and shapes, all ages, and they live everywhere. In fact, the majority of our readership do not live in cities on the East or West Coasts, but come from small towns all over the world. Sometimes they are in relationships with women, others are fostering kids … this is a very appealing web site to men who are in a number of situations.” He adds, “As dads, we share all the universal truths and challenges of parenting that are experienced by dads and parents everywhere, regardless of gender or orientation. But, as gay dads, we face many other truths and challenges that are uniquely our own, and it’s incredibly empowering to be able to do so as part of a robust and vibrant community.” [x]
FEATURE Homicide STORY By Sam Baltrusis
Provincetown’s Gone Girl Whitey Bulger, gays, and the Lady Of The Dunes murder mystery revisited It’s the cold case that has haunted Provincetown for 40 years. The Lady of the Dunes’ severly mutilated corpse was found at this spot on July 26, 1974. It’s a secluded service road near Dunes’ Edge Campground about one mile away from Race Point Beach. Buzzing insects sound like muted screams, alluding to the horrors that unfolded in the wooded area almost a half of a century ago. Human monsters once roamed here. The ghost of Provincetown’s most infamous gone girl continues to follow Sandra Lee, author of The Shanty, and Provincetown regular since the 1970s. The crime writer was only nine-years-old when she claimed to have stumbled on the cold case of the century. According to Lee’s exclusive interview with Boston Spirit magazine, the Lady of the Dunes’ decomposing body continues to haunt her dreams. During an emotional discussion which stirred up childhood demons, Lee says the woman’s dead body sounded like a string of pearls rubbing together.
Provincetown Crime Scene “She was in the brush, in the sea grass about 15 feet from an access road,” Lee recalls. “The road follows the backside of Dunes’ Edge Campground. She was in the thick of the brush. It was nothing shy of horrific. It was something I will never forget.”
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Lee, who camped at Dunes’ Edge every walking her dog, which was lying face July in the early ‘70s, says it has taken her down with Wrangler jeans and a blue years to talk publicly about the horrors bandana crudely placed under her head. from her childhood. While there is a local There was also a green blanket found at teenage girl on record who is credited with the scene. The murder victim had long calling responding officers at the scene in auburn or reddish-colored hair clamped 1974, the 49-year-old author says she and in a glittery, elastic-band ponytail and was her sister found the rotting corpse of the approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall. She had Lady of the Dunes two days before police an athletic build and was approximately were alerted. 135 lbs. The Lady of the Dunes, as she has “I stumbled down an incline with my been nicknamed, had extensive dental dog,” she continues. “The dog was ahead work on her teeth, worth thousands of dolof me. My dog got excited about somelars. Several of those teeth were removed thing. I heard a very strange noise. If you by the killer, a technique frequently used could imagine someone by James “Whitey” holding a string of pearls, Bulger and his I heard that sound. And cronies. The Lady of then there was a horrible the Dunes’ hands had smell. At first, I attribalso been removed, uted it to low tide,” Lee and she was nearly recalls the horrific scene decapitated, with with emotion. “She was what is believed to be face down. Her hair was a military entrencha mess and I could see a ment tool, and had gouge in the right side of massive trauma to “Lady of the Dunes” crime scene in 1974 her neck. Her arms were the side of her skull. tucked down in the sand Police believe there so I didn’t know anything was missing. I was also sexual assault. recognized the green blanket right away. Oddly, the gruesome crime scene became The lower half of her body was covered the single most visited tourist attraction with something.” in Provincetown during its peak season in Lee says the horrible sound has stayed the summer of 1974. with her for years. “It wasn’t until much Her body has been exumed twice, both later that I realized that the sound of in 1980 and 2001, to use modern-day someone playing with a pearl necklace forensic technology. No luck. However, was from the maggots,” she says. “Her new leads suggest the Lady of the Dunes body was covered with maggots. I believe was tied to notorious Winter Hill Gang there were a few people who found the leader, James “Whitey” Bulger. In fact, body, but there is only one who spoke to Bulger — who had a past as a gay-for-pay police in person about it.” male hustler — was a regular at popular On July 26, 1974, the naked decomposLGBT hangout The Crown & Anchor, and ing body of a woman in her 20s or early has been linked to a woman with a similar 30s was discovered by a girl (not Lee) description to the Lady of the Dunes.
There was also a size 10 shoe imprint found at the scene, the same shoe size as Bulger, and a green towel or blanket believed to be from the Crown & Anchor. Did Bulger do it? According to Lee, he should be a person of interest.
the ‘70s. At the time, people weren’t on to Whitey’s trips to Provincetown. It was his playground and no one knew he was doing half of the things he was doing here. It was the perfect place for the disposal of the body.” Rumors of Bulger’s Bulger in switch-hitting orientation surfaced in 2001 after Provincetown former Boston Police Provincetown became Superintendent Bob a safe haven for lesbians Hayden told the Boston and gay men in the late Herald he encountered the 1960s and early ‘70s. alleged serial killer at the There were several LGBT legendary gay bar in Bosfriendly bars, includton’s Bay Village, Jacques. ing the A-House, which “I’m going back maybe “turned gay” in 1976, the 25 years,” Hayden said in Pilgrim House, P’town’s 2001. “I was doing a night James Whitey Bulger mugshot earliest drag bar called detail at Jacques.” Hayden Weathering Heights, The Moors, and of claimed Bulger was sitting at the bar, now course the Crown & Anchor. known for its drag performances, and Lee reminisces about the early ‘70s with chatted with Bulger. “I’ve always thought fondness. “Before 1974, I remember drink- it [Jacques] was perfect for him to lose ing out of glass Coke bottles and eating himself,” Hayden said, “to have a few beers candy apples,” she says adding that there undetected.” was a dark side to the town’s picturesque In 2006, author and radio icon Howie facade. “It wasn’t fun for me after 1974. Carr dropped a bombshell in his book The In the ‘70s, Provincetown was a huge port Brothers Bulger claiming that Bulger “got for money, drugs and human trafficking. his start in the criminal underworld as a Whitey has a history of bisexuality. Gayteen after a lesbian pimp recruited him related crimes were often overlooked in to hustle out of gay bars,” Carr writes.
“According to survivors of the era, Whitey worked out of a couple of gay bars on Stuart Street, primarily a joint called Mario’s, which was also known as the Sail Aweigh. As a young male hustler, he quickly became adept at rolling his tricks — his police record indicates an arrest for ‘unarmed robbery’ on March 18, 1947. Another of his favorite pickup spots was the Punch Bowl, which was frequently raided by the vice squad. ... Whitey may have been hustling to raise some spending money, but he never was exclusively homosexual.” In 1982, former Crown and Anchor Motor Inn owner Staniford Sorrentino threw out Bulger’s name during a tax evasion trial. Sorrentino said Bulger was “inclined toward violence” and had been a regular overnight guest at the notoriously gay inn and was frequently at Sorrentino’s home in the ‘70s. Lee says her stepfather, a violent alcoholic, would spend nights at the Crown & Anchor with Bulger while her family camped at Dunes’ Edge. “Not many people knew that Bulger was hanging out in Provincetown, nor did they realize he was a switch hitter,” Lee says. “My stepfather would stumble into the campsite during the wee morning hours. He was always inebriated and disheveled, often bruised
Not many people knew that Bulger was hanging out in Provincetown, nor did they realize he was a switch hitter Sandra Lee
24 | BOSTON SPIRIT
www.tjx.com
PROUD
TOGETHER
New England’s oldest unsolved murder mystery in Provincetown reiterates that beautiful places are not immune to horrible crimes. Here’s a timeline of events juxtaposing the Lady of the Dunes case with key events James “Whitey” Bulger’s life:
SEPT. 3, 1929: James Bulger is born the second of six children to Irish parents in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. His hair earns him the nickname “Whitey.”
1956: Bulger is sentenced to federal prison for bank robbery and is transferred to Alcatraz after suspecting of plotting an escape. 1973: Bulger’s six-year-old son with Lindsey Cyr died of Reye’s Syndrome, a severe reaction to aspirin, which reportedly tore Bulger apart emotionally. 1974: Bulger’s hitman Flemmi returns to Boston after running from police.
JUNE 1975: Flemmi kills Edward Connors to prevent him from telling authorities about a murder by the Winter Hill Gang.
MARCH 18, 1947: Bulger worked out of a couple of gay bars on Stuart Street reportedly as a gay-for-pay male hustler. He’s arrested allegedly with a customer
JULY 26, 1974: Teen girl walking her dog made the gruesome discovery of a woman brutally murdered approximately one mile east of Provincetown’s Race Point Beach.
SUMMER 1974: The gruesome crime scene near Dunes’ Edge Campground became the single most visited tourist attraction in Provincetown during its peak season in the summer of 1974. and charged with “unarmed robbery.”
26 | BOSTON SPIRIT
1981: Debra Davis was murdered at age 26, allegedly at the hands of Bulger and his partner in crime, Steve Flemmi. Davis was strangled and her teeth were removed, similar to the Lady of the Dunes autopsy report.
OCT. 9, 2013: Chief Jaran was fired after a closed-door meeting with Provincetown’s selectmen after an incident regarding anti-police lyrics at the Squealing Pig pub.
2007: Jeff Jaran, who was at the scene of the Lady of the Dunes crime scene, was appointed Provincetown’s new police chief.
SPRING 1982: Bulger and Flemmi allegedly gun down a former henchman in broad daylight in Boston to prevent him from talking about a murder.
JANUARY 1985: Deborah Hussey, 26, was murdered. Bulger reportedly looped a rope around her neck and choked her to death. Flemmi reportedly pulled out her teeth to prevent her from being identified.
JANUARY 5, 1995: Bulger vacationed in New York and then New Orleans. He prepared to return to Boston. However, his hitman Flemmi was arrested outside a Boston restaurant by the DEA and Bulger changed his plans.
2009: Jaran re-examined the case and arranged for the exhumation of the body. He personally carried the victim’s skull to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
MAY 2010: A new composite of the Lady of the Dunes was created using state of the art technology and computer analyses. JUNE 22, 2011: Bulger, wanted for 19 murders, was captured in Southern California after a 16-year manhunt.
2011: Former Boston superior court trial attorney, Meredith K. Lobur, joins the Provincetown Police Department (PPD), as a detective and assigned to the Lady of the Dunes case.
SEP|OCT 2014 | 27
NOV. 14, 2013: Bulger is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus five years.
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and bloody, and sometimes wearing a green cotton blanket around his shoulders which he’s taken from the inn.” The author says she has always feared her stepfather — who she says interacted with Bulger in Milton and Provincetown — may have been at the scene. “Whether it was my stepfather, I don’t know. It was too coincidental that we camped there. If you rolled off the embankment, there she was,” Lee says. “The reason why I found her was because I was running from a bad situation. Finding her certainly put things in perspective for me because obviously she was in a much worse situation. In a sense, she helped save my life. Coming from an abusive home environment, I thought this was as bad as it gets. But, when you stumbled on what I did, you realize that what happened to the Lady of the Dunes is as bad as it gets.”
Dunes Case Revisited The Provincetown Police Department (PPD), which was contacted several times by Boston Spirit, said in previous interviews that several witnesses and photographs have placed Bulger in the area at the time of the murder. However, Lee responds saying “nothing concrete has yet tied Bulger to the Provincetown murder, but he has not yet been ruled out as a suspect.” The PPD followed up on several initial leads which pointed to local individuals as well as two serial killers, including Tony “Chop Chop” Costa. However, the notorious murderer committed suicide in 1970. The theories were all proven wrong.
Several reports surfaced in March 2012 possibly linking Bulger to the Lady of the Dunes case. “It’s not a secret, it never was a secret, that James ‘Whitey’ Bulger spent time in Provincetown,” said Detective Meredith K. Lobur to WCVB in ‘12. “What our hope is that with his capture and imprisonment and his age that someone will be able to finally come forward.” Former PPD chief Jeff Jaran, who supposedly spent his career trying to crack the Lady of the Dunes case, added: “The coincidence that he was down here during that time. The manner in which this woman was murdered. We will make contact with federal prosecutors.” Several months after the initial Bulger bombshell, Jaran was fired. The town manager called him into a closeddoor meeting with selectmen and was terminated. A report released in May 2014 claimed that Jaran’s sevenyear stint was toxic for PPD department and “there was a persistent culture of fear preventing some staff members from speaking out about important matters.” Lee believes that fear has hindered the investigation. “My take is that there is still someone there in Provincetown who knows it was Whitey or his gang, but doesn’t want that information out,” Lee says. “Meredith claims to be all about solving the case, but I got quite another impression.” Oddly, the blue bandana found at the crime scene, using the old-school gay hanky code of the ‘70s, was used to identify cops. Lee strongly believes the Lady of the Dunes was involved in prostitution and immigrated to Boston from a foreign country, possibly
Ireland. “Whitey was into human trafficking as much as he was with drugs and money,” Lee insists. “When people would come over from Ireland, Whitey’s clan would intercept the women who ‘fit the bill’ and they would end up in a house in Southie where they were groomed for human trafficking.” Lee continues, “My theory is that this girl, the Lady of the Dunes, came from Ireland. I believe she was from Ireland based on her genetic makeup and the fact that not a single person made a call looking for her or identifying her. The part that still confuses me is the dismemberment to conceal her identity. She was nearly decapitated. They never recovered her hands. One hand was severed from the wrist and the other removed from the elbow. Where they found her, it’s
believed to be the secondary crime scene. My theory is that she was killed closer to Boston. I think she died in Boston. Strangulation is how some of the victims were killed. I believe she was killed around the Fourth of July and stored in a freezer.” Bulger, 84, was captured in Santa Monica, Calif., three years ago, after more than 16 years on the run. Fleeing Boston in 1995, he was charged with participating in 19 murders, as well as for a slew of other horrific crimes. Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi, testified in federal court last year that Bulger lured 26-year-old Deborah Hussey to a South Boston home in 1985. Flemmi claimed that Bulger strangled her. Last November, Bulger was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison.
Did Bulger and his cronies kill the Lady of the Dunes? Lee believes she was one of the South Boston gang’s victims. However, she’s wanting closure for the unidentified woman. Lee wrote a fictionalized account in 2011 about the Lady of the Dunes case, called The Shanty, while camping at Dunes’ Edge Campground. “It was terribly difficult for me to write. I wrote about the case in fictional form because technically it was still a pending investigation. It was difficult for me to write because I had to revisit a lot of demons I thought I left behind,” she says. “In the long run, it was extremely cathartic for me. It was tough, but I tried to stay focused. I needed to go through so much healing before even writing this book.”
The PPD is attempting to raise money for a new coffin for the Lady of the Dunes. After 40 years, the metal casket in Provincetown’s St. Peter’s Cemetery, merely labeled as “unidentified female,” is falling apart. Lee wants more for the mystery woman. She hopes detectives at the PPD can at least identify the murdered woman. “Let’s remember her,” Lee emotes. “We’re running out of time. Let’s try to give this woman a name. Everybody deserves a name on their headstone. Keeping her in the forefront of the public eye will help solve this case. The only way to do it is to keep the story alive.” [x]
Sam Baltrusis, author of the recently released ‘Ghosts of Salem: Haunts of the Witch City,’ is currently working on his fourth book about the legends and lore of Cape Cod. Baltrusis’ ‘Haunted Provincetown’ is slotted for release in 2016.
FEATURE Preservation STORY Tony Giampetruzzi
Archivist, Bet Powers
History Endangered 40-year-old Sexual Minorities Archives of Northampton may be forced out of its housing unless funding arrives soon According to Bet Power, it’s hard enough to interest people in the history of LGBT people, places and events, but even harder to find areas where it’s being taught, much less archived. “Our history has already been erased within the general society, and it is certainly not being taught in the public school systems,” says Power. “Even as we make gains on gay marriage, students and young people are not learning about LGBT history and, ignorance is a barrier to equality.”
So, when the 64-year old transgender man received word several months ago that he may lose the rented house in Northampton, Mass. that serves as the repository of the Sexual Minorities Archive, he panicked. The space doubles as the Archive and Power’s home; he is currently disabled and struggling with a life-threatening health condition. “I’ve been the curator of the archives since 1977. It’s a 40-year-old collection that was originally located in Chicago, but I moved it here in
30 | BOSTON SPIRIT
1979 and it is my life’s work,” says Power, adding that annually more than 500 researchers from around the world visit the Archive, a collection that includes 10,000 books, posters, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and rare periodicals. The rarest, of which, is a 1939 first edition copy of Gertrude Stein’s World is Round. “I’ve become the default queer historian in the area and the service that I provide is what I consider to be why I was put on this planet. It’s that important to me. I don’t want to see it close, I don’t want to see everything put into storage, and I don’t want to have the students and others who come here to study to be interrupted.” Today, Power is feeling optimistic that he will be able to purchase the house following a successful gofundme.com campaign that raised $10,000 which combined with $5,000, the remainder of his personal savings, will allow him to buy down to nearly zero percent the interest rate on a mortgage.
