2008 Pride Guide by Doreen DeJesus

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Brooklyn Pride Mission Statement

Brooklyn Pride PO Box 150508 Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-928-3320 info@BrooklynPride.org www.BrooklynPride.org www.myspace.com/brooklynprideinc

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers:

Chair

Millie Ramos

Secretary Diane Taylor

Directors:

Treasurer

Doreen DeJesus

The mission of Brooklyn Pride, Inc. is to produce Pride and community events that commemorate, educate, promote and celebrate the spirit of the Stonewall Riots. This is a year round endeavor, culminating with an Annual 10K Fun Run, Multicultural Festival; Parade and After-Pride Parties. A significant percentage of the net proceeds from these events are invested to support other organizations and events that celebrate the strength, diversity and reaffirm the value of all LGBT Brooklynites; groups and all others who support the struggle for equal rights. Brooklyn Pride is the premier LGBT community based-service organization in Brooklyn, serving the neighborhood communities, from Bath Beach to Wingate.

HONORARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Jerry Allred Borough President’s Office Todd Berman President, Clearview Festival Productions Alan Fleishman Director of Community Relations NYC Comptroller William Thompson, Jr.’s Office Ken Freeman President, Park Slope Civic Council Craig Hammerman District Manager Community Board 6 Irene Lo Re Aunt Suzie Bob Kalb, Park Slope Chamber of Commerce

Entertainment Nakeshia Jones

Communications/Media Doreen DeJesus

Festival

Zully Rolan

Parade

Nadine Boston

Fundraising & Development Diane Taylor

Festival:

Volunteer & Outreach Nakeshia Jones

Clearview Festival Productions

The Brooklyn Pride Guide is published by Brooklyn Pride, Inc. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising contents in any manner without the permission of Brooklyn Pride, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Publication in the Newsletter or Guide of the name or photograph of any person or organization is not to be construed as any indication of sexual orientation or opinions of said person or organization. Brooklyn Pride, Inc. shall not be held responsible for any typographical or reproduction errors provided by the advertisers. Cover Design Production Rori Baldari Linda Wheeler/Rori Baldari

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

It is with great pride that the board welcomes you to Brooklyn’s 12th Annual Pride Celebration we hope you enjoy the Multicultural Festival, Entertainment and Night Parade. At this time, the board wishes to extend its gratitude and appreciation to the residents, businesses, elected officials, civic and volunteer organizations of Park Slope. Without your unwavering support Brooklyn Pride could not produce our annual Festival, 10K Fun Run or Night Parade. We are in your debt and work hard to make you Proud to host Pride in Brooklyn. As Brooklyn takes its second step toward another decade of Pride Celebrations’ we look back on all the LGBTQ community has gained since that first parade in 1970. The Parade marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and still the fight for Equality rages on. We continue to win many

battles but the war is not yet won. Hatred, violence, intolerance and ignorance are ever present. Brooklyn’s Annual Pride Celebration is an integral part of that rebellion so many years ago, part of a powerful message shouted across America, we are proud of who we are, we will not live in shame or lies, and we will not tolerate discrimination or violence, we will live, love, be. As you peruse the pages of this year’s Pride Guide, note the businesses gay or straight owned, friends and sponsors who support our community, often in the face of opposition. Find a way to show your appreciation of their support. Join Brooklyn Pride and other LGBTQ organizations’, clubs or groups working to advance and empower our community. Many are listed in the resource directory in the Guide. Celebrate our diversity every day, and most importantly: Live, Love, Be.

Brooklyn Pride 2008

"Treat people as if they were

what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." - Goethe

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Pride, Inc., we are honored and proud to have you as a Friend. You are a constant source of encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support. You give us the strength, courage, grit and determination to bring Pride to Brooklyn.

