NOV|DEC 2014
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A Tiffani Holiday
Sweet Cheeks Q Celeb Chef Shares Fab Feast Recipe Secrets
Gay Boston in the 1950s
The Hub’s queer culture thrived in the McCarthy Era
NE’s Gay Porn Industry?
It’s kinda puny, but Boston produces a few big ones
The Giving Spirit
Gift ideas for your nearest and queerest
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From The Publisher Welcome to Boston Spirit’s November/December issue. Amazing, another year’s ‘in the books’ so to speak. Although not over, 2014 was a great year for Boston Spirit. We had some really fun events. Paula Poundstone was funny and super nice at our Executive Networking Night. We had a great crowd and perfect weather for our Summer Sunset Cruise, and response has been huge for our upcoming LGBT Eldercare Symposium (see page 49). Looking ahead to 2015, we have some exciting and new things in store. Starting the year off, we have our first ever Boston Spirit Top 25 LGBT Power players Gala (to go along with our list which will be featured in the January/February issue). This promises to be a very special Gala as we salute this group of community leaders. Our Executive Networking Night will be back again. This will be our 9th annual networking night as will our Summer Sunset Cruise. We also have some new events and surprises in the works. Oh, and did I mention that 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of Boston Spirit magazine? As 2014 comes to a close I would like to, once again, thank the tiny, yet dedicated, staff of Boston Spirit. Our Editor in Chief James Lopata, Lifestyle Editor Scott Kearnan, Arts Editor Loren, King, Art Director Dean Burchell, ad maven Jenn Dettmann, as well as all of our contributing writers and photographers. I would also like to thank all of our advertising partners and, of course, you! We would not have a magazine without all of you, our readers and supporters. We do not take your continued support of Boston Spirit for granted. We are working everyday to make sure that we bring you issues full of great stories as well as fun and interesting events. As always we welcome your feedback (positive or negative). Wrapping up my last letter of 2014 I want to wish you all a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. For many this can be a very difficult time of year, so let’s also keep an eye out for our friends and neighbors that might be struggling during this time. Remember, one small gesture can go a long way.
David Zimmerman Publisher
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As We Go To Press … The two months between issues of Boston Spirit magazine can feel like a very long time to this editor. So much goes on in the local LGBT community that feels like it just can’t wait. It’s particularly distressing right now, because I’m writing this column in mid-October, two weeks before an election that could see some big deal gay wins — or not. By the time you read this, New Englanders might have elected the nation’s first out state attorney general (Maura Healey in Massachusetts), first out lieutenant governor (Steve Kerrigan), first out state governor (Mike Michaud in Maine — keep in mind that New Jersey’s former Governor Jim McGreevey was never elected while out.), and the person who would be the only out Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives (Richard Tisei in Massachusett’s 6th Congressional District). Of course, elections aren’t the only time-sensitive items of note for local queers. We are an extremely active lot, with lots of news and events and issues to cover. So I’m thrilled to announce that we aren’t waiting any longer. Have you checked out Boston Spirit’s web site recently? If you didn’t visit during the fall political campaign, then you missed out on some compelling and informative epistles from political consultant DeeDee Edmondson. She provided first-hand commentary from the morning-after-the-Massachusetts-primary party, where heavyweights like Governor Deval Patrick had to make nice to the likes of primary winner Maura Healey, who trounced the candidate Patrick endorsed, Warren Tolman. DeeDee also covered the sometimes inexplicable routes that LGBT political monetary contributions were taking. Like, why weren’t gays giving much money to Mike Michaud? Thank you DeeDee for your thought-provoking write-ups. DeeDee’s not the only one giving our local queers something to think about on a timely basis. JK Lynn, from the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC), is providing thoughtful pieces from the queer persons
4 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Contribute your opinion: editor@bostonspiritmagazine.com
of color perspective. This fall, JK gave Boston Spirit readers first-hand reporting of how the HBGC is ensuring that queer voices are included in the Boston City Council’s newly forming commission to address the needs of black men and boys in Boston. Go JK! And thanks! Further, thanks to Eric Brus of AIDS Action, and Brenda M. Cole, Harvey J. Makadon, MD, and Keith Conron of Fenway Health, we have a number of items concerning health matters for the LGBT community. Thank you Eric, Brenda, Harvey, and Kerith! And we’re just getting going! Watch for posts from Bob Linscott and the LGBT Aging Project, as well as from other community leaders soon! If you think your local LGBT organization has something important to contribute, please have its communication director contact me. With so much of consequence happening all the time for LGBTs across the six New England states, we want to be sure there is a common, shared space for voices of our communities to speak and be heard. Are you listening? There’s no need to wait another 60 days before getting a good dose of the items that are important to you. We look forward to seeing you all online. In the meantime, enjoy Boston Spirit in print here and now! I’ll see you back here in a couple of months. And since the next time I write this column it’ll be mid-December and you won’t be reading it till after January 1: Happy New Year!
James Lopata Editor
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Community Cliffnotes: Gays For Good
Contents
22
NOV|DEC 2014 | VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 6
50 Giving Spirit: Seasonal Gift Guide
Spotlight Hit List ‘All’ That From The Blog Movie Magician Go Figure Word Is Out Community Cliffnotes
10 12 14 17 18 20 22
Feature Silver and Gold
25
New England’s Gay Porn Industry
29
On their 25th anniversary Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams reflect on art, business, and advocacy It’s kinda puny, but, yeah, Boston produces some big hits, just ask the Maverick Men and local hottie gone bigtime Johnny Hazzard No Paper Tiger
Gay Boston in the 1950s
Despite the repressive, persecutorial nature of the McCarthy era, queer culture thrived underground in Puritan New England
34
Celebrity out chef of local beloved eatery Sweet Cheeks Q shares all the recipes you need to create a complete holiday meal
Giving Spirit
12 ‘All’ That
Need gift ideas for your nearest and queerest? Here are some creative offerings for every type of friend on your list.
40
Four legends bring holiday cheer to Boston
50
60
House Proud
66 ON THE COVER Tiffany Faison’s Thanksgiving Feast PHOTO by Joel Benjamin
8 | BOSTON SPIRIT
40
Life Stages
66
Shared Space
68
For Boston theater couple John Kuntz and Tommy Derrah, work is play Inside a South Ender’s show-stopping Airbnb
Scene Harbor to the Bay Rose Garden Party Fenway Health’s Donor Appreciation Night Arlington Street Church Events Gay For Good HBGC’s LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Conference Maura Healey Fundraiser
76 80 82 83 84 85 87
Calendar 88
Coda Slam Dunk
UMass’s Derrick Gordon scores the title of a trailblazing out athlete
Culture Broadway’s Best
62
Gift giving made easy—but don’t forget to read them first Also recommended
New England Events
Seasonal A Tiffani Faison Feast
The Season’s Best Books
96
G E T
A W A Y
T O
WONDERLAND This winter, cozy up to an adventure you’ll never forget.
Foxwoods is a wonderland of thrills, chills and excitement like nowhere else. Watch your favorite stars shine in intimate venues. Play the Northeast’s largest selection of tables and newest slot games. Indulge in premier fine dining or casual comfort food. Enjoy championship golf, luxurious spas, one-of-a-kind nightlife and great new promotions. All at one incredible destination.
NOV|DEC 2014 | VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 6 PUBLISHER
David Zimmerman EDITOR IN CHIEF
James A. Lopata
HOTEL RATES S T A R T I N G A T $9 9 !
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 Tony
Giampetruzzi, Randy Gomes, Mark Krone CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Benjamin COVER IMAGE Joel Benjamin ON THE WEB
BostonSpiritMagazine.com TALK TO US Send comments, questions and encomia to feedback@bostonspiritmagazine.com EDITORIAL CONTACT
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SPOTLIGHT Trending STORY Scott Kearnan
Hit List NEWS, NOTES, AND TO-DOS FOR EVERY GAY AGENDA
DECK THE HALLS
PREPARE FOR RETAIL THERAPY at the
—or at least Jordan Hall—with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC). From December 14-21, their golden pipes will grace us with Forbidden Holiday, a spunky and sexy yuletide spin from the writers of Forbidden Broadway. Standards like “The First Noel” share the stage with quirky new tunes like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.” Your conservative aunt’s idea of Christmas caroling, this is not. Schedule and tickets: bgmc.org
newest local outpost of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the gay-founded luxury furniture brand with a history of social justice advocacy and a consistent 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. The 9,000-square foot location will open next year at 3rd Ave Burlington, the North Shore’s new dining and retail destination that is already home to swanky steakhouse The Bancroft. It will be owned and operated by the same partners behind Mitchell Gold’s Boston and Natick locations. Shop: mgbwhome.com
GET GLITTERY
with the return of Queen Night, a special monthly series that sees New England’s most fabulous drag queens take over The Donkey Show, American Repertory Theater’s hugely popular, interactive disco bash that sets Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a sequined-short-shorts setting The Donkey Show
akin to Studio 54. Prepare to shake your groove thang. The Donkey Show recurs every Saturday night at Oberon in Harvard Square; the next Queen Night reigns on November 15. Info and tickets: americanrepertorytheater.org
TIP YOUR MORTARBOARD
to the eight New England schools that made the recently released Top 50 List of LGBTfriendly Colleges & Universities compiled by Campus Pride, an organization that
10 | BOSTON SPIRIT
DON’T FORGET TO PACK
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
measures and indexes quality of life for LGBT students by analyzing institution programs and policies. The New England schools that earned A grades are: Amherst College; Brown University; Connecticut College; Dartmouth College; Harvard University; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Rhode Island; and University of Vermont. More info: campusprideindex.org
SALUTE THE SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT of Theodore Waechter.
The Harvard College student is a recent recipient of a scholarship from the LEAGUE
Foundation, a Dallas-based organization that was founded in 1996 and bills itself as the country’s oldest scholarship program for LGBT-identified individuals. Waechter, a North Carolina native, was one of just eight nationwide scholarship recipients out of 1,300 applications received for 2014. Learn more: leaguefoundation.org
a copy of your new favorite travel tome, Wanderlush. The just-released collection of travel essays comes from gay author David Robert, a Northampton native and Providence resident, and is filled with uproarious anecdotes that follow anxiety-ridden Robert on a quartet of globe-trotting expeditions with his “Xanax-popping, chardonnay-swilling mother”: from Lisbon to Dubai, Paris to Costa Rica. Warning: May cause uncontrollable laughter in the middle of a quiet plane. Skim it: wanderlushthebook.com
BOOK A RIDE with Le Limo. The gay-
owned limousine company had a (very) big idea when news came that Chick-fil-A, a fast food chain with a history of antigay views, would be opening within just miles of its Shrewsbury office. Le Limo purchased space on a digital billboard on Route 9, a short distance from the new eatery, and through mid-October ran an advertisement featuring lovey brides canoodling in the back of a limo. “We felt that we needed to counteract their political stance of exclusion with a message that is more welcoming and accepting of the LGBT community,” said a Le Limo spokesperson. [x]
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SPOTLIGHT Film STORY Scott Kearnan
“ Art has saved my life … she lives with her partner, attorney Joyce Kauffman.
‘All’ That LESBIAN AUTHOR’S HIT DEBUT NOVEL WILL BECOME A KATIE HOLMES-DIRECTED FILM With her debut novel All We Had, Annie Weatherwax is enjoying the kind of success that more seasoned authors envy. The book was released in August to strong reviews, and was an editor’s pick for Oprah’s Book Club — a major coup of exposure. The attention is only growing. All We Had caught the eye of actress Katie Holmes, who has optioned it for a film that she plans to make her directorial debut.
Not too shabby for a first-time novelist. But to call Weatherwax a “writer” is only half right. Really, she’s a painter — of words. “To me, writing is a visual art,” says Weatherwax. “Mechanically something similar happens in my brain.” Before picking up a pen, Weatherwax had already built a successful career as a painter and sculptor. She continues to create out of her studio in Roslindale, where
12 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Weatherwax’s dyslexia caused her trouble reading as a child, but writing has always been a different matter. That’s because her artistic aptitude was developed early, and she instinctively approached writing in the same way: She visualizes a story’s people and places from all angles, as a sculptor might. She writes in piecemeal passages, gradually smoothing them into a narrative, just as a painter might bounce between corners of a canvas, returning over and over to refine incomplete areas. She uses words like brushstrokes: Adding, blending, and massaging them until her wholly complete image finally snaps into view. In the case of All We Had, that image is a fully realized American small town populated by a young girl, Ruthie, her mother Rita, and a colorful cast of locals like Peter Pam, a wisdom-dispensing transgender waitress at
the diner where cash-strapped Rita lands a job. Weatherwax’s work can easily be enjoyed simply for its richly drawn, evocative characters. But at the soft heart of All We Had is a larger, thoughtful reflection on contemporary America’s socioeconomic disparities. The novel’s nomadic mother-daughter pair teeters on the edge of poverty, surrounded by a chosen family whose support may or may not be enough to help them through the harder times. “I can’t imagine writing without having some quiet commentary on social justice under the surface,” says Weatherwax, who has been a supporter of local orgs like Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and Greater Boston PFLAG. “I’m a political person, and art is a powerful way to express things.” It has also been a powerful way for Weatherwax to express herself in personal ways. “Art has saved my life over and over again,” says Weatherwax. She
LET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT...
Annie Weatherwax [ABOVE] and examples of her painting and sculting [OPPOSITE]
over and over again. ” sees something of herself in her “tomboyish” character Ruthie, and the act of creating has been a form of “salvation” that got her through difficult times — including an “awful” coming out process, says Weatherwax. The Glastonbury, Connecticut, native originally followed her talents to the Rhode School of Design (RISD), and enjoyed a successful career sculpting superheroes and cartoon characters for major clients like DC Comics, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, and Pixar. But when her brother was diagnosed in his thirties with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, Weatherwax was given a sobering reminder: “Life is short.” So she quit her lucrative sculpting career to tackle the new artistic challenge of writing. Weatherwax found literary stimulation in favorite authors like George Saunders and Flannery O’Connor, who was also a cartoonist. But she also found inspiration in other visual artists: like painter Alice Neel,
THE ONLY THING STRAIGHT ABOUT YOU SHOULD BE YOUR TEETH DR. EDWARD WYSOCKI
known for the psychological nuance of her portraits, and photographer Diane Arbus, famous for her affectionate treatment of cross-dressers, circus sideshow performers, and others considered to be on the fringe of mid-century society. Now that All We Had will become a headline grabbing, Katie Holmes-directed film, Weatherwax hopes that its themes of economic inequality and gender identity will find an even broader audience. After all, it’s not often that a transgender character is offered as a mainstream novel’s moral compass. “There was been a limited representation of transgender characters in literature,” says Weatherwax. “What this movie deal has done is given the book a great deal of press that it wouldn’t otherwise have. And if that means that many more people read the book and fall in love with Peter Pam, the novel’s voice of warmth and reason, then I am very pleased.” [x]
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SPOTLIGHT Online COMPILED Randy Gomes
From The Blog
Looking for interesting, timely local, LGBT information? Boston Spirit’s online blog is featuring some of the most up-to-date insights with new bloggers from the worlds of politics, health, culture, community, and beyond. Here’s a few bites from recent posts to whet your appetite. Log on to bostonspiritmagazine.com for the latest!
COME OUT, COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE ORIGINAL PIECE Boston Spirit Staff This past October 11th was National Coming Out Day. Coming on the heels of a historic week in which marriage equality spread to more than 30 states, some have begun to ask ‘Do we still need National Coming Out Day?’ After all, we have out, gay professional football and basketball players, celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. People are coming out everyday and receiving largely welcoming response. What’s the big deal anymore? The answer is Yes, we still need National Coming Out Day. And, taking it a step further, Massachusetts needs National Coming Out Day. The reason is simple … youth. Statistics on homelessness and suicide among LGBT youth are staggering. LGBT people make up roughly five percent of the youth population overall, but an estimated 40 percent of the homeless-youth population. Moreover, a study in the journal Pediatrics in 2011 found that 21.5% of their LGBT youth
respondents had attempted suicide, compared to 4.2% of nonLGBT respondents. What does this have to do with National Coming Out Day? These statistics represent a lingering lack of acceptance of LGBT youth. A lack of acceptance by parents, peers, and adults who can help. And yet, each and every time a celebrity or athlete comes out it gives these kids one more role model to look up to. One more ray of light that It Gets Better. It also helps to educate some of the parents who have kicked their son or daughter out of their home. There remains a real need for role models for LGBT youth. These kids need to know (just as straight kids do) that they can grow up to have happy, successful lives doing whatever they want to do whether it is running for office, playing a sport, or excelling in business. Boston Spirit is calling on Massachusetts business leaders, politicians, athletes, media celebrities, and anyone else still living ‘in the closet’ to come out. The time is now and you can make a difference. Think about the youth. Be a role model. Come out, Come out wherever you are.
HEALTH MATTERS: THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING COUNTED ORIGINAL PIECE Kerith Conron In order to count in our society, we have to be counted. Data from demographic questions on the U.S. Census related to race, sex, and age that have been added to the Census over the years are used to inform policy and funding decisions aimed at ending discrimination and reducing health inequities. Currently, there are no transgender-inclusive questions about gender identity on the Census or other massive, publicly-funded surveys. The need for the inclusion of questions regarding transgender people and other gender
Fenway’s National Coming Out Day infographic
minorities should be obvious. Numerous surveys of transgender people show that gender minority people are the victims of violence at rates much higher than the general population. “Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey” found that 61 percent of respondents reported they had been the victim of physical assault while 64 percent reported having been sexually assaulted. Transgender-inclusive questions also need to be added to surveys regarding income. Here in Massachusetts, transgender adults are three times more likely to be unemployed and three times more likely to be living in poverty than adults who are not transgender. Wide scale interventions designed to reduce discrimination against transgender people are unlikely to happen unless these population-based surveys include transgender and gender minority-inclusive questions. The practical obstacles to inclusion of these questions are
generally the results of a lack of understanding about how to best collect the data. Researchers and participants themselves often do not understand what the term “transgender” means. Some transgender individuals also might choose to identify as “male” or “female”. Both factors could result in a miscount.