“I will thus qualify for a somewhat higher mortgage amount than I could have otherwise,” he says, adding that he is working with an economic justice organization to qualify for a mortgage. However, in order to to complete the sale, the house must satisfy the conditions of an inspection that revealed the property needs $30,000 in repairs. “Since the seller has no money to make repairs, the financial responsibility will fall on me,” says Power. “If I can’t repair the house to buy it, the Archives will need to close and I will have to move. This remains an emergency, and I need your support as soon as you can give it.” Bet is asking for help: www. gofundme.com/Save-the-SMA Here’s what survives. According to Power, historic LGBTQI archival materials— many of them dating to the early and mid-20th century which can be found nowhere else on the east coast—including the full run of ONE Magazine (the first periodical for
“ I’ve become the default queer historian in the area and the service that I provide is what I consider to be why I was put on this planet. It’s that important to me. ” gay men, beginning in 1951), The Ladder (the first nationally distributed periodical for lebians, beginning in 1956), extensive queer POC subject files and books, a queer vinyl record collection, hundreds of author-signed books, original paintings, drawings, photography, archival materials on working-class LGBTQIs, intersex persons, gender queers, and extensive transgender subject files. “Also in the Archive people discover original research on pre-Stonewall, Pioneer Valley LGBTQI figures we have conducted, and stacks of research papers developed by LGBTQI students and professors over the years,” says Power. “Some books date back to the late 1800s; many periodicals are pre-1969 and there are hundreds of current titles, too.” Power says that the collection is absolutely critical to
the continued study of LGBT history and that much of the archive is unavailable in libraries or on the Internet. “Yes, I am afraid that if the Archives are not here to teach people, then how will people be educated,” says Power, who adds that he is amazed by both adults and young people, many of them LGBT, who are not even aware of the Stonewall riots. “And what’s more is that no one needs credentials to come in here and use the archive. You can come in as a member of the community, the general public,” he says. “There are no barriers whatsoever. And, it’s free!” Power said that the community can help by supporting the Sexual Minorities Archives and to help keep it open by visiting www.gofundme.com/ Save-the-SMA and contributing to the effort to raise $30,000 by October 13. [x]
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THE CITY OF SALEM, MASS. The City of Salem is a diverse community on the North Shore of Boston that welcomes all people who visit, live, study and work in our City—no matter who they are, who they love, where they are from, or how they self-identify. With our unique and infamous history, Salem has worked hard to not simply learn from our past, but to transform it into a call for action. Our history has inspired us to strive to be the best we can be with regard to human rights and social justice. It informs our values and impels us to take a stand against actions that stigmatize, ostracize, or discriminate against any group of people in our community. Standing on the forefront of equality, we recognize that the LGBT community strengthens our City’s fabric and we appreciate the important contributions our LGBT friends and family provide throughout the North Shore and
Massachusetts. As Mayor, I’m proud of the steps Salem has taken to improve the LGBT-inclusivity of our City’s laws, policies and services, which resulted in Salem achieving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2014 Municipal Equality Index earlier this year. From our support of the Annual North Shore Pride Parade & Festival, to our designation of the first LGBT Liaisons in the Mayor’s Office and the Police Department, to the City’s unanimous passage of a fully LGBT-inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance—making us only the fifth community in Massachusetts to protect members of the transgender community from discrimination in public accommodations—Salem continues to not only embrace diversity and equality, but champion it too.”
Mayor Kim Driscoll
PERFECT100 City of Salem Achieves Perfect Score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2014 Municipal Equality Index for LGBT-inclusive laws, policies and service Salem, MA — On the eve of the 3rd Annual North Shore Pride Parade & Festival, Mayor Kim Driscoll announced today that the City of Salem has achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the LGBT-inclusivity of the City’s laws, policies and services. Mayor Driscoll plans to make the formal announcement on stage at the North Shore Pride Festival tomorrow afternoon at Salem Common following the conclusion of the Pride Parade.
“Standing on the forefront of equality, Salem understands that the LGBT community strengthens our City’s fabric and I am thrilled that our efforts towards LGBT-inclusivity have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign,” said Mayor Driscoll. “While famous for a tragic episode of discrimination and persecution in 1692, Salem now places tremendous value on ensuring equal protection under the law for all, no matter who you are, where you are from, or who you are perceived to be. We welcome all people who visit, live, study, and
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THE LGBT COMMUNITY HAS THRIVED UNDER MAYOR DRISCOLL’S LEADERSHIP IN SALEM WHILE THE CITY HAS WORKED TO SUPPORT, PROMOTE, AND ENACT LGBT EQUALITY OVER THE COURSE OF HER ADMINISTRATION: Nov 2006:Established Salem’s first diversity committee through the Salem No Place for Hate Committee July 2010: Welcomed the first North Shore Elder Services-sponsored ‘Over the Rainbow Coalition’ outing for LGBT seniors and allies at Salem Willows. The Coalition now meets for monthly dinners at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem Dec 2011: Became first Salem Mayor to recognize World AIDS Day every December by mayoral proclamation June 2012: Became first Salem Mayor to raise pride flags above Salem City Hall and Riley Plaza in recognition of LGBT Pride Month June 2012: Recognized local LGBT activist and drag queen Gary “Gigi” Gill as the official “Queen” of Salem with mayoral citation for his work on behalf of the LGBT community June 2012: Became first Salem Mayor to declare “North Shore Pride Day” by mayoral proclamation while the City Council passed the first resolution in support of North Shore Pride June 2012: Welcomed, marched in, and attended the first North Shore Pride & Festival in Salem
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FROM P.33 work in our community, and it is heartwarming to see that Salem is now becoming more renown for our advancement of human rights and social justice.” In scoring 100% on the 2014 MEI, Salem follows Boston and Cambridge which were the only Massachusetts municipalities, among 25 nationally, to achieve a perfect score on the 2013 MEI last year. Unlike most municipalities included in the MEI which are chosen specifically by HRC for evaluation, the City of Salem voluntarily self-submitted its assessment and requested an evaluation from HRC. “The MEI not only serves as an evaluation of municipal LGBT-inclusivity, it also provides local advocates with a guide to proactively further LGBT equality in their cities and towns,” said Cathryn Oakley, Legislative Counsel for State and Municipal Advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign. “Using the MEI criteria as a benchmark, Salem made impressive strides in achieving greater LGBTinclusivity over the past year and the
TIMELNE FROM P.33 whole community should be proud of the standard Salem has set for other municipalities across Massachusetts and the United States.” With the support of Mayor Driscoll last year, the Salem No Place for Hate Committee—Salem’s diversity committee—conducted a preliminary MEI assessment and identified areas where Salem could improve upon its LGBT-inclusivity. This prompted Mayor Driscoll and Police Chief Paul Tucker to designate the City’s first LGBT Community Liaisons in both the Mayor’s Office (Kristian Hoysradt) and Police Department (Lt. Conrad Prosniewski) last June, to provide direct points of contact for LGBT residents and visitors. More recently, Salem made headlines with the successful No Place for Hate Committee-led passage of a fully inclusive non-discrimination ordinance through the Salem City Council, unanimously, which Mayor Driscoll supported and signed into law on March 3. In doing so, Salem became only the fifth community in
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OCTOBER 1-31, 2014
SAlEM HAunTEd HAppEningS Visit HauntedHappenings.org for more information
@hauntdhappnings #SalemMA
Jan 2013: Submitted letter of support for the International Imperial Court’s nationwide campaign to lobby the U.S. Postal Service for a commemorative stamp honoring honor LGBT civil rights leader Harvey Milk March 2013: Raised the pride flag above Salem City Hall and changed her Facebook avatar to the HRC red and pink equality logo in solidarity with the LGBT community as the Proposition 8 and DOMA cases were heard before the U.S. Supreme Court April 2013: Signed on to the national “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” coalition in support of marriage equality June 2013: Became the first Salem Mayor to host an official LGBT Pride Flag Raising Ceremony to kick-off LGBT pride month at Riley Plaza June 2013: With the Salem Police Chief, designated the first LGBT Community Liaisons in both the Mayor’s Office and Salem Police Department Sept 2013: Recognized the North Shore Alliance for LGBT Youth (nAGLY) with mayoral citation at their annual Gala for their support of Salem and the North Shore’s LGBT youth Oct 2013: Mayor’s Office LGBT Liaison Kristian Hoysradt recognized as one of “Salem’s Magic Makers” by Boston Spirit magazine TIMELINE CONTINUES ON P.36
Next e th r fo h c r a e S The N
E E U Q M A E R C S
erkin DJ Gay Jim Cl
s Sharon Needle
New England’s
Biggest Gay
Halloween Party!
EARLY TIX NOW ONLINE
Friday Oct 24, 2014
GoOutLoud.com
SPONSORED BY:
Salem, MA
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Massachusetts and the first on the North Shore to extend protections against discrimination for the transgender community in public accommodations. Since then, the City of Somerville and the Town of Brookline have followed suit, with various other municipalities across the Commonwealth preparing to do the same. “The mission of the Salem No Place for Hate Committee is to promote the acceptance of diversity and combat discrimination through educational and public awareness initiatives throughout the Salem community,” said Co-Chair Scott Weisberg. “The MEI presented us with a perfect opportunity for the Committee to identify what the City was lacking and how we could better ourselves with regard to LGBT-inclusivity. This recognition by HRC is the direct result of the strong leadership of Mayor Driscoll, Chief Tucker, the City Council and many, many organizations and individuals who contributed to these efforts over the past year. Our perfect score on the MEI is a wonderful declaration that the City of Salem, Massachusetts is in fact, no place for hate.”
Oct 2013: Recognized drag performer, recording artist and LGBT activist Sharon Needles and LGBT promotional events group Go Out Loud at their ‘Scream Out Loud’ Halloween event with mayoral citation for their work on behalf of the LGBT community Nov 2013: Became first Salem Mayor to attend the Human Rights Campaign New England Dinner & Gala Jan 2014: Recipient of the first annual Community Leadership Award by the Tiffany Club of New England at their First Event Transgender Conference for the Mayor’s LGBT advocacy March 2014: Salem City Council unanimously passed and Mayor Driscoll signed Salem’s non-discrimination ordinance, making Salem only the fifth community in Massachusetts to extend protections against discrimination to the transgender community in accommodations April 2014: Featured as prominent LGBT-ally in Boston Spirit magazine June 2014: Unveiled the U.S. Postal Service’s commemorative Harvey Milk Forever Stamp at the Salem Post Office where it will permanently hang in honor of the Milk’s legacy and the LGBT community June 2014: Submitted letter of support for the International Imperial Court’s nationwide campaign to lobby the U.S. Postal Service for a commemorative stamp honoring LGBT civil rights leader Bayard Rustin June 2014: City of Salem became the third community in Massachusetts and the 27th nationally to achieve a perfect score on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index for LGBT-inclusive laws, policies and services
Go Out Loud’s BEYOND HAUNTED Guide To Witch City USA VIDEO VIXEN: 1980’S HORROR DANCE PARTY! TUES. SEPT. 30, 8PM-MIDNIGHT Opus Underground, 87 Wash. St
More Info: scarymarylives.com
Kickoff the Halloween season with an 80’s multi-media dance party in celebration of the decade’s hottest women of stage, screen and scream. Music by DJ Zombi with a performance by Salem’s undead rockers Scary Mary and the Audio Corsette in promotion of the new single release ‘Video Vixen.’ THE GOLDEN GIRLS LIVE ON STAGE A DRAG PARODY! “THE LOST SALEM HALLOWEEN EPISODE”
SATURDAYS, OCT. 4-25, 6PM + 9:30PM
Opus Underground, 87 Wash. St
More Info: brownpapertickets.com/event/780060
It’s a loving PARODY tribute to your favorite sitcom senior citizens. Featuring everybody’s favorite geriatric mother/ daughter duo—the english teacher and the mom with no censor, the blonde ditz,
A Salem Hotel to Lift the Spirit and Delight the Eye 18 Washington Square W, Salem MA 01970 | 978.744.4080 | www.HawthorneHotel.com
36 | BOSTON SPIRIT
and the sexy vixen who gets into some trouble in Salem. Dorothy brings the girls on a school field trip where she is teaching The Crucible.
#SCREAMOUTLOUD: THE SEARCH FOR SALEM’S NEXT OFFICIAL SCREAM QUEEN!
GHOSTS OF SALEM
Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Wash. Sq W
FRI. OCT. 24, 7PM-12:30AM
TUESDAY, OCT. 7,
Wicked Good Books, 215 Essex St ZOMBIE WALK SALEM 2014
SAT. OCT. 11, 3:30-6PM
Collins Cove Pk, East Collins St
More Info: facebook.com/events/1420278131572963
The time to rise, gather, and lurch through Salem is once again descending upon us. Kickball and costuming starts at 3:30pm, the herd will walk at 4:30pm. WITCH CITY 5K
SAT. OCT. 18, 9-11:30AM
Salem Willows, 167 Fort Ave
More Info: northshoreymca.org/witchcity5K
The Salem YMCA is hosting a 5K costume race around downtown Salem. Race starts at the Salem Willows. Race winners and costume contest winners receive prizes. After the race, a post race party and awards ceremony will be held at Tavern in the Square in Salem at 11:30am.
Tickets: gooutloud.com/screamoutloud2014 MEET DEE WALLACE AT COUNT ORLOK’S NIGHTMARE GALLERY
SUN. OCT. 19, 7PM
Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, 285 Derby St
More Info: nightmaregallery.com
Tour the museum and meet genre legend Dee Wallace (Grimm, Cujo, ET, The Howling, Rob Zombie’s Halloween)! One night only! OUIJA: THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE GAME
TUES. OCT. 21, 7-10PM
Salem Waterfront Hotel, 225 Derby St
More Info: winning-moves.com
A night of ghostly evidence, a history of spirit contact, and an interactive live Ouija board experiment that all attendees can partake in. The two featured speakers will be Robert Murch and Jeff Belanger. Murch is the world’s foremost collector, historian, and expert on Ouija and talking boards. Belanger is author of more than 2 dozen books, including the best-sellers, “The World’s Most Haunted Places”, “Who’s Haunting the White House?”, and “Weird Massachusetts”. Event is free for all to attend.
Go Out Loud and Logo TV presents an exclusive Halloween competition to crown Salem’s next Official Scream Queen with 13 of the region’s most boo-tiful stage personalities as part of a live, interactive experience. The historic Hawthorne Hotel will be transformed into a haunted dance club with DJ Gay Jim (KISS108) and special guest Sharon Needles (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Salem Scream Queen 2013) welcomed by fellow celebrity judges Scott Kearnan (Lifestyle Editor of Boston Spirit Magazine), Deborah Macki (Celebrity Makeup Artist) and celebrity Blood Red Carpet correspondent Joslyn Fox (RuPaul’s Drag Race)!
HAWTHORNE HOTEL’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
SAT. OCT. 25, 8PM-MIDNIGHT
Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Wash. Sq W
More Info: hawthornehotel.com
5TH ANNUAL ZOMBIE PROM
Join the Hawthorne Hotel for the Annual Halloween Party. This year’s theme is: Mardi Gras Masquerade. Think Beads! Think Colorful! Think Over-the-Top! The prizes for the Costume Contest will be better than ever before so put your thinking caps on and Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Victoria Station, 86 Wharf St
THE OFFICIAL SALEM WITCHES’ BALL
SAT. OCT. 25, 8PM-MIDNIGHT More Info: victoriastationsalem.com
The petrifying costumes, the non-stop dance party, the crowning of a Prom King & Queen and the 600+ Zombies who attended Zombie Prom last year, proves why this is one of the most talked about, anticipated Halloween Parties to attend in Salem. Prom photos will be taken upon entrance.
FRI. OCT. 31, 7:30PM-12:30AM Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Wash. Sq W
More Info: festivalofthedead.com/witchesball
Join Christian Day and the Witches of Salem with guests Dragon Ritual Drummers for a night of magic, music, and powerful rituals at the Salem’s most magical Halloween party! Dance in the Grand Ballroom, feast on sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, and participate in the Costume Contest for up to a $1000 cash prize. This years theme: Voodoo Visions.
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DANCE EDITOR'S PICK
Sexyback: or what you will
WED JUL 16 - FRI JUL 18
CAMBRIDGE, MA | AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER
From Touch Performance Art, a resident company of Oberon, comes their newest work, Sexyback: or what you will. This is an immersive club-theater experience of boy band hits and killer dance moves, inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Party, drink at the bar, and dance to all the hits as the show fulfills all your reunion fantasies. American Repertory Theater | americanrepertorytheater.org
Juliana Huxtable
FRI AUG 15
BOSTON | INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART/BOSTON
DJ set from New York “nightlife princess” Juliana Huxtable, former legal assistant at the ACLU, writer and critic, and member of cultish artist collective and drag house House of Ladosha. Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston | icaboston.org EDITOR'S PICK
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
SUN AUG 24
BECKET, MA | JACOB'S PILLOW
America’s longest-running dance festival returns with a season that will feature more than 52 companies performing on three stages. remieres include As I Remember It by legendary performer Carmen de Lavallade; and a new show by tap artist and 2013 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award winner Michelle Dorrance. Jacob's Pillow | jacobspillow.org
Celebrity Series: Regina Carter PHOTO David Katzenstein
2014 North American Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship: Kalin Mitov and Michael Winward
THE OUT, THE IN, THE UNUSUAL IN 2014-15 DANCE 2014 North American Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship SAT OCT 11
The ultimate event for the same sex ballroom dance community. Even if you’re not dancing, it’s fun to watch and cheer for your favorite couple! All queers welcome. HYNES CONVENTION CENTER, Boston facebook.com/ events/646708872080451
BOSTON BALLET
Boston Ballet, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St, Boston 617-695-6955 | bostonballet.org
stunning costumes and sets by award-winning designer Robert Perdziola (costume and set designer of the new Nutcracker).
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker
ARTSEMERSON
A dazzling holiday tradition for the entire family! This criticallyacclaimed production debuted in 2012, and has been called “the most magical version of The Nutcracker.” See it again or for the first time, and be swept away in a winter wonderland. Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The Magic Flute: Isango Ensemble
FRI NOV 28 - WED DEC 31
Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake – World Premiere
CELEBRITY SERIES
This luscious romance follows the Swan Queen Odette and Prince Siegfried in their timeless tale of sorcery, deceit, and eternal love. This new production features choreography by Mikko Nissinen, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and
Pilobolus
THU OCT 30 - SUN NOV 9
MUSIC
celebrityseries.org
FRI OCT 24 - SUN OCT 26
Over their 40-plus year history, Pilobolus has appeared at the Olympics, the Oscars, and around the world. This unique and wildly creative dance ensemble continues to amuse, innovate and astonish audiences.
artsemerson.org
SUN SEP 21 - SUN OCT 26
South Africa’s Award-winning Isango Ensemble gloriously bursts on the scene with The Magic Flute, Mozart’s classic opera, completely reimagined, transformed and transported. The enchanting story tells of a man’s quest to rescue his wrongly captured love and the trials they must endure to be together.
brass quintet! Faneuil Hall is the historic and beautiful setting for this sing-along concert, perfect for families and kids of all ages. FANEUIL HALLBOSTON ,
A Bach Christmas
THU DEC 18 - SUN DEC 21
Back Bay Chorale Music Director Scott Allen Jarrett takes the Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus on a journey through Christmas past, from medieval plainchant to the 18th century. Corelli’s popular Christmas Concerto is one of many highlights in a creative program also featuring J.S. Bach’s joyous Cantata 40 and Cantata IV from the Christmas Oratorio.
NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones; Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn
CELEBRITY SERIES celebrityseries.org
Maurizio Pollini, piano SUN OCT 5
A paragon of virtuosity and musical excellence, Maurizio Pollini’s position among the top instrumental soloists in the world has been secure for nearly a generation.
Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
HANDEL AND HAYDN SOCIETY
Banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn have mastered the deceptively intricate art of the duet. Washburn’s beguiling composing, playing and singing blend with Fleck’s riveting and virtuosic musicianship to create music that is unique yet familiar in texture.