Irene & Pat, Aunt Suzie Italian Restaurant Mark & Richard, Excelsior Board of Directors & Members of Jersey City Pride

2008 GUIDE CONTENTS 2008 Grand Marshals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Official After Party Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Pride Week in Brooklyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Parade Route, Festival Map

& Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Brooklyn Pride Thanks You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sponsors, Street Banners, Rainbow Arch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Images of Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

The Festival Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-34

Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-53 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Board of Directors, General Membership of NERP Sheila & Margarette Gingers Bar Danny Dromm, Queens Pride Jerry Allred, Office of Brooklyn Borough President Our Families, Partners, Children and Pets

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Grand Marshals 2008

Brooklyn

In April, 2007, during a meeting of the Stonewall Democratic Club at The LGBT Community Center in Manhattan, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, an invited guest speaker, was asked why there wasn’t an LGBT Center in Brooklyn. “There definitely should be one” was his response and when Marty says there should be something, he makes it happen. Within the next few days, calls were made to a number of various Brooklyn LGBT organizations inviting them to attend a meeting at Borough Hall to begin the journey. At that meeting, the seed was planted and during the 2007 Brooklyn Pride Parade, Marty announced that an organization had been formed to develop a Center in Brooklyn available to the entire LGBT Community. At his State of the Borough Address in January, 2008 he reiterated his idea and declared that “an LGBT Center would open in Brooklyn”. While the birthing process is not easy, and can be painful at times, after a number of planning meetings, the initial paperwork was submitted to Albany and on

The LGBT Center

February 22, 2008 the Brooklyn Community Pride Center (BCPC) was born. As a new Non-Profit Corporation, BCPC made its first appearance at the recent LGBT Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. With the assistance of Brooklyn Pride, over 300 people filled out our informational survey and received the “I Support BCPC” sticker. Wearing BCPC T-shirts, we also participated in the 2008 AIDS Walk New York to raise money to help GMHC and to let the world see our new organization. While we are still young, and the organizational work continues, plans are already in the making for the summer. Events and fundraisers throughout Brooklyn are in the works to get the ‘word out’ about BCPC, and our desire to serve the entire LGBT Family. We recognize that our Family is much more than the initials ‘LGBT’ and we want to be all inclusive, serving and open to everyone. In the future, we are looking forward to our first space and the opportunity to work with, and be a part of the various Brooklyn LGBT organizations by providing a ‘Safe

Bruce Anderson has been a member of the board of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center for seven years and Board president since 2004. He has a long history with the Center, which began with volunteering in the early years of GMHC when they called the Center home, then in the Center’s Mediation Program. His professional background is social work; specifically in the areas of HIV/AIDS and low income housing. “The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center provides a home for the birth, nurture and celebration of our organizations, institutions and culture; cares for our individuals and groups in need; educates the public and our community; and empowers our individuals and groups to achieve their fullest potential.” Established in 1983, the Lesbian,

Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown to become the largest LGBT multi-service organization on the East Coast and second largest LGBT community center in the world. Every week, 6,000 people visit the Center, and more than 300 groups meet here. In addition, our myriad meeting rooms are booked months in advance, indicating the community is as hungry as ever for a place to call its own. We provide groundbreaking social service, public policy, educational and cultural/ recreational programs.We also serve as an incubator for grassroots groups that meet here. Indeed, we were the birthplace of organizations such as the AIDS activist group ACT UP and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the principal organization combating homophobia and stereotyping of gays in the media.

Haven’ for meetings, events, services and programs. While there is a long road to travel, we appreciate and honor the wonderful example The LGBT Community Center in Manhattan has provided and congratulate them on their achievements during their twenty-five year history. The opportunity to

serve this great and diverse LGBT Family is exciting and the future is boundless. We thank the organizers of Brooklyn Pride for honoring us as one of their Grand Marshalls and hope that everyone in “The Family” will get involved, help, and show support. HAPPY PRIDE!