WHY COMING OUT IS A HEALTH ISSUE ORIGINAL PIECE Brenda M. Cole, from
Fenway Health
This past October 11 marked the 16th annual National Coming Out Day. Sharing an anniversary with the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, National Coming Out Day is a time to celebrate the courage of openly LGBT individuals, and to raise awareness of the progress made and struggles still faced by the LGBT community. The path through the closet door is unique to each person’s story. While individual experiences are as varied as the people within our communities,
MORNING AFTER HISTORIC PRIMARY FOR LGBTS AND DEMS IN MA ORIGINAL PIECE DeeDee Edmonson The morning after the Massachusetts Primary, I saw a most peculiar sight at the Democratic Unity Breakfast, an event held the morning after a Democratic primary that brings together all the candidates and their staffers that hated each other less than 24 hours before to celebrate the winners. The previous night’s winners try not to gloat. Losers try not to look like the sad and hateful bunch that they really are. There are many staged hugs and forced smiles. And there is no breakfast — and the most egregious fact — there is no coffee. As one of four gays in the room this morning — me, newly minted Democratic nominees for Lt. Governor Steve Kerrigan and Attorney General Maura Healey and re-elected Governor’s Council member Eileen Duff — I marveled at the this historic moment in Massachusetts politics. Healey won her
Tuesday primary race handily against Warren Tolman. Healey won almost every city and town in the state – except for five. She walked away with 62.3% of the vote. Impressive. Her GOTV operation, led by campaign manager and field guru Michael Firestone, not only got the job done yesterday – but overcame a candidate who out-raised her 2 to 1 and was supported by Labor, the Governor, and the Boston Mayor. Healey took Boston by 11 points. Well played Team Healey.
NATIONAL HIV TESTING WORKS ORIGINAL PIECE Eric Brus, From AIDS
Action
A new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control finds that both the number of HIV tests administered and the number of new HIV diagnoses were substantially higher in the week around the 2010 National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) than in two other “control” weeks during that year. They compared testing data for the number of HIV testing events and new HIV-positive diagnoses for the week of NHTD (June 24-30) with two control weeks (January 7-13 and August 12-18). The comparison revealed that an average of 15,000 more testing events were conducted and 100 more new HIV diagnoses were identified during NHTD week than during the control weeks. “NHTD campaigns reached populations disproportionately affected by HIV and further expanded testing to people traditionally less likely to be tested,” the CDC researchers noted. “Incorporating strategies used during NHTD in programs conducted throughout the year may assist in increasing HIV testing and the number of HIVpositive diagnoses.” National HIV Testing Day, regardless of its implementation strategywise year-long, is still a good reminder to get tested. HIV testing is available on a walk-in basis at Fenway: Sixteen at 16 Haviland St., Boston Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays). [CONTINUES 16]
NOW OPEN
research suggests that one universal truth holds true: Coming out is good for your health. According to the Centre for Studies on Human Stress LGBT individuals who are out to friends and family have lower stress hormone levels and display fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout. When it comes to the workplace, several studies have found that LGBT people who are not out at work are more fearful and distrustful of management, are less committed to their job, and are less likely to try for promotions or wage increases. This failure to thrive professionally only perpetuates the cycle of poverty. When it comes to LGBT youth, who are four more times as likely to commit suicide than heterosexual youth, research shows familial support during the coming out process leads to a significant drop in the likelihood those LGBT youth will go on to suffer from mental health and substance abuse problems.
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Late last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Triumeq, a once-daily tablet that combines three previously approved HIV medications. Triumeq contains the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir (trade name Tivicay) and two nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). Triumeq is the fourth approved once-a-day combination that comprises a complete HIV regimen in a single pill. The others are Atripla (approved in July 2006), Complera (approved in August 2011), and Stribild (approved in August 2012). Of these four approved regimensin-a-pill, Triumeq is the first that does not contain the drug tenofovir. Although tenofovir is generally a well-tolerated drug, some people experience tenofovir-related bone and kidney side effects, or have existing bone or kidney problems that may keep them from taking tenofovir or combination pills containing the drug. For such persons, Triumeq may be an alternative one-pill-a-day option for HIV treatment. A new Triumeq fact sheet from AIDSmeds.com has more detailed information about the treatment, including its dosing, drug interactions, side effects, contraindications (who shouldn’t take it), and the drug maker’s patient assistance program for persons who do not have private or public health insurance and are unable to afford Triumeq.
VOICES OF COLOR: BOSTON CITY COUNCIL’S COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ORIGINAL PIECE JK Lynn, from the
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Did you know that the Boston City Council is in the beginning stages of creating a commission to address the needs of
black men and boys in Boston? On June 24, 2014 the Boston City Council’s Committee on Government Relations held a public hearing on the status and needs of black men and boys in Boston. The ordinance to create a commission was proposed by Councilor Tito Jackson and directed to the Committee on Government Operations in February. The commission will eventually consist of 14 individuals who will advise Mayor Walsh, City Councilors, and city departments on strengthening pathways to success for one of Boston’s most underserved populations. This is huge news with great potential! Councillor Jackson led the recent hearing and some key questions were raised to the community such as “What are the largest issues/ obstacles facing young men of color?” and “What policy recommendations do you have for Boston City Council in regards to men of color?” To ensure that the perspectives of gay, bisexual, trans and queer voices were included, Corey Yarbrough and Amir Dixon spoke on behalf of the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) during the Health and Wellness discussion. Corey serves as Executive Director of HBGC and Amir Dixon as a board member of HBGC. Recommendations offered by HBGC consisted of: intentional inclusion of at least one gay/ bisexual black man as well as one black transgender man on the newly established commission, inclusion of LGBTQ voices of color in all policies considered by the city, support with the enforcement of comprehensive sex education in public schools, funding to support safe and supportive spaces in schools, and support for LGBTQ-centric health centers and homeless shelters in communities of color. This future commission on black men and boys is a long overdue step for the city of Boston to show that it is committed to the empowerment and advancement of black people. Only time will tell if the city will take this as a chance to value the involvement of its black gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer men as well. [x]
SPOTLIGHT Film STORY Scott Kearnan Filmmaker Anthony Demings
Movie Magician ANTHONY DEMINGS’ ‘RHODYWOOD’ SPOTLIGHTS THE OCEAN STATE’S FILM SCENE
In the last few years, the Boston area has become a hotbed of Hollywood activity. But the influx of movie-making magic hasn’t trickled down to Rhode Island to quite the same degree. Cue: Anthony Demings. The Providence filmmaker and entrepreneur is getting out the word that Rhode Island is a fantastic place to make movies. He hopes that his new venture, Rhodywood, can become a
resource that connects prospective producers to the creative talent and vendors that will make their cinematic visions a reality—and shine a spotlight on the Ocean State in the process. “Rhode Island is an amazing place to make films,” says Anthony Demings’. Besides its varied, picturesque landscape, he says, the small but mighty state alleviates the bureaucratic headaches found in larger places. “In Boston, it practically takes an act of Congress to shut down a road for filming,” he laughs. “In Providence, you make one call to the film office and they send out a patrol car to block the road.” Demings knows a thing or two about making movies. He has been involved in
several short films, including “Children of the Asylum,” a Southern New England Film Festival “Audience Choice Award” winner about his experiences growing up in an orphanage and his discovery of his biological mother after 60 years. Next up, Demings will star in the comedy Dream Wedding, the screenwriting debut of writer Joe Siegel, known to readers of the EDGE Publications, among other LGBT outlets. In Dream Wedding, slated to begin production next year, Demings will star as a hapless dad who inadvertently accepts mob money to finance his daughter’s special day. Hijinks ensue. Demings is a father himself through a previous marriage to a woman. Today he’s open about dating men, though he tends to eschew labeling his sexuality. (“Male or female, people are people. I’ve always looked at it that way,” he says.) Demings cut his creative teeth as a visual artist, working primarily in pen and ink. His renderings of architectural icons in particular — from the Brooklyn Bridge to the clapboard homes of Provincetown’s Commercial Street — line the walls of Brooklyn Coffee and Tea House, the Providence business he founded in 1999. Much more than a java joint, it’s a gathering spot for the city’s artistic community, a hub for live music, open mic nights, and special events. And it is also the headquarters for Deming’s Rhodywood, home to regular film screenings and casting calls. But thinking behind the coffee house’s four brick walls, Demings hopes to grow Rhodywood into a fully realized clearinghouse of film-related vendors. The goal, he says, is to help filmmakers find relevant talent and offer accreditation that separates the wheat from the chaff. Eventually, he hopes to expand into other states. For now, though, he’s content to focus on the Ocean State. From the hit TV show Brotherhood to Woody Allen’s latest, which he filmed in Providence over the summer, Rhode Island is starting to see more lights-camera-action. Demings hopes Rhodywood can continue to foster a network of local filmmaking talent. “We need a collective identity,” says Demings. Labels can indeed be tricky, but “Rhodywood” is one that could do just fine. [x]
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SPOTLIGHT Numbers COMPILED Randy Gomes
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Go East Pier.com
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of U.S. Workforce Covered by Labor Department’s Action to Protect Employees of Federal Contractors from Gender Identity Discrimination. [source: Williams Institute]
17%
of newly diagnosed HIV infections are Americans age 50 and older. [source: AIDS Action Committee]
9.5 million
adults in the U.S. are estimated—on the high end—to be LGBT; 5.2 million on the low end. [source: Williams Institute]
124,000 married same-sex couples in the U.S., estimated. [source: Williams
Institute]
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SPOTLIGHT News STORY Staff
Word Is Out Rabbi Howard Berman Central Reform Temple, with Rabbi Howard Berman and his partner Steve Littlehale, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Boston’s Back Bay this year. The Congregation, which shares space with an Episcopal community at an Emmanuel Church, is comprised of singles, marrieds, and families who live in Boston. The congregation will be holding a big Chanukah Festival on December 14 to help celebrate. Mazel Tov! At the recommendation of Mayor Setti Warren and the Newton Human Rights Commission, the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to amend the City’s nondiscrimination ordinance to include gender identity or expression. The amended language will extend anti-discrimination protections to transgender individuals, including in places of public accommodation, an area which is not currently covered under state law and is included in only nine local ordinances statewide. Kudos to Holly Ryan, Newton Human Rights Commissioner, who was a driving force behind the ordinance. “When I was appointed to the Human Rights Commission almost three years ago by the Mayor, I placed a mandate on myself to acquire full rights for the Transgender Community in Newton before my first term came to an end in January. We have accomplished this. I could not have done this without a welcoming Mayor, Board of Alderman and residents of the City of Newton. These protections say that it is safe and welcoming for all to live, visit and feel free to take part in all our great city has to offer,” said Ryan.
20 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Two New England lesbians won the esteemed MacArthur Fellowships this year. Mary Bonauto, of Maine, was cited for her work as “a civil rights lawyer whose powerful arguments and long-term legal strategies have led to historic strides in the effort to achieve marriage equality for same-sex couples across the United States.” Her achievements at GLAD include arguing for the first civil union rights in the country, in Vermont, and the first equal marriage case for same-sex couples in the Goodridge case in Massachusetts. And Alison Bechdel, of Vermont, was cited as “a cartoonist and graphic memoirist exploring the complexities of familial relationships in multilayered works that use the interplay of word and image to weave sophisticated narratives.” She is best known for her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For and her graphic memoirs Fun Home and Are You My Mother?
“ Pam has helped grow Greater Boston PFLAG in tremendous ways during her tenure with the organization. ”
Tom Jordan
Greater Boston PFLAG President
And now from the our nation’s capital: Oswald “Oz” Mondehar has been named one of the White House’s Disability Employment Champions of Change. On the White House website Oz, Senior Vice President of Mission and Advocacy for Partners Continuing Care, is cited for helping to develop “Working Partners, a first of its kind public-private partnership between Spaulding Rehabilitation Network and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission,” among other accomplishments. Yay Oz!
Greater Boston PFLAG will never be the same. Pam Garramone, who has been a major leader of the organization for 16 years and is currently its Executive Program Director, is moving on. “Pam has helped grow Greater Boston PFLAG in tremendous ways during her tenure with the organization,” said Greater Boston PFLAG President Tom Jordan, in a letter. “As a result of Pam’s efforts to increase the support and acceptance of LGBTQ people in their homes, schools, workplaces, and places of worship, Greater Boston PFLAG now reaches thousands of individuals on an annual basis. Pam has played a key role in making things better for the LGBTQ and ally community. Her passion, dynamic personality, and contagious smile have helped make Greater Boston PFLAG the amazing organization it is today.” [x]
Pam Garramone PHOTO Israel Ferraz
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SPOTLIGHT Community STORY Scott Kearnan Spotlighting New England LGBT organizations and the work they do. Helping you to discover some new neighbors—and fresh facts—about our diverse community.
Community Cliffnotes
Gay For Good (G4G) Gay people have often been slandered as sinners. Here’s one group that proves just how many saints we have in our midst. Introducing Gay For Good (G4G), a collective of LGBT volunteers who donate their time to a wide array of social service projects: everything from organizing casual cleanups at community parks, to offering elbow grease to labor-strapped nonprofits. As the Boston chapter prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary in January, we take a look at how they contribute to our community’s landscape.
What is G4G? Boston’s G4G is one of 10 nationwide chapters. The
initiative started in Los Angeles in 2009, and Boston joined the philanthropic fun in January 2010. The Hub chapter has swelled to about 650 mailing list members (joining is free) who receive updates on monthly service projects that pair the group with a different nonprofit. Many hundreds more keep up with G4G by following its Facebook page. There are smaller meet-ups in between, but each large project tends to draw a crew of 20-25 volunteers, says Art Nava, a member of the Boston chapter’s six-member leadership board. It’s also an intergenerational crowd, says Nava — though he adds that the group hopes to diversify what it is still a predominantly male volunteer base.
22 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Why is it Different? There are several reasons. Foremost, many LGBT volunteer groups tend to focus their efforts on working with LGBT-related nonprofits. (Surprise, surprise!) G4G supports a wide breadth of
organizations that don’t necessarily have specific ties to the LGBT community, allowing its members to connect with causes that reflect a wide variety of personal passions, from feeding the hungry to healing the environment. It also offers an a la carte approach
KINETIC D R A M AT I C to volunteering: Members can sign up for as many or as few projects as they like, picking and choosing based on availability and interest. The flexible commitment makes G4G a particularly popular volunteer outlet for those with busy or oft-changing schedules.
Why is it Important? Particularly because it doesn’t focus on LGBT organizations, G4G provides positive representation of LGBT folks in circles that might otherwise have limited interaction with the community. “I have volunteered with Fenway Health’s Men’s Event and Women’s Dinner Party for years now, but I’m not so concerned about being in volunteer groups that only align themselves with gay-specific organizations,” says Paul Vanecko, a new G4G member. “Keeping our environment clean is something that’s really close to my heart. So when we were helping the Charles River Watershed on a cleanup, I’m not looking at it from a gay perspective but from a human perspective. Gay for Good is a welcoming and all-encompassing group that invites whatever time and effort you can put in to the project at hand.” The array of partner organizations also allows
the community to galvanize around issues that do affect the queer community in unique ways, even if not as obviously as say, marriage equality. For instance: Volunteering at the Greater Boston Food Bank with G4G might take on even greater resonance when one considers that, according to a recent report authored in part by the HRC and National Center for Transgender Equality, transgender people report unemployment at twice the rate of the population on the whole, and transgender workers are nearly four times more likely than the population as a whole to have an annual household income of less than $10,000. Plus, G4G also gives its members a way to meet other LGBT folks who share their interests outside of the bar scene (G4G is respectful of its sober members, says Nava) and while engaged in activities that eliminates the “cliquey” nature of nightlife. Service projects are typically followed by a lunch for socializing, and many members have formed great friendships that extend well outside volunteer hours. “When I think about all the friendships I’ve formed over the last four years, nearly all of them have been through Gay for Good,” says Nava. “When it’s a bunch of gays getting up on Saturday morning together,
POETIC
Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic Through 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 AMG Foundation and Eaton Vance Investment Counsel sponsored the exhibition. The East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum provided additional support. In-Kind Media Partner: WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station. Alexander Calder, La Demoiselle , 1939. Glenstone. © 2014 Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights Society (ARS).
161 Essex Street | Salem, MA | pem.org
to be a part of the greater community, you bring a certain mindset that makes it fun.”
What Has it Done? G4G’s service projects have brought it to nearly every neighborhood of Boston, from Mattapan to Jamaica Plain to the South End. And the tasks themselves always vary widely: from sorting boxes and supplies for Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that outfits low-income children with school essentials, to gardening with Tuesdays with Roses, a volunteer series with
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the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Additional partner nonprofits have included the Franklin Park Zoo, Room to Grow, Young Achievers School, and Toys for Joys, among many more.
Just the Facts, Ma’am: To learn more and connect, visit gayforgood.org or facebook. com/gayforgoodboston [x]
FEATURE Business STORY Scott Kearnan
Silver and Gold
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams and their new book, “Who We Are” [BELOW]
On their 25th anniversary Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams reflect on art, business, and advocacy Since launching their eponymous furniture brand 25 years ago, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams have also built an evolving relationship. They’ve been a couple. They’ve been business partners. And now, as they celebrate their company’s milestone silver anniversary, they realize that they play another important role in each other’s lives. “We’re like brothers,” says Williams. “I love teasing him every so often, but I’ll always be the first to defend him too.” That dynamic has helped the duo build an empire. They launched The Mitchell Gold Co. in 1989 with a $60,000 investment. Today, as Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the company has grown to $125 million in annual sales, and opened its 25th American signature store in this, its 25th year.