Baroque Fireworks! H+H Turns 200
THU OCT 30
Richard Goode, Piano SAT NOV 1
SUN OCT 12
Bassist/composer Edgar Meyer and mandolinist/composer Chris Thile have collaborated on several critically acclaimed projects including the Grammywinning Goat Rodeo Sessions. Tonight they cross traditional boundaries in a diverse program of mostly original music.
Regina Carter’s Southern Comfort FRI OCT 17
Violinist Regina Carter has established herself as an enduring and creative force in jazz. Carter draws from diverse influences, including classical, Motown, swing, funk, and world music. Her latest project, “Southern Comfort,” features her improvisational virtuosity and the work of multiple arrangers to music suggested by her father’s roots in Alabama.
Juilliard String Quartet
Celebrated American pianist Richard Goode is one of the most acclaimed interpreters of Beethoven.
Rosanne Cash “The River and the Thread” THU NOV 13
Singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash celebrates her acclaimed new album, The River & the Thread, a collection of new original songs that connect and re-connect Rosanne to the American South, the place of her birth and the home of her ancestors.
Itzhak Perlman, violin SUN NOV 23
Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Hearing this living legend perform live is an experience no music lover can afford to miss.
SAT OCT 18
The ever-evolving Juilliard is widely known as “the quintessential American string quartet.” In this program, the Juilliard focuses on two of Vienna’s greatest musical eras, early 19th and 20th centuries.
CORO ALLEGRO coroallegro.org
Contemporary American Visions SUN NOV 9
An evening of music by Boston’s LGBT Classical Chorus.
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handelandhaydn.org
FRI OCT 10 - SUN OCT 12
Baroque Fireworks! H+H Turns 200.
Vivaldi L’estro armonico FRI OCT 31 - SUN NOV 2
Concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky and friends present an imaginative brew of musical inspiration and thrilling challenge. Vivaldi’s sublime L’estro armonico concertos, music that greatly influenced Bach, are paired with Tartini’s Devil’s Trill Sonata, a piece made legendary by its fiendish difficulty. JORDAN HALL/NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston 617-585-1260,
Handel’s Messiah
FRI NOV 28 - SUN NOV 30
A holiday tradition for 161 years—make it yours! A favorite that never goes out of fashion, this classic oratorio is kept fresh each year by the vision of Harry Christophers, the Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus, and internationally acclaimed soloists. “Rejoice greatly” in H+H’s stellar performance of Messiah, the heralding of the Christmas season. SYMPHONY HALL, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston 617-266-1492,
Holiday Sing SAT DEC 13
Sing along to your favorite holiday carols and songs with the magnificent and merry H&H chorus and H&H children’s choral ensembles—as well as
North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd, Beverly, MA 978232-7200 | nsmt.org
Unfinished 2: The Music Continues SAT SEP 6
A one night benefit presented by Voices of Hope at North Shore Music Theatre. Building on the theme of last year’s sold out UNFINISHED benefit, UNFINISHED 2 is a musical revue paying tribute to singers and songwriters who were taken before their time.
Ronan Tynan SAT SEP 13
North Shore Elder Services presents modern “Renaissance Man” Ronan Tynan. Faced with numerous challenges throughout his well documented life, he has persevered with enormous passion and determination. Introduced to international audiences as a member of the Irish Tenors, Tynan quickly became known for his unique voice and irresistible appeal. Concerts feature selections from traditional, Irish, religious, and classical venues.
SCULLER’S JAZZ CLUB
400 Soldiers Field Rd, Allston, MA | scullerjazz.com
Katani Sumner WED SEP 10
Katani’s talents and experiences are far reaching in singing (Gospel, Jazz, R&B), theatrical productions and vocal arrangement. She can be seen fronting her own band or as the lead female vocalist for Manhattan Touch band.
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque: All-woman Cuban sextet THU SEP 11
Always evolving, and always attracting top-flight musicians, her exciting new project Maqueque brings together an all-female band of Cuban AllStars for a sublime synthesis of modern jazz with a Cuban soul.
John Pizzarelli
FRI SEP 12 - SAT SEP 13
John Pizzarelli, the worldrenowned jazz guitarist and singer, was called “Hip with a wink” by Town & Country, “madly creative” by the Los Angeles Times and “the genial genius of the guitar” by The Toronto Star.
Rory Block MON SEP 17
Rory Block has committed her life and her career to preserving the Delta blues tradition and bringing it to life for 21st century audiences around the world.
Oleta Adams
THU SEP 25 - FRI SEP 26
With seven CDs, including secular, gospel, a Christmas album, and Let’s Stay Here, worldwide acclaim and over two-and a-half million albums sold, Oleta’s musical odyssey continues – spiritually and creatively. For this consummate artist- composerproducer-musician, many goals remain on the horizon.
Craig Handy THU SEP 25
A saxophone player, actor, and composer, Craig Handy has done it all. Now he returns as an original bandleader and party-starter for his new touring and recording project on the venerated OKeh label.
PERFORMANCE ARTSEMERSON
artsemerson.org
Traces: Les 7 Doigts De La Main WED OCT 1 - SUN OCT 12
Boston favorites and circus icons 7 Fingers (PSY, Sequence 8) return by popular demand with their signature work, Traces. With pulse-pounding yet intimate urgency, the celebrated
Quebecois troupe considers their real selves, vulnerabilities and obsessions through the footprints we leave behind.
The Trip to Bountiful: Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams THU NOV 20 - SUN DEC 7
Cicely Tyson reprises her Tony Award-winning performance as the frail but feisty Carrie Watts in Horton Foote’s beloved American classic The Trip to Bountiful. Living in a cramped apartment in Houston with her dutiful son Ludie and bossy daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Grammy and Tony nominee Vanessa Williams), the elderly Carrie dreams of making one final journey to her hometown of Bountiful, Texas, which she was forced to abandon twenty years earlier.
Breath and Imagination: Daniel Beaty TUE JAN 27 - SUN FEB 8
Author, celebrated poet and classically trained singer Daniel Beaty returns with an exploration of the life and career of renowned African-American vocalist Roland Hayes. Through narrative, movement and song, Beaty shares Hayes’ journey from singing spirituals in a church in rural Georgia to performing before the crowned heads of Europe and becoming the first African-American soloist to perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
CELEBRITY SERIES celebrityseries.org
ALL Fall 2014 Performances NOW ON SALE! David Sedaris, Pilobolus, Itzhak Perlman, the San Francisco Symphony, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, and other favorites!
David Sedaris
Itzhak Perlman
David Sedaris WED OCT 15
NPR humorist and bestselling author David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. A master of satire, David has long been a Celebrity Series favorite, attracting sell-out crowds at every visit.
THEATER AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER americanrepertorytheater.org
LOEB DRAMA CENTER, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 617-547-8300,
Finding Neverland
ONGOING THRU SUN SEP 21
Based on the Miramax film by David Magee, Finding Neverland follows the real-life relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan, or The Boy Who
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
All other performances go on sale Monday, September 8 at 9:00 AM, including: Renée Fleming at Symphony Hall An Evening with Audra McDonald Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Ira Glass in “Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host” The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock …and many more! FOR TICKETS
www.celebrityseries.org CelebrityCharge | 617.482.6661
L I V E
T H E
FANTASY Autumn is the perfect time for a getaway to Foxwoods, where our spectacular scenery is matched by an unforgettable, world-class experience. Your favorite stars shine in our venues which offer you an up close and personal setting. The hottest gaming action in the Northeast with the most tables and slots with the newest games. Indulge your taste buds at premier fine dining restaurants and casual dining classics. Plus, only at Foxwoods can you enjoy championship golf courses, luxurious spas, one-of-a-kind nightlife and exciting new promotions all at one destination.
American Repertory Theater: Finding Neverland PHOTO Evgenia Eliseeva Wouldn’t Grow Up, one of the most beloved stories of all time. With music by U.K. pop sensation Gary Barlow (Take That), this new musical explores the power of imagination to open up new worlds, and the pressures put upon those worlds by the inevitability of growing up.
O.P.C.
SAT NOV 29 - THU JAN 1
THE BRIGHTEST STARS IN
ENTERTAINMENT
&
COMEDY
A new play from the author of The Vagina Monologues, O.P.C. is an exploration of consumption and politic. A mother and daughter wrestle with the inconvenient truths at the heart of consumer culture, tossed between political compromise and “obsessive political correctness.”
Father Comes Home From the Wars FRI JAN 23 - SUN MAR 1
WHOOPI GOLDBERG OCTOBER 10
THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE!*
OCTOBER 14 – 25
WEEZER
OCTOBER 24
Set during the Civil War, this explosively powerful new drama by Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks follows a slave, Hero, from West Texas to the Confederate battlefield. Inspired in part by the stories and scope of Greek tragedy, this trilogy examines the mess of war and the cost of freedom and is a co-production with the Public Theater.
ARTSEMERSON
artsemerson.org
King Lear
MON SEP 15 - THU OCT 23
FOXWOODS.COM | 1-800-369-9663
*No purchase necessary to register for a chance to be a contestant. For full official rules, call or visit the Box Office. Void where prohibited.
London’s renowned Shakespeare’s Globe returns with their unique and striking production of King Lear. Led by Joseph Marcell (popularly known for his role as Geoffrey in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-
Air”), an ensemble of eight actor-musicians play multiple characters and instruments in Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, unfolding on an Elizabethan booth-style stage.
The Old Man and The Moon WED NOV 19 - SUN NOV 23
The endlessly imaginative PigPen Theatre Co. comes to Boston with a luminously lo-fi spectacle that elevates traditional storytelling to high art. Their fantastical, song-filled tale takes us to the end of the world when an old man abandons his duty of filling the moon with liquid light to search for his missing wife.
BOSTON LYRIC OPERA
Boston Lyric OperaBoston , MA 617-542-6772 | blo.org
La Traviata
FRI OCT 10 - SUN OCT 19
Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, not seen at BLO in nearly a decade, returns in a glorious new production. The tale of Violetta, a worldly courtesan with all the men of Paris at her feet, takes a wrenching turn when she risks all for a chance at enduring love.
The Love Potion
WED NOV 19 - SUN NOV 23
BLO presents the fully-staged Boston premiere of Swiss composer Frank Martin’s retelling of the much-told story of Tristan. In this gripping work, we hear the medieval tale of the fateful love potion that binds him to Isolt, the woman torn between duty and love.
BROADWAY IN BOSTON
broadwayinboston.com
Mamma Mia!
TUE OCT 28 – MON NOV 3
The ultimate feel-good show that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.
Motown the Musical
ONGOING THRU MON FEB 16
The true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
images for this show that you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”
FIDDLEHEAD THEATRE
fiddleheadtheatre.com/
Elton John & Tim Rice’s AIDA OCT 17- OCT 26
A contemporary musical about the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden love blossoms between them, the lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the differences between their cultures and
heralds a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. 5 percent of each ticket sold will benefit AIDS Action Committee!
Elizabeth Egloff set at Boston’s own Massachusetts General Hospital, directed by Michael Wilson (Now or Later).
huntingtontheatre.org/
ICA/BOSTON
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner FRI SEP 5 - SUN OCT 5
Joanna surprises her liberal, white parents when she brings home her African-American fiancé to meet them. A funny and poignant stage adaptation of the beloved Academy Awardwinning film, directed by David Esbjornson (All My Sons).
Ether Dome
FRI OCT 17 - SUN NOV 16
A new treatment promising to end pain pits a doctor and his student in an epic battle between altruism and ambition. A provocative medical thriller by
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 100 Northern Ave, Boston 617-478-3100 | icaboston.org
Awake and Sing!
FRI NOV 7 - SUN DEC 7
In a cramped Bronx apartment, a working-class Jewish family dreams of a brighter future. A stirring American classic by Clifford Odets about an unforgettable American family, directed by Melia Bensussen (Luck of the Irish).
Disney’s “The Lion King” TUE SEP 9 - SUN OCT 12
Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. Wonder at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual
Don’t Miss Andris Nelsons’ Inaugural Season as Music Director! 2014–2015 season september 18– may 2
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LYRIC STAGE
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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street FRI SEP 5, 2014 – SAT OCT 11
Stephen Sondheim’s TonyAward winning Sweeney Todd, a macabre musical thriller, blends Sondheim’s characteristic wit with a sweeping and hauntingly beautiful score, grisly humor, and chilling drama. Set against the backdrop of the shadowy back alleys and side streets of 19th-century London, the musical follows disgraced barber Sweeney Todd on his quest for vengeance after years of unjust imprisonment and exile.
Dear Elizabeth
FRI OCT 17 - SAT NOV 8
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Told through the extensive and imaginative correspondence between two of the 20th century’s most important and celebrated American poets— Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell—Dear Elizabeth is a different kind of love story, of artists and friends. Celebrated playwright Sarah Ruhl weaves a lyrical, moving portrait of a friendship between two writers that transcends oceans, continents, and time.
The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
FRI NOV 21 - SAT DEC 20
receive 10% off your post-nuptial brunch* Contact our Wedding Specialist 617.806.4200 | catering.cambridge@sonesta.com
A middle-aged Upper-WestSide doctor’s wife is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at MOMA, and evenings at BAM. Plunged into a mid-life crisis of Medea-like proportions, she’s shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend. Filled with passion and humor, the New York Times called The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife a “window-rattling comedy of mid-life malaise.”
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Assassins
THU SEP 4 - SUN OCT 26
A five-time Tony Award winner, including Best Revival of a Musical. Stephen Sondheim takes us into the criminal minds of some of history’s most notorious assassins, including John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, and
John Hinkley, Jr. Bending both time and space, this musical gathers a most unlikely meeting of historical misfits.
Closer Than Ever
SAT SEP 6 - SUN SEP 28
Each song is a story in Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire’s CLOSER THAN EVER, winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical. Twenty-four wise and witty “songs of experience,” based largely on true stories, intertwine insightful tales about love, security, happiness, and selfdefinition in an ever-changing world.
The Little Prince
SAT NOV 22 - SUN DEC 21
An imaginative new take on the beloved novella, THE LITTLE PRINCE tells the story of a worldweary aviator and a mysterious, regal little boy who help each other discover rare and unique insights into love, loss, and laughter. Filled with enchanting music and heartfelt lyrics, it has been touted by critics around the country for its appeal to all ages.
NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE
North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd, Beverly, MA 978232-7200 | nsmt.org
Harvey Robbins presents Doo-Wop Hall of Fame America SUN OCT 12
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include: Kathy Young and The Innocents, the original members of The Duprees, the Clovers, the Persuasions, the Shades of Blue. Lifetime Achievement Awards: Pete Hernandez and The Lovenotes, Ambassadors of Doo-Wopp in Hawaii (Bruno Mars’ Father), Jackie Wilson with a performance by his son, Bobby Brooks Wilson.
PROVINCETOWN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATER FESTIVAL twptown.org/
Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival
The annual festival invites you celebrate the work of Williams and his contemporaries with a number of productions and special events. This year’s schedule includes shows like “In the Summer House,” “Period of Adjustment,” “The Lady Aoi” and
Bad Jews
FRI OCT 24 SAT NOV 22
Boston Museum of Fine Arts: Hollywood Glamour, Joan Crawford suite of jewelry “The Member of The Wedding,” plus a “Williams 101” session, kick off dinner at the Crown & Anchor, gallery tasting and more.
of Todd Haynes’ acclaimed romantic melodrama of private longings and social taboos. A 1950s Connecticut housewife’s perfect life is shattered when she discovers her husband’s shocking secret and then seeks comfort in a forbidden relationship that dramatically alters her view of herself and the world.
SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY SpeakEasyStage.com
Far From Heaven
FRI SEP 12 - SAT OCT 11
From the creators of the musical Grey Gardens and Tony Awardwinning playwright Richard Greenberg (Take Me Out) comes a lush musical adaptation
Two cousins wage war over a coveted family heirloom in this biting comedy about religion and culture. At odds are the annoyingly devout Daphna Feygenbaum, a young woman who wears her Jewishness like a righteous badge of honor, and her equally self-centered cousin Liam Haber, an entitled young man who has spent much of his life distancing himself from his cultural traditions. When the combatants are forced to spend the night in close quarters, the result is a viciously funny brawl over family, faith, and legacy.
Necessary Monsters FRI DEC 5 - SAT JAN 3
Sex, murder, and terrible danger lurk just around the corner in NECESSARY MONSTERS, the new reality-bending comedy from John Kuntz, author of the awardwinning plays The Salt Girl and The Hotel Nepenthe. Through a series of intricately connected stories, Kuntz pulls us into the labyrinth of the human psyche
for this dream-like and darkly hilarious look at the ways that we do violence and the stories we create to keep us up at night.
VISUAL ARTS ICA/BOSTON
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 100 Northern Ave, Boston 617-478-3100 | icaboston.org
Fiber: Sculpture 1960 – Present
WED OCT 1 - SUN JAN 4
Crisscrossing generations, nationalities, processes, and approaches, this exhibition features 50 works by 34 artists— including Eva Hesse, Ernesto Neto, Rosemarie Trockel, Anne Wilson, and Haegue Yang—that range from small-scale weavings to immersive environments, all made in fiber.
OUR 2014/15 SEASON CONTINUES:
“EXTRAORDINARY & RAVISHINGLY LOVELY! AN ENDLESSLY INVENTIVE SCORE!”
ANOTHER AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL
– NY TIMES
SEPTEMBER 5 – OCTOBER 11
R E L L I R H T L A C I S U M A
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CITY OF ANGELS Cy Coleman’s jazzy Hollywood lm-noir spoof
TWO LAUGH-OUT-LOUD COMEDIES ■
THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE An uproarious look at Upper-West-Side mid-life malaise
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LIGHT UP THE SKY Hilarity behind the scenes at a Boston pre-Broadway tryout
THREE BOSTON PREMIERES ■
DEAR ELIZABETH The life-long friendship of Elizabeth Bishop & Robert Lowell
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RED HOT PATRIOT: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins Featuring Karen MacDonald
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INTIMATE APPAREL The tale of an indomitable early-20thcentury seamstress
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM BOOK BY HUGH WHEELER
DIRECTED AND STAGED BY SPIRO VELOUDOS MUSIC DIRECTOR, JONATHAN GOLDBERG
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140 Clarendon Street, Copley Square, Boston
Group/senior/student/parking discounts available.