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Brooklyn Pride Parade Regina Shavers

Regina Shavers, GRIOT’s late Executive Director, had a long history of community involvement and activism. As co-chair of District Council 37, she advocated for workers’ rights and served on the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Lesbian and Gay Rights Advisory Board. She played an active role in the Campaign for an Inclusive Family Policy, the citywide coalition that negotiated with Mayor David N. Dinkins to obtain Domestic Partner benefits for New York City employees. Regina also helped to found Pride At Work, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO that focuses on the rights and unionization of LGBT workers.As the former Assistant Director of

A Salute to Past Grand Marshals

We salute you, our past Grand Marshalls, for your contributions, service and dedication to end discrimination and to preserve the civil rights of every citizen in our society.

the NYC Department of Health’s HIV Training Institute, Regina created and implemented curricula for HIV prevention and treatment including curricula specifically tailored towards older populations. Regina continued with her HIV/AIDS facilitation as a member of the New York Association on HIV Over Fifty (NYAHOF). In 1995, Regina co-founded GRIOT Circle to combat the lack of community that she had observed amongst LGBT Elders, particularly those of color. GRIOT recently celebrated its 12th anniversary has grown in size so that the membership is now 1100 and growing. Regina departed on February 29th, 2008, but her legacy continues.

1997 Jill Harris Dr. Marjorie Hill Chris Rodriguez

2003 Dr. Dan Sendzik Griot Circle Irene Lo Re

1999 Alan Fleishman Regina Shavers Joo-Hyun Kang

2005 Katherine Acey Park Slope Geriatric Day Center Clarence Patton

1998 Rev. Zachary G. Jones Debra Silber Carmen Vazquez

2000 Rosalyne Blumenstein Daisy De Jesus Colin M. Robinson Paul Schindler

2001 Ralph “Chaz” Crowder Dorothy Deringer Terry Maroney Leona Williams

2002 Hon. Marty Markowitz Stonewall Veterans Association GOAL – Gay Officers Action League FireFLAG – Fire Friends of Lesbians and Gays Brooklyn Pride 2008

2004 Marriage Equality NY Lesbian Herstory Archives

2006 Craig Hammerman Ivy Botini Caribbean People International Collective (CPIC) Lambda Independent Democrats (LID)

2007 Christine Quinn Dee Paris Perez NYC Gay Men’s Chorus Rori Baldari

BOARD OF Doreen DeJesus Being a part of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Pride is an honor and a privilege. I was born in Brooklyn but raised in Memphis,TN. I moved my family back to Brooklyn 16 years ago and have never looked back. I work in the financial industry as a Client Services Manager for a Hedge Fund as well as own Ambicionz a Virtual Enterprise. The rest of my spare time is devoted to Brooklyn Pride and serving the LGBT community in every way possible. When I joined Brooklyn Pride two years ago, I came on as their much needed Communications / Media Chair. I immediately began by giving Brooklyn Pride a whole new look online as well as starting their MySpace page and helping them expand their presence on the world wide web. In early 2007, I also assumed the responsibility of Treasurer. I continue to learn a lot from my fellow board members, and the most important lesson of all has been perseverance. I am very proud to be sitting on a board with individuals who

Treasurer Communications & Media

know how to face a challenge head on and get what needs to be done accomplished. That being said, I take my hat off to Zully, Nadine and Nakeshia. Thank you for not only making being on this board fun, but also for teaching me along the way. I would also like to thank Carmen, my partner of 11 years for her understanding and for standing by me through all the emergency meetings and many events. My love to Marcus and Nakeshia, my children, for being open minded, never judgmental and accepting me and my community for who we are. As you enjoy the festivities we have planned for everyone, I ask that you keep in mind that Brooklyn Pride works hard year round not only to give the LGBT community Pride Day, but we strive to make a difference in the LGBT community. If you have the heart, the willingness to commit and the time, I encourage you to come join us in our work. Here’s wishing you and yours a happy and healthy PRIDE!

Nadine Boston Happy Pride Brooklyn! One day in May 2007, as I was searching on the internet for organizations in Brooklyn, I came across the Brooklyn Pride site. I saw they were having a bus trip to Atlantic City for Cinco de Mayo. I called the number and left a message hoping someone would call soon. Finally, I got the call, made arrangements to purchase a ticket and was blissfully happy anticipating that Saturday. I had a great time, met new people and came back pleasantly exhausted. I made sure to sign up for their mailing list for further events and meetings. I have been on the Board as Parade Director since October 2007. As a new member, I did not know how things worked, but the ladies of the Board are willing to guide me and assist me whenever needed so that I don’t need to be ashamed to ask for help. I continue to learn new things every day and keep pen and paper with me always