“My father and his brother had a business together for most of their life, and I observed a few things about them,” says Gold, explaining the key to their bond— and thus, their success. “They respected each other. They liked each other. And they loved each other.” Though their romantic relationship ended many years ago—Gold and Williams are now separately married—their loving bond remains. And love is something that both men have shared with their wider community. Beyond style, social justice has been central to the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ mission. Gold, who sits on the national board of directors for the Sustainable Furnishings Council, says that he has a chief environmental officer who helps uphold its commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing.
The company’s 600,000-square foot factory in North Carolina has its own nonprofit daycare center: the first of its kind in the residential furniture industry. But LGBT advocacy is of particular importance to the pair. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams employs about 750 people, and, for 11 consecutive years, it has managed to rate a perfect 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, a measurement of LGBT-supportive policies and practices
NOV|DEC 2014 | 25
New selections from Mitchell Gold
devised by the Human Rights Campaign. The company’s contributions to equalityminded organizations and campaigns are innumerable, and their voices have been at the forefront. In particular, Mitchell served for seven years on the HRC board of directors, during which time, he says, he was particularly proud of bolstering efforts to combat religion-based bigotry. It’s an issue that strongly resonates with Mitchell, who has since founded his own initiative Faith in America, dedicated to “confronting religion-based stigma and hostility,” and authored the book Crisis, a collection of stories “revealing the personal, social, and religious pain of growing up gay in America.” “We support organizations that are fighting for full legal and spiritual equality,” says Gold. “That second part isn’t often addressed, but it’s important. Especially for those teenagers living down South, and listening to churches tell them that they’re broken—that they’re abominations.” Of course, over the last 25 years the greater American culture has changed in concert with Gold and Williams’ efforts. Both men recall being “speechless” when
26 | BOSTON SPIRIT
they heard the recent news that marriage equality had come to North Carolina, where the company is based. “I thought we could be waiting 25 more years,” says Gold. Massachusetts was, of course, ahead of the curve on the marriage issue. And as they reflect on 25 years of business, the duo says that despite Boston’s oft-cited reputation for New England reserve, progressiveness is also what sets our city’s style apart. “Boston is a fashionable town,” says Mitchell, when asked what distinguishes the Hub as a market. The city’s respect for tradition, coupled with its forward-thinking sensibility, perfectly complements the classic-contemporary synthesis that defines Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture. “The Boston market doesn’t play it safe,” says Williams “It likes to make a statement. It’s bold. It’s creative. We appreciate that.” Looking ahead, the company is focused on its own progression and growth: Now that Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has reached 25 stores in its 25th year, the plan is to add five or six new stores each year
for the next five years. In 2015, that will include a new Burlington, Massachusetts signature store at the upscale retail and restaurant development 3rd Ave. By February, their signature store in Natick will be about doubled in size; a similar expansion took place at the Boston flagship in 2012. But even as the brand expands, it maintains its identity by staying true to core values. “A big part of the success is that we develop products for ourselves—for our own homes,” says Gold. “We follow our own benchmark for style. It’s not that complicated. When you start studying focus groups and researching consumers—that’s when it gets scary. For us, it’s natural.” “It’s like watching the grass grow,” adds Williams, about the evolution of the brand’s collections. “Day to day, you don’t see much changing. It’s when you look back five, ten or fifteen years that you really see the change.” True of style—and of the world too. [x]
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FEATURE Business STORY Jacob Puck
Stars from Boston past and present: [CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT] Johnny Hazzard, the Maverick Men, Danny Somers with Kris Lord and Tom Chase
28 | BOSTON SPIRIT
New England’s Gay Porn Industry It’s kinda puny, but, yeah, Boston produces a few big ones, just ask the Maverick Men and local hottie gone bigtime, Johnny Hazzard “Most likely, it’s the weather.” In three words JC Adams, gay porn expert and the editor of the industry’s most trusted online news source, The Adams Report, summed up why Boston doesn’t have now, nor ever has had, a booming porn industry. Sure, there have been a number of A-list gay porn stars who have come from Boston or some other part of New England. And the area has done its part to ensure that people have access to 24/7 sex with the notorious Manhunt. net, a Cambridge-based outfit. But, when it comes to a traditional studio like Falcon or COLT, or even one of the popular online sites like Randy Blue or Men.com., well, no one has come a-calling. It’s odd, really, considering the penchant that many porn auteurs have for the iconic jock: the young, impossibly fit, perfectly coiffed, incredibly athletic and (in many cases) somewhat closeted co-ed. Between Cambridge, Boston and the environs, one would think the overwhelming number of colleges in the area would prove to be manna for the enterprising gay porn producer. “Except the guys there can’t really tan,” says Adams. And that may be one reason why local boys have made their way to California, Las Vegas or Miami to find their fortune in blue films. Many of the biggest names in porn were actually from New England.
Who can forget Worcester-based Ryan Idol, the straightish pretty boy who defined jock porn of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s only to become a tragic ne’r do well following a turn at legitimate stage acting in the 2000s? Or Tom Chase, a favorite P’town gadabout who became an enormous star at Falcon in the ‘90s, known mainly for his enormity (and, later at COLT, for his chest pelt when he transitioned from a college jock to a stereotypical daddy). Then there was Johnny Hazzard, ne Frankie Valenti, who in the 2000s went from serving victuals in Boston and P’town to a very lucrative career at Chi Chi LaRue’s Channel One/ Rascal Studios. (See sidebar to read about what Johnny’s up to today). There are more, but the shelf life of the actors is about as long as the 20 minute scenes that made them popular, relegating them to eventual obscurity (Falcon’s Kris Lord, for example — his dildo lives on, though.) “The terms ‘gay,’ ‘porn,’ and ‘Boston’ aren’t really used together in a sentence very often,” says Adams. “I would say Boston has been a popular stop on the gay porn circuit, guys promoting clubs, or back when we had premiers of movies, that kinda thing. But even that activity is a bit of a relic now.” According to Adams, there’s some truth to the weather analysis, but the main
reason why Boston isn’t a hotbed of gay porn, or cinema in general, is that it simply doesn’t have the infrastructure found elsewhere. “Los Angeles is where all the film schools were when porn studios started to form, and the weather was pretty great. So most of the guys interested in a career who started in the industry went out to L.A.. San Francisco was right up the coast, and that’s where a lot of guys were discovered dancing at clubs or something like that. That’s where all the production started originally, before spreading to Las Vegas, Miami, San Diego and New York,” says Adams. “The Internet kinda changed that, because you can be anywhere and start a studio online, but, honestly, even then you can probably blame the weather and the lack of infrastructure in Boston.” The weather may be one reason why Cole and Hunter Maverick do most of their filming outside of Boston. Nonetheless, they are a Beantown gay porn success story, and their roots are presently and firmly in the Hub. Perhaps you’ve seen their site: maverickmen.com. The formula is simple, although divergent from some of the shinier sites out there like Cocky Boys or Randy Blue. Not particularly interested in the daft frat guy, they encourage applications from the decidedly more natural guy, invite him over to wherever they happen to be filming at the time, engage their guy in a decent amount of conversation, chit chat and cavort with each other, and then
proceed to what often becomes a raucous three way. Now, none of the amateurishness of their shtick is to say that the guys aren’t attractive: they tend to be. Cole and Hunter only have one real requirement for men to join them: you must be “nice” (well, you also need to be legal, and, in most cases, you must submit to an HIV test — barebacking is not taboo at this site.) As for themselves, Cole and Hunter are on the DILFy (Dad’s I’d Like to F*ck) side of the spectrum. Their success suggests that it’s a look porn aficionados are eating up, eschewing the fantasy fest that originated with the AIDS era. “I think the polished, shaved, plucked, pretty boy with tons of muscles is just a thing of the past. I think people really want to look at ‘normal’ looking gay guys, with normal bodies, again,” Cole tells Boston Spirit. “I know I don’t mind looking at a guy with a little ponch and a little five o’clock shadow. People are responding to that, and the kind of porn we do is successful because it has a lot of personality in it.” He claims porn lost its way during the politically charged ‘80s and ‘90s when guys were looking for the superman amidst the turmoil of their friends dying and Reagan-era politics. To be sure there are a lot of amateur sites out there, guys jerking off in a bathroom
“ I think the polished, shaved, plucked, pretty boy with tons of muscles is just a thing of the past. I think people really want to look at ‘normal’ looking gay guys, with normal bodies, again. ” Cole Maverick 30 | BOSTON SPIRIT
No Paper Tiger Few gay porn stars have been able to make the jump to mainstream film, let alone pursue a career that transcends their skin flick past, while simultaneously capitalizing on it. Frankie Valenti, known to porn connoisseurs as Johnny Hazzard, a part timer in Boston and P’town, is one of a select few who has been able to reinvent himself since retiring from the biz in the mid-2000s. From fashion designer to blogger to P’town tour guide, Valenti, 37, can now add leading man to the list. He currently is starring in Tiger Orange, a feature film that is making the rounds on the festival circuit, and racking up some decent reviews. Centering on estranged gay brothers struggling to reconnect after the recent death of their father, Tiger Orange reflects some of the real-life travails of Valenti.
Frankie Valenti, a.k.a. Johnny Hazzard
Ryan Idol
[SPIRIT] Tiger Orange has been reviewed as “expertly acted” by The Hollywood Reporter, and the film has been playing to sold out crowds. Are you feeling optimistic about this new chapter in your professional life? [FV] Incredibly so. I think the majority opinion from the masses and my peers has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s hard not to be. [SPIRIT] What was it about Tiger Orange
that made you want to play Todd?
[FV] It’s simple. They asked. I said yes. I read for the part and luckily I did all right. It was about being at the right place at the right time. [SPIRIT] Does it matter to you that some viewers may objectify you because of your past in porn, or not be able to reconcile that that was squarely a past life? [FV] No. It’s par for the course. It’ll always exist because there will always be that select few that will always see me as the porn star. I’ve dealt with it for a while now. I know the drill.
[SPIRIT] Is it totally a former life? In other words, if you could have continued in adult films, gainfully employed, would you?
[SPIRIT] You’ve spent a lot of time in Boston and P’town — in what ways does New England influence you if at all?
[FV] If the money wasn’t so shit, probably yeah. I’d use the money to pay the bills while I pursued the other.
[FV] It’s a home base. I spent my twenties here. It was the first home away from home and it’s where I learned to be gay. The people that I met became my new extended family. And living in P’town allowed me to meet people from all over the world. Needless to say it holds a special place in my heart. [x]
[SPIRIT] What’s the next step with Tiger Orange
— will it be leading to something bigger?
[FV] I will be returning to LA after thanksgiving, at which point I’ll enter the Hollywood game.
stall and throwing the footage up on the net, but Cole and Hunter have taken the genre to a different level, engaging viewers in their life as a couple and offering a peek into the personal life of their models. Cole and Hunter have been together for 15 years. Cole started out as welder during his teens, like the rest of his family, before getting a masters in psychology with the aspiration of being a professor. Hunter, a former Mormon from Utah, was the general manager of a chain of upscale Boston restaurants. Both were clocking in 15 hour days when they decided to start uploading videos of themselves having sex to the mid-2000s phenom xtube.com, the site that arguably set the standard for amateur gay porn. “We discovered what could be done with a digital camera. I was sexual, and so was Hunter, so when we discovered the video setting, we started throwing clips on the site. The first week we had 50,000 views, then 100,000 views and then a million,” Cole recalls. “We were approached by the owners of the site who said ‘you’re crazy if you don’t sell this stuff.’”
Tiger Orange vimeo.com/99100740
One thing led to another and, before long Cole and Hunter had their own revenue-generating channel on xtube.com. “When we got our first paycheck, we were shocked. We literally ran to the bank to see if it was real,” says Cole. “At the time it was a blessing because we only saw each other an hour or two a day. We barely had a life, but those checks kept coming in, so we quit our jobs.” In 2007 they spun out of xtube and started MaverickMen.com. Today, it’s ranked in the top ten gay porn sites in the world by Naked Sword; it prompted a recently published book (Maverick Men: The True Story Behind the Videos); and a companion site, Maverick Men Direct, is slated for launch soon — the pair will be primarily behind the camera for that one. (Incidentally, at press time, the message on their homepage read: “Hey guys, we’ve had about seventeen days without any sunshine here in Boston, so we’ve been daydreaming about warmer days …. Hunter’s only happy when his balls are sweatin and he’s been beggin’ me to take him someplace warm soon.” They were
[CONTINUES 32] NOV|DEC 2014 | 31
[FROM 31]
headed to Palm Springs, California, to do some filming.) “Their formula is working for sure. They don’t make a big deal that they live in Boston, they are just a super sexual couple who film sorta cinema viritee with guys who submit to them,” says Adams, adding that people should expect to see a lot more of the Maverick Men model. Why? Because Cole and Hunter are doing more than just filming themselves having sex with cutish guys. “The Internet is an ever hungry beast, and you need to feed it, and they are incredible at engaging their fans all the time on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and everywhere else,” he says. “They are sexually prolific, and they look like they are having fun. They keep it low budget, and they are really amazing at building their brand. The cult of personality
The Maverick Men with their self-titled book around Maverick Men has worked. They are constantly pumping out new material, and they are good looking guys. People respond to that, so they get away with it.”
Adams adds that the industry is very cyclical, and that long form porn may one day return, but, for now, people are unwittingly enjoying a throwback to the genre’s roots.
“If you go back to the early days of porn, it was just seven minute, 35 millimeter loops with a bare bones story, and that’s kinda what people want now,” he says. “The difference is that you don’t need to order it from the back of magazine, cash on delivery, wait six weeks to get, and be concerned about being thrown in jail for possessing. Now, it’s on your phone whenever you want it and that creates unbelievable demand.” Cole concedes that he thinks that there has been a shift in both porn and gay culture in general, and that Maverick Men is just reflective of that shift. He says people are realizing that sex can be fun again. In fact, that’s the motto of his site. No matter, his fantasies are alive and well: Cole’s favorite porn star to this day is Jeff Stryker. [x]
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FEATURE History STORY Mark Krone PHOTOS Nishan Bichajian , Courtesy of MIT Libraries, Visual Collections,
Theater District, Washington Street, 1950s.
Gay Boston in the 1950s Despite the repressive, persecutorial nature of the McCarthy era, queer culture thrived underground in Puritan New England “The ‘50s are a strange period—so bland and conservative on the surface, but with a lot bubbling up as well that would emerge in the turbulence of the 1960s.”
Neil Miller, author, Sex-Crime Panic: A Journey to the Paranoid Heart of the 1950s It was a warm day for a cold war. The temperature reached 48 degrees in Wheeling, West Virginia, on February 20,
34 | BOSTON SPIRIT
1950. Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) strode onto the stage with the down home confidence that endeared him to regular folks. To his audience, the former Marine was a welcome contrast to the effete Washington politicians with their East Coast superiority and secretive ways. The members of the Women’s Republican Club of Wheeling were rapt as McCarthy dramatically claimed to possess a list of Communists working in the State
Department. Over the next few weeks, his list of names fluctuated between 10 and 57 Communists. In the end, McCarthy never produced a single one, but the fearful, repressive atmosphere his accusations created hung over the country for years. Reputations, careers, and lives were ruined. Labeled “The McCarthy Era,” this period is a staple of high school textbooks as an object lesson in governmental persecution. Much less known was the mass interrogation and subsequent firings of thousands of gays and lesbians during this same period often called “The Lavender Scare.”
Hotel Fensgate, Beacon Street. Location of early Beaux Arts Ball.
Within the federal government during the Cold War and extending into the 1970s, the assumption was that gays could be easily blackmailed by foreign agents who threatened to expose them as “sexual deviants” unless they provided secret information. Lesbians and gay men soon joined suspected Communists as the hunted. Unlike the high-profile movie stars and writers with leftist pasts who fought back, gays were easy targets because they could not retaliate. To complain to a newspaper reporter about forced interrogations and firings meant admitting to being homosexual, something few people were prepared to do. By the end of the 1950s, over 5,000 federal workers were fired or forced to resign for being gay. After they were fired, many took lower-paying jobs in more accepting occupations like hairdressing and food service. Some committed suicide.