Adriana Varejão
Hollywood Glamour: Fashion and Jewelry from the Silver Screen
WED NOV 19 - SUN APR 5
The ICA presents the first U.S. solo presentation of work by Adriana Varejão, one of the leading voices in contemporary Brazilian art. Varejão’s work mines the history of Brazil referencing the history of art, architectural ruins, Baroque church interiors, Portuguese azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles), scenes of colonialism, and Brazilian indigenous paganism.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS/BOSTON
Museum of Fine Arts/Boston, 465 Huntington Ave. Avenue of the Arts, Boston 617-267-9300 | mfa.org
Gold and the Gods: Jewels of Ancient Nubia ONGOING THRU SUN MAY 14
This dazzling exhibition focuses on the Museum’s world-class collection of jewelry from Ancient Nubia (located in what is now Sudan). “Gold and the Gods” focuses on 100+ excavated ornaments from an early 20th-century expedition by the Museum with Harvard University, dating from 1700 BC to 300 AD,
TUE SEP 9 - SUN MAR 8
Boston Museum of Fine Arts: Gold and the Gods: Jewels of Ancient Nubia. Winged Isis pectoral (538-519 BC). Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition. PHOTO Museum of Fine Arts, Boston including both uniquely Nubian and foreign imports, prized for their materials, craftsmanship, symbolism, and rarity.
maps of the cosmos, depictions of the lives of Jain saints, and images of sacred Sanskrit syllables used for meditation.
Jamie Wyeth
Shinique Smith: Bright Matter
ONGOING THRU SUN DEC 28
The first comprehensive retrospective of artist Jamie Wyeth (born 1946) will examine his imaginative approach to realism over the course of six decades, from his earliest childhood drawings through various recurring themes inspired by the people, places, and objects that populate his world.
Pure Souls: The Jain Path to Perfection
ONGOING THRU SUN NOV 30
Paintings made for followers of Jainism, a religion that emerged alongside Buddhism in the sixth century BC, are among the most visually striking of all Indian art. They include large and colorful
ONGOING THRU SUN MAR 1
For the past decade, Smith has been internationally admired for exuberant paintings, sculpture, and large-scale installations that capture the power of human expression and resilience. Whether in graffiti, calligraphy, and vibrant sweeping strokes on canvas; patterned clothing densely clustered or hung as human forms; or even full-body impressions pressed in ink against walls, her works reflect intersecting forces—of personal history, influence, and energy.
The MFA features gowns and exquisite jewelry from the 1930s and 1940s, the most glamorous years of Hollywood film, and focusing on starlets like Gloria Swanson, Anna May Wong, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, and Joan Crawford, exploring how jewelry and clothing contributed to their iconic style. Complementing the exhibitions fashions worn by these women will be additional period photographs, film stills, and film clips.
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM
Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 978-7459500 | pem.org
Beyond Human, ArtistAnimal Collaborations ONGOING THRU SUN SEP 7
The redesigned Art & Nature Center opens in October. Elephants paint pictures, dogs pose for photographs and birds create art installations.
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Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic
desks and bookcases, bombé chests and scalloped top tea tables carved from the finest imported mahogany.
SAT SEP 6 - SUN JAN 4
Alexander Calder’s abstract works revolutionized modern sculpture and made him one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. In collaboration with the Calder Foundation, this exhibition brings together 40 of the artist’s mobiles (kinetic metal works) and stabiles (dynamic monumental sculptures) to explore how Alexander Calder introduced the visual vocabulary of the French Surrealists into the American vernacular.
Someone Else’s Country, Photographs by Jo Ractliffe THU SEP 11 - SUN MAR 15
Photographer Jo Ractliffe (b. 1961) has spent the better part of the last decade photographing the effects of the prolonged civil war in Angola (1975-2002), both in the country itself and in her native South Africa. From the capital city of Luanda to the former battlefields where mines and disused military installations litter the landscape, the artist explores the poignant, humane and occasionally surreal vestiges
Boston Museum of Fine Arts: Wyeth portrait of John F. Kennedy (1967) PHOTO MFA of violence past, and examines the lives of the people and animals who now inhabit the land.
The Woods
THU SEP 11 - SUN FEB 8
Internationally renowned video artist Candice Breitz explores how we create, define and perform identities in a world of mass media saturation. In her newest work, a trilogy called The Woods, Breitz delves into the cinematic culture of three epicenters of global filmmaking — Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood — to reflect the experiences of child actors and actors who perform childhood.
Branching Out: Trees as Art SAT SEP 27 - SUN SEP 20
This exhibition explores the often surprising ways in which contemporary artists use trees as an inspiration as well as a
medium for their art. Made from bark, wood, roots, seedpods, leaves and sap, over 30 varied works and a selection of handson interactive opportunities ask us to consider our relationship with trees as a vital natural force.
In Plain Sight: Discovering the Furniture of Nathaniel Gould SAT NOV 15 - MON FEB 16
Once an obscure figure in American furniture history, Nathaniel Gould is now recognized as Salem’s premier 18th-century cabinetmaker. New scholarship, based on the recent discovery of his detailed account ledgers and daybooks, has led to the identification and re-attribution of many pieces of furniture, including monumental
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN MUSEUM
RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street, Providence, risdmuseum. org
What Nerve!
FRI SEP 19 - SUN JAN 4
What Nerve! proposes an alternate history of figurative painting, sculpture, and vernacular image-making from 1960 to the present that has been largely overlooked and undervalued. What Nerve! features four mini-exhibitions based on crucial shows, spaces, and groups in Chicago (the Hairy Who), San Francisco (Funk), Ann Arbor (Destroy All Monsters), and Providence (Forcefield), linked by six influential or intersecting artists that ran against the modernist grain and its emphasis on theory. These artists seized imagery and ideas from sources as diverse as comics and pottery, tackling a variety of subjects with satire and sincerity. [x]
KINETIC D R A M AT I C POETIC Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic September 6, 2014–January 4, 2015 Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in cooperation with the Calder Foundation, New York. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation provided generous support. The East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum provided additional support. In-Kind Media Partner: WBUR.
161 Essex Street | Salem, MA | pem.org
Alexander Calder, Blue Feather, c. 1948. Calder Foundation, New York. © 2014 Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights Society (ARS). Photo: Calder Foundation, New York/Art Resource, NY.
Look Out for the Financial Exploitation of your Family Members! Undue Influence, Lack of Mental Capacity, and Self-Dealing LISA M. CUKIER Partner and member of the Firm’s Private Client Group lcukier@burnslev.com l 617.345.3471
I recently took the deposition of the defendant in a lawsuit by which my client, the adult niece of her elderly and now deceased uncle, is suing her uncle’s former neighbor for having engaged in undue influence and self-dealing with the uncle’s money. The neighbor had endeared herself to this elderly man and influenced him to withdraw $750,000 from his bank to deposit to a joint account so she could supposedly help him pay his bills while he resided in a nursing home. She took him to his bank, and after having endured coercive undue influence by his neighbor for months beforehand, the elder, weakened and overmastered, requested a bank check in the amount of $750,000. The bank check was payable to the elder “or” the neighbor, rather than being payable to the elder “and” the neighbor, which would have required that it be deposited into a joint account with the elder. Instead, with the payee designation listed as “or,” the neighbor took the bank check to her own bank and deposited it to her own account. The elder died without ever seeing the return of his funds and without the use and enjoyment of those funds to enrich his and his dear wife’s end-of-life years together.
There Goes Her Retirement! The elderly uncle’s wife suffers dementia and is still residing at the nursing home where they lived together from 2010 until he died several months ago. The problem is that the wife (my client’s aunt), is $750,000 poorer and can no longer afford her more luxurious “private pay” status as a resident of this nursing facility. She is running out of funds, and her neighbor is $750,000 richer and arguing that the elders gifted their money to her. As if. My job is to get the money back for my client’s aunt so this dear elderly woman can live out her final years or months in peace and with some modicum of comfort, supported by the hard-earned and longsaved nest egg that the couple providently tucked away for their retirement years.
The Courts Go Both Ways. The Massachusetts courts have dealt for years with financial exploitation, undue influence of elders and self-dealing by perpetrators. But never has the frequency and severity of the problem been worse than it has been since the turn of the century when the baby boomers started to hit retirement years. The courts have been all over the map ever since. In one case, the Court ruled against concerned family members, allowing an elderly man’s friend to inherit his estate to the exclusion of the elder’s own family. The friend had already taken control of much of the dying elder’s assets during the
elder’s life. Family sued, arguing that the friend exercised undue influence and that he should not be allowed to benefit himself. The Court disagreed with the family. The friend received all of the elder’s assets by lifetime gift and by inheritance after the death of the elder. Family was left in the dark during the elder’s life and left out in the cold after his death. In another case the Court went the other way, ruling against an elder’s friend. The Court held that the friend ripped off the elder by taking control of all his assets for the friend’s own benefit. The court held that the friend had exercised undue influence and financially exploited the elder by transferring the elder’s assets to a trust that not coincidentally benefitted only himself.
There Goes Your Inheritance (Call Me Quickly)! Unfortunately it is not uncommon for friends and home health companions to exploit elders for money and property. All too often, people insinuate themselves into an elder’s life in their final years, initially offering help but later insidiously swaying elders’ thoughts about family members and creating fear about being left alone or dumped in a nursing home, or fear about the government taking the elders’ assets. These folks who may have had good intentions at first, later coerce, badger and pressure their way into others’ estate plans and convince elders to gift them money or deed real estate to them. Sometimes, elders feel dependent and weakened and are more easily manipulated late in life to
Burns & Levinson is a Boston-based law firm with over 120 attorneys and offices in Providence and New York, as well as in the Merrimack Valley / North Shore, Metro West and South Shore areas of Massachusetts. We work with entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, private and public companies and individuals in sophisticated business transactions, litigation and private client services – family law, trusts & estates, marriage and divorce law. burnslev.com 617.345.3000 Office Locations: Boston (HQ), Andover, Hingham, New York, Providence, Waltham
change their estate plans, make financial gifts or sign deeds that leave out family members and long-term friends. Sometimes parents are financially exploited by their own children. The late Manhattan philanthropist Brooke Astor, for example, seems to have been recently pilfered by her own son. According to the indictment in the Astor case, Ms. Astor’s son benefited himself from his mother’s assets by exploiting his authority under a durable power of attorney. He took her assets at a time when Ms. Astor had questionable mental capacity.
Disgorge the Assets and Take Them Back! Legal protections have been put into place both to stop this abuse before it happens, and to rectify the situation in the unfortunate case that a loved one has been victimized by undue influence and financial exploitation, whether the victim is living or after her or his death. Massachusetts law provides a mechanism for invalidating wills, trusts, deeds and gifts that are the product of undue influence or that were executed when a person lacked mental capacity. If the abuse is discovered while the elder is alive, a family member or a guardian can sue to rescind and revoke the will, trust, deed or gift. If the elder has already died, a family member or the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can sue to rescind and revoke the will, trust, deed or gift. Estate planning documents, beneficiary designations, gifts and other asset transfers can literally be invalidated and undone and the Court can force bad actors to disgorge themselves of and restore to the rightful owner the wrongfully transferred assets. There are very stringent deadlines for objecting to wills, trusts and other testamentary dispositions, so do not delay to retain counsel if you suspect that a loved one who is now deceased was subjected to undue influence or financial exploitation.
Plan for Protection Before The Damage is Done. Or Sue For Restitution After the Fact. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones. A well-crafted durable power of attorney can be used to prevent financial exploitation. This is a document by which one person nominates a trusted other person or people to manage and protect finances in the event of incapacity or mental weakness. The legal authority to manage other’s finances is a critical part of any estate plan, but can have tragic ramifications unless the authority is tempered with safeguards. To build in safeguards, first, in the selection of a fiduciary, nominate someone trustworthy and reliable. You can nominate a trusted third party such as a clergy person or your lawyer if you rather not authorize your friends, family members or caregivers to manage your money. As an additional safeguard, consider naming two people for a check-and-balance approach, such as your lawyer and your most trusted family member to serve as co-fiduciaries. To avoid unbridled use of the durable
power of attorney, have the lawyer draft the document to require the fiduciary or co-fiduciaries to consult with the lawyer semi-annually. To prevent the document from getting into the wrong hands too soon, have the lawyer escrow it at her office with the agreement that it will only be released to the fiduciary or co-fiduciaries upon receipt of a doctor’s letter certifying that the elder lacks mental capacity to the extent that the document is now needed. To really give teeth to the protection, require the fiduciary or co-fiduciaries nominated in the document to account annually or semiannually to the lawyer. If you or a loved one has already been subjected to financial exploitation, undue influence or the self-dealing and misappropriation of your money by someone else, do not stay silent about it. It is not cause for embarrassment; it is cause for action. Call me on my direct line at 617.345.3471 and let me help. This article by Burns & Levinson LLP provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. All views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Boston Spirit Magazine. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
burns & levinson’s lgbt group Top (left to right): Ellen J. Zucker - Employment Law, Business Litigation, White Collar Criminal Defense Timothy J. Famulare - Real Estate Laura R. Studen - Employment Litigation, Business Litigation, Family Law Litigation Donald E. Vaughan - Real Estate, Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning Lisa M. Cukier - Estate Litigation, Family Law, Business Litigation Bottom (left to right): Deborah J. Peckham - Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Licensing Peter F. Zupcofska - Family Law, Probate Litigation Scott H. Moskol - Financial Restructuring & Distressed Transactions, Bankruptcy, Corporate
“The Gentle Man” Tom Acevedo
CULTURE Visual arts ESSAY Tom Acevedo
Discriminating Art Why is male figurative art today so frequently considered ‘gay’? Local painter Tom Acevedo asks from his professional experience of being rejected by ‘mainstream’ galleries and decides to stand by his art If some had their way you could turn me over and find a label that reads “Gay/Artist/Man, Made in USA.” So why am I surprised that people would then label my work—a collection of paintings with no intended sexual orientation— “gay” as well? I am new to this. I have embarked on a new career as an artist in the autumn of life. I make no claim to be the best at what I do. I do not profess to even know what people like or how they see art. I do however hear the giggles. I see the rolled eyes while people step into, or step around my open studio’s at SOWA on First Fridays. It was not until interacting with the general public that I began questioning mainstream galleries’ denials to be included in shows. Maybe, just maybe, I was getting snubbed, not because of my lack of skill or imagination, but because of an underlying misconception. Has the once mighty male nude of Roman cathedrals been tarnished? I happen to paint figurative works. To date the predominant subject has been the male figure frozen in a moment of time. Those uninterested in the story might simply see a handsome man, but to me the subject is such a minor point when compared to the story and the concept. Still the collection has at times been described as “gay” or “erotic” and sometimes both. About three years ago I was showing my work at a real estate office in Charlestown. The crowd was very small, but the advice of one person set me on the trajectory that
influenced how I have been seen by many. She said, “You need to go to Provincetown. They will love your work!” Having fool’s courage on my side, I wrote to every gallery in Provincetown. I submitted paintings of tasteful, non-nude, male figures in dramatic settings. Each painting contained one figure, with no other figure to relate to. Simply solo men. On first introducing myself and my work, I was ignored by all but one: “We don’t
hour, this false sense of self was bolstered with news of a sale of one of the paintings. And there I was walking happily, while whistling in the dark on a path I had not admitted I was on. In certain circles of male figurative painting admirers, there is an implied subtext that the artist should create a body of work that excludes women, avoids anything too dark or controversial—unless of course it is provocative in nature. If done correctly, the allure of popularity and profit and multiple hits on your web pages follows. If I follow that path, then my collection is often labelled and viewed as gay and risqué and distinct from other art circles in which I wish to participate, and my work is frequently overlooked. I never wanted to be a “gay artist,” but I seem to have found myself classified as such. Admittedly, at first, I was lured to make heads turn, and stories and concepts were secondary. Sex sells and beauty opens doors. In the right environment, cash registers open, depending on the subject you paint. I am blessed to have my work loved and to have it welcomed in gay resort towns’ galleries, publications, and books. But no matter how plush all of it is, it still re-enforces what I perceive as “us” and “them.” “Legitimate” galleries” and “gay galleries.” The view people take on the contemporary male nude became more clear to me while displaying at the SOWA open studios in the South End. I had a gentleman and his girlfriend come in. I watched them mumble together and as he approached, I did something out of the ordinary. I asked, “What do you think?” He stepped back and smiled, hand to his chin and said, “Well, it’s—really, eh, gay.” My curiosity was piqued. I asked, “Why?” I went on to say, “The characters
“ We don’t sell that type of work. ” sell that type of work.” After a month of no more responses, I was pleased to have any feedback at all, especially when I was told of a gallery that does “carry that type of work.” I was accepted into that gallery, and was thrilled and unaware of my first step into the “luxurious embrace” of the gay and erotic art world that I am still happy to be part of. At the time I did see similarities in the content of art that hung from the walls, but the common factor was “men.” My ego told me that I was the novelty in this symphony of beautiful art. I was this separate voice that stood alone. Within an
SEP|OCT 2014 | 53
“Taking Inventory” Tom Acevedo
“ Rather than try to change minds and worry how I am being labeled I should focus on the viewer who is drawn to my work and knows they are not alone, or just see’s what they want to see “ Tom Acevedo
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“The Conjurer of Mara,” by Tom Acevedo, which provoked the request to put a fig leaf over the genitalia of the figure for display at South End Studios
“Breaking the Bonds” Tom Acevedo are not doing anything sexual. They are not fully nude.” After some discussion, he said that it was the collection of so many paintings of men together. I put to him the question, “If Caravaggio’s ‘St. John the Baptist’ were displayed in an open studio alongside Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin’s ‘Male Nude Seated by the Sea,’ would you perceive the collection as gay? Would it be erotic to you? If I was to place my painting in along with these would it still be gay?” No clear answer came. Since I did not want to lose the coveted loan of the studio, I did not want to push the subject. On the following First Friday I felt like a naughty child when I was asked to place a paper fig leaf over a subject’s penis in a painting. The subject, a lone male nude called “The Conjurer of Mara,” was the unfortunate victim of an unsolicited comment from another artist in the lofts. “If you want to see penises and naked men then go to room 215,” said the complainant, in a remark cloaked in sarcasm and said with a smirk. I don’t think this was an attack on the gayness of the work, but when heard by the studio’s owner, the comment did have him question the show’s male erotic content. And what if the painting had been of a female nude?