Parade Director

(just in case ideas pop up, got to write everything down). I am grateful that I have the opportunity of contribute in this way to the borough that I love so much. A few events I have been a part of during the past year are: volunteering for Brooklyn Pride Parade 2007, HOP’s Rapture Dance, LGBT Expos and the NERP conference in Boston. But the most rewarding activity for me was our Operation Santa. Kids wrote letters addressed to Santa and we chose some of the letters to deliver gifts in different areas of Brooklyn to them. To Zully, Doreen, Carmen and Nakeshia my heartfelt thanks for all your help and encouragement. I admire your commitment and devotion in putting our event together. In closing I would like to say…be dramatic…be festive…be colorful…be loud…be proud! Remember, this is your day to show your pride!!

Famous Quotes... Do something visibly gay everyday. - Kate Clinton (Comedian)

Brooklyn Pride 2008

DIRECTORS

Nakeshia Jones

Being raised by gay parents, I was molded with an open mind. After coming out myself, I decided I wanted to get involved in the LGBT community. I have always wanted to touch the teenage youth, and thanks to Brooklyn Pride I have found my path. Brooklyn Pride gave me a home and has allowed me to explore many of the politics that go unheard of in the gay community.

Entertainment Director Volunteer & Outreach Director

I was able to further expand my wings when I became the entertainment director for Brooklyn Pride. Music is my passion, and reaching out to others is my life. Combined, they are a marriage of true love for me. Brooklyn pride is more than just an organization. It is a resource for the community and a group full of amazing ladies whom I now call family.

Diane Taylor

Happy Pride to all! I started with Brooklyn Pride many years ago and have worked festival, stage, and parade throughout the years. This is my second year as the Fundraising Director and Executive Secretary. As a long-time friend of Brooklyn Pride, I chose to come back in 2007 and get involved again. Initially, I came back to help out good friends since I knew first hand how difficult it is putting these events

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Secretary Fundraising & Development

together. After a few months, I realized how great it felt to give back to the community and welcomed my homecoming to Brooklyn Pride. I have had the pleasure of putting together some great events for Brooklyn Pride and look forward to planning many more events that will keep us in touch and deep in pride throughout the year. Have a Happy and Peaceful Pride!

Zully Rolan The members of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Pride are a deeply dedicated group of volunteers who give almost every waking moment to making the Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LGBTQ Community Proud. I am proud to be a member. It has not been easy to carve out time, focus and commitment over these many months but it has been an honor to serve the LGBT community to bring Pride to Brooklyn. The year has been filled with challenges to that commitment and along the way has cost some very personal losses. However, what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

Festival Director

gained through my continued involvement with Brooklyn Pride is friendship, support and the grit to get it done, in an easygoing environment free of ego and narcissism. I extend my deepest gratitude to Doreen, Carmen, Nadine, Nakeshia, and Roc. I also thank the volunteers and members of Brooklyn Pride for keeping the focus on Pride and Fun during marathon sessions of To Do List and Followup, broken buses and a house full of pets at every turn. Celebrate our diversity every day, and, most importantly: Live, Love, Be.

A Salute to Past Co-Chairs

It is with our deepest appreciation that we thank our Founder and past Co-Chairs for all their contributions, vision, leadership and service to Brooklyn Pride and our community over the years.

Founder Dale Gates Co-Chairs Jerry Allred Sonia Galarza Fran Rolan

Steve Gradman Donna Guzzardi Curt W.Taylor Ira Ortiz Jean Ambroise Zully Rolan 11

Brooklyn Pride 2008

The L.A.V.A.A. Movement I

By Linnet Caban-Brown

t all started out as an idea, an idea for change, a movement, an outlet for women. Linnet Caban-Brown and Tracee Brown had no idea how far this idea would go—the L.A.V.A.A. Group. (Lesbians Against Violence and Aggression) Linnet and Tracee weren’t sure how to go about getting the word out about Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ community, or even how they could reach out to other organizations. Together they created a website and began distributing fliers at LGBTQ events, creating an effective “shock” campaign named “NO EXCUSES” that raised eyebrows as well as awareness. On foot, by phone, and by computer, they began a movement. Linnet and Tracee spent numerous hours volunteering at different organizations, bringing together a committee that presented a benefit gala that highlighted poets, designers, and dancers within our community. They reached out to hundreds of Lesbians in need of services that they