Though he was not fired from the government, gay scholar F.O. Matthiessen certainly felt the repression. In April 1950, he jumped from a window of the Hotel Manger near North Station. A suicide note cited “concern over political conditions of the world today,” according to the Harvard Crimson
The roundups soon spread to state and local governments and even to private companies. David K. Johnson writes in his book, The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government, that a 1958 study estimated “one in every five employed adults in America had been given some form of loyalty or security screening.” But it was lesbians and gays who were singled out and fired. (The military continued to interrogate and fire LGBT people until the practice was outlawed on September 21, 2011.) In the 1950s, suburban neighborhoods sprouted throughout the country, teeming with new families who had fled the cities. The young medium of television portrayed heterosexual life as noble and natural, driving gays more underground then they were a decade before. Given all of this, you would think 1950s gay life in Boston was a depressing
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Late-night cafeterias like this one catered to LGBT crowds.
combination of secrecy, loneliness, and self-loathing. Except that it wasn’t. Sure, it was risky and certainly underground. But for those who went to bars, nightclubs and restaurants that attracted a gay clientele, Boston gay nightlife was rich, varied and even glamorous. With the exception of the late 1970s, the variety of gay nightlife during the McCarthy era in Boston has never been equaled. Scollay Square still existed then, though its years were numbered. Located where Government Center is today, the area attracted gays to its bars, burlesque houses and theaters. John H. (last name withheld at his request) grew up just outside Boston in the 1950s, and recalls the burlesque houses as an introduction to Boston nightlife. “There was a group of gay guys in my high school who dropped out to move into town. We never said anything but we all knew they were gay. They took us to the old Howard and the Casino. It was dirty comedians followed by strippers. It wasn’t sexy for us but it was exciting. There was
36 | BOSTON SPIRIT
The Waldorf Restaurant near Park Street buzzed with LGBT patrons after the bars closed.
one stripper named ‘Countess Bareassity.’ After the shows, we’d go to the bars.” Boston was a more active port of call for sailors then and they where regular visitors to Scollay Square bars, especially the Lighthouse, Half Dollar, and Silver Dollar. Gay men and sailors could meet at one of these bars and take a room at one of the cheap, nearby hotels. And if you were down on your luck or too drunk to go home, you could spend the night at the
Rialto, a 24-hour movie theater where men met for sex. And then there was Park Square. The Punch Bowl, Jacques, the Napoleon Club, and Mario’s were all within a few blocks of each other. Unlike the Scollay Square bars that were ostensibly straight but frequented by gay people, these bars were expressly for gay people. The Punch Bowl was not hidden or at all secret. Everyone knew it was a gay bar and no one could miss the bold, cursive letters on its front: “The Punch Bowl.” In an interview with the Lesbian Herstory Archives, activist Barbara Hoffman spoke about going to the Punch Bowl in the 1950s, “I still remember walking into this packed bar. It was an hour before closing, and they were six deep at the bar. I asked [my friend] Rodney if everyone here was gay, and he said ‘yes.’ I couldn’t believe my eyes.” Vicki’s at the Hotel St. Moritz catered to a lesbian crowd as did Cavana’s, a bar with a tough reputation. A few blocks away, the Napoleon Club attracted a successful, older mostly male crowd. Liberace
A place to sleep and cruise. The Rialto Movie Theater in Scollay Square.
sometimes dropped by after a concert downtown. “The first gay bar I went to was probably was the Napoleon Club,” recalled Conrad Shumway in a 1995 interview with the History Project. “It was just one room downstairs [then] and a little entryway where you hung your coat. And of course, you had to wear a jacket and a necktie. The hatcheck girl, Ivory Rubin, would give you a beat-up old tie to put on. It would look like hell.“ Shumway had moved to Boston from Vermont in the early 1950s. One day, he walked into the Lincolnshire Hotel bar on Charles Street for a drink. “It was really a men’s bar for the hotel but the hotel’s business was fading away and it turned into a gay men’s bar. I met my partner there on June 27, 1952. He was in the real estate business. Shumway and his partner ran boarding houses on Beacon Hill for the next 20 years. Bus stations around the country were pick-up places for gay men and Boston had two — Trailways and Greyhound — within a couple of blocks of each other near Park
The Light House Bar (right of sign) in Scollay Square.
Square. Cruising in the Public Garden and along the Charles River was also robust. Playland and the Chess Room were located in what later became the Combat Zone, Boston’s adult entertainment area in the 1960s- 1970s. The Chess Room served a dressy clientele of older men looking for younger men. It was in the basement of the Hotel Touraine. “The bartenders were hot as hell, but they didn’t like the gay clientele. To hold the job, they were told by the manager, ‘you’ve got to be
nice to these people, they bring money in here.’ They wore white jackets with black bow ties, very proper. You had to wear a neck tie in there, too,” said Shumway. Playland and 12 Carver Street attracted a more relaxed clientele. Blue-collar truck drivers mingled with Harvard students. Playland even had a few regular black patrons, unusual in Boston gay bars at this time. Phil Baionne, owner of 12 Carver Street (now replaced by the Transportation Building), was a large man who liked
NOV|DEC 2014 | 37
PHOTO BY PAUL SPECHT
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Sign atop a building points to Greyhoud Bus Terminal, a cruising spot for men.
to end an evening by mounting a swing and gliding over the crowd. Recalled Shumway, “He’d get all juiced up and get in his swing and say, ‘Now it’s time for Papa to swing.’ And she would sing ‘Summertime,’ and she’d wear a big straw picture hat with ribbons and bows and the ribbons hanging down, and they would fly out, and here she is, 300 pounds with this great big straw picture hat on. ... If she fell, she’d kill 300 people.” Lundin Turkish Baths, which served as a male bathhouse was next door. Some patrons went to 12 Carver Street and ended the evening at Lundin’s. Near Copley Square stood the Irvington Rooms for Men, a former hotel that was also essentially as bath house for men. After the bars closed, some people continued drinking at Charlie Trafton’s afterhours bar on St. Botolph Street. But most went to the allnight eateries on Boylston or Tremont Streets including Hays-Bickford (nicknamed “Gay-Hayes”), Waldorf, Walton’s, and Childs. These affordable restaurants were often packed with gay people and sometimes the noise level got so high, the manager threw people out.
The highlight of the gay social season in the 1950s was the Beaux Arts Ball. The ball began in 1952 at the Fensgate Hotel at 534 Beacon Street, according to Shumway. The hotel manager was not happy when men waltzed into the lobby dressed in chiffon and ladies arrived in tuxedos. The ball moved to the Punch Bowl for several years where it attracted giant crowds, including many spectators who waited to see the men in drag enter in their lavish outfits. One year, a cab driver brought his wife to view the ball attendees. After the “oohs and ahhs” had died down, he was heard to say to his wife, “Some of them look better than you.” With that, she slapped him, recalled Shumway, laughing. In looking back, the bleakest hours of the 1950s have something in common with the height of the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Under siege, queer people still danced and partied even as they were scapegoated, punished, and neglected by their own government and society. For LGBT people, perhaps “the band plays on” especially in the darkest hours because celebration is our gospel music. It defiantly proclaims that we are still here. [x]
SEASONAL Food STORY Scott Kearnan PHOTOS Melissa Ostrow
A Tiffani Faison Feast
Celebrity out chef of local beloved eatery Sweet Cheeks Q shares all the recipes you need to create a complete holiday meal
40 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Tiffani Faison PHOTO Michael Diskin
‘Tis the season for fabulous feasts. But whether you’re prepping a Thanksgiving meal for family or whipping up a potluck platter for your nearest and queerest, all that cooking can require clocking some stressful hours in the kitchen. Thankfully, chef Tiffani Faison shared with us her recipes for success. You might recognize Faison as the runner-up from the very first season of the hit show Top Chef. (She later returned to the series as a contestant on its All-Stars installment, and most recently placed runner-up on the inaugural series of Top Chef Duels.) You may have spotted Faison at a community event, whether she was headlining Taste of Provincetown to support MassEquality, or supporting fundraisers for out attorney general candidate Maura Healy. And you’ve hopefully grabbed a seat at Sweet Cheeks Q, her topnotch barbecue restaurant near Fenway Park that has emerged as a major foodie favorite. It’s at Sweet Cheeks that Faison hosted one of her most memorable holiday meals: a Thanksgiving dinner for her wife Kelly’s family. “We felt so loved and accepted by all of them,” Faison recalls. So in the spirit of the season, she and sous chef Daniel Raia shared some Sweet Cheeks-approved recipes that will help Boston Spirit readers create a complete holiday meal—one that’s tasty enough for a top chef, but accessible enough for non-pros to pull off. Sweet. NOV|DEC 2014 | 41
MAPLE BLACK PEPPER ROSEMARY TURKEY Serves 8-10
1ea. Turkey (10-12lbs) 1ea. Maple cure (recipe follows) ½ lb. Butter, softened 6-7 sprigs Rosemary, divided 2 gal. Homemade chicken stock 1.5 qts. Good maple syrup 1/3C Whole black peppercorns, plus more for the grinder 2ea. Large onions, peeled and quartered 2ea. Large carrots, peeled and quartered 3ea. Large stalks of celery, washed and quartered ½c Minced chives (optional for garnish) Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper
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1. Trim the turkey of any excess fat/skin. Remove giblets and dry the exterior of the bird as much as possible. 2. Rub the Maple Cure (recipe below) all over the outside of the bird. Sprinkle a little cure on the inside cavity. 3. Let the turkey cure for up to 3-4 days, but for at least 36 hours before cooking. 4. While the turkey is in the cure, start the glaze. Bring your chicken stock to a boil and reduce to 1 gallon. At this point, separate out 1 quart and put it aside for your gravy later. You will be left with 3 quarts of broth. Add the maple syrup, 1/3C of whole black peppercorns, and 4 sprigs of rosemary. 5. Reduce this liquid down until you have about 2 quarts of thickened glaze. Strain this liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and reserve. 6. Two hours before you are ready to cook the turkey, wipe off all the cure with a wet paper towel. Gently rub the softened butter and lots of fresh ground black pepper underneath the skin of the turkey. Truss the turkey so that the legs are tight against the thighs, and the wings are tight against the breast, tucking the wing tips behind the larger joint of the wing.
7. Pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees. If you have a convection oven, set your fan to low. Let the turkey come to room temperature (loosely covered with a towel) for two hours. 8. Set up a roasting pan with a V-Rack. Place the onions, celery, carrots and the remainder of the rosemary in the bottom of the pan. Cover with the 2 quarts of strained glaze. Put the turkey on the V-Rack and cover with foil. 9. Roast the turkey for 2-2.5 hours (basting every 20 minutes), or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. 10. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees, remove the foil and cook another 30-45 minutes, continuing to baste every 10 minutes, or until the turkey is golden brown and has a crispy skin. Remove from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees. Let the turkey rest, loosely covered with foil for at least 30 minutes before cutting. 11. Strain all remaining glaze into a fat separator for the gravy (recipe follows). Discard the vegetables and the fat.
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GRAVY ½lb Butter, cubed, separated ¼c Fine minced shallots 2T All purpose flour 1C Dry white wine All Remaining glaze/cooking juices 1Qt Remaining reduced chicken stock
DRY MAPLE CURE 1C Maple sugar (AKA Granulated Maple) 1C Kosher salt 10ea Cloves of garlic, crushed 4ea Whole star anise seeds 2 sprigs Rosemary, picked ¼c Cracked black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 cloves Garlic, smashed Kosher Salt Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1. After removing the V-rack and the vegetables from the roasting pan, place on a medium burner with 1/4 lb. of the cubed butter. Sweat the shallots on medium heat for 3-4 minutes stirring often. 2. When softened, add the 1/4 c of flour and continue to stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes. 3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, and cook for one minute, whisking often. 4. Add the remaining chicken stock, glaze, thyme, rosemary and garlic. Bring to a low simmer and reduce for 20-30 minutes or until it has reached a desired consistency, whisking every few minutes. Finish the gravy with lots of fresh ground black pepper, the remaining ¼c of cubed butter, adding a few cubes at a time while whisking, and salt to taste.
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CREAMED ONIONS Serves 8-10
1lb Thick sliced bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces 2oz (1/2 stick) Butter (unsalted) 1lb Pearl onions, peeled 1lb Cipollini onions, peeled 1lb Trimmed leeks, washed and cut into ½ inch rounds (whites only) ½c Madiera 2C Chicken broth (preferably homemade) 1.5C Heavy cream 2oz Dried porcini mushrooms 2 sprigs Fresh thyme 1C Parmesan cheese, finely grated 2T Minced chives 2T Minced parsley Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1. Spray a ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray and pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large sauté pan, cook the bacon on low heat until crispy, stirring often, 4-8 minutes. 3. While the bacon is cooking, heat the cream, the thyme and the dried porcini in a small saucepot on medium heat. Bring the cream to just below a simmer, turn the heat off and steep together for 10 minutes. 4. Strain the cream, and reserve. Rough chop the mushrooms and set aside. Trash the thyme sprigs. 5. When the bacon is crispy, remove from the pan, but leave the fat in the pan. Add the butter to the pan. 6. When the butter is foaming, turn the heat to high and add all the onions and leeks. Cook on high heat until the vegetables are slightly brown on all sides, 5-7 minutes. 7. Turn off the flame and carefully add the sherry to the pan. Turn the flame back on high. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. When the sherry is almost dissolved, add the chicken stock, the reserved heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese. Cook on high until the liquid is slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the bacon and the chopped mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. 8. Transfer the mixture to the ceramic baking dish. Cover with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown. 9. Garnish with the minced herbs.
44 | BOSTON SPIRIT
SAUSAGE AND OYSTER BISCUIT STUFFING Serves 8-10
6C Hearty white bread, cubed 6C Day old biscuits, cubed ½ lb. Sausage, preferably smoked – diced ½ lb. Cubed butter, divided 2C Minced white onions 2C Minced celery 2C Minced fennel 6 cloves Garlic, minced
10ea Sage leaves, chopped 4 sprigs Fresh thyme, picked off the stem 1T Old Bay seasoning ¼c Dry vermouth 3C Chicken stock 2ea Whole eggs, beaten 10ea Oysters, shucked (save the juice) Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Toast the bread and biscuit cubes in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for 10 minutes or until crispy and dried out. 2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage in half of the butter on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the celery, onions, fennel and garlic and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes. Add the sage, thyme old bay, salt and pepper, and cook one more minute. 3. Deglaze the pan with the vermouth. Cook for one minute, then turn off the heat and add the chicken stock. 4. Let this mixture cool until room temperature. 5. In a large mixing bowl, very gently mix all the bread and biscuit cubes, the vegetable mixture, the beaten eggs, the oysters with their juice, and the remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Put this mixture in a greased baking dish, and cover with aluminum foil. 7. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is browned.
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CRANBERRYPOMEGRANATE SAUCE 1lb Fresh cranberries 1C Granulated sugar 1C Pomegranate juice ½c Pomegranate molasses 1 Pinch Kosher Salt Cook all ingredients together on med-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until cranberries are soft. Puree half the mixture in a blender, then fold into the whole chunks of cranberries. Cool.
46 | BOSTON SPIRIT
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POTATO PUREE Serves 8-10
3lbs Yukon gold potatoes, washed 1lb Butter, unsalted 2C Heavy cream, hot
3ea Fresh thyme sprigs 2ea Smashed garlic cloves tt salt Kosher Salt for water
8. Stab the whole potatoes with a small knife 3-4 times each side. Place the potatoes in cold salted water and bring to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 20-30 minutes until a knife easily slides in and out of the potato. 9. Melt the cream and butter in a small pot with thyme and cream; remove thyme and cream before use.
10. Drain the water from the pan and peel the potatoes as soon as they are cool enough to handle. They should still be as hot as possible. 11. Rice the potatoes through a ricer or a food mill, into a pot on very low heat. Stir them with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes to dry them out. 12. After all the butter has been added, add the hot cream, a little at a time. Season with salt to taste. 13. Put the potato puree through a mesh screen (aka tammis), for an ultra-smooth texture. 14. Keep warm over a double boiler, and serve within 90 minutes of making.
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FARM SALAD Serves 8-10
BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CASSEROLE Serves 8-10 7ea Whole eggs, large 3 cans (10oz) Condensed cream of mushroom soup 2C Mayonnaise (jarred is fine) 2t Kosher Salt
1t Black pepper, freshly ground 1lb White cheddar cheese 3C Fresh broccoli, cut into 1 inch florets and par-steamed ¼c Minced onion 10ea Ritz crackers, crushed
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add salt, pepper, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and the cream of mushroom soup. 3. Add the par cooked broccoli and minced onion, gently folding it all together. 4. Spray an 8”x10” baking dish with pan spray and put broccoli mix inside, smoothing out the top with a spatula. 5. Make sure the sides of the pan are very clean. 6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 7. Take off the foil, and top with the crushed Ritz crackers and bake for another 10-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the middle is no longer runny. 8. Let the casserole stand 10 minutes before serving.
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1.5C Cooked farro (if you can’t find farro, spelt or wheat berries are a good substitution) 1C Red grapes, halved 2C Brussels sprouts, halved with the core removed 2C Brussels sprouts, peeled leaves 5C Baby arugula ½c Grated Parmesan cheese, divided ½c Candied hazelnuts, crushed Honey-shallot dressing (recipe follows) EVOO Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees. 2. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2T EVOO, salt and pepper. 3. Roast for 5-7 minutes until nicely charred but not burnt. Let cool to room temperature. 4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the farro, grapes, roasted Brussels sprouts, peeled Brussels sprout leaves, hazelnuts, and half the Parmesan cheese. Toss with 1/ c of the honey-shallot 2 dressing. 5. Add the baby arugula, 2 tablespoons of EVOO, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust with more dressing and/or EVOO if desired. 6. Arrange on serving platter and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
HONEY-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE 1ea. Large shallot, chopped ¼c Champagne vinegar ¼c Wildflower honey 1T Dijon mustard 1t Lemon juice 1t Kosher salt 1C Canola or Grapeseed oil
1. In a blender, combine chopped shallot, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon, and salt. Blend all ingredients until smooth. 2. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream until fully incorporated. 3. The dressing will keep refrigerated up to one week in an air tight container.
LGBT ELDERCARE SYMPOSIUM
ELDERCARE SYMPOSIUM
Join Boston Spirit and our panel of experts as we cover a wide range of topics related to LGBT Eldercare. TOPICS COVERED WILL INCLUDE
continuing care options patients’ rights
WEDNESDAY
social support organizations
6:30 - 8:30
estate and financial planning
Fenway Health Ansin Building 10th Floor Auditorium
and much more
NOVEMBER 19TH
Our panel will also be available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.