So here we are in the present day and the year 2014, in the midst of so many advances in civil liberties. Yet here I stand in my open studio with my collection of male figurative art, watching people react and label it, wondering how a painting can be gay, how it is that we have become conditioned to lump “gay” with “erotic.” It may just come down to a human condition to label. Us and them. Figurative or landscape. Representational or abstract. Acrylic and oil. Gay and straight. Everyone has a value judgment. Everything has a place. Everyone has a opinion. In writing this I found I was perpetuating the us and them mentality and not embracing our differences. Those very differences are what allow people to create their own stories when they see my work. I guess the lesson here is to be true to myself, stick with what I hold to be important. I want to tell a story that can lift people’s consciousness through a painting. Rather than try to change minds and worry how I am being labeled I should focus on the viewer who is drawn to my work and knows they are not alone, or just sees what they want to see. [x]
ARE THESE CLASSIC WORKS ‘GAY ART’?
Male Nude Seated by the Sea,” by Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin
“St. John the Baptist,” by Caravaggio SEP|OCT 2014 | 55
CULTURE Film STORY AND PHOTOS Loren King
Frank on Film The nation’s most prominent gay pol gets the big screen treatment It’s a warm June evening and the 2014 Provincetown International Film Festival is in full swing. A cheer erupts from ticket holders snaked in a long line outside Town Hall. But the spontaneous applause isn’t for festival honorees David Cronenberg, Patricia Clarkson or Debra Winger. It’s for former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, the most prominent gay politician in the country, who’s
ambling toward Town Hall in a scruffy beard and baggy shorts. Frank, the subject of the new documentary Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank, gets the rock star treatment throughout the festival. Frank was accompanied by long-time partner Jim Ready. They married in 2012, six months before Frank retired, making him the first member of Congress to marry a partner of the same sex while in office. In the film, Frank says he wanted members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to have to interact with a married gay colleague. Directed by Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler, the
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documentary is a candid, entertaining and frequently inspiring look at Frank’s 32 years of public service, marked by a trademark political style made up of equal parts idealism and pragmatism. Frank’s foreign policy and financial acumen — as Financial Services Committee Chairman he co-authored the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the most significant Wall Street regulations since the Great Depression — coupled with intellectual vigor and acerbic wit are matched by hard work that delivers for his constituents. As former Boston Globe columnist Mike Barnicle says in the film, when Frank
pushed hard for constituent services, it was invariably not for residents of suburbs like Newton and Brookline but in hardscrabble, blue collar cities in his district, like Fall River. “We wanted to make a film on Barney for years,” says Canavan, a film director who is also a consumer law attorney concentrating in predatory lending fraud and the financial abuse of the elderly. “When he announced his retirement, we knew it was now or never because we wanted to show him at work. Someone asked me, ‘you’re making a 90-minute film on a congressman?’ Both Michael and I feel Congress is so important.”
Frank filed the first gay‑rights bill in the history of Massachusetts back in 1972 Canavan knew Frank way back when they both worked for Boston Mayor Kevin White. “The man I knew then is the same man today,” she says. “That’s a rarity in this world. He’s tremendously hard working.” One of the film’s arcs is Frank’s evolution from closeted official to the most influential politician on LGBT issues. There are candid scenes of Frank and Ready at their home in Ogunquit and at the home of Ready’s parents in Tewksbury. There’s footage of their spirited wedding in July 2012, with Gov. Deval Patrick officiating. “My first choice to marry us was Margaret Marshall, an old friend [who as chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court wrote the landmark decision on same-sex marriage]. I called her and I said, ‘Margy, it’s Barney Frank. Will you marry me?’ She laughed and said, ‘I will be delighted.’ But she and her husband were going to England, then he got sick and couldn’t go, but by then I’d already asked the governor.” But the film also shows that the price of Frank’s long career in public service was a private life in turmoil until 1987, when Frank came out, the first politician to do so voluntarily (Massachusetts Congressman Gerry Studds declared his homosexuality after being outed). Hastings Wyman, a friend since their
days at Harvard University, says Frank “postponed happiness to serve the public.” Rep. Maxine Waters, who served on the judiciary and financial services committees with Frank, recalls Frank’s reply when Waters asked the famously hardworking congressman how much time he devoted to the job: “It consumes all of my life.” It was that work pace and total commitment that, in the end, contributed to Frank’s decision to retire. “My nerve endings were gone. I flinched when the phone rang,” says Frank, now 74. Frank may have been closeted, but he never hid behind hypocrisy. Although not out publicly, Frank filed the first gay-rights bill in the history of Massachusetts back in 1972. In the film, he recalls that gay rights groups in Massachusetts jointly sent a questionnaire to candidates for the state legislature. One question was, “Would you sponsor a gay-rights bill?” “I was the only one that said yes,” says Frank. While serving in the state legislature in the ‘70s, Frank mulled coming out. But when a Congressional seat opened (vacated by Father Robert Drinan), supporters urged Frank to run. Select close friends cautioned him to wait before coming out. Frank won the seat; but it would be seven years before he came out publicly in 1987.
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Jim Ready and Barney Frank
Ready stirred up controversy at the film’s premiere in Tribeca when he objected to the inclusion of the 1989 sex scandal that many thought would torpedo Frank’s career. (“Jim’s very protective,” says Frank). Of course, without mentioning the scandal Compared to What would be a whitewash. Still, says Canavan, there are people, even knowledgable ones, who remain misinformed about it to this day. It was Frank himself who demanded an ethics investigation into a hustler’s allegations that he was running a prostitution ring out of Frank’s home. While still closeted, Frank met the man in 1985 through an ad in the Washington Blade. Frank admitted fixing parking tickets for him, but the ethics committee cleared Frank of all other charges. Surviving the scandal and continuing to be resoundingly re-elected gives context to clips of Frank commenting on the effort by Republicans to impeach President Clinton in the wake of his own sex scandal. Frank was the most outspoken Democrat appearing as a commentator on news shows.
“There was a period when people were convinced that Clinton was going to be voted out of office after the day in August when he acknowledged having oral sex to a grand jury,” he says. “Nobody from the White House wanted to comment, so they gave the networks, CNN and Fox a list of people, including me. Everyone else said no.” Frank’s willingness to speak his mind is why there’s already buzz about his memoir, “Frank,” which will be published in March by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. During spring break from teaching at Harvard, he’ll embark on a two-week book tour. Frank laughs when he recounts that his publishers warned him that a book tour can be grueling. “I told them, ‘you don’t understand what my life was like before.’ I’d drive from Brookline to Wareham, sometimes back, then out to Sharon, all in a day. ... When I became the senior Democrat, I had obligations to do a lot of fund-raising throughout the Midwest, Texas; I did a lot of traveling for the committee.” Frank’s lacerating wit and opinions extend to LGBT issues, too. Also screening at
Canavan says her film “isn’t a tribute to Barney, it’s a tribute to public service”
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October 31 - November 2 Director of “Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank”: Sheila Canavan
the PIFF was The Case Against 8, the documentary about the legal effort to overturn California’s 2008 ballot initiative that revoked gay marriage in that state. Frank bristles at the notion that Ted Olson and David Boies, two straight lawyers recruited by the HRC’s Chad Griffin, are heroes to the equal marriage movement, as asserted in the film and in Jo Becker’s controversial book that lauds the Boies/Olson team without giving due credit to longtime legal activists such as Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson who laid the groundwork for years. “Boies and Olson bigfooted Mary Bonauto, a brilliant political strategist who came up with the idea of [litigating] based on equal protection. She brought it first; she won it first ... The Prop 8 case had nothing to say about marriage. The big victory was the DOMA case
from New York. ... A woman [Becker] wrote a stupid book that called Chad Griffin of HRC ‘the Rosa Parks of the movement.’ No, he’s the Rosie Ruiz of our movement,” says Frank, referring to the runner who infamously jumped in to run a short section of the Boston Marathon and “won.” Despite Frank’s charisma, Canavan says her film “isn’t a tribute to Barney, it’s a tribute to public service. Congress deserves respect. It works for the American people. Barney is an extraordinary example of that hard work, he’s cared deeply for decades about public policy. That’s something to be appreciated and respected.” [x]
Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank For information about upcoming screenings or to pre-order a copy of the DVD, go to www.barneyfrankfilm.com
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CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King
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Composer Scott Frankel and lyricist Michael Korie
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Composer Scott Frankel and lyricist Michael Korie are best known for Grey Gardens, their Tony-winning musical based on the documentary about two vibrant but eccentric women living as recluses. The pair has re-teamed for Far From Heaven, based on Todd Haynes’ 2002 movie about a ‘50s suburban housewife, her closeted gay husband, their African-American gardener, and the high price of living within repressive social mores. After its debut at the Williamstown Theater Festival, Far From Heaven opened last year off-Broadway with Kelli
O’Hara in the demanding role of Cathy Whitaker, who defines convention when she is drawn to Raymond, an African American gardener. A musical close to modern opera with a textured score and a plot filled with human tragedy, Far From Heaven is stocked with roles that require standout actors/ singers. Boston’s SpeakEasy Stage Company is the first to produce Far From Heaven outside New York; the show launched SpeakEasy’s 2014-15 season. Running to Oct. 11, Far From Heaven, under the director of SpeakEasy vet Scott Edmiston, showcases some of
“ It’s not big hair, big dresses and hilarity. It’s not camp. Well, it’s serious camp. ” Boston’s best-known and most accomplished musical actors: Jennifer Ellis, Will McGarrahan, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, Aimee Doherty and Kerry A. Dowling. Haynes’ acclaimed film, starring Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid, was an homage to the lush 1950s melodramas of Douglas Sirk, such as All that Heaven Allows and Written on the Wind. It was Tony Award-winning gay playwright Richard Greenberg (Take Me Out) who first suggested to composer Frankel that they turn it into a stage musical. “I love Richard; I’ve known him for many years,” says Frankel. “He came to very last performance of Grey Gardens on Broadway. It was like a rock concert. [Christine Ebersole] stopped the show without even opening her mouth when she came out for the second act. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Despite that electric atmosphere, the two found a moment to discuss Far From Heaven and Greenberg convinced Frankel to write a score that comes close to a stylized modern opera in its musical sophistication and drama. “I loved the idea of literally giving voice to these characters’ internal lives,” says Frankel, who called upon his frequent collaborator Korie to write the lyrics. This trio of gay theater talents tackle the subject of what it is like—as expressed in one of the show’s memorable songs—to be “The Only One” at a time when it was such an isolating, frightening experience
that it usually led, if not to tragedy, then to something close to it. Korie, who resume includes librettos for the operas Harvey Milk and The Grapes of Wrath, says there’s a major difference between the two musical forms. In opera, the singer has less freedom, he says, while in musical theater, the actors are collaborators. “There’s an energy you get from the actors and audience that’s much less regimented than with opera. The actors make [the roles] their own and it’s different every time while opera is not. Opera singers must conform to that bible. It’s a bible versus a roadmap,” says Korie. Far From Heaven may be set in the ‘50s “but it’s not big hair, big dresses and hilarity,” he says. “It’s not camp. Well, it’s serious camp.” The show, like the film, portrays a late ‘50s America in which convention looms so large that a woman, her closeted gay husband, an an African American man must
sacrifice part of their humanity in order to conform. “Haynes’ film played on the ‘woman’s picture,’ which were so-called because they weren’t afraid to deal with social problems and had a high style, rhapsodic music and costumes,” says Frankel. “I wanted to keep that world. Haynes amps it up and then deconstructs it by throwing in race and sexual orientation. ... Some might say it’s so different now. Sure, we have an African-American president and gay marriage is accepted but if you scratch that surface, there’s still hatred, racism, gay bashing and intolerance. In some ways, the show is a period piece but race, gender and sexual orientation are still issues for us as a society.” Korie says one of the challenges he faced was giving voice to characters who are unaware of their own emotions. “All these characters are so programmed by the 1950s and wildly ignorant about themselves. Cathy is living in a dream world
“ You see [Frank] struggle against what they’d call his ‘nature’ and try to change and fight it and we know that’s not possible; at the end of the day, you have to be who you are. ”
called Connecticut. Frank is a closeted homosexual— there was no ‘gay’ then. He was a fascinating character to me. ... He’s not aware, so you’d think that would make him sympathetic but he’s not. He is, to an extent, but he’s also a selfish drunk and when he finally has a glimmer of awareness about himself, he manages to say it in a way that’s humiliating as possible to his wife.” One of the strengths of Far From Heaven is its unflinching portrayal of the internalized homophobia that was common among men who desired other men in the pre-Stonewall era. “You see [Frank] struggle against what they’d call his ‘nature’ and try to change and fight it and we know that’s not possible; at the end of the day, you have to be who you are,” says Frankel. “I love the moment when he sings of feeling passion and love for a man. His quest, like that of all the characters, is to live an authentic life. He does unlikable things; what he does to Cathy is horrible, but I have compassion for him.” In composing the score, Frankel says he “tried to liberate myself. I wanted to evoke the late 50s—there’s a kind of Latinflavored number; there’s stuff that is knarly and chromatic to suggest the angst in their lives. There’s opportunity for dissonance and there are moments when full-on rapturous love is allowed to soar.” [x]
For tickets or more information go to www.speakeasystage.org
SEP|OCT 2014 | 61
CULTURE Dance STORY Loren King
Moving Through Life Boston-bound Pilobolus helped Nile Russell rediscover his love of dance Dreaming of a dancer’s life wasn’t typical for most boys growing up in Baltimore. But Nile Russell had a mother who encouraged her son’s interest in the arts. “I was tap dancing away to ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ in my sequined cumberbund and bowtie. My mom put a wig on my head. I was five years old and loving life. You grow older and there’s the pressure that many go through, whether
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because of gender or ethnicity. I knew I was gay but didn’t know how to be myself.” But Russell’s mother, a violinist who raised three sons by herself, took him to jazz concerts, symphonies and The Wiz which “changed my world,” Russell says. “When I came out, she said she knew, and she sat me down and we had a three-hour conversation about sex and she talked about the many types of sex men can have, which really threw me for a loop. I just
Automaton PHOTO Grant Halverson
wanted to watch The Real World and not have that conversation.” His mother’s attention and understanding paid off. Russell, 32, is now a dance captain with Pilobolus, the Connecticutbased modern dance company that, over its 40-plus year history, has become renowned for its unique improvisations and collaborative choreography. Russell left New York City five years ago to join Pilobolus, a move that changed his life. “I had been trying to figure out what my voice was in dance. I’d started my own company. Then, after a while, I felt stagnant. It’s hard for artists in New York to have their voice and express it while
seeking financial backing and dealing with the hustle of the city. So I was ready to bow out of performing and teach,” he says. Then a friend suggested he audition for Pilobolus (for those unfamiliar with the troupe, the 2012 documentary Still Moving: Pilobulus at Forty which still airs on PBS is a great introduction). “It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before,” says Russell. “Even though I’d been dancing since I was five years old, I’d never encountered anything like it. It wasn’t just dance; it was a philosophy of how to move through life. It was choreography in the sense of its focus on relationships, on intention; how do you relate to other people? How do you communicate? How do you collaborate well with people? I knew that this was the new direction I was looking for in dance. When I got the job, I was beyond elated. It was a complete changing point in my life.” A Boston favorite, Pilobolus returns as part of the Celebrity Series October 24-26 to the Citi Shubert Theatre. Although the Boston program isn’t yet official, Russell says he expects Pilobolus to bring a completely new show than the one that it
Skyscrapers PHOTO Grant Halverson performed at the Cutler Majestic in 2010. “We’re excited for the Boston crowd. The audiences were amazing the last time we were there,” he says. Among Russell’s favorites of the company’s new works are “Licks,” created by Trish Sie and Renée Jaworski in collaboration with six performers, and “On The Nature of Things,” which Russell calls “a beautiful, sculptural piece” that features three dancers, two men and one woman. Although Russell says that the past five years with Pilobolus “helped me become not just a better dancer but a better
person,” he admits he had some initial trepidation about moving to the middle of Northwestern Connecticut. “I remember coming here for the audition and it was so beautiful. Everything is green, there are waterfalls, people smile and wave at each other. I remember thinking, ‘Okay, this is a new journey, but how am I going to date up here? I feel like I’m the only gay in the village.” Of course he met other gay people. He also met “the love of my life,” a fellow dancer, when Russell attended the American Dance Festival with Pilobolus three years ago. But more than anything else, Russell appreciates that Pilobolus is “a hotbed of collaboration” that emphasizes “being fully invested in the moment but also gives you the tools it takes to get there. We’re allowed and expected not just to create the movement but the environment to live the philosophy of Pilobolus on and off-stage,” he says. “Everyone is working toward the same goal of making something beautiful in this world.” [x]
For tickets and more information go to www.celebrityseries.org
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CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King Davron Monroe in “One Man, Two Guvnors”
One Man, Many Faces Rising star Davron S. Monroe adds ‘Sweeney Todd’ role to his wide-ranging repertoire Stephen Sondheim spun an ode to performers with “The Glamorous Life” in A Little Night Music. While hardworking actors and singers may toil without much fame or forture, there is plenty of glamor in singing an opera aria one night and extorting the benefits of miracle elixirs the next. That pretty much sums up the career so far of one of Boston’s most versatile talents, Davron S. Monroe. Monroe arrived in Boston from Jacksonville, Florida in order to earn his Master of Music in Opera Performance from the Longy School of Music. He’s lent his tenor to
full opera productions including Carmen, Rigoletto and Lucia di Lammermoor, and to popular musicals such as Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Avenue Q. “You can’t survive without doing both,” says the gay Malden resident. “You need a lot of tricks in the bag.” Next, he’ll play the delicious comic role of Adolfo Pirelli, the hawker of Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir, in the Lyric Stage’s season opener, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, running to Oct. 11. Directed by Spiro Veloudos, the cast, in addition to Monroe, includes stellar area talent such as Christopher Chew (A
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Little Night Music) as Sweeney Todd; Amelia Broome (Rich Girl, Kiss Me, Kate) as Mrs. Lovett; Sam Simahk as Anthony Hope; Meghan LaFlam as Joanna; and Phil Tayler as Tobias Ragg. It was Veloudos who offered the role to Monroe, who’d earned raves last season for his star turn in the Lyric’s take on British farce, One Man, Two Guvnors. “I consider the Lyric my home base,” says Monroe, who also appeared in the Lyric’s Avenue Q (with Tayler) and The Mikado. He’s looking forward to the over-the-top, flamboyance of Pirelli who’s required to “hold high Cs” while shilling his wares in Sondheim’s Tony-winning macabre musical about the “demon barber” in 19th
century London who exacts revenge for injustices done to him. The operatic musical with Sondheim’s wickedly funny and intricate score is an ambitious undertaking, but the Lyric is no stranger to ambitious shows or to Sondheim’s musicals. And it’s aided by a cast of accomplished musical veterans who’ve chosen to work in Boston despite talents that could have taken them to other bright lights and big cities. Monroe clearly is in that camp. After earning a degree in music from the University of North Florida, he headed to Longy in order to study opera with Donna Roll. He chose to stay in Boston after completing his Master’s at the conservatory, performing in