Brooklyn Pride 2008

thought did not exist or were not easily accessible. Linnet and Tracee’s idea-turned-movement started when Linnet was a victim of Domestic Violence in a previous Lesbian relationship. During her struggle to maintain sanity, she was hitting only roadblocks when seeking services. She saw the possibilities of getting fair treatment from hospitals, The NYPD, and therapists, but she found only disappointed once she disclosed that her lover, a woman, abused her. She found gaps within the community when it came to servicing Lesbians. Linnet and Tracee demanded change. Today the L.A.V.A.A Group continues to grow and provide services to our community through free workshops, free referrals, free court and precinct accompaniment, and much more. The L.A.V.A.A. Group still has many challenges ahead the L.A.V.A.A. Group relies on community support and participation in order to meet these challenges and to continue to provide the ser-

vices our community deserves. The Lesbians Against Violence and Aggression look forward to many successful years to come. They will embrace any member of the community who needs help and is in a domestic violence situation. Linnet wants to remind her community, “It is very easy to sit back and complain about everything that is wrong in our community, but it takes a strong, motivated, and powerful community to make a change. That is why it’s so important, now more than ever, to stick together and help each other.” If you would like to sponsor, donate, or volunteer at The L.A.V.A.A. Group, Inc. please visit www.lavaagroup.org or email president@lavaagroup.org and find out how you can be a part of the Movement! L

2008 LGBT Fresh Fruit Arts Festival to Begin with a Party

By Steven Froias, triCityNews editor

NEW YORK, NY—What better way to kick off a celebration than by shaking your booty?

The annual LGBT Fresh Fruit Arts Festival gets off to a raucous start by the river with “Celebrate Pride on the East: Fresh Fruit’s Tea Dance on the River,” Friday, June 27 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Corlear’s Park in Manhattan, just east of Brooklyn. Watch the sun go down while dancing to the world class House Music of legendary DJ Andre Collins (just back from touring Japan) and featuring the premier of Jerome Andre’s new house music hit single and more entertainment surprises. (Get tickets at Smarttix.com.) The annual Fresh Fruit Festival, now in its 6th year, gathers the widest and most diverse LGBT talents from around the city, the country and the globe and brings them to New York for two weeks in July. From dance to

Brooklyn Pride 2008

baton twirling, from comedy to cabaret, from artists who express themselves through poetry, film, on canvass, or in performance, the Fresh Fruit Festival celebrates the creative spirit within the LGBT community. Other highlights in 2008 include: July 11, 7:30 p.m.: Preview the Festival at Barnes and Noble, Lincoln Square with the Cavalcade of Fruits featuring the best of the festivals past, present and future. July 13: Celebrate the Works of Jazz Greats at Joe’s Pub. July 16:The Opening of a new art exhibit,

“Strike a Pose: Gender 2008,” curated by Clover Honey at Tribeca’s Leslie-Loham Gallery. July 15:The Opening of Chip Deffaa’s new musical “Theater Boy.” And Beginning July 16, you can see Mae West strut the stage as she fights the guardians of morality in “Courting Mae West: Censorship, Sex and Secrets” by Linda Ann Loschiavo. There is much, much more; please check in at www.freshfruitfestival.com in May for a full schedule.

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Ten Hut!! N

By Denise Samen

ot all that sure what that meant, but I heard it enough in June 1968… I had no particular reason for enlisting, maybe the draw was the promise of traveling or getting a career instead of a job. I took a ride to a little box of a store in Coney Island—next to Nathan’s Famous— and joined the Army! After I passed the test, they told me that they would come for me in three days and to pack light. I was heading to Alabama. I hesitated to tell my parents, but they would want to know who was this military guy at the door, and where was I going with my bag packed? So the day before he showed up, I broke the news to them. My mom of course cried.

…she got up from the table, leaned over and pinched my cheek, telling me with a wink “to behave myself.”