Catherine D. Burgess
Cathy Burgess is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Cathy’s credentials include two designations; Certified Financial Planner TM and Accredited Domestic Partner Advisor SM. In her brief time with Morgan Stanley Cathy has created and chaired both the Women’s Council and the LGBT Council for Morgan Stanley’s Complex of Branches in Greater Boston.
Lisa Cukier
Lisa M. Cukier is a partner at Burns & Levinson and concentrates her practice in elder law, guardianship/ conservatorship law, and elder financial exploitation, estate and trust litigation, fiduciary litigation, probate law, child custody, parentage issues and divorce, planning and litigation for blended families and same-sex couples, adoption, and disabled person protection advocacy.
Bob Linscott, MTS
Bob Linscott is an educator and community leader committed to issues of equality and social justice. Bob is currently the Assistant Director of the LGBT Aging Project, a program of the Fenway Institute that is dedicated to education, outreach and advocacy for LGBT seniors and caregivers. He also coordinates the Community Meal Program for LGBT Elders with Ethos, a Boston-area elder service agency.
Rey Spadoni
O UST RSVP T M U O Y T U B VENT
ATTEND.
m o c . e n i z a g ma t i r i p s n o t s o Visit b
EE E THIS IS A FR
Rey Spadoni is with Partners HealthCare at Home with over 30 years of experience working within various facets of the health care industry. Rey has served on a number of not-for-profit boards, including presently as a member of the boards of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the South Shore domestic violence agency, DOVE. He has been an active member of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, National Association for Home Care and Hospice and the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.
SEASONAL Gifts STORY Scott Kearnan
Giving Spirit
Need gift ideas for the naughtiest and nicest in your LGBT family? Here are some creative offerings for every type of friend on your list.
FOR THE GYM BUNNY
A Feeling hot — or haute? Either way, hydrate with reusable water bottles from S’well. The BPA-free bottles reduce plastic waste and sport high-fashion styles, like the new “Exotics Collection” with crocodile print. ($25-$45 at B/SPOKE cycling studio, 101 Federal St., Boston; or swellbottle.com)
B A springing hare is the logo for Tracksmith, a new Wellesley-based athletic wear brand. Co-founded by a former Yale track & field athlete, the company serves retro Ivy League looks on vintage-cut running shorts, singlet-style tanks, and more. You’ll love how they complement lean physiques. ($60$65, tracksmith.com)
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C Strike a prettier pose with YogaMatic, which produces dozens of yoga mats boasting cool limited edition artworks: from city skylines to flowers, hypnotic patterns and meditative sayings. You can even upload images to its website to create a wholly custom mat.
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($79-$89, yogamatic.com)
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D D We sweat the cool ‘80s-inflected kitsch of this Shapes Duffel Bag by Mokuyobi Threads. It is stocked by gayowned Strange Ways, a New Haven-based retailer of clothing, accessories, and “oddities” that showcases indie artists, a slightly camp sensibility, and products that are “a bit left of center.” Just like you. ($79.99, strange-ways.com)
E November introduces
a high-tech fix for fitness plateaus: OMsignal, a brand of “biometric smartwear” for the gym. Each shirt’s “little black box” tracks heart rate, breathing patterns, and more data, offering immediate workout analytics that get you closer to your goals. ($199, omsignal.com)
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NOV|DEC 2014 | 51
Commercial Real Estate as a Personal Investment SCOTT H. MOSKOL - Partner, Burns & Levinson LLP smoskol@burnslev.com l 617.345.3522
DONALD E. VAUGHAN - Partner, Burns & Levinson LLP dvaughan@burnslev.com l 617.345.3237
The New Year is coming. For many of us, this marks the time for enjoying the holidays and thinking about New Year’s resolutions. For some, one resolution may be to begin a new business venture. What about investing in commercial real estate? In the past year there has been a resurgence of investors looking to buy commercial real estate (or “CRE” in the trade), whether it be an office building, a multi-family home, or a retail center. After all, one of the benefits of owning commercial real estate is that you (hopefully) have tenants who pay rent, giving you cash flow to use as extra income and to pay back any loan you may have taken to purchase the property. Investing in commercial real estate may seem easier than starting another form of business – you just find a parcel of commercial real estate, buy it and watch the profits roll in, right? But investing in the CRE market is not always that easy. Part of our practice at Burns & Levinson is representing lenders and CRE owners when they encounter financial difficulties. It is amazing to us how many times a little forethought could have prevented future problems. This article offers a starting point of issues to consider when investing in CRE. As always, throughout such a process, we recommend that you contact your own professionals – attorneys, commercial real estate brokers, accountants, insurance brokers etc. – in order to obtain more in-depth advice. • What are you buying? Generally, CRE is purchased in part for the stream of income it is to produce. When you buy property, generally you are “stuck” with the leases that are in place when you buy. A review of these leases should be part of your analysis when purchasing the property. Are your tenants’ leases about to expire in
a year, in which case you may shortly be looking at a vacancy and cash flow issue? Are the leases long term (say 10 years) at a below-market rate, preventing you from charging fullmarket rate now or in the future? What are the rent escalation provisions? In addition to the rent, do the leases provide for the tenants to pay some or all of the costs of operating and maintaining the property? Does one tenant lease the majority of the space? What happens to your business model if a tenant that rents 50% of the space goes out of business and reduces cash flow by 50%? Have there been any reports in the media that some of your tenants may be having financial issues? If you are going to borrow money to purchase the property, does the cash flow support the mortgage, tax and insurance payments you must make? Are the tenants current in rent? Are they happy with the property or are you buying into a contentious situation? • Are there environmental issues with the property you are looking at? Given the long history of industrialization and urbanization in our part of the country, you should assume that any property, even vacant land, in the Northeast has the potential of being contaminated. There are several types of properties, such as gas stations, dry cleaning shops with on-site operations and manufacturing facilities, in which savvy buyers expect environmental issues. However, most people don’t realize that users as benign as laundromats, a common staple in strip malls, may also have caused contamination. Before purchasing the property, consider having an environmental report completed, especially if you plan on getting a loan to purchase the property (since your lender is likely
to require a report be done). If you do have concerns, consider obtaining an indemnity from the seller to cover any accidents that may have occurred prior to your purchase (or stay away from real estate with tenants that raise concern). • Are you buying the property in your own name or in a separate legal entity? We generally recommend that parties protect their personal assets by forming a separate legal entity to purchase CRE. A common form of legal ownership is a limited liability company, or “LLC.” The LLC buys the real estate and the purchaser(s) own the membership interest in the company (“membership interests” are a form of equity). Such ownership structure, by way of example, offers financial protection, as if there is an accident on the property, only the LLC should be held responsible for any such liability and your other personal assets should be protected. Although there are circumstances in which a creditor could pierce this type of corporate ownership, we find such use safer than direct individual ownership. There are other forms of entities that can own property. Discuss with your legal and tax professionals what type is best for you. (One of the authors chairs an annual continuing legal education program that devotes several hours to this topic of choosing the right entity— see www.mcle.org.) • Are you going to take a loan to purchase the property? It is generally easier to obtain a loan to purchase commercial real estate than it is to get a loan to start a new business that is not real estate based. This is because the property to be purchased, which would serve as collateral for any loan, generally can be easily appraised
and, if things don’t work out, sold by the lender. This allows the lender some comfort as to the amount it can lend, but be aware that most lenders will not lend against the full value of the real estate. Just like buying a residential property, you will need to have a sufficient down payment. For CRE loans, that often is 30% or more. • How will you find the best mortgage and terms? With commercial real estate it is important to shop around among many lenders to try to obtain the best deal for your mortgage. Don’t limit your concerns to just the mortgage rate. Your lender may ask you to guarantee the loan – i.e. if the separate legal entity holding title to the property cannot pay back the loan, you and your personal assets will be liable for paying the debt. Some banks may ask for a secured guaranty, which may, for example, be a second mortgage on your residence or a pledge of other personal assets. • What constitutes a default under the loan? It pays to read the fine print in the default section of a CRE loan agreement. “Technical defaults”,
meaning defaults that occur even if you make every required loan payment on time and in full, include failing to provide timely financial reporting, or the property being only 50% leased. • What is the default interest? Default interest is the extra interest you have to pay on the entire loan if a default occurs. We have seen default interest be anywhere from an extra 3% increase to a jump to an 18% interest rate – quite a large spread. Are you, allowed a time to cure any default? (For example, do you have a five-day grace period to pay your loan, or if you are a day late does your interest rate automatically jump to 18%?). It is important to work with your counsel to look at the entire terms of the loans that you are being offered to obtain the best overall package. • Are you going to manage the property yourself or hire professionals to do so? Depending on the leasing terms, owning CRE can be a full time job for you. You may want to consider hiring a reputable manager to deal with the day-to-day problems that inevitably will arise,
from snow removal to plumbing and roof repairs. You also should consider engaging an experienced CRE broker to turn to when it comes time to discuss rent changes with current tenants, or to find new ones. Experienced CRE lawyers often are good reference points for getting names of good CRE managers, accountants and brokers, since we often see the good, and the bad, results of their efforts. These are only a few of the issues you need to consider to ensure a successful business purchase. A little forethought and savvy purchased from professionals upfront can help prevent heartache in the future if you or your property encounters economic difficulties or ends up in a workout situation with a foreclosing lender. To paraphrase Ben Franklin, another of your New Year’s resolutions could be, don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. It is well worth the cost to consult with your various professionals during this time. 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.
T H E F I R M ’ S LG BT G R O U P 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.
LISA M. CUKIER Estate Litigation, Family Law, Business Litigation SCOTT H. MOSKOL Financial Restructuring & Distressed Transactions, Bankruptcy, Corporate DEBORAH J. PECKHAM Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Licensing DONALD E. VAUGHAN Real Estate, Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning 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
burnslev.com
617.345.3000
MASSACHUSETTS l NEW YORK l RHODE ISLAND
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B FOR THE PARTY PLANNER A You can’t whoop it up like in your Avalon days, and besides — your tastes have changed. But two spirited brands have given an upgrade to favorite party favors of yore. Open wide for LIQS, a new line of pre-made, single-serve shots in every color of the rainbow and fun flavor: like vodkalychee-grapefruit ($7.99 per pack, liqsshot.com)
D Whether you’re looking to send a party invite or offer a post-celebration “thank you,” use In Your Own Words, a classy line of greeting cards created by a gay Maine couple. Each ecofriendly card (printed using wind power on recycled paper) features whimsical, one-of-a-kind vintage photos featuring same-sex couples from the 1850s to 1950s. (Stores listed at inyourownwords.me)
B Meanwhile South Boston-based
E Drag queens know how to drink. (You’ve
C If Balderdash had a bastard child (literally) it would be F**ktionary, your new go-to party game created right in Cambridge. Playing cards feature over 300 dirty words; you score points by writing down the correct definition, or convincing other players to pick your raunchy red herring. In this case, “fun” is a four-letter word. ($25, fktionary.com)
F Mix your drinks like a real master:
Richer Pour refines much-maligned boxed wine for mature palates. Its varietals are already found at hot restaurants like Stella and Towne. ($25, richerpour.com)
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been to Jacques, right?) So the next time you throw a party, mix up some selections from “The Harlot’s Guide to Classy Cocktails,” in which NYC’s Jeza Belle compiles drink recipes and booze-related tales from over a dozen prominent drag performers: from club star Kevin Aviance to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alums like Latrice Royal and Tyra Sanchez. (harlotsguide.com) Jackson Cannon, the nationally recognized cocktail expert behind the beverage programs at Island Creek Oyster Bar, The Hawthorne and Eastern Standard at Hotel Commonwealth. Cannon collaborated with 163-year old R. Murphy Knives to create a Jackson Cannon bar knife that helps home bartenders spiral-cutting, notching, and de-seed garnishes with the polish of a pro. ($79, rmurphyknives.com)
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FOR THE CULTURE VULTURE G Lady Gaga lost some of us when her persona and pretension started overwhelming her music. But the bi “Born This Way” singer is back to form with “Cheek to Cheek,” a duet album with legendary crooner Tony Bennett. The intergenerational pals deftly interpret jazz standards by Gershwin, Porter and the like, reasserting Gaga’s talent and providing a superb soundtrack for gay dinner parties—not discos. ($15.88, amazon.com)
H As we celebrate
recent progress toward equal rights, the LGBT community shouldn’t lose the status quoshattering spirit that flourishes when you live on the fringe. The book “Art & Queer Culture” by Catherine Lord and Richard Meyer surveys how queer works — from fine art to bar murals — have reflected the community’s evolving, transgressive history — from Georgian London to 1920s Harlem.
($75, phaidon.com)
I Unfortunately, for many LGBT people the holidays are a reminder of conflicts that exist with their faith. With her just-released book “Facing the Music,” Jennifer Knapp explores reconciliation. The Christian music star lost many fans when she came out in 2010, but has gained many more by founding Inside Out Faith, an organization advocating for LGBT inclusion in faith communities. ($24, jenniferknapp.com)
J Military members
often struggled to balance selfdisclosure with service, particularly during the days of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” During a 2011 Republican primary debate, Stephen Snyder-Hill was famously booed when he queried the candidates about the policy. Now he’s written a book about his pre- and postactivism, “Soldier of Change: From the Closet to the Forefront of the Gay Rights Movement.”
($18.36, potomac. presswarehouse.com)
NOV|DEC 2014 | 55
K HBO’s successful film adaptation of Larry Kramer’s Tony Award winning play “The Normal Heart” just hit DVD. Its exploration of the AIDS epidemic’s onset in the early 80s isn’t exactly holiday fluff. But its compelling drama and evocative look at queer activism is a true gift. ($14.39, amazon.com)
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FOR THE PAMPERED PAL
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A At a certain age, those morning-after eyes start to look a little harsher. (Even if the prior evening’s “party” was just a Netflix binge.) Guinot Cream Eye Fresh is a high-end ointment made with caffeine, mango, chestnut extract and more to reduce puffiness and brighten those peepers. ($48, Richella’s Skincare Studio at South End Health Associates, 50 Concord Square, Boston)
B Androgyny is in style. And Enter Pronoun, a new gender-neutral line by makeup artist Natalia Ramirez, is strong enough to hide some 5 o’clock shadow, yet available in soothing tones make a feminine face look glamorously handsome. ($28-$35, enterpronoun.com)
C You can rest easy when staying with the LGBT-friendly W Hotels. In fact, book an overnight through its new HRC Turn It Up for Change package to receive a one-year membership to the Human Rights Campaign; the hotel also makes a donation. Now rest easy at home with its Bliss Crown Jewels, a gift set filled with the W spa brand’s best products: from an “instant energizing mask” to a “lovehandle” tonic.
D You don’t need to be at Bear Week to know: good hair is sexy. So stock up on Not so Str8, a line of shampoos and styling products that claims to boast “gender specific pheromones for men who love men and women who love women.” Do they work? They can’t hurt, and neither will your new ‘do. ($21.60-$23.20, laidnotsostr8.com)
E It’s billed as a
men’s fragrance, but Tommy Bahama Compass is a scent for any well-traveled soul who needs something new in their carry-on. Hints of Ivory Coast lemon, grapefruit, pimento, tonka beans other exotic notes combine for the brand’s refreshing, sophisticated new scent. ($69, Macy’s, 450 Washington Street, Boston)
($45, Bliss Spa at the W, 100 Stuart Street, Boston)
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FOR THE ALWAYS-IN-STYLE: F Historic Motor City ingenuity
combines with contemporary style in Shinola watches, a new line available at Long’s Jewelers. The handsome, handcrafted timepieces pay tribute to the spirit of American industry andare working to reinvigorate the Detroit manufacturing economy — and happen to look really, really sharp on your wrist too. ($475-$900, Long’s
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Jewelers; locations include 100 Summer Street, Boston; longsjewelers.com)
G The problem: In the cold weather, your unwieldy gloved hands are unable to work your mobile phone apps. The solution: Glove.ly, a line of stylish unisex gloves in a variety of styles (from leather driving gloves to cozy wool and fleece) that are designed for touch-screen use, and don’t sacrifice fashion for function. ($19.99-$95, glove.ly)
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hits, but those P’town vacations will be back before you know it. So get these stylish shades: Cape Codder Sunglasses, available in a variety of stylish, sustainable wood frames that boast a small emblem of the peninsula. And 10-percent of sale proceeds benefit the Cape Cod National Seashore. Protect your eyes — and Race Point — for years to come. ($120, capecoddersunglasses.com)
I The self-described “tomboy style” of Androgyny will suit anyone who has ever wished that traditional men’s button-down shirts could be cut in a way that was more complementary to a female form. Its dapper signature shirts have a tailored cut and smartly placed “boob button” that minimizes draftiness at the chest. ($125, wearandrogyny.com) J Score sweatshirts and shirts
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from Tim-Scapes, the colorful Provincetown-based line by artist Tim Convery. His bright, bold, slightly abstract designs use angular, geometric forms to evoke tourist icons: from the P’town “dick dock” to LGBT-friendly destinations like Ogunquit, the Fire Island Pines, and more. ($21, tim-scapes.com)
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C D The South End gift shop Olives & Grace is the gayborhood’s must-stop boutique for artisanal foods: jams, candies, and other small-batch products from local purveyors. Best of all: a buildyour-own gift box option with personal products and presentation. (Prices vary; Olives & Grace, 623 Tremont Street, Boston)
E If you want your dinner to double as
a magic trick, here’s how: Le Whaf, an amazing invention co-created by Dr. David Edward, the Harvard engineer who is trailblazing the future of food at his restaurant Café ArtScience in Cambridge. Le Whaf converts your favorite food and drinks into inhalable flavor clouds; enjoy the taste, not the calories, and spice up a dinner party. ($225 at Café ArtScience,
650 E Kendall Street, Cambridge) [x]
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FOR THE FABULOUS FOODIE A The theater geek in your life will appreciate this apron and oven mitt set from Broadway Cares, boasting logos from all their favorite musicals: from “Rent” to “West Side Story,” and “Gypsy” to “Cabaret.” Best of all, sales from this and all the other Broadway Cares store products (a Liza Minnelli Christmas ornament, anyone?) benefit Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. ($40, broadwaycares.org)
B White and wheat are just the beginning. Get your well-fed friend’s pantry stocked with the Bread of the Month program from Hyannis’s acclaimed Pain D’Avignon. Three, six, and twelve-month options feature regular deliveries of inventive European-style breads, like November’s Cranberry-pecan and raisinpecan pull-apart rolls. Yum. ($150-$500, paindavignon.com)
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C Most of us don’t look so good after we have a few bottles of wine in us. This stylish iron and leather wine rack from Kenn Gray Home, though, is another story. The former Boston resident, an interior designer who previously hosted the Travel Channel’s “Travel Spies,” has created a new line of décor pieces for every room — kitchen included. And each month, proceeds from a different piece benefit a different organization, like AIDS Project LA. ($470, kenngrayhome.com)
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NOW OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIPS
Corporate sponsorships to this event are available and include packages of either 10 or 15 tickets, individual tickets are not being sold to this event. If you are interested in sponsorship information please contact Boston Spirit via email: publisher@bostonspiritmagazine.com or by phone 781-223-8538
LGBT
POWER
PLAYERS of NEW ENGLAND
On January 15, 2015 Boston Spirit magazine will hold the inaugural Top 25 LGBT Power Players of New England Gala The Gala will bring together all of the ‘power players and influencers’ from the LGBT community in New England from the worlds of business, media, politics, philanthropy and more. Some of the individuals contained in the list include:
Stan Rosenberg
Massachusetts Senate President
Alex Morse
Mayor of Holyoke, MA
Pedro Segarra
Mayor of Hartford, CT
David Cicilline
Matt McTygue
Mary Bonauto
Catherine D’Amato
United States Congressman, Rhode Island Leading LGBT Civil Rights Attorney, 2014 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant
Partner in Charge, Edwards Wildman LLP CEO, Greater Boston Food Bank
Dr. Stephen Boswell CEO, Fenway Health
This event will mark the first time that this impressive group of LGBT leaders will all gather in one room. It promises to be a very special and historic night. Attendees to the event will include more than 200 Greater Boston area executives and corporate sponsors.
CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King
Broadway’s Best Four legends bring holiday cheer to Boston
Andrea McArdle, Faith Prince, Donna McKechnie,and Maureen McGovern
GRE T HOLIDAYS
BEGIN HERE!
Celebrate Holiday Happenings in Salem. Just 15 miles north of Boston.
Learn more at Salem.org @DestSalem #SalemMA
Here’s a holiday gift that will make a show queen’s heart sing. Four of the premiere female Broadway performers — Andrea McArdle, Maureen McGovern, Donna McKechnie, and Faith Prince (Guys & Dolls) — will command the stage in 4 Girls 4: A Christmas Together for one night only at the Wilbur Theatre on December 2 at 7:30 pm. The holiday event showcasing these musical and
cabaret veterans comes courtesy of producers Matthew Lombardo and Rick Murray, who brought a Broadway Series to Provincetown this year. Besides Linda Eder, Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, and Alan Cumming, the series featured McArdle, McKechnie and Prince who headlined at the Crown and Anchor in August under the musical direction of John McDaniel.
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Lombardo and Murray transferred their Provincetown success to a tour that will bring 4 Girls 4, with McDaniel, to the Bushnell in Hartford, Conn. on December 1 and then to the Wilbur December 2. It’s an opportunity for audiences to see four legendary performers who collectively have won enough awards to fill the theater. Under the musical direction of McDaniel, himself an Emmy-winning producer and composer for The Rosie O’Donnell Show with numerous Broadway credits including the revival of Annie Get Your Gun for which McDaniel was vocal arranger and musical director; the Boy George musical Taboo; Brooklyn, and Bonnie & Clyde. McArdle, of course, is best known for her role as Broadway’s original Annie, which earned her a Tony nomination (making her the youngest performer ever to be nominated as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She lost to co-star Dorothy Loudon who played Miss Hannigan.) But McArdle never rested on her Tomorrow laurels. She starred in Les Miserable on Broadway and on the national tour; she joined Channing and Leslie Uggams in the Jerry Herman revue Jerry’s Girls and a host of other musicals from Starlight Express to Annie Get Your Gun. Maureen McGovern also has the honor/baggage of a megahit song she’s most closely identified with: the Oscar winning The Morning After. But her career includes her 1981 Broadway debut in a revival of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The
Pirates of Penzance; The Sound of Music and South Pacific with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera; and of course her memorable turn as Marmee in the musical adaptation of Little Women. Esteemed cabaret performer Donna McKechnie won the Tony for her indelible performance as Cassie in A Chorus Line, a role that she and Michael Bennett created based on McKechnie herself. Her resume reads like a history of Broadway: she made her debut in 1961 in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying which began her friendship with Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. She met Bennett on the NBC music series Hullabaloo where she was a featured dancer. She became his muse and he was a lifelong guiding force in her life and career. Prince established herself as a Broadway star with her portrayal of Miss Adelaide in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, which earned Prince the Tony as Best Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for Tonys again for the 2001 revival of Bells Are Ringing and the 2008 musical A Catered Affair in which she was featured alongside Harvey Firestein. Prince played Mrs. Wilkinson in the second U.S. national tour of Billy Elliot before returning to Broadway last year when she replaced Jane Lynch as Miss Hannigan in the revival of Annie. [x] 4 Girls 4: A Christmas Together
Wilbur Theatre on Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm thewilbur.com/4-girls-4-christmas-together/
CULTURE Literature STORY Loren King
The Season’s Best Books Gift giving made easy—but don’t forget to read them first Two of the most original contemporary writers of literary fiction—and they both happen to be gay—deliver exquisite new books that add to their well-deserved reputations.
The Paying Guests [Riverhead Hardcover]
The sixth book from Sarah Waters, a consummate storyteller whose period novels Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith and The Night Watch are already classics of LGBT literature (not to mention mustsee BBC films), is the erotically-charged thriller The Paying Guests (Riverhead). It mixes the superbly drawn decaying house and mysterious denizens of Waters’ 2009 novel The Little Stranger with the forbidden love affairs and red-hot passion of her earlier books. Set in economically devastated 1922 London, resourceful Frances Wray lives with her widowed mother in their oncegrand family home. They are forced to take in boarders to survive. The arrival of a middle-class couple, the Barbers, allows Waters to showcase subtle humor about class and fill the air with erotic tension as Frances finds herself drawn to Lily Barber. What ensues is a potent page turner packed with life-altering lust and mighty moral dilemmas. Waters’ stunning period detail and deft prose make The Paying Guests a romantic melodrama as torrid as it is sublime, I’m tempted to call it Waters’ best novel yet—but I say that about each new book she writes.
Nora Webster [Scribner]
One of my favorite novels of all time is Colm Toibin’s Brooklyn, his tender
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and haunting portrait of a woman who emigrates from Ireland to the U.S. in the 1950s. With his eighth novel Nora Webster, Toibin again demonstrates his peerless agility at examining an ordinary woman’s inner life with controlled and deceptively simple prose (besides Brooklyn, he also wrote The Testament of Mary). Of course, Toibin doesn’t only write brilliantly about women: his 2005 novel The Story of the Night is about a gay man coming of age in Argentina during the Falklands War. And if you haven’t read his short story “The Street” from his collection The Empty Family, do yourself a favor. Nora Webster is a middle-aged, recent widow living on modest means with her two sons in the Wexford town of Enniscorthy, in Ireland, in the late 1960s. There are big events in Nora Webster (her younger daughter gets deeply involved in politics after the Bloody Sunday riots), but the genius of this work is the way that Toibin creates a story out of tiny moments of transformation as Nora begins to build a life after what was a happy and fulfilling marriage. His modulated prose matches this story of a modest, emotionally guarded woman, the way Waters’ deliciously lurid prose releases the pent-up passions of her characters. Toibin’s empathy and restraint elevates what could have been an enjoyable tale of small-town life and survival into something mysterious and elegant. Nora Webster is an unforgettable masterpiece.
Streisand: In the Camera Eye [Harry N. Abrams]
This glorious new tome of 170 photographs edited by Streisand biographer James Spada is a must for even the most casual Streisand worshipper. The handsome book covers nearly all of Streisand’s career from her nightclub work through
her Broadway debut to her landmark television specials and concerts to her many classic films. Even the most seasoned Streisand devotee will be amazed at the number of rare photos included here, from all eras of her career, as well as intimate, behind-the-scenes moments. The best photographers and stylists understood that Streisand had a face for the camera.
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She was photographed by some of the greatest names in the field, including Philippe Halsman, Francesco Scavullo, Douglas Kirkland, Bob Willoughby, and Cecil Beaton, who took the stunning 1970 image from On a Clear Day You Can See Forever that graces the book’s cover. Seven essays by Spada introduce the various periods of Streisand’s adult life and they are informative and enjoyable. But the pictures tell the story. From her earliest days, these images show Streisand’s aptitude for reinvention, her ease with the camera, her pioneering fashion sense and her role as arbiter of taste and style. The great photographers on display in the book allowed her to express both her strength and vulnerability, and the dueling comic and dramatic personae that made her transcend her time and appeal to such a wide audience, including her legions of gay fans, for so long. She was, to quote Beaton, “an ideal mannequin and compelling actress in elegant period costumes. Her face is a painting from several historical eras. She is a self-willed creation.” And still The Greatest Star.
Off the Leash: A Year at the Dog Park [St. Martin’s Press]
Boston Globe television critic Matthew Gilbert’s memoir Off the Leash is the perfect book for the dog owner in your life. It’s a love story about a man and his dog. More subtle, but just as vital, is the love story between Gilbert—bookish, introverted,
Our panel will also be available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.
Catherine D. Burgess
Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley
ELDERCARE SYMPOSIUM
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 19TH 6:30 - 8:30
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Bob Linscott Assistant Director of the LGBT Aging Project.
Rey Spadoni
With Partners HealthCare at Home.
more interested in popular culture than running around a park with his puppy— and his husband, Tom McNaught. It’s Tom who gently pushes Matthew to add a dog to their family, a yellow lab they call Toby. With humor and a delightful selfdeprecating tone, Gilbert allows us to see a completely ordinary modern marriage as he chronicles his gradual loosening up over the course of his visits to the dog park near his home in Brookline. It’s Gilbert, of course, who surrenders the leash of his own prejudices (although many of the dog owners are crazy in their own ways) and his reticence about becoming “one of them.” Through a series of anecdotes and character studies, we meet the denizens of Amory Park—both human and canine—and travel with Gilbert through a subculture that feels fresh, funny and real.
Lee Grant: I Said Yes to Everything: A Memoir [Blue Rider]
Great title, great memoir. Oscar-winning actress Lee Grant has written a rich, dense, dishy and literate autobiography
that details her life and career, including her 12 years on McCarthy’s blacklist in the 1950s. The title refers to the career advice she was given once the blacklist era was over. She said ‘yes’ to projects as diverse as the TV series Peyton Place (for which she won an Emmy for her role as Stella Chernak); landmark films including In the Heat of the Night and Valley of
the Dolls. The native New Yorker, born Lyova Rosenthal, debuted on Broadway in 1949 as a shoplifter in the play Detective Story and later starred in the film adaptation, which earned Grant the first of four Academy Award nominations. (She won for her delicious supporting role in 1975’s Shampoo.) Although she was still earning accolades for acting in movies and on television, Grant turned to directing in the 1970s and ‘80s. Her documentary What Sex Am I? (1985) was a sensitive look at being transgender long before the mainstream media took the subject seriously. The following year, her Down and Out in America examined poverty during the Reagan years and won the Academy Award for best documentary. Grant’s writing style is lively and intimate as she serves up her no-holds-barred observations of six decades of show business. She was, and is, a trailblazer. Let’s hope she keeps saying yes for years to come.
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Also recommended The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression [W.W. Norton & Co.]
John F. Kasson’s enjoyable book about the force of nature that was Shirley Temple in the 1930s is both social history and Hollywood history. He weaves Temple’s rise from her beginnings as a cherubic three year old in the low-budget Baby Burlesk shorts to her reign as Hollywood’s most bankable star with the onset of the Great Depression and FDR’s presidency. He connects Temple’s cheery adorableness to FDR’s optimism and determination that Americans would weather the worst economic crisis in history with their spirits intact. Shirley Temple was the right star for the right moment; a remarkable confluence of hardworking talent and sunny disposition that helped millions of Americans through dark days—not to mention the merchants that capitalized on her image and 20th Century Fox, the studio that Temple singlehandedly rescued from bankruptcy.
The Animals: Love Letters Between Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy [Farrar, Straus and Giroux]
The English novelist and screenwriter Christopher Isherwood (Goodbye to Berlin) was 48 when he met Don Bachardy, an 18-year-old, on the beach in Santa Monica in 1952. The couple lived together openly until Isherwood’s death in 1986. Barchady an accomplished artist, is still very much alive. The Animals tells the story of this fascinating relationship, full of celebrity friends, petty jealousies, and affairs on both sides, in the men’s own words. Edited by Katherine Bucknell, who also edited the diaries and writes a thoughtful introduction, it is a series of wry, campy, erudite, sometimes routine letters that Isherwood and Bachardy exchanged over the years. The Animals is at once a compelling love story, a cultural reference book and important social history—it documents the men’s many friendships with actors, writers and painters in Los Angeles, London, and New York as it chronicles the deep closet of Hollywood in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
INDUSTRY SAVVY RIGOROUS STUDY INNOVATIVE TEACHING CUTTING-EDGE DEGREES Success is the language we speak.
Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater [Oxford University Press]
Theater journalist Eddie Shapiro records verbatim his in-depth conversations with 20 legendary women of Broadway. First, there’s his memorable exchange with the late, great Elaine Stritch. It’s a testament to the book that Stritch doesn’t steal the show. The other ladies who grace these pages more than hold their own: Carol Channing, Chita Rivera, Donna McKechnie, Angela Lansbury, Leslie Uggams, Judy Kaye, Betty Buckley, Patti LuPone, Bebe Neuwirth, Donna Murphy, Lillias White, Karen Ziemba, Debra Monk, Victoria Clark, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Sutton Foster, Laura Benanti, and Tonya Pinkins. Shapiro’s easy, conversational style and knowledge about theater and his subjects’ careers gets these women to reveal fresh and intimate details about life upon the stage. It’s like sitting down with friends— who happen to be among Broadway’s brightest musical theater stars. [x]
Discover more than 60 part-time programs offered evenings & online at BU’s Metropolitan College. Saturday Open Houses Undergraduate: November 1, 10 a.m. Graduate: November 15, 10 a.m.
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CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King
Life Stages For Boston theater couple John Kuntz and Tommy Derrah, work is play John Kuntz and Thomas Derrah, two of the local theater community’s brightest stars, met 15 years ago during a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the Boston Common. Now married, they share a home packed with kitschy collectibles in Cambridge, and will now share the stage, too. Derrah has a role in the world premiere of Kuntz’s newest play, Necessary Monsters, which runs December 5
through January 3 at Speakeasy Stage Company. Despite their long resumes, the prolific actors have appeared in plays together just a few times—The Lily’s Revenge at A.R.T. and Two Gentlemen of Verona for Actor’s Shakespeare Project, both in 2012. Necessary Monsters marks the first time Derrah will work in one of his husband’s plays, but the notion leaves the couple amused rather than apprehensive.