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and the New England Spiritual Ensemble. He’s sung for five years with the 16-member, conservatory-trained group dedicated to preserving the African-American spirituals tradition. From the New World: The Legacy of the Spirituals included “The Chariot Jubilee” by R. Nathaniel Dett; the premiere of “Griot Legacies” by Trevor Weston; and “Symphony No. 9 (From the New World)” by Dvořák. Shifting “from the sublime to the ridiculous” is what makes working as a trained performer in Boston fun and worthwhile. “We have so many high quality theater professional here in Boston,” he says. “Why would actors — or audiences — need to go anywhere else?” [x]
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operas, ensembles, choirs and stage musicals. “Boston has been good to me,” he says. Still, he chooses to keep his day job in retail management and his steady gigs as a voice teacher, because Monroe is a man who “needs to be on the go.” Monroe is also always looking for new creative challenges. His tour de force in One Man, Two Guvnors pushed him out of his singing and dancing comfort zone to a play that demanded more physicality, ad-libbing and audience participation. “It was such a fun show; I had to be on my toes,” he says, citing co-stars Neil Casey and John Davin for helping to keep the play lively. In August, Monroe again took part in an outdoor concert at the Hatch Shell with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra
CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King
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[OPPOSITE] DeDe Deville [LEFT] and Brad Shaw in “A Tiny Closet” PHOTO William Inge
Diana Bertolini, Manuscripts and Archives Division at the New York Public Library Archives, wrote an article that quoted Baxley’s memoirs which the actress donated to the library. Baxley writes:
Tennessee Williams festival in P’town gives center stage to playwright’s colleagues William Inge, one of the even introducing Inge to his most successful American agent, Audrey Wood. Years playwrights of the 1950s, is later when Inge, an alcoholic, best known for Come Back was suffering major bouts Little Sheba and the Pulitzer of depression, Williams was Prize-winning Picnic (both among the friends who tried made into successful films). to convince Inge’s sister, His masterpiece, arguably, is Helene, to have him commitBus Stop, which became the ted. After being hospitalized acclaimed 1956 movie that for a overdose in 1973, Inge left gave Marilyn Monroe one of the hospital and five days later, her iconic roles. committed suicide by carbon But what many may not know monoxide poisoning. He was is that the Kansas-born Inge 60 years old. was a closeted homosexual Stage and screen actress Barwho led a tortured private bara Baxley, an intimate friend life. Tennessee Williams, and rumored lover of Inge for also from the Midwest (St. years, appeared in Inge’s The Louis) and gay, befriended Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Inge and became a mentor, as well as plays2:15 by Williams. Gardner12-10-12R2_Gardnr_Dec2012R2 12/11/12 PM Page 1
“Bill had been more than able to cope with the alcoholism. But the constant loneliness of the life of a homosexual became unbearable. If he could have run around with the usual crowd of ‘gay’ people they would have been company. But drinking seems to be almost a requirement in that world.” Inge is one of several of Williams’ peers who’ll take center stage at the 9th Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Provincetown. “Tennessee Williams’ Circle of Friends,”
running Sept. 25-28, pays special attention to the friends and fellow artists such as Inge, Carson McCullers and Jane Bowles, who influenced and were influenced by America’s greatest playwright. Performances take place at various venues in Provincetown, where Williams spent several summers writing some of his most famous plays. Besides full productions of three Williams’ plays — Vieux Carré, Period of Adjustment and A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur (festival executive director Jef Hall-Flavin directs the latter), this year’s celebration will present works by several artists in Williams’ orbit. Four one-act plays by Inge, collected as An Otherwise Hopeless Evening, deal with unrequited love between men
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Justin Speer as Byron in “The Love Death” PHOTO William Inge, courtesy of A Hidden Splendor and conservative Midwest culture. The show will be staged by an all-male ensemble, led by popular Kansas City-based drag performer De De Deville. An Otherwise Hopeless Evening had its world premiere in Kansas City in 2013, enjoying a sold-out run. Directed by Travis Chamberlain, who helmed the New York City premiere of Williams’ little-known play Green Eyes in 2011, An Otherwise Hopeless Evening consists of two short plays—The Boy in the Basement and The Tiny Closet—and two previously unpublished works, The Killing and The Love Death. The conceptual show includes an art installation by Kansas City-based visual artist Joseph Keehn II. The entire production was conceived to travel, adapting to the show’s site and incorporating art that reflects the local LGBT
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community. An Otherwise Hopeless Evening takes place at Sage Inn and Lounge at various times over the course of the four-day festival. Jane Bowles’ play In the Summer House, which Williams praised as original and touching, will be directed by festival curator David Kaplan and staged at The Boatslip, using the pool and the waters of Provincetown’s Bay as part of the action. Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding closes the festival with a performance at Provincetown Town Hall. The Festival will stage the comingof-age classic as a radio play with an all-black cast. [x]
For tickets and information visit www.twptown.org
CULTURE Theater STORY Scott Kearnan
Moving Out
ns Sam Bibbo P-LEFT] sen, PHOTO WISE TO nah Van O [CLOCK an H O OT PH ino,
The Theater Offensive’s neighborhood-building approach proves home is where the art is There’s no place like home. But for many queer people, being born into a community that offers support— or even simply safety—is not always a guarantee. So they must move—to new neighborhoods, states, or cities. They might move again. Again. Home can be a hard thing to find. The Theater Offensive (TTO) has flipped that script. With OUT in Your Neighborhood (OUT’hood), a now-signature program of the 25-year-old, cutting-edge arts organization, TTO brings a sense of community—a feeling of home—to wherever the heart is. Unconfined by residency at a single traditional venue, OUT’hood uses artistic experiences and social activism to engage all corners of the city, with an especial focus on communities of color in Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and the South End. Whether staging public dialogues or theatrical performances, its goal is to help queer people not merely survive, but thrive in spaces where they are not forced to choose between their
aior PHOTO Ivy M
cultural roots, their familial ties, and their LGBTQ identities. “That’s the kind of world I dreamed about when I was 12 years old, walking home from Chicken Neck Hill in West Virginia and getting beat up for being queer,” says founding artistic director Abe Rybeck. Between OUT’hood and True Colors, TTO’s youth-oriented initiative, Rybeck feels like the organization is on the forefront of an important theater movement: one that is adapting its delivery to suit modern audiences, including those that have traditionally had less access to artistic opportunities, and presents works that represent a multiplicity of identities and diversity of experiences. In a way, it also returns The Theater Offensive to its roots. When Rybeck founded the organization in 1989, its approach was informed by his earlier work with United Fruit Company, which used guerilla street theater as a form of political activism; his own plays constituted much of TTO’s earliest productions. TTO continued to maintain a grassroots
ethos: consider A Street Theater Named Desire, its AIDS-activist troupe that brought performances to gay cruising grounds. But over the years, the organization also grew in scope and clout. It launched a revered, decades-spanning queer theater series, the Out on the Edge Festival, and a major annual fundraising event that became a fixture on social calendars, ClimACTS! The most recent installment raised $150,000 in June. During that time, the world changed too. “When we launched, putting on a gaythemed play at the BCA was a really big deal. It was rare,” says Rybeck. Fast-forward a few decades, and the notion is no longer radical on its own. Today, Rybeck notes, you can find some kind of queerthemed show every month of the year in Boston. One thing, though, remained relatively consistent: “They have overwhelmingly been about white gay men.” Boston is hardly homogenous, yet communities of color have struggled for representation in and access to queer theater. Rybeck recalls an improvisational
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a response to a question that people around the country are facing: Why queer theater? Like queer bars and other community groups, many LGBT theater companies have fizzled and faded away. There’s a sense that sometimes we’re just not needed anymore.” OUT’hood actually takes theater to the communities that remain hungry for it, and reorients the structure of shows in a way that invites engagement and collaboration. “Most theater communities are struggling to find an audience,” says Rybeck. “We’re not trapping people in a room that feels like a fortress, and telling them to shut up.” Far from a risk, focusing efforts on underserved communities can help theater organizations survive. And it offers an entirely new layer of social value. “There’s still a tremendous amount of homophobia and racism in neighborhoods that don’t necessarily have access to the arts, and theater in particular,” says Evelyn Francis. As TTO’s director of programs, she oversees OUT’hood. By bringing queer theater into neighborhoods that need it, she says, the program works to undo a paradigm wherein queers are made
PHOTO Ple ha
moment in a True Colors performance when a Haitian-American teen from Mattapan gave voice to her feelings of marginalization. “I shouldn’t have to take two trains and a bus just to be who I really am!” the girl had exclaimed. “I want to be out in my own neighborhood.” Bingo. OUT’hood was born. Since 2010, it has been the cornerstone of TTO’s work. And it has been a successful one. OUT’hood programming reached over 6,000 people in its last year: nearly 40 percent were people of color, and 54 percent were LGBTQ identified. But Rybeck admits that it was a risk to remove the organization from traditional theater settings and reorient its mission to place sole emphasis on neighborhood productions and community-building activities. The popular Out on the Edge Festival was over. So too would be traditional theater reviews in outlets like The Boston Globe. Would financial supporters stay on board? “It was a tough transition,” says Rybeck. “But it also electrified us.” In fact, the approach gave TTO a new reason to be relevant. Says Rybeck, “It’s
to feel alien on their own soil. “We’re able to go there and give people a space to be themselves and share their stories with their own neighbors.” Francis understands firsthand how important it is to feel valued and safe in your own community. “I realized I was gay at a small Southern Baptist college
in Kentucky where I fell in love with a girl,” says Francis. “I didn’t know what to do, and the thing that I kept repeating to myself was, ‘Escape, escape. You have to get out of here if you’re going to be safe. You need to leave if you’re going to have a happy life.’” Like many LGBT people, she moved to more progressive climes. But the aftertaste is bittersweet, she says. There will always be the longing and heavy, twohomed heart that accompanies any migration. “There are so many queer people who had to escape their homeland for safety, security and a happy life, moving from the South to the North,” says Francis. “But sometimes, when I’m not fitting in, I remember that I come from somewhere different. The longing resides in my heart: Why can’t I be who I am where I grew up?” Fittingly, migration is the theme explored in River See, a show written and directed by Sharon Bridgforth, a Lambda Literary Prize-winning lesbian performer and playwright. TTO has commissioned several performances of the show, which will be presented alongside related community-building events during the week of NBCVB-BostonSpirit_Layout 1 8/13/14 6:16 PM Page 1 November 10. Though Bridgforth is based
in San Francisco, she has a history with TTO: her show No Mo’ Blues, developed when she was founding artistic director of root wy’mn theatre company, was a hit for the organization in the ‘90s. “I am a child of the great migration, and this [River See] is a celebration of the people in my family who sacrificed so that I could have a better life,” says Bridgforth, who is African-American. River See is presented in the jazz aesthetic, and is an immersive, improvisational and somewhat participatory piece in which the audience becomes part of a deep-rooted ritual set on a juking boat in the Mississippi River, where a young woman receives the ceremonial preparations for her migration to the North. The show dives deep into the conflicting emotions that accompany such movements, says Bridgforth: “Loss, longing, sacrifice and joy.” The show taps those emotions in a way that queers, perhaps especially queers of color, can surely understand. “As queer people, sometimes we don’t get to grow where we are planted,” says Bridgforth.
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“We have to move, soar, change and struggle without our birth family.” But through OUT’hood, TTO hopes to cultivate an arts landscape where queer people can indeed grow and flourish in the places they call home, and in the communities—built by birth or choice – that they call family. It’s best for everyone. “Queer participation in neighborhoods is one of the key elements of whether cities can thrive in a creative economy,” says Rybeck, pointing to the kind of research discussed by scholars like Richard Florida in his book, The Rise of the Creative Class. “OUT in Your Neighborhood is more than a desire, it’s part of a responsibility that we have to make the places we live in open and thriving. “When we’re closeted in our neighborhoods, we’re not just hurting ourselves. We’re depriving our neighborhoods of queer culture.” [x]
For more information on The Theater Offensive, OUT in Your Neighborhood and the upcoming performances of River See, visit thetheateroffensive.org
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Photos: Motif #1 in Rockport © John Grant; The House of the Seven Gables; Lobsterbake on the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon; Stage at Rockport Music; Cider Hill Farm © MOTT
CULTURE House Proud STORY Scott Kearnan PHOTOS Eric Roth
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Modern Man Jonathan Cutler uses architecture and interior design to build bold new worlds
When Jonathan Cutler was just a child, he had already redesigned his family home. Well, with his imagination, anyway. “At night, I would lay in bed and be redesigning the house in my head,” recalls Cutler. Today Cutler, 52, has his own Brookline-based architecture and interior design firm that works on diverse properties and projects. But growing up in a traditional, Colonialstyle home in the picturesque Boston suburb of Milton, Massachusetts, Cutler was already building the foundation for his future: from the Lego blocks with which he played, to the youth-oriented Saturday morning art programs
he attended by age 9 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. And like most kids lost in presleep reverie, his imagination would redraw his world in a way that felt more fantastic, less limited, and full of new possibilities. “It was a form of escapism,” says Cutler. An early desire to escape — or at least, build oneself a new and more comfortable sense of place — is something to which most gay people can relate. Even as a child, Cutler knew he was gay He came out to his parents when he was 17. “It was a big crying session,” he remembers, though once the tears dried it was made clear he was loved no matter what.
“ I got much of my identity through being creative. I needed some kind of outlet through which to express myself. ” Jonathan Cutler
[OPPOSITE] The standup bar is one of Cutler’s favorite elements, a unique flourish that obviously offers entertaining space but also provides the homeowner with a casual perch for enjoying dinner while gazing out to river views.
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As seen in this bedroom, a spring-like color palette underscores the aura of freshness and renewal that Cutler strove to achieve. “She wanted to feel like a princess,� says Cutler. His design is fit for a queen.
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Cutler has always looked at design as a way to expand into new worlds. And he recently completed this design project for a client who was in the process of “breaking out in her own life,” says the designer. A recent divorcee back on the dating scene, she needed a space that felt romantic, hopeful, and of course, highly livable.
But still — this was the late 70s and early 80s. There were no out kids at Cutler’s small Boston high school, and even extended family wouldn’t know his sexuality for many years to come. As with many young gay people, there weren’t the small but important rites of passage: teenage dating and the like. Art became a place to pour dreams and desire. “I got much of my identity through being creative,” says Cutler. “I needed some
kind of outlet through which to express myself.” He pursued his burgeoning career into a new world at the acclaimed Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and eventually to the Staedel Academy of Fine Arts in Frankfurt, Germany, where he studied under Sir Peter Cook, an esteemed English architect known for founding Archigram: an avant-garde movement that relished neo-futurism. It celebrated
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[ABOVE] “I love the idea of creating an infinity space,” says Cutler. Hence the wraparound mirror in this powder room, which is sleek and spare with minimal hardware. “It transports you to a different world, and offers different ways of seeing yourself.”
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[BELOW] Lighting is crucial to every design, says Cutler. “Light is
what allows a space to come into being.” Besides smart placement of fixtures, he chose gorgeous teal tile for this bathroom to add an element of fantasy in a space that lacks natural light.
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[ABOVE] Cutler wanted to create a sense of drama with the stairs, and a seamless stylistic connection between levels. Rather than use glass, he opted for less expensive high-density fiberboard panels with eye-grabbing cutouts that allow light to filter through in unique patterns.
The comfortable, contemporary living room is the perfect place to relax. And like every aspect of this two-floor home on Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay, it is designed to take advantage of glorious views of the Charles River.
mobility and machines, found the sensuous in the technological. “It was freeing and liberating,” says Cutler. He’s speaking of the Archigram movement, but might as well be describing the six years he spent in Germany, where he first was able to find a strong social gay community. “It was about breaking down constructs to release something more visionary and creative.” Similarly, Cutler spent professional years ascending the ladder in architectural agencies. But as he climbed up the rungs of leadership, he found himself losing sight of the more hands-on design process that originally attracted him to the industry. So he broke away from constructs and struck out on his own. And though his experience and interests have broadened to encompass even more traditional forms of design, he has built a name and a business that is influenced largely by the modernism that has always captured his imagination: from the abstract art and color field paintings that caught his eye during museum studies, to those earliest childhood musings. “I think all architects have the desire to transform something into a more glorious, light-filled image,” says Cutler. “And modernism had a particular boldness of form. It could create different patterns. It was a way to imagine a different way of living.” And once you build a way of living that finally suits you, the transformative effect is unmistakable. Smiles Cutler, “I’ve never been happier with my creative life than I am right now.” [x]
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CULTURE Performance STORY Scott Kearnan
Sharon Needles
The Queens of Halloween A new wave of performers are practicing drag’s dark arts Picture it: A drag queen performing as Bette Midler. Predictable, huh? Been there, done that. But when 23-year old Peter Murphy takes the stage, he’s not channeling what is probably your initial image of the Divine Miss M. You won’t see him wearing Bathhouse Betty’s fur-trimmed robe, or riding around as a wheelchair-bound mermaid. Instead, when Murphy performed last Halloween at Scream Out Loud, an annual LGBT bash at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, he was dressed as the wacky witch Midler portrayed in the 1993 film Hocus Pocus. And no, it wasn’t merely a costume for the occasion. “There are pictures of me at 2 years old, wearing a witch hat and carrying the family broom,” says Murphy, who today performs in drag under the name Bernadette Stake. Murphy is also an actual practicing witch when the make up comes off, and he says he developed his tonguein-cheek persona to “embrace and laugh at witch stereotypes so that we can move toward a brighter future.” Bernadette is also, he adds, a nod to the “strong parallels between witch and queer history.” “Throughout history, both groups have been persecuted for their identities and used as scapegoats, blamed for everything from [historic] storms and sickness to more modernly, AIDS and Hurricane Katrina,” says Murphy. Today, he continues, witches even refer to self-disclosure as “coming out of the broom closet.” “I don’t know that I consciously picked up on those parallels as a child, but it’s probably why I first related to witches,” says Murphy. “They were my divas, powerful and independent. But also misunderstood.” Bernadette Stake is more campy than creepy. But Murphy’s alter ego is also the neatest example of a major movement in drag, particularly among younger queens. Older cabaret vets and hetero bachelorette crowds tend to primarily associate drag
with its glittery, pageant-like permutations: sequin-clad queens that lip sync, depending on their age, to Liza, Cher, Madonna or Beyonce. But there is a growing breed of performer that culls inspiration and aesthetics from edgier sources: think horror films, punk culture, Goth style, and 1980s glam-rock.