I was whisked away to Ft. Hamilton base to wait with other enlistees. There we sat, at a long table with many women, just mingling. Opposite me was a gal who was reenlisting to the Marines. We talked briefly. When they called her name, she got up from the table, leaned over and pinched my cheek, telling me with a wink “to behave myself.” I didn’t think it was that obvious, but I guess you know your own kind? When my name was called, three other gals and I boarded a bus to the airport.We were one from Garden State and three from NYC area, two black and two white heading to Ft. McCullen,Alabama.We all got along very well. From what I could see, there was another obvious ”butch” woman in our group, but the topic was never talked about. When we finally arrived at the airport in Alabama, we were shuffled onto a bus with more women, and off we went. When we arrived at the base, we were ordered off the bus and lined up against the side—as if we were all going to get shot! Then a short, lady sergeant started shouting at us. She pointed towards a hill and asked,“See that hill, don’t go over it!” With my eyes wide, I thought, “OK.” Then she asked us, “Do you know why you’re not allowed to go over there?” I

Brooklyn Pride 2008

figured they were going to blow it up or something. We all shook our heads, no. “There are men on the other side of that hill!” A smile crept across my face, as I thought,“not to worry, I’m not interested in what’s over that hill.” Then she marched us to a building to get measured for our uniforms and show us to our sleeping quarters. After we got our bed assignments, I walked around and introduced myself to everyone as we were from all around the States. It was interesting to hear the different accents, and of course us New Yorkers don’t have none, right? Although at night I could hear footsteps and giggles, the word Lesbian was never spoken—but I was too tired to wonder or care who. It was “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” When we graduated boot camp, I, for whatever reason, had everyone sign my arm. One gal asked a question: “Are You?” I was puzzled as I walked away and continued collecting names, hugs and well wishes. Since I wasn’t going anywhere, I was the last out the door. As the young lady who asked the question passed me, I grabbed her arm lightly and said yes, with a wink and a smile. There had been a few gals that I enjoyed knowing, and as they headed for the bus taking them to who-remembers-where, I ran back into the barracks and cried. In my next group, there was a pretty gal that I would just nod to—we hardly spoke. Nights out on the weekends with my pals were few, but one Friday night around 11:00 p.m., as I was heading back to my room from watching TV in the community room, there in my bed was this girl. I blinked, a few times, not believing my eyes. If I wanted her in my bed, it wouldn’t have ever happened, and there she was, sleeping. I had to calm myself and I tried to wake her gently, but she was really out. I nudged her again, and when she sounded alive, I told her she made a mistake, that she was in the wrong bed. She told me that when she was drunk, she was easy. Good information to have, but when you come to my bed, you better be sober! She went on to tell me about some gal that she had the hots for— this was the first time I had any idea that she might have been gay! (Even though we all wore our hair short, we all didn’t look

butch.) I didn’t want to get caught and kicked out, so I looked around for some assistance to get her to her right bed down the hall. But nobody was around, and I was tired, so I laid down beside her. Just then a Specialist popped in to say good night.When she saw the girl laying next to me, she ran for her room and slammed the door. I jumped up and followed, pleading with her to help me get this drunk out of my bed. She said “If the Sarg catches you, you’re in trouble!” She refused to help. Finally I could hear people coming into the barracks and told my new bed partner that her sweetie was back. She got excited about the prospect and staggered out of my room. I quickly closed and locked my door. Around Christmas, we were all invited to a party to rub elbows with the big wigs all in their uniforms, with brass so shiny it could blind you. As we stood around, I was secretly wondering who was butch or possibly femme. My Sergeant was there, of course—with her girlfriend, who was a higher rank.

Despite [everything], I have only fond memories of my military life, the marches, the latrine, KP duties, the weather, countryside and women.