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John Kuntz and Thomas Derrah PHOTO Justin Saglio
“I didn’t know he’d be interested. He’s finicky about what he does,” says Kuntz, whose other plays include his solo show, The Salt Girl (winner of the 2010 Elliot Norton Award for Best New Play) and The Hotel Nepenthe, which premiered at the Emerging America Festival at the Huntington Theatre and also won the Elliot Norton Award for for Best New Play. “I incubate my plays at the Boston Conservatory where I teach. I write a play for the company of actors to perform each year and that’s where Necessary Monsters came from. Tommy saw the student production and said,
‘I want to be in this play and I want to play that old lady.’ “Well, she’s not exactly ‘an old lady,’” adds Derrah during Boston Spirit’s interview with the couple. The character, Greer, like all the characters in Necessary Monsters, is fluid in many respects, including gender, since duality is at the heart of the play. “I was inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ The Book of Imaginary Beings, which is a compendium of man-made creatures,” says Kuntz. “I riff on that. There’s a banshee, a harpy, a genie.” The play is structured like “a Russian nesting doll,” he
says. “When you get to the center, there’s an eight-page monologue by this woman at a cocktail party. She’s at the center of the doll. You see her; then she’s gone.” It was this character that so impressed Derrah, who teaches acting at Harvard University and who was, with stage luminaries including Cherry Jones, Tony Shalhoub and Karen MacDonald, one of the original members of the A.R.T. “I found that speech and the story she tells so compelling. I’ll probably get hit right now, but I thought it was high gothic. A male actor doesn’t always get to wade into that mud puddle and go for it. To me, it’s not about male/female. It’s like a mask; everybody is wearing masks, hiding behind monster personas. She’s a bit of a gorgon,” he says. David R. Gammons, veteran of many SpeakEasy productions, will direct Necessary Monsters, making it a kind of family affair. He’s helmed all of Kuntz’s plays, as well as the acclaimed production of The Whale, starring Kuntz at SpeakEasy last year. “I loved, loved, loved that play,” says Kuntz, who played an obese gay man struggling with the death of his boyfriend and the estrangement of his daughter. “We’re simpatico,” Kuntz says of his go-to director. “For The Salt Girl it was just me and him and ever since then we’ve made a point of working together because once you find a director who gets you and you share each other’s thoughts, it’s something you cherish. Actors really love to work with him. He’s such a collaborator.” Spreading the wealth around, Gammons also directed Derrah at SpeakEasy in the critically-lauded Red which earned 2012 Elliot Norton Awards for Outstanding Production and for Derrah as Outstanding
Actor in the lead role as artist Mark Rothko. “I’m very lucky David likes to work with me and he loves this play,” says Kuntz of their sixth collaboration on “Necessary Monsters.” “A lot of the reason it’s happening at SpeakEasy is because of David. He’s carved a place in that company and, to tout SpeakEasy’s horn, [artistic director] Paul [Daigneault] is interested in producing new work.” Derrah agrees. “This play has never been done anywhere and it was made right here. I love that.” Despite his connections in the local theater world, the first audience for Kuntz’s work is Derrah. “I can’t wait to share it. I’ll be reading it to him while I write, ‘listen to this!’ laughs Kuntz. “I think actors more excited to share [what they’ve written]. I write over by the kitchen table and throw things at him from across the room. I know it’s good if he laughs.” It’s not that Derrah needs the work. He’s one of the busiest actors in town. He’s just finishing up a run as Fester in the musical The Addams Family at Stoneham Theater. “John’s mother was very excited when she heard I was playing Fester because I’m bald,” he laughs. Next, Derrah turns to directing. The Actor’s Shakespeare Project in March will stage a contemporary play, God’s Ear by Jenny Schwartz. It was Kuntz who first saw the play seven years ago in New York (“My jaw was on the floor,” he says) and has been trying to get someone to produce it in Boston ever since. But the chance to speak Kuntz’s words and inhabit one of his creations was irresistible, even for a picky actor like Derrah. “I’m a big big fan,” he says. “And now I’m in a premiere production.” [x]
Three great classical music performances this NOVEMBER at Symphony Hall!
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra Friday, November 7 at 8pm
Riccardo Chailly conductor Nikolaj Znaider violin soloist Performing Mendelssohn and Beethoven
San Francisco Symphony Sunday, November 16 at 5pm
Michael Tilson Thomas conductor Gil Shaham violin soloist Performing Liszt, Prokofiev, Ravel, and more!
Itzhak Perlman violin Rohan De Silva piano Sunday, November 23 at 3pm
Performing Vivaldi, Schumann, Beethoven, and more!
www.celebrityseries.org 617-482-6661
CULTURE Home STORY Scott Kearnan PHOTOS Tony Scarpetta, Scarpetta Photography
Shared Space Inside a South Ender’s show-stopping Airbnb Ed LeMay likes to make his guests feel at home. All 700 of them. No, he’s not running a Hilton hotel. About 20 months ago LeMay jumped into the so-called “Share Economy,” and started regularly renting out three distinct spaces within his five-floor South End townhouse through Airbnb. And since then, he estimates, he has welcomed at least 700 different individual guests into his home, representing about 220 fulfilled bookings. There are another 150 or so reservations (and growing!) on the horizon, and LeMay has no intention of closing his door. Why would he? He’s met guests from over 90 countries: Turkey to Italy, China to Spain. He learns their stories. They stay in touch. He just received an invitation to a wedding in Mumbai.
“I just love meeting people,” says LeMay, who has lived in the home since 1978. He bought it three years later, and though he previously leased the spaces as a landlord, he much prefers the ease and enjoyment of making new friends for a matter of nights. “It’s always great having people when they’re on vacation,” he chuckles. “Because they’re always in a good mood.” LeMay’s gorgeous home is certainly a perfect place for travelers, since it offers three separate, fully livable guest spaces: a duplex unit with a deck; a gardenlevel studio with a patio; and a private bedroom-bathroom suite within the main house, which has access to a roof deck featuring skyline views. And LeMay’s hospitality has earned him “Superhost” status on Airbnb.
But that’s no surprise. After all, he knows how profoundly important it is to finally feel at ease and at home. LeMay is originally from a quiet town in Minnesota, and came to Boston in the 1960s to earn his MBA from Boston University. Previously, he had considered entering the priesthood—but his thenspiritual advisor had misgivings about the same-sex attractions to which LeMay confessed. “He suggested I see a psychiatrist,” says LeMay. “They thought I could change my sexual orientation.” It wasn’t until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association would declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. So LeMay’s “assignments,” he says, were to hit up nightspots and try to pick up women. “They assured me it [being gay] was a phase and a matter of willpower,” he says. This struggle continued during his early time in Boston, until he saw a newspaper ad for the Homophile Community Health Service, a group that offered affirmation of
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his identity. Slowly, he began the comingout process. In Boston he had found a home—in more ways than one. So LeMay paid it back. He became active in the Homophile Union of Boston, an early grassroots advocacy organization. He’s a former vice-chair of the Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, where he was a liaison to GLSEN and produced a directory of high school and college GSAs. And he even hosted his own local cable talk show, “Straight Talk,” about gay issues. Today LeMay performs with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. “It’s a milestone, the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” says LeMay, who has been singing since he performed in childhood choirs and plays and musicals throughout his life. Now, of course, he does most of his entertaining as a host. LeMay’s home, which has undergone a few renovations by Beacon Hill’s DNA Architecture, is sleek and streamlined, filled with contemporary Le Corbusier furnishings and modern lighting fixtures from Lekker. He lives mainly in the five-floor townhouses upper two levels, which have an atrium-like
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“ It’s always great having people when they’re on vacation, because they’re always in a good mood. ” [FROM 70] arrangement. East and West bedroom suites (the former used as a rental) face each other, as if opposing mezzanines, and overlook the modern kitchen and living room, where each holiday season LeMay stages a 20-foot tall Christmas tree that reaches to the towering ceiling overhead. The townhouse’s lowest level is a studio with its own 14-foot galley kitchen and private patio with fountain. Sandwiched between the studio and LeMay’s living space is a two-floor, two-bedroom duplex with spiral staircase, exposed brick walls, and fire feature. With their own kitchens, bathrooms, and keyless, passcode-enabled separate entrances, the studio and duplex are homes within a home. Guests have total privacy. And balance. LeMay took pride in designing many of the home’s details, finding much inspiration in the influential architecture book A Pattern Language. Among its suggestions he heeds: Ensuring that light enters a room from at least two places, and placing doorways on a window wall to make rooms feel wider. Other details are his own clever inventions: For instance, LeMay preferences drawers to cabinets for storage. With drawers, he says, “things are more accessible, and can’t get lost in the back.” Boston is still debating whether and to what extent the city should regulate Airbnb rentals, a question other cities—like San Francisco and New York—are slowly beginning to tackle. LeMay is hopeful that the Hub will take the side of Share Economy entrepreneurs. His Airbnb rentals are a significant source of income, much more than he made as a traditional landlord, he says. But as importantly, he enjoys being able to share the city and neighborhood he loves with as many visitors as possible. “The South End has changed so much,” says LeMay, thinking back on when he first moved to the neighborhood. He was part of an influx of gay residents who became stewards of the South End during its hardscrabble days. They would “stoop sit” to watch out for drug dealers, he says, and they’d organize neighborhood watch patrols in groups of three—because twosomes still got mugged. Now, North America’s largest Victorian district is one of Boston’s most exciting and well-visited areas. It took a little work, but he’s proud he helped to build a home worth sharing. [x]
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Each holiday season LeMay stages a 20-foot tall Christmas tree that reaches to the towering ceiling overhead. NOV|DEC 2014 | 75
SCENE Benefit PHOTOS Niamh Foley
Harbor to the Bay Massachusetts | Boston and Provincetown | September 20
This year’s charity bike ride for providing assistance in the battle against HIV/AIDS attracted 300 riders and 230 crew members, raising nearly $500,000.
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SCENE Fundraiser PHOTOS courtesy Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. unless noted otherwise
South Enders Sam Mendoza, Joshua Janson and friends celebrating at the June 19 Rose Garden Party
Rose Garden Party Kelleher Rose Garden | Boston | June 19
Mayor Martin J. Walsh celebrates a beautiful evening in the Back Bay Fens at the June 19 Mayor’s Rose Garden Party fundraiser with his mother, Mary Walsh, and the event’s co-host, Lorrie Higgins. The annual gala in the Kelleher Rose Garden, sponsored this year by Bank of America, Mintz Levin and ML Strategies, Boston Harbor Cruises, and Sherry & Alan Leventhal, benefits Boston Parks and Recreation Department programs. Chris Saad and Michael Hoban of Audio Concepts share a laugh with Mayor Martin J. Walsh. PHOTO Jessica Delaney
Mayor Martin J. Walsh, his mother, Mary Walsh, and the event’s co-host, Lorrie Higgins. PHOTO Don Harney 80 | BOSTON SPIRIT
Jennifer Driscoll, President of Broadview Marketing, Adrienne Gagliardi, Marketing Manager of Bowers & Wilkins, and Catherine Howe, Business Development Coordinator for Bentley Boston. PHOTO Jon Seamans
Rose Garden Committee Member Maggie Ahearn of Back Bay [LEFT] congratulates Most Elegant Hat Contest winner Melissa Flamburis PHOTO Jessica Delaney
Keith Driscoll stands with Boston Attorneys Jennifer Creedon Bunn and Brian Bunn
Brian Walsh and Emily Holland of Sea-Dar Construction
Emcee and live auctioneer Kelley Tuthill of WCVB-TV welcomes Dyan Goodwin, Managing Director, US Trust. PHOTO Jessica Delaney) JoJo Gutfarb, Senior Account Executive & Social Media at Goodwin PR. and her father, William Gutfarb, Trustee and Treasurer at the Yawkey Foundations PHOTO Jessica Delaney
Charlene Frechette, Ed Cavallo and Marie Chaput of Thread Scott Grigelevich, Director of Sales & Marketing at Lenox Hotel, Back Bay, and Daniel Donahue, V.P. and Managing Director at Lenox Hotel, Back Bay. PHOTO Jessica Delaney)
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SCENE Fundraiser PHOTOS Marilyn Humphries
Fenway Health’s Donor Appreciation Night Ron Ansin Building | Boston | September 18
Fenway Health gives its biggest donors a big thank you!
82 | BOSTON SPIRIT
SCENE Spirituality PHOTOS Courtesy Arlington Street Church
Arlington Street Church Events Arlington Street Church | Boston | Recent
Arlington Street Church, a local spiritual community that boasts a large number of LGBT congregants, holds a number of activities throughout the year. Here are photos from a few recent events, including its annual Blessing of the Animals service and an awards ceremony where ASC was awarded first place in the Storefront, Business or Organization Garden category for the Mayor’s Garden Contest.
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SCENE CHARITY PHOTOS Courtesy Gay for Good
Gay For Good Brooke Charter School | Mattapan | September 20
Local good gays took to hammers and nails to help build a playground in inner city Boston this fall.
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SCENE Youth PHOTOS courtesy Hispanic Black Gay Coalition
HBGC’s LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Conference
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MIT | Cambridge | October 4-5
The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition held its 4th annual LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Conference, which included a special appearance by Jamar Rogers of NBC’s The Voice. [1] [2] [3] [4]
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Conference participants chat with New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres after his keynote address Jha D Williams leads a workshop on the power of spoken word in finding personal healing and creating change Facilitators from PFLAG lead a workshop on coming out to parents and caregivers Mark Rivera facilitating “Where The Lines Collide” a workshop on intersectionality as a LGBTQ person of color
006.jpg [5]
[6]
HBGC Co-Founders pose with director Patrik-Ian Polk and actor Julian Walker after screening their film, Blackbird Jamar Rogers from NBC’s The Voice opens up the conference with a performance
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Roberto Flotte leads a workshop exploring Indigenous perspectives on sexuality
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SCENE Fundraiser PHOTOS Courtesy PAAM
PAAM 100—9th Annual Benefit Gala PAAM | Provincetown | October 11
The Provincetown Art Association and Museum celebrated 100 years of nurturing America’s oldest art colony at its annual fundraising event this year, with the theme Looking Back, Moving Forward.
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SCENE Fundraiser PHOTOS Courtesy Sage Inn & Lounge
Maura Healey Fundraiser Sage Inn & Lounge | Provincetown | August 29
Sage Inn & Lounge hosted a cocktail party and political fundraiser for Attorney General candidate Maura Healey. Sweet Cheeks Top Chef, Tiffani Faison sampled out small plates as well as Iron Chef Mary Dumont and Sage Head Chef Lucio Garnica. Comedian, Kate Clinton introduced the new candidate at the fundraiser.
(L-R): Chef Lucio Garnica of Sage Inn and Lounge, Provincetown, MA, Chef/Partner Mary Dumont of Harvest Restaurant in Cambridge, MA, Emily French-Dumont, Healey event volunteer, Chef Tiffani Faison of Sweet Cheeks Q in Boston, MA and Maura Healey, Candidate for Attorney General.
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Boston Gay Men’s Chorus’ ‘Deck the Halls’, Dec 14 to Dec 22 at Jordan Hall, Northeastern University in Boston
Calendar
Dear Elizabeth OCT 17 TO NOV 8
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. LYRIC STAGE COMPANY | 140 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON
lyricstage.com/
8th annual ‘Same Love, Same Rights’ LGBT Wedding Expo NOV 9
Dozens of gay-friendly exhibitors are eager to help you and your fiancee plan the ceremony of your dreams! Photographers, DJs, officiants, wedding planners, venues, jewelers, invitations, more.
FREE Raffle Giveaways, LGBTPlanning Tips & Trends! SHERATON COMMANDER HOTEL | 16 GARDEN STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA
SameLoveSameRights.com
Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake—World Premiere OCT 30 TO NOV 9
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 stunning costumes and sets by award-winning designer Robert Perdziola (costume and set designer of the new Nutcracker). BOSTON OPERA HOUSE | 539 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON
River See NOV 13
River See is an intimate, jazzinspired performance by writer and director Sharon Bridgforth. This story takes place in the early 1900s and follows See, a queer Black woman who dreams of a journey far away. Come experience her family and community of queers and blues women as they ceremoniously send her off up the muddy Mississippi Delta to a Northern neighborhood like Roxbury or Dorchester. Composing the experience live, Sharon and her ensemble invite you and the audience to participate in song, dance and prayer to wish See a safe voyage. PILGRIM CHURCH | 540 COLUMBIA ROAD, DORCHESTER, MA
thetheateroffensive.org/happenings/river-see
Rosanne Cash ‘The River and the Thread’ NOV 14
Contemporary American Visions
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. SANDERS THEATRE | 45 QUINCY STREET, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MA
An evening of music by Boston’s LGBT Classical Chorus.
Ether Dome
bostonballet.org
NOV 9
coroallegro.org/baroque-gems
88 | BOSTON SPIRIT
celebrityseries.org/
OCT 17 TO 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 Elizabeth Egloff set at Boston’s own Massachusetts General Hospital, directed by Michael Wilson (Now or Later). CALDERWOOD PAVILION AT THE BCA | 527 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
huntingtontheatre.org
Boston Spirit LGBT Eldercare Symposium NOV 19
Join Boston Spirit and our panel of experts as we cover a wide range of topics related to LGBT Eldercare. Topics covered will include continuing care options, patients’ rights, social support organizations, estate and financial planning and much more. Our panel will also be available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. FENWAY HEALTH’S ANSIN BUILDING | 1340 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON
bostonspiritmagazine.com/ signature-events/boston-spiritlgbt-eldercare-symposium
The Boston Camerata Presents ‘Daniel XXI— The Play of Daniel’ NOV 21, NOV 23
The prophecies, tribulations, and triumph of the young Biblical hero Daniel, as retold in music from medieval Beauvais. Among the most powerful and musically evocative of all medieval mystery plays, in a splendid new production conceived by Anne Azéma. TRINITY CHURCH | 206 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON
bostoncamerata.com/
Bad Jews
OCT 24 TO NOV 2 2
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. SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY | 539 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
Itzhak Perlman, violin 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. SYMPHONY HALL | 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, BOSTON
celebrityseries.org
The Old Man and The Moon NOV 19 TO 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, songfilled 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. \ PARAMOUNT CENTER | 559 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON
artsemerson.org
The Love Potion
NOV 19 TO 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. SHUBERT THEATRE | 265 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
blo.org
SMFA Art Sale
NOV 20 TO NOV 24
The School of the Museum of Fine Arts’ highly anticipated annual art event returns November 20–23, 2014. The SMFA Art Sale showcases an impressive range of SMFA’s emerging and established artists—from students and alumni to faculty and affiliated artists. Explore and shop the eclectic mix of works on a changing rotation, which
are priced by the artists and sold to benefit SMFA student scholarships. SCHOOL OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON | 230 FENWAY, BOSTON
smfa.edu/artsale
Cultural Survival Bazaar NOV 28 TO NOV 30
A Festival of Native Arts & Cultures from Around the World. Shop unique art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, decor, tribal rugs, and much more. Enjoy ‘world’ music performances, meet our guest artisans, travel the world in one place. Several free admission events offering direct access to thousands of items, handmade by Indigenous artisans from around the world; learn about our work in partnership with communities around the world. FREE parking at Broadway Garage, 7 Felton St. HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CENTER OF GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES BUILDING | 1730 CAMBRIDGE STREET, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MA
Pure Souls: The Jain Path to Perfection AUG 9 TO 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 maps of the cosmos, depictions of the lives of Jain saints, and images of sacred Sanskrit syllables used for meditation. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON | 465 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON
Handel Messiah
NOV 28 TO 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 AVENUE, BOSTON
handelandhaydn.org/
Toys for Joys Gift Gala DEC 7
Celebrate at the annual gala of this gay-organized group that provides toys and gifts for underprivileged children during the holiday season. REVERE HOTEL | 200 STUART STREET, BOSTON
toysforjoys.org
Awake and Sing! NOV 7 TO 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). AVENUE OF THE ARTS/BU THEATRE | 264 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON
huntingtontheatre.org
The Trip to Bountiful: Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams
chorus and H&H children’s choral ensembles—as well as brass quintet! Faneuil Hall is the historic and beautiful setting for this singalong concert, perfect for families and kids of all ages. FANEUIL HALL | HANDELANDHAYDN.ORG
Chanukah Festival DEC 14
NOV 20 TO 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, a story of intergenerational family conflict directed by Michael Wilson. 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. CUTLER MAJESTIC THEATRE | 219 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
artsemerson.org
Holly Folly in Provincetown DEC 5 TO DEC 7
Don’t miss three days of holiday revelry, from traditional carols ‘round the piano to the not so traditional Speedo run down Commercial Street. Events include concerts from the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, dancing into the night and the popular ‘Shop Hop,’ where you vie for great prizes while taking advantage of major sales happening in Provincetown’s shops and galleries. Plus the popular Inn Stroll, an open house at a number of Ptown’s famed guest houses, and Drag Bingo, a major benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of Cape Cod. Vist ptown.org/holly-folly for more info. VARIOUS VENUES | PROVINCETOWN, MA, USA
ptown.org/holly-folly/
The Piano Guys: A Family Christmas DEC 9
Already a YouTube phenomenon from their focus on self-made innovative videos in stunning locations, the Piano Guys have amassed more than 2.8 million YouTube subscribers—and more than two billion views. ‘A Family Christmas’ uses piano, cello, and video production to mash up the classics with pop. WANG CENTER | 270 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
ticketmaster.com
Holiday Sing
Central Reform Temple celebrates its 10th Anniversary in its Back Bay location with fun festivities. EMMANUEL CHURCH, BOSTON | CENTRALREFORMTEMPLE.