Laila McQueen
alum Joslyn Fox, the hundreds of guests will watch 13 (un?) lucky drag performers compete for the title of “Salem’s Official Scream Queen.” Last year’s recipient of the title, Drag Race winner Sharon Needles, will return as a judge, and so will gay network LOGO TV, which is strengthening its affiliation with the event, says Letourneau. Indeed, Needles, known off stage as
Rainbow Frite PHOTO Corey Banda
Some are simply a bit subversive — others are the glamour-puss version of Grand Guignol. But they are all pushing the boundaries of drag in new, darker directions. “There is definitely a connection between queer culture and horror,” says Kevin Letourneau, president of Go Out Loud, the North Shore LGBT networking and event production business behind Scream Out Loud. This year’s second installment of the Halloween blowout will happen on Friday, October 24 at the Hawthorne Hotel. Besides dancing to KISS 108’s DJ Gay Jim and a red carpet hosted by Worcester-based “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Laila McQueen
Aaron Coady, is probably the most high profile example of the drag-goes-dark trend. In 2012, her over-the-top embrace of horror elements helped her surmount underdog status to become a breakout Drag Race star. Where the other contestants were “fierce,” Coady was Sid Vicious. And while her competitors preened like princesses on the runway, Sharon Needles served the camp humor of Elvira, the attitude of a punk rocker, and the style of a supermodel who parachuted into a monster movie. Her post-Drag Race dance album even includes songs like “This Club is a Haunted House,” “Call Me on the Ouija Board” and a cover of
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Scream Out Loud 2013 PHOTO Social Palates industrial band Ministry’s “(Every Day Is) Halloween.” Needles didn’t emerge in a vacuum, though. At the same time she shot to fame, Lady Gaga was hawking her “Little Monsters” a hauntological series of videos that recalled The Rocky Horror Picture Show set in dystopic sci-fi fantasies, and dressing in fashions that resembled collaborations between Leigh Bowery and H.P. Lovecraft. On FX, the erotically charged American Horror Story was emerging as an increasingly winking, knowing gay favorite. And over on MTV, Teen Wolf was giving the Twilight generation homoerotic horror featuring multiple out characters. It’s worth noting that both American Horror Story and Teen Wolf are shows created by gay men, as is the new Showtime horror hit Penny Dreadful. Its creator John Logan even told the LGBT-themed Outward blog on Slate.com that the show was partly inspired by the empathy he felt, while growing up gay, for monstrous outcasts like Frankenstein’s creature. The historic intersection between queer culture and horror art is actually well trod territory. It has been explored in academic journals by media, sociology and gender studies scholars, and in more mainstream books like Sean Abley’s Out in the Dark: Interviews with Gay Filmmakers, Actors and Authors. Pundits often point to recurring horror themes like otherness and alienation (that misunderstood monster syndrome), the queering of identities (usually with murderous consequences) in flicks from Psycho to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and the feminist underpinnings of the (typically tomboyish) Final
Girl who ultimately prevails over bloodletting adversity. Ultimately, says Go Out Loud’s Letourneau, a lifelong horror fan, the common thread between queer art and horror art is that both frequently possess a challenging and cathartic nature. “They’re both part of countercultures that often exploit fear by dragging things out into the spotlight and forcing us to confront them,” he says. “The monsters in the closet are out. You can’t hide from them anymore.” In fact, to shock is somewhat central to drag art, says Rainbow Frite. “The audience has to be made to feel uncomfortable at a certain point,” says Rainbow. “That’s part of the experience. If you’re playing it safe, what are you doing? Safe isn’t what drag is.” Boston-based Rainbow has certainly pushed audiences out of their comfort zones since she started performing about 15 years ago. She was parlaying a colorfully creepy style long before it was trendy, and has consistently played with boundaries and taboo — particularly during her regular performances at Cambridge’s late Manray nightclub, once an epicenter of New England’s Goth, punk and BDSMinfluenced queer culture. “Those were intense years. I did the most fucked up stuff,” says Rainbow, who admits — with wisdom but no regret — that she sometimes pushed even her own limits. “I did what I considered the most shocking and jarring, whether it was simulating an abortion on stage or being force-fed cake while the audience screamed ‘Feed the bitch!’”
The audience has to be made to feel uncomfortable at a certain point. That’s part of the experience. If you’re playing it safe, what are you doing? Safe isn’t what drag is.” Rainbow Frite But sometimes the ugly side of drag is also its most beautiful, says Rainbow, known out of drag as Sean McCarthy. Growing up in a working-class South Boston neighborhood, McCarthy found early inspiration from trashy talk shows filled with ‘90s club kids, new wave rock and musical theater, and provocative performers like Divine and Nina Hagen. At around 19 he moved to New York, where he would work in a Patricia Field store during the day and party with Amanda Lepore at night. Like most sexy, slithering spooks, his Rainbow Brite was born in the underground — where all drag, he says, really has its roots. “When you’re starting out, drag can be a way of sublimating the negative experiences that queer people have — all the angst and anger,” says Rainbow. The art form is also based in disruption and fringe counterculture. “The whole point of drag is to parody socially accepted forms of femininity, bastardize mainstream culture
“ But there’s a different expectation of drag, now that it’s all over prime time television. You’re like a Disney character. People think the drag queen comes to town, and it’s like Barnum & Bailey. The family comes out! They bring the kids! ” Rainbow Frite a bit, and fuck up social issues in order to draw attention to them.” Over the years, Rainbow has gradually toned down and glammed-up certain aspects of her style. Today, her looks might suggest Morticia Adams in a Hammer Film directed by John Waters. But she’s kept an edge, and she’s glad — well, mostly — to see younger queens embrace a similarly subversive style. “It always worked for me because it was a novel approach that got me a lot of attention. Now all these bitches are blowing up my spot,” she laughs. “No, no. It’s great. It’s kind of like a breath of fresh air.” Among those younger performers is 21-year old Laila McQueen (Tyler Devlin), a New Hampshire-based performer who cites Rainbow Frite as an inspiration. Others include the bold Jackie Beat, Industrial icon Marilyn Manson, and ‘80s “trash rock.” The combo is clear in many of McQueen’s performances. In one signature setup, she reenacts a suicide note-writing scene from Tim Burton’s
Scream Out Loud 2013 PHOTO Social Palates Beetlejuice before launching into a medley of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” and a grimy bass-heavy remix of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Wearing black leather hooker boots and tons of red tulle, she serves the vibe of a stripper from a grindhouse midnight movie. No wonder. Unlike pageant types, Devlin was never practicing Janet Jackson choreography in his bedroom mirror. By his late teens, he was selling high heels and dildos in the boutique of a New Hampshire strip club, where he pinched his name (Laila, combined with a nod to Alexander McQueen) and picked up his gritty-meets-glam dance moves. He started doing drag in high school because he “started going into kind of a dark place,” says Devlin. “I didn’t have many amazing friends. I thought I’d be able to love myself more if I could express myself more — as a living work of art.” And giving visibility to those who feel in the shadows is what the spookier side of drag is all about, says Severely Mame— — whose name is, of course, a violent twist on the iconic Auntie. “Since Sharon Needles came out there have been many more people doing this dark kind of drag. She helped show it as equally legitimate,” says Mame, real name Shane Tenczar. A 23-year old Massachusetts native who has moved to Brooklyn, Mame describes herself as “New York City’s favorite dead girl,” performs at frill-free bar nights with names like Bath Salts, and has been building her own revue, Scream Queen. “Sharon’s mainstream success showed that you can do anything you want with drag,” says Mame, who adds that younger generations reared in a post-RuPaul world are also perhaps a bit hungry for the sense
of taboo and counterculture that accompanied earlier drag eras. “You can be strange, ugly and weird,” says Mame. You can do the darker stuff. Because ultimately, drag is very punk rock.” Drag definitely is. But we also live in a world where a horror-driven queen like Sharon Needles is a superstar, where straight girls hit drag cabarets as often as queers, and where RuPaul can grace an August cover of business magazine Adweek alongside the headline, “The Queen of Product Placement.” One has to wonder: Could even drag’s darkest arts become commodified? What happens if the attitude of the underground eventually becomes as saleable and superficial as a Halloween costume? “For every queen that started out ten years ago, there are 12 today. And when you develop your voice, you tend to start with what’s cool,” says Rainbow Frite. “What’s cool today is the edgier form of drag, which could defeat its purpose. Just as it came back, it could go away again.” Besides, she says, it’s ultimately the attitude — not the outfits — that give drag its important edge. “There are so many rules they impose on performers now,” says Rainbow. “I just did a gig at a college where they literally sat us down and told us we couldn’t swear. I couldn’t say transvestite. I’m a drag queen, and I couldn’t say transvestite.” “But there’s a different expectation of drag, now that it’s all over prime time television,” she continues. “You’re like a Disney character. People think the drag queen comes to town, and it’s like Barnum & Bailey. The family comes out! They bring the kids!” This ain’t trick or treating, honey. It’s drag. You can sell a look like a mask, but it takes real guts to keep it creepy. And most importantly, you should be willing to scare yourself. “There should always be some anxiety,” says Rainbow. “That’s what signifies growth. If you’re not anxious, you’re not creating something new.” Boo. [x] Scream Out Loud
Rainbow Frite, Severely Mame, and Bernadette Stake are among the performers competing for the Scream Queen title at Scream Out Loud, with appearances by Drag Race winner Sharon Needles and alum Joslyn Fox. For more information, to vote on additional contestants, and for tickets to the October 24 Halloween bash, head to gooutloud.com.
SCENE Benefit PHOTOS Kevin Day & Point Foundation 1
Point Foundation Leadership Dinner Revere Hotel | Boston | July 27
Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets received the Point Foundation Leadership Award at the July 25 Point Foundation Leadership dinner in Boston. Collins was the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North America pro sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL). Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who was Collins’ college roommate at Stanford University, presented the award to Collins. The Leadership Dinner was part of Point Foundation’s 2014 Scholar & Alumni Leadership Conference. Point brought 140 scholarship recipients and alumni to Boston July 24–27. The dinner and conference were held at Boston’s Revere Hotel. Janet Mock, prominent advocate for trans women’s rights and the New York Times bestselling author of Redefining Realness, was one of the guest speakers at the conference. Also speaking at the conference was Gautam Raghavan, White House Public Engagement Advisor and a key White House liaison to the LGBT community. [1]
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Point Foundation Scholars, Alumni, Board Members and Staff pose for a group shot during the Foundation’s first Leadership Conference in Boston. ara Law, Janssen Therapeutics Point Scholar Audrey Stewart, Point Foundation Chief of Staff Nanci Glogauer and Point Board Member Sharon Brackett. Jason Collins, Rim-Freeman Point Scholar Jacob Rudolph, Rep. Joe Kennedy III, and Point Board Co-Chair Richard Ziegelasch. White House Public Engagement Advisor Gautam Raghavan, Point Scholar and Worcester Polytechnic Institute student Zoe Reidinger, Point Alum Michelle Marzullo and Point Board Member Chris Boyle. Point board member Shelley Fischel, Point Scholar Max Staebler, Point Alum Jacob Tobia, and Point’s West Coast Development Director Alan Uphold. Author and Mademoiselle Contributing Editor Janet Mock with Point Scholar Rachel Jackson. Jason Collins with boyfriend, film producer Brunson Green.
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SCENE Social PHOTOS courtesy Living Soulfully
Living Soulfully Summer Garden Party Private Residence | Brookline | August 3
The Easton Mountain-affiliated social group for gay men held its annual summer get together, drawing about 60 from all over New England.
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SCENE Category PHOTOS Susan Symonds, Infinity Portrait Design InfinityPortraitDesign.com
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) 33rd Annual Summer Party and Prelude Event
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Provincetown Monument | Provincetown | July 25-26
Over 500 GLAD supporters gathered July 26 at the annual Summer Party at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. The annual Prelude took place the prior evening at the Sage Inn & Lounge. For more information visit www.glad.org/events/14SP.
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Rob Compton, GLAD Civil Rights Project Director Mary L. Bonauto, board member David Wilson, Director of Development Thomas Leavitt, Rosemary Palladino and Marianne Brennick [10] GLAD Deputy Director and Senior Staff Attorney Janson Wu tells the crowd “Equality is not the finish line… we are working for equal justice.” [11] Kate Clinton encourages the crowd to bid high in the Summer Party auction [12] Former GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow with Stephen Mindich and Maria Lopez [13] Betsy Zeldin and GLAD Accounting Manager Molly Girton [14] Michael Parisi and Roger Chabot [15] GLAD board members Brianna Boggs (L) and Jessica Mink (r) with Renda Mott [16] GLAD Senior Attorney and AIDS Law Project Director Ben Klein with Mark Haley (left) and Jeanne Leszczynski and Diane DiCarlo, owners of Provincetown’s Sage Inn & Lounge [17] Susan Elmasian, GLAD board member Jo Davis a nd Tracy Davis [18] GLAD board chair Dianne Phillips (2nd from left) with her wife Evelyn Kaupp, Chrissie Coakley and Michelle O’Connell [19] Lucky winners in the silent auction David Wisholek and Christopher McBride [20] Michael Goff, Richard Lusimbo and Andy Towle [21] Gary Sherr, GLAD board members Andre Campagna and Darian Butcher, Madina Agenor [22] Volunteers, Carlos Salizar and Corwin Samuelson
SCENE Reception PHOTOS courtesy Burns & Levinson
PFLAG New President Welcome Burns & Levinson | Boston | June 23
Burns & Levinson and U.S. Trust held a luncheon to welcome Dr. Thomas Bourdon as the recently named President of Greater Boston PFLAG. During this inspiring and intimate event Dr. Bourdon shared his insights and vision for expanding PFLAG’s outreach and support efforts to improve the lives of LGBTQIA people and their families and communities.
Shawn O’Neill, Vice President - Business Support, U.S. Trust; Donald Vaughan, Partner, Burns & Levinson LLP; Meg Bennett, Managing Director and Private Client Advisor, U.S. Trust; Tom Bourdon, President, Greater Boston PFLAG; Pam Garramone, Executive Program Director, Greater Boston PFLAG; Melissa Sydney, Associate, Burns & Levinson LLP; Tim Famulare, Associate, Burns & Levinson LLP; Kai Hoysradt, Private Client Manager and Vice President, U.S. Trust; and Jim Welch, Managing Director - Wealth Planning Solutions Executive, U.S. Trust
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SCENE Benefit PHOTOS Courtesy The Home for Little Wanderers’ Waltham House
11th Anniversary Celebration for First Residential Group Home for GLBTQ Youth Club Café | Boston | April 12
11th Anniversary Celebration Recognizes New England’s First Residential Group Home for GLBTQ Youth: Waltham House supporters return to Boston’s Club Café. More than 125 supporters of The Home for Little Wanderers’ Waltham House — New England’s first residential group home for GLBTQ youth — were full of energy and smiles as they helped raised close to $10,000 for the non-profit at its 11th Anniversary Celebration at Club Café. The fundraiser featured music by Jim Clerkin (aka DJ Gay Jim) from Kiss 108 FM, lots of dancing, and a drag show by Drag Queens Miss Gay South Shore Bianca Knight, Ania, and Kloe. Eleven years ago, The Home for Little Wanderers saw a dire need to provide a safe and caring environment for this underserved population of youth, a need that still exists today. Over the past decade Waltham House has succeeded in helping hundred of at-risk GLBTQ youth — many of whom are in state systems of care — stay safe and lead healthy, productive lives.
Audrey Gillis (left), Co-Chair of the Waltham House Committee, with Waltham House staff Rebecca Reed, Program Director; Brendan Henry; Katie Miller; Karen Lancelotta; Roury Sheble-Hall
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Chris Gresham with Gary Havey
Drag Queens Miss Gay South Shore Bianca Knight, Kloe, and Ania
Waltham House Milieu Director Brendan Henry (center left) with colleague Katie Miller (center right) and Waltham House supporters
Waltham House Committee Co-Chair Jay Wayshak (on right) with a Waltham House supporter
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#ScreamOut Loud in Salem, Mass. Oct. 24–25. See page 80 for additional coverage
Calendar EDITOR’S PICK
FUNDRAISER
GLAD’s 14th Annual Spirit of Justice Award
EDITOR'S PICK
Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla
SAT SEP 6
PROVINCETOWN | SWIM FOR LIFE
A community celebration and fundraiser for AIDS, women’s health and the community: the 27th annual 1.4 mile swim across magnificent Provincetown Harbor. Celebration of Life free concert the night before. Swimmers, paddlers, kayakers and volunteers welcome. Take the plunge! Swim for Life | swim4life.org
FRI OCT 24
BOSTON | BOSTON MARRIOTT COPLEY
On the tenth anniversary of the landmark Goodridge decision, GLAD honors Urvashi Vaid. Urvashi has made change through her leadership at myriad advocacy organizations, the creation of the first lesbian political action committee (LPAC), and writings that challenge the LGBT movement to be expansive in its thinking and inclusive in its work. We are proud to note that while a law student at Northeastern University, Urvashi was among GLAD’s very first staff members, lending her great talents to the inception of the LGBT legal movement. GLAD — Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders | glad.org/events
See page 80 for more. 90 | BOSTON SPIRIT
This season's music, performance and theater events are presented in our seasonal Arts Preview | PAGE 38
SOCIALIZING EDITOR’S PICK
#ScreamOutLoud
WED OCT 24 - THU OCT 25
SALEM, MA | HAWTHORNE HOTEL
Go Out Loud and Logo TV present an exclusive Halloween competition to crown Salem’s next Official Scream Queen with 13 of the region’s most boo-tiful stage personalities as part of a live, interactive experience. The historic Hawthorne Hotel will be transformed into a haunted dance club with DJ Gay Jim (KISS108) and special guest Sharon Needles (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Salem Scream Queen 2013) with fellow celebrity judges Scott Kearnan (Lifestyle Editor of Boston Spirit Magazine), Deborah Macki (Celebrity Makeup Artist) and a our celebrity Blood Red Carpet correspondent Joslyn Fox (RuPaul’s Drag Race). Go Out Loud | gooutloud.com
PRIDE EDITOR’S PICK
Worcester Pride Parade and Festival
SAT SEP 6 - SUN SEP 8 The Worcester Pride celebration is on the Worcester Common September 6, but the festivities begin earlier in the week and last through Sunday. worcesterpride.org EDITOR’S PICK
Vermont Pride
SEP 14 The main event is on Sunday but enjoy Pride-related events throughout the month. In the past they’ve included a drag-filled High Heel Race down cobblestone Church Street and Women’s Tea Dance. pridevt.wordpress.com
Out-Fit Challenge, Saturday, October 11
SPORT Out-Fit Challenge Mud Run!