It was right after that, that I came home to New York City. My mom had had a heart attack, and being the only child, I was given an honorable discharge for hardship. I was given my pink slip and found myself on a train. I liked the country, and didn’t really want to come back to the City, but I was needed at home. I made a few friends and more than a few memories—and behaved myself the whole time! I don’t know what happened to any of the gals I met, hope they all lived successful lives and broke many hearts along the way. Back then, you weren’t sent to the front lines unless you were in a medical profession. I wanted to be an x-ray tech, but wound up where the Army wanted me—behind a typewriter (which I hated). Despite that, I have only fond memories of my military life, the marches, the latrine, KP duties, the weather, countryside and women. I would have been a lifer and, every now and then, I actually miss it. L

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Bias on the Beach Civil Unions, Bigotry and T-Shirts on the Jersey Shore

By Steven Froias, triCityNews editor

CEAN GROVE, NJ—When Pam Valentine decided to open a custom T-shirt & design shop in the tiny Jersey Shore community of Ocean Grove, she hardly expected Commonfolkart would find itself smack dab in the middle of a LGBT firestorm. After all, Ocean Grove was home to a large alternative community, even though it had been founded by the Methodist Church’s Camp Meeting Association. But when the storm broke, Pam found herself in the eye of the hurricane, and Commonfolkart an unlikely target of anti-gay bigotry. The squall between the town’s many gay and lesbian citizens and the Camp Meeting Association started in the spring of 2007. That’s when the news broke that the Association had denied the application of two lesbian couples to hold a civil union ceremony in a boardwalk pavilion. Though governed by the Municipality of Neptune Township, the historic district of Ocean Grove has been administered by the Methodist Camp Meeting Association by state charter since it’s founding in 1869. The community was dedicated to rest and spiritual renewal—and the land deeded to association, which was itself founded on Methodist principles.And they claimed that civil union ceremonies simply didn’t jive with the tenets of the church. But through the years, the association had seen its grip on the Grove loosened by other court challenges to its exclusionary

Brooklyn Pride 2008

reign, and had also accepted state and federal monies to maintain and repair the very boardwalk and pavilion where so many opposite sex couples—of many faiths and denominations—had held weddings over the years.

The ensuing controversy opened up bitter divisions in the once amiable, almost sleepy town.

So, the women filed a complaint with the NJ Division on Civil Rights, declaring that this denial interfered with the free exercise of their civil right.They based their claim on the fact that the pavilion, regardless of the charter, had ceased being private, churchowned land but had become a public accommodation. For its part, the Camp Meeting Association engaged the services of a far right group called the Alliance Defense Fund and sued in federal court to have the investigation stopped. They lost, and it is still ongoing. The ensuing controversy opened up bitter divisions in the once amiable, almost sleepy town. The substantial gay community was galvanized and quickly formed Ocean Grove United, a group dedicated to getting the civil union ceremony ban overturned. They also partnered with state and federal civil rights groups, including Human Rights Commission.

A group of concerned Ocean Grove citizens—both gay and straight— have formed Ocean Grove United…to ensure the civil rights of all members of the Ocean Grove

But supporters of the Methodist Camp Meeting Association weren’t happy, and weren’t shy about venting their anti-gay prejudices, especially in Pam’s Commonfolkart. When faced with T-shirts that read “God Bless Everyone—No Exceptions,” “Straight, But Not Narrow,” and the ironic “Judge Not Lest You Be Judged,” some patrons responded with the following: “Looks like this place could use a good shot of the Lord J.C.,” “Un-frick-ing believable!” and even “This is repulsive!” Still, as the case works its way through the state bureaucracy and another summer season is set to begin in this beachfront community, Pam is happy to be in Ocean Grove. The outpouring of support for and from the LGBT community in the Grove and neighboring Asbury Park, a hot LGBT nightclub destination on the Jersey Shore, has been heartening. Before she began Commonfolkart, Pam chose the slogan “Making the world a better place one T-shirt at a time.” Little did she know so much would be asked of 100% cotton! L Find out more on the web: www.oceangroveunited.org;

Pride Week in Brooklyn

This year the LGBT community of Brooklyn has come together to make June 11th through June 14th Pride Week in Brooklyn. All organizations have been invited by Brooklyn Pride to coordinate events for the week. These efforts at inter-connecting the borough’s local organization and encouraging mutual cooperation between them are fundamental aspects of Brooklyn Pride’s mission.We would like to encourage all of our readers, friends and allies to participate and support all the planned activities. We also hope that throughout the month of June, you will find small ways to make this time meaningful for yourself and the neighborhood in which you live by displaying symbols of our pride.

SAVE THE DATES

Upcoming Pride Events in 2008

Interfaith Service

Other June Pride Celebrations….. Queen Pride, June 1st Jackson Heights, Queens New Jersey Pride, June 1st Asbury Park, NJ Boston Pride Week June 6th - 15th Staten Island Pride, June 7th Connecticut Pride June 7th Hartford, CT

Heritage of Pride LGBT Rally, June 22nd 42nd St. & 6th Ave. @ Bryant Park NYC Dyke March, June 28th Bryant Park, NYC Heritage of Pride, PRIDEfest. June 29th Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West 14th St. Heritage of Pride, Pride March, June 29th 5th Avenue & 52nd St. to Christopher & Greenwich St.

Long Island Pride, June 8th Hecksher Park, Huntington, NY

…. and beyond

Gay Pride Rockland, June 8th Rockland County, NY

Jersey City Pride, August 23rd Downtown, Jersey City

Bronx Pride, June 21st Barretto Point Park, Bronx

Wednesday June 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM United Fellowship Church 2578 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY (718) 385-2406 Pride Reception at Borough Hall Thursday June 12, 2008 at 6:00 PM Borough Hall 209 Joralemon Street Brooklyn, NY

Famous Quotes... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. - Helen Keller

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Night Parade Route

Multicultural Festival Map

12th Annual Brooklyn Pride

Multicultural Festival Saturday, June 14th, 2008 Prospect Park at Bartel-Pritchard Circle (F train to 15th Street/Prospect Park)

For more information, to volunteer, to march or perform, call the Brooklyn Pride Hotline, 718-928-3320

All events are free & open to everyone 9:30 a.m. —10K Fun Run: PPW & 15th St. (co-sponsored by Park Slope Geriatric Day Center) 11:00–6:00 p.m. —Street Festival: vendors, food, along PPW from 15th to 9th Sts 12:00-4:00 p.m. —Kid’s Space: Arts & crafts for children and families under a tent – enter at PPW & 15th St 1:30-6:00 p.m. —Stage performances in Prospect Park – enter at PPW & 15th St 8:30 p.m. —Night Parade: steps off from Bartell Pritchard Square, 15th St & PPW. For route, see map, left.

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Brooklyn Pride Thanks Youâ&#x20AC;Ś

Brooklyn Pride offers our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the individuals, groups and organizations who provided us unwavering support and assistance in bringing this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride event to Brooklyn.Without your support, encouragement and belief, Pride 2008 would not have been possible.

The Residents and Businesses of Park Slope PO Jerry Galante, 78th Pct. Community Affairs Office

65 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, (718) 636-6410 Craig Hammerman, District Manger Community Board #6 260 Baltic Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

(718) 643-3027, www.brooklyncb6.org

Jerry Allred, Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz

Brooklyn Borough Hall

209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Kenneth Freeman, President

The Park Slope Civic Council

357 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

(718) 783-1723, www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org The Park Slope Chamber of Commerce

Bob Kalb

123 7th Avenue, PMB 143, Brooklyn, New York 11215 www.parkslopeshops.com

Todd Berman, Clearview Festival Productions

80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 415, New York, NY 10011 (646) 230-0713, www.clearviewfestival.com

Dori Sheilds, Casswood Insurance Agency, LTD

Five Halfmoon Executive Park

Clifton Park, NY 12065, (516) 373-8700

Samantha Delman-Caserta, President,

Park Slope/5th Avenue Merchants Association

172 Fifth Avenue, Box 124, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Eric Thompson, Dept. of Transportation

Special Events, Banner Unit

40 Worth Street, Room 1215

NYC Parks & Recreation

95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 965-8974, www.prospectpark.org

(718) 398-4500

www.psvac.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Is this the Job for You?

Volunteer opportunities with Brooklyn Pride can be just for fun, or they can look good on your resume.

FUNDRAISING

Plan & staff events New York Parks and Merchandising Corporate Sponsorship Grant writing Obtain raffle prizes

95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 965-6993, www.prospectpark.org

453 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Park Slope Geriatric Day Center

Lynda