ORG
A John Waters Christmas DEC 16
Like a wayward Santa for the Christmas obsessed, legendary filmmaker and raconteur John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, A Dirty Shame ) rides into town on his sleigh full of smut spreading yuletide cheer with his critically acclaimed one-man show, ‘A John Waters Christmas .’ Putting the X in Xmas, Waters’ rapid-fire monologue explores and explodes traditional archetypes as he shares his compulsive desire to give and receive perverted gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true crime holiday horror stories. BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER | 136 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, BOSTON
boweryboston.com
The Boston Camerata Presents ‘An American Christmas’ DEC 20
To celebrate our 60th Anniversary, our Christmas program features music from our very own tradition. From the early years of the American republic, and from a wide range of early tune books and manuscripts, a generous selection of carols, New England anthems, Southern folk hymns and religious ballads for the season. FIRST PARISH CHURCH OF NEWBURY | 20 HIGH ROAD, NEWBURY, MA
vendini.com/ticket-software.ht ml?t=tix&e=3398f39f907a12b ce135b2bb74347b64
The Boston Camerata Presents ‘An American Christmas’ DEC 20
To celebrate our 60th Anniversary, our Christmas program features music from our very own tradition. From the early years of the American republic, and from a wide range of early tune books and manuscripts, a generous selection of carols, New England anthems, Southern folk hymns and religious
DEC 13
Sing along to your favorite holiday carols and songs with the magnificent and merry H&H
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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. ARSENAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 321 ARSENAL STREET, WATERTOWN, NY
The Boston Camerata Presents ‘An American Christmas’
newrep.org
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus ‘Deck the Halls’
To celebrate our 60th Anniversary, our Christmas program features music from our very own tradition. From the early years of the American republic, and from a wide range of early tune books and manuscripts, a generous selection of carols, New England anthems, Southern folk hymns and religious ballads for the season. Student and group discount rates available. HANCOCK UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST | 1912 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, LEXINGTON, MA
From December 14-21, BGMC’s golden pipes will grace us with ‘Forbidden Holiday’ a spunky and sexy yuletide spin from the writers of ‘Forbidden Broadway.’ Standards like ‘The First Noel’ share the stage with quirky new tunes like ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley.’ Your conservative aunt’s idea of Christmas caroling, this is not. Schedule and tickets: bgmc.org JORDAN HALL | 30 GAINSBOROUGH STREET, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, BOSTON
ballads for the season. Student and group discounts available. FIRST CHURCH IN CAMBRIDGE | 11 GARDEN STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA
DEC 20
vendini.com/ticket-software.ht ml?t=tix&e=83cec4686b3761 e60ae4981512bc7765
The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
bgmc.org
A Bach Christmas DEC 18 TO DEC 21
NOV 21 TO DEC 20
A middle-aged Upper-West-Side 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.’ LYRIC STAGE COMPANY | 140 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON
lyricstage.com
Cultural Survival Bazaar DEC 19 TO DEC 21
A Festival of Native Arts & Cultures from Around the World. Shop unique art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, decor, tribal rugs, and much more. Enjoy ‘world’ music performances, meet our guest artisans, travel the world in one place. Several free admission events offering direct access to thousands of items, handmade by Indigenous artisans from around the world; learn about our work in partnership with communities around the world. THE SHOPS AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, BELVIDERE ARCADE | 800 BOYLSTON STREET, THE SHOPS AT THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER, BOSTON
The Little Prince NOV 22 TO DEC 22
DEC 14 TO 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
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. JORDAN HALL | 30 GAINSBOROUGH STREET, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, BOSTON
handelandhaydn.org
Jamie Wyeth
JUL 16 TO 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. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON | 465 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker NOV 28 TO DEC 30
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. BOSTON OPERA HOUSE | 539 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON
bostonballet.org
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O.P.C.
NOV 29 TO JAN 1
A new play from the author of The Vagina Monologues, O.P.C. is an exploration of consumption and politics that asks, ‘How are we to survive as a species if we insist on destroying the world we love?’ A dumpster-diving freegan is doing just fine squatting in an abandoned apartment, but when her mother, a candidate running for the Senate, tries to make her toe the party line, radicalism comes into collision with mainstream liberalism. Mother and daughter wrestle with the inconvenient truths at the heart of consumer culture, tossed between political compromise and ‘obsessive political correctness.’ LOEB DRAMA CENTER | 64 BRATTLE STREET, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, CAMBRIDGE, MA
americanrepertorytheater.org
Necessary Monsters DEC 5 TO 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 award-winning 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. SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY | 539 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
speakeasystage.com
Calder and Abstraction: From AvantGarde to Iconic SEP 6 TO 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. PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM | 161 ESSEX STREET, SALEM, MA
What Nerve!
SEP 19 TO JAN 4
What Nerve! proposes an alternate history of figurative painting, sculpture, and vernacular imagemaking 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. RISD MUSEUM | 224 BENEFIT STREET, PROVIDENCE, RI
Fiber: Sculpture 1960–Present OCT 1 TO 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. ICA BOSTON | 100 NORTHERN AVENUE, BOSTON
O.P.C. by Eve Ensler NOV 28 TO JAN 4
American Repertory Theater presents the world premiere of a new play from the author of The Vagina Monologues. O.P.C. is a wildly funny exploration of consumption and politics that asks, ‘How are we to survive as a species if we insist on destroying the world we love?’ Romi Weil, a dumpster-diving Freegan, is doing just fine squatting in an abandoned apartment. But when her mother, a candidate running for the Senate, tries to make her toe the party line, radicalism comes into comic collision with mainstream liberalism. As Election Day approaches, mother and daughter wrestle with the inconvenient truths at the heart of consumer culture, tossed between political compromise and Obsessive Political Correctness. Starring Melissa Leo. LOEB DRAMA CENTER | 64 BRATTLE STREET, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE, CAMBRIDGE, MA
AmericanRepertoryTheater.org
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain JAN 17
A Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain concert brings a genre-crashing ride through popular music: a funny, virtuosic, foot-stomping and melodious entertainment. Songs you’ve heard, songs you’ve forgotten, and songs you perhaps wish you hadn’t encountered, all transformed into a lively stream. JORDAN HALL | 50 GAINSBOROUGH STREET, BOSTON
celebrityseries.org/
Ira Glass in ‘Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host’ JAN 24
This American Life host Ira Glass has been working with Monica Bill Barnes & Company to invent a show that combines two art forms that, as Glass puts it, ‘have no business being together—dance and radio.’ One is all words and no visuals. One is all visuals and no words. The result is a funny, lively and very talky evening of dance and stories. SHUBERT THEATRE | 265 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
celebrityseries.org/
Haydn: Symphonies and Concerto JAN 23 TO JAN 25
Artistic Director Harry Christophers and Concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky continue their critically-praised survey of the orchestral music of Joseph Haydn. The sequel to 2012’s Haydn in Paris, the program has Nosky taking the stage in Haydn’s seldom-heard Violin Concerto in C Major, followed by a powerful foray into the minor key, the dramatic Symphony No. 83. SYMPHONY HALL | 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, BOSTON
handelandhaydn.org
Red Hot Patrio
JAN 2 TO JAN 31
A dyed-in-the-wool liberal from deep in the heart of Texas, the unsinkable Molly Ivins’ rapier wit made her one of America’s highestregarded political columnists, satirists, and beloved rabblerousers. Red Hot Patriot weaves personal anecdotes with Molly’s unforgettable humor and wisdom, celebrating her courage and tenacity—even when a complacent America wasn’t listening. LYRIC STAGE COMPANY | 140 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike JAN 2 TO FEB 1
In this wickedly wonderful Chekhovian mashup, Vanya and Sonia’s quiet, bucolic life is hilariously upended when their glamorous movie star sister arrives for the weekend with her brawny boy toy in tow. Christopher Durang’s smash-hit Broadway comedy and 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play. AVENUE OF THE ARTS/BU THEATRE | 264 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON
huntingtontheatre.org
Muckrakers
JAN 10 TO FEB 1
A young activist hosts a famous political journalist/hacker in her apartment. What follows is an evening full of rich debate over who has the right to information, how much the public needs to know,
and the consequences of power. Dynamics shift when secrets are revealed and each discovers that there is always a price to pay for privacy.’ ARSENAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 321 ARSENAL STREET, WATERTOWN, NY
“Uproarious!
wall-to-wall laughs!”- NY Times
NOVEMBER 2I – DECEMBER 20, 20I4
newrep.org
A Future Perfect JAN 9 TO FEB 7
Claire and Max find their values put to the test when best friends Alex and Elena announce they are having a baby. Claire is climbing the corporate ladder in advertising, while her husband Max is a puppeteer for PBS. With friends entering into parenthood, they ask: What happened to the indie-rock kids that hated everything their parents believed in? A dark comedy about friendship, babies, and defining success. BCA | 527 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
speakeasystage.com
Renee Fleming, soprano FEB 8
One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence. SYMPHONY HALL | 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, BOSTON
Part of 30 Years of Charles Busch — A Celebration!
617.585.5678
■
lyricstage.com
140 Clarendon Street, Copley Square, Boston Group/senior/student/parking discounts available.
celebrityseries.org
The Woods
OCT 11 TO 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. PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM | 161 ESSEX STREET, SALEM, MA
Where the accent is on family since 1985.
Breath and Imagination: Daniel Beaty JAN 27 TO 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. PARAMOUNT CENTER | 559 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON
artsemerson.org
PROUD SUPPORTER OF LGBT ORGANIZATIONS
From our family to yours.
Since 1985 the Accent family has been delivering customers to their special occasions in style. You can always count on our gorgeous cars, impeccable customer service, and competitive rates. Visit accentlimo.com/spirit for online reservations or call
800.696.5466
WEDDINGS / NIGHTS OUT /ANNIVERSARIES / SPECIAL OCCASIONS / AIRPORT TRANSFERS
BEAUTY | BODY
Beauty Medicine Boston
Your Source for Equalityminded People, Places, Services and Adventures in New England and beyond.
For information on including your business, e-mail jd@BostonSpiritMagazine.com
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 1318 Beacon Street, Ste. 7 (2nd floor) Brookline, MA 617.953.6261 http://www.beautymedicineboston.com
Elizabeth Grady
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. 1-800-FACIALS www.elizabethgrady.com www.elizabethgrady.edu
Osorio Dental Group
We offer exceptional dentistry in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Our LGBTQ supportive dentists and staff will ensure your comfort.
BEAUTY | BODY
www.osoriodentalboston.com
Seligman Dental Designs
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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
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. 800-535-5577 Dana-Farber.org/spirit
92 | BOSTON SPIRIT
HOME | GARDEN Circle Furniture
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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. 31 St. James Ave. Boston, MA 617-778-0887 www.circlefurniture.com
Dover Rug
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. 721 Worcester Street (Route 9) Natick, MA 508-651-3500 www.doverrug.com
Gardner Mattress
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. 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
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. 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
PROFESSIONAL | SERVICES
52 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
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
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DJ Mocha
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 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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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
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
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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.
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.
110 Huntington Avenue (Boston) , MA 617-236-5800 http://goo.gl/soiy38
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.
Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston
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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.
781-986-5000 www.lombardos.com
Long's Jewelers
Boston, Braintree, Burlington, Natick, and Peabody, MA 877-845-6647 www.longsjewelers.com
40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard Cambridge, MA 617-806-4200 www.sonesta.com/Boston/
WEDDING | EVENTS Accent Limousine
TRAVEL | ADVENTURE 91
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
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The culinary series & more at
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World-Class Luxury Guesthouse and Spa
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, November 29 ~ 11am-1pm Holiday Appetizers with Lucio - $50pp Saturday, December 6 ~ 12pm-4pm Holly Folly Food Boutique
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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
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WEDDING | EVENTS
DJMocha MUSIC
music for your fundraiser wedding birthday
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CODA Sports STORY Scott Kearnan might still say things, but we’ve talked about it as a group and I’ve told them it honestly doesn’t bother me. They even play around with me: “No homo, Derrick!” And I laugh. Everything’s good. I know it’s joking around, and they know there’s a limit and they can’t overdo it. [SPIRIT] You’ve talked to Michael Sam and Jason Collins. As newly out athletes, what advice did they give you? [DG] The main thing they’ve
Derrick Gordon
Slam Dunk UMass’s Derrick Gordon scores the title of a trailblazing out athlete Derrick Gordon almost quit basketball. Instead, he made history. Earlier this year, the 22-year old UMass Minutemen shooting guard came out to his family. Then he came out to his team. And finally, he came out to the world through an ESPN interview that made him the first openly gay athlete in Division I men’s basketball. Hot on the heels of public disclosures from pro stars Jason Collins and Michael Sam, Gordon found himself in the middle of what is seemingly a sea change for out athletes—and he says that the personal reception from his coach, teammates, and family has been uniformly positive. His school is sticking by him, too. In April, when five members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church protested UMass Amherst’s support for its newly out player, they were greeted by a counter-rally of more than
1,500 students chanting things like, “Say it loud, as a crowd. We are always UMass proud.” The support has been overwhelming to Gordon, who once considered quitting basketball altogether, rather than continue under the constant strain and stress of living in the locker room closet. Now he’s happier than ever. He has a boyfriend. He’s excited to be a role model for anyone sweating the coming-out process, and he has his eyes fixed on a new goal: becoming the first out college athlete to be drafted by the NBA.
told me is that I’ve got to stay focused. I can’t let all the outside distractions get me off the track of what I want to accomplish, which is to out where I felt miserable. If I’d known it would be like this I play in the NBA. Because would have come out years ago! I’m the first ever to come out in Division I, a lot of people will reach out—wanting this [SPIRIT] Before coming out, you hit serious low points that and wanting that—and I nearly caused you to quit. Do you can’t get distracted and mess remember the moment that made anything up for myself. you decide to turn it around? [DG] It was after our last
game of the season. We had lost the NCAA tournament. Everyone was out having fun and I was back in my room by myself, thinking, “Man, I can’t continue to live like this. I have to change something.” It got to the point where I was crying myself to sleep. I was feeling so hopeless. I didn’t know who to go to and it was killing me inside. I thought, “Maybe if I quit playing I won’t have to worry about anyone finding out, or worry about not having friends.” I was ready to give up something that I’d loved for ten years. That’s when I knew I hit rock bottom.
[SPIRIT] Did the locker room culture
[SPIRIT] What has been the biggest change in your life since coming out? make you afraid to come out? [DG] Definitely. There were [DERRICK GORDON] That I’m truly happy and always smiling. I can always people saying things finally be true to myself. Before like, “no homo!” Or “that’s gay.” And that made me think, I came out I had to sneak “There’s no way they’re going around and lie. Now I can be to accept this.” But I was open about who I am. There wrong. When I came out, my hasn’t been a day since I came teammates totally supported me. And to be honest, they
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[SPIRIT] As a closeted athlete, was it hard to date? Were you afraid of being outed? [DG] In Asbury Park, New
Jersey there’s a club called Paradise. [Gordon is originally from Elizabeth, New Jersey.] Those were my stomping grounds, my first gay bar. I made a lot of friends there and have a lot of respect for everyone I met, because I told them all that I was in the closet and played basketball and they didn’t say a word.
[SPIRIT] How do you feel about “outing” athletes and celebrities? [DG] I’m totally against that.
At the end of the day, you’re putting someone else in a position that they don’t want to be in. I don’t understand what would make a person want to do that to someone else. What are you getting out of it? I’m really glad no one ever outed me, and it’s a shame some people have to go through the experience like that. [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
© D.YURMAN 2014