SAT OCT 11
AMESBURY, MA | AMESBURY SPORT PARK
Come out and get dirty to benefit the Family Equality Council. A mud run for the LGBT community, the event features 17 military style obstacles that will include mud, water and ice throughout the trail with entertaining obstacle names like “Is that Mud in Your Pants,” and “Hello Sailor.” Once you cross the finish line, head to a fun-filled post-party with a live DJ, muddy go-go dancers, a drag queen hostess, food and drinks! www.out-fitchallenge.com
Visit our online calendar for the latest events and submit listings for upcoming events: BostonSpiritMagazine.com
Wellspring Weight Loss
Your Weight. Your Life. Take Control. The country’s largest and most respected network of weight loss programs, includes an adults-only residential facility with upscale amenities, state-of-the art facilities, and chef prepared meals. or call us at 1-866-364-0808 wellspringweightloss.com
COMMUNITY | NONPROFIT Planned Giving at DanaFarber Cancer Institute
Invest in a future without cancer Include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund in your estate plans to reach your financial goals and help fight cancer.
Your Source for Equalityminded People, Places, Services and Adventures in New England and beyond.
800-535-5577 Dana-Farber.org/spirit
HOME | GARDEN Circle Furniture
For information on including your business, e-mail jd@BostonSpiritMagazine.com
31 St. James Ave. Boston, MA 617-778-0887 www.circlefurniture.com
BEAUTY | BODY
Dover Rug
Beauty Medicine Boston
Botox®, Dermal Fillers & Skin Therapies Rejuvenate yourself with state of the art cosmetic injections and advanced skin therapies and treatments, including: Botox®. Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Belotero® and Ultherapy. Personalized, artistic and compassionate skin care administered by Advanced Practice Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Nelson Aquino. Two convenient locations: Office of Joseph Russo, MD, FACS: 575 Boylston Street Newton Centre, MA 02459 and
721 Worcester Street (Route 9) Natick, MA 508-651-3500 www.doverrug.com
Elizabeth Grady
1-800-FACIALS www.elizabethgrady.com www.elizabethgrady.edu
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Personalized dental care; healthy, beautiful smiles; comfortable, caring service in our state-of-the-art dental facility in the heart of the South End. It’s no secret that healthy teeth and a radiant smile can improve your appearance, your self-esteem and your overall health. Whether your goal is to restore your smile or maintain good oral health, you can benefit from Dr. James R. Seligman’s comprehensive approach to dental care. 617-451-0011 SouthEndDental.com
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DINING | NIGHTLIFE
Because the world sees your face first Elizabeth Grady provides an innovative approach to beauty and skin health through our products, services, schools and franchises. The expertly trained estheticians, massage therapists and makeup artists at our many locations will prescribe the worlds best face care products and treatments that are right for you. At the Elizabeth Grady Schools, we also educate and nurture the next generation of highly-qualified professionals.
Cover
New Showroom Now Open Dover Rug & Home Dover Rug & Home offers the largest selection of fine floor coverings and window treatments in New England. Visit their BRAND NEW location at 721 Worcester Street in Natick (RT9) As the “Best of Boston Home 2011” recipient, their larger showroom has something for every budget. Natick, MA and Hanover, MA locations.
1318 Beacon Street, Ste. 7 (2nd floor) Brookline, MA 617.953.6261 http://www.beautymedicineboston.com
Seligman Dental Designs
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Furniture ... Made for Real Life Circle Furniture offers an eclectic selection of furniture for traditional and contemporary homes, fast delivery times for made-to-order items, corporate philanthropy, support of the regional economy, and most of all, fun.
W H E R E PAT I E N T S A R E FA M I LY .
Gardner Mattress
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Gardner Mattress Corporation A New England favorite for generations, Gardner Mattress has been manufacturing quality custom-sized, odd-sized and handmade mattresses in their Salem factory for over 70 years! Though their landmark location is North of Boston in Salem, they also service satisfied customers throughout New England. At Gardner Mattress, you’ll find mattresses including lace-tufted, layered latex, pocketed coil, quilted cotton and ivory plush, all handmade with natural materials. Located in Salem, Woburn and Newton, MA and Rye, NH. www.GardnerMattress.com
Lucia Lighting
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bright ideas begin at lucia Lucia Lighting & Design Our unique lighting store features 12 showrooms in 8,000 square feet of a lovingly restored mansion staffed with certified lighting specialists who are both educated and customer focused. Whether you want to visit our showroom or have one of our team visit you at your location in the Boston area, lucÃa lighting & design is the answer. 311 Western Ave. (RT-107 Lynn, MA 781-595-0026 www.lucialighting.com
Seasons Four
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The Outdoor Living Store For over 40 years, Seasons Four has been a destination for everyone in New England that values outdoor spaces. We are a trusted source for quality, heirloom furniture for your sunroom, porch, patio, deck, and garden. We also provide unique plant material, statuary, fountains and garden accessories to complete your outdoor room.
STATE-OF-THE-ART, SOLAR POWERED DENTAL OFFICE
FRIENDLY & EXPERIENCED STAFF
SPECIALIZING IN THE SAFEST & BEST NEW TECHNOLGIES DR. SAM MERABI
7 Brown Sq, Newburyport, MA 978-462-4590 PortsideFamilyDental.com
Portsidefamilydental
1265 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 781-861-1200 seasonsfour.com
Yale Appliance & Lighting
Turn it On!! Over 3500 lights, 800 appliances and 200 plumbing products on display. We service what we sell. 296 Freeport St Dorchester, MA 1-866-849-7838 www.yaleappliance.com
PROFESSIONAL | SERVICES
50 Burns & Levinson, LLP Burns & Levinson LLP, a leading mid-size law firm with a clientcentric culture, has over 125 attorneys in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. We work with entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, private and public companies and individuals in sophisticated business transactions, litigation and private client services—family law, trusts & estates, marriage and divorce law. 617-345-3000 www.burnslev.com
Harvard University
Harvard University Careers If you can work, you can work at Harvard! We are so much more than just students and professors. We are the 5th largest private employer in Massachusetts, with over 16,000 employees. Almost any job you can think of exists at the University. employment.harvard.edu
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TRAVEL | ADVENTURE
ha c o M DJ
ArtBar
art + eat + retreat ArtBar is a warm, intimate retreat for food and art lovers located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA. The ArtBar boasts stellar selections from the hotel's world-class art collection while the restaurant features innovative cuisine, a well curated wine list and seasonal specialty cocktails. Patio seating along the Charles River, with full bar service offer unparalleled riverside dining with views of the Boston Skyline. 40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard Cambridge, MA 617-806-4122 artbarcambridge.com
Marriott Copley Place
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Great Location. Great Amenities. Boston Marriott Copley Place Located in the Back Bay and a few blocks from the South End, the Boston Marriott Copley Place is perfect for business or leisure travel. The hotel features deluxe rooms, Champions, Connexion Lounge, Starbucks, indoor pool, fitness center, 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and is minutes from top attractions.
high impact | low proole photo and video documentation
110 Huntington Avenue (Boston) , MA 617-236-5800 http://goo.gl/soiy38
Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston
LET’S DANCE! www.mochadj.com
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Peter Hamilton Nee and Robert S. Edmunds UBS is proud to support Boston Spirit magazine, and salutes Fenway Health for their faithful service to our community. Please contact us any time. Peter Hamilton Nee, AIF, CRPC, VP, Investments and Robert S. Edmunds, CFP, CRPC ubs.com/ team/neeedmunds. Wellesley, MA 781-446-8918 or 800-828-0717 ubs.com/team/neeedmunds
RETAIL | SHOPPING Lux Bond & Green
A family-run business since 1898, at Lux Bond & Green we’re known by the company we keep. Rolex, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Piaget, Mikimoto, David Yurman, John Hardy, and Hermés are just a few of the brands we carry. Our services include: Appraisals, Jewelry and Watch Repair, Custom Design, Wedding & Gift Registry and more. www.lbgreen.com
TRAVEL | ADVENTURE
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Spectacular city views, luxury accommodations, regional cuisine, and contemporary art All of our 400 well-appointed guest rooms and suites offer guests the comforts of home with first-class amenities and overlook the Charles River, Cambridge or Boston's stunning skyline. The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston features both casual and elegant dining and delicious inspired cuisine in two highly acclaimed riverfront restaurants with seasonal patios, ArtBar and Restaurant Dante. 40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard Cambridge, MA 617-806-4200 www.sonesta.com/Boston/
WEDDING | EVENTS Accent Limousine
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LGBT Owned & Operated Accent Limousine & Car Service We provide professional transportation services throughout Greater Boston and the Metro-West. We grow our client base every year because we care for our clients as only a ‘Family’ business can. Our chauffeurs are professionally attired, knowledgeable, reliable, and friendly, and their professionalism and driving abilities will immediately earn your trust and confidence. We look forward to driving you on your next special occasion. www.accentlimo.com/spirit
DJ Mocha
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Affordable great music for your party! Boston Spirit’s official Cruise DJ for four years. Bringing, Great Music and Fun to your Events! All genres: pop, jazz, techno, world beat, swing, disco & more! 617-784-1663 MochaDJ.com
Your financial needs are unique. Call me today at (877) 524.5522
Frank X Addonizio CFP®, CRPC®, CLTC Financial Advisor
20 Park Plaza Suite 465 Boston, MA 02116 877.524.5522 x 202 frank.x.addonizio@ampf.com
Awarded 2014 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager SM Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA
Gourmet Caterers
Peace of mind. Now that’s a wedding vow. This is a day when only perfection will do. GourmetCaterers’ attention to detail means peace of mind, so you can enjoy your wedding along with your guests. Whether your dream wedding is a large event or intimate affair, Gourmet’s team of innovative planners, chefs, stylists and servers will be by your side to ensure that everything is perfectly, uniquely, your own. GourmetCaterers.com
Konditor Meister
Konditor Meister—Voted #1 Wedding Cakes in Boston Extraordinarily Beautiful & Elaborate Wedding Cakes & fine European pastries. Delicious Custom Holiday & Party Cakes for all occasions. 32 Wood Road (Just South of Boston) Braintree, MA 781-849-1970 KonditorMeister.com
Lombardo’s
Healthy teeth and a radiant smile improve your appearance and your self‑esteem.
James R. Seligman, DMD
Friendly, personalized dental care State of the Art Technology “Best of the South End”
South End News
SouthEndDental.com
1180 Washington Street | Boston, MA 02118 | 617.451.0011
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Lombardo’s has been providing the highest quality of hospitality and cuisine for over 50 years. From innovative menus to an upscale atmosphere, Lombardo’s ensures every wedding will exceed their client’s expectations. 781-986-5000 www.lombardos.com
Long's Jewelers
Seligman Dental Designs offers patients the very latest procedures for enhancing and restoring smiles. We tailor our procedures to your specific needs. We’ll always listen carefully to your concerns.
RELAX | RENEW | REFLECT
World-Class Luxury Guesthouse and Spa
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Your Source for Diamonds, Wedding Rings, Fine Jewelry & Watches Long's Jewelers has been in the business of happy moments since 1878. We're honored to help our customers celebrate milestones like engagements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements and not to mention "just because" moments! Whether you're looking for diamonds, wedding rings, fine jewelry, Swiss watches, awards, or corporate gifts, Long's has you covered. Boston, Braintree, Burlington, Natick, and Peabody, MA 877-845-6647 www.longsjewelers.com
Ptown Parties
Catering | Events The premier caterer on the lower cape, Ptown Parties is a full service catering and event planning company. Let them cater your next cocktail party, clambake or wedding, in your home, inn, rental condo or yacht. Let Ptown Parties take care of all the hassles, so you can enjoy a carefree day in Provincetown, and a great party that night! 508-487-6450 Ptownparties.com 14 Johnson Street, Provincetown | 800.487.0132
www.carpediemguesthouse.com SEP|OCT 2014 | 95
CODA Comedy STORY Scott Kearnan immediate gratification of getting up there. I didn’t have to sit down and type things up. [SPIRIT] And now
you’re a – writer? [BRAD] [Laughs] But now
there’s a staff of writers, so it’s like improv in a way. Our days are spent sitting around a table, trying to come up with the best joke and storyline.
“The McCarthys”
Family Matters With ‘The McCarthys’ a Certain Sassy Gay Friend Returns to Boston Comedian and actor Brian Gallivan became a social media sensation with “Sassy Gay Friend,” his web series that reimagined famous stories—from Shakespeare to the Book of Genesis—with the inclusion of a feisty, advice-doling BFF. But on October 30, Gallivan takes over TV with something entirely original: “The McCarthys,” a CBS sitcom he’s executive produced. Gallivan grew up in Dedham, and the Boston-set show is loosely based on his family dynamics. Ronny (played by Tyler Ritter, son of John Ritter) is the gay son with a loving but occasionally bumbling brood: from an Irish-Catholic dad who drafts Ritter for a job as an assistant high school basketball coach, to an overprotective mother played by “Roseanne” alum Laurie Metcalf. New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntyre, a fellow Boston native, costars as one Ronny’s sports-crazed siblings. Once a middle school teacher, Gallivan launched his comedy career with the North End’s Improv Asylum. Then came Chicago’s acclaimed Second
Brian Gallivan City troupe. Now based in Los Angeles, he took some time to talk to “Boston Spirit” about “The McCarthys.” [SPIRIT] What first drew you to improv comedy? [BRAD] I think it’s just an
extension of everything my family loves. I have five siblings, so maybe we were just blatantly competing for attention, but around the TV and dinner table we were always doing things to make each other laugh, telling stories from our day, and good naturedly making fun of each other. My family appreciates wit and humor. Ironically, what I loved about improv was the
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[SPIRIT] How was your coming out? Was it similar to what we see on the show? [BRAD] For a gay person it’s
never just smooth sailing, but my family has been wonderful. I had a loving and supportive coming out. The pilot definitely portrays coming out in a lighter way than it probably was for a lot of people. Some of the ways that the brother characters react is similar. The may not always get everything right, they sometimes struggle - but they are truly and sincerely trying. Their heart is in the right place.
[SPIRIT] How do you present Boston in “The McCarthys”? [BRAD] I love Boston. I feel
lucky to have grown up in such a great city but also such a specific city. I heard Joey McIntyre describe it as a world-renowned city with a small town feel. That’s a really good way to put it. … What I like about Boston is they support you 100-percent but if you get too high on yourself they’ll knock you down a peg. My family is so supportive. Then they find out I have an assistant now, so they love to make fun of me. “Oh, should we go through Mark to contact you?”
[SPIRIT] Speaking of Joey, I have to ask: Which New Kid on the Block member did you crush on? [BRAD] I think Jordan Knight,
which shows you how bad I am at love and romance. Because I could have chosen his gay brother, but no – had to go for the straight one.
[SPIRIT] Did certain shows inspire you growing up?
[SPIRIT] There’s been discussion lately that TV is doing a better job representing LGBT characters than Hollywood film. Any idea why?
[BRAD] Yes, and it’s nice to
[BRAD] It may be that you have
[SPIRIT] And now you’re working
[SPIRIT] Do you get back to Boston often?
be able to say all that TV watching paid off. One of the first shows I really watched was “Cheers.” There was great drama on it, and I loved Diane. There was great intelligence mixed with the bar crowd, and that was fun. I also loved “The Cosby Show,” “Golden Girls,” and “Roseanne.”
with Laurie Metcalf!
[BRAD] When I first approached
her, we talked on the phone because she had questions before she agreed to do it. She told me she had seen the “Sassy Gay Friend” videos and really loved them. That was hugely flattering. And you know Jackie from Roseanne needs a sassy gay friend. [In Character:] “Get your own washing machine, Jackie!”
episodes. It’s not one twohour show; you have week after week with a character, developing them, showing different aspects of them. With gay characters, good and bad, there’s so much scrutiny. They have to represent everything to everyone.
[BRAD] I get back a few times
a year. I have lots of nephews and nieces in Massachusetts. You know, I used to wait tables at Club Cafe. I had just come out and it was a really great time. I was actually teaching at a Catholic school in Allston during the day and waiting tables at Club Café at night. Which is probably a great idea for an episode at some point. [x]
stronger together.
33RD ANNUAL HRC NEW ENGLAND GALA DINNER + AUCTION
PRESENTED BY
NOVEMBER 22, 2014 BOSTON MARRIOTT COPLEY PLACE visit www.hrcboston.org to: • buy a ticket • become a table captain • donate an auction item • buy a recognition page • become a volunteer • become a corporate sponsor
ELLIS BOSTON ANTIQUES • ART • DESIGN
October 23-26, 2014 ANTIQUES • JEWELRY • FINE ART • 20th C. DESIGN TRIBAL ART • ANTIQUITIES • AND MORE Boston's oldest and newest antiques tradition! Featuring 40 exhibitors of the highest quality from the United States and Europe. The Gala Preview benefits Ellis Memorial. Gala Preview, Thursday October 23 to benefit Ellis Memorial Presenting Sponsor: BNY Mellon www.EllisBoston.com
November 13-16, 2014 TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS • SCULPTURE WORKS ON PAPER • FINE PRINTS • AND MORE 40 galleries from Europe and across the United States offering more than 3,000 original works of art at the only fine art show of its kind in New England. Gala Preview, Thursday November 13 www.FineArtBoston.com Both shows take place at:
Sponsored by:
For complimentary admission visit:
www.BostonArtFairs.com/VIP
The Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts 539 Tremont Street, in Boston's South End Weekend show hours for both shows: Friday 1-8,Saturday 11-8,Sunday 11-5, Admission $15,under 12 free Complimentary special programs daily. Free readmission, show catalog and coat check. Café at the show.Valet and discount parking available. Info at 617-363-0405 Phone days of the shows: 617-299-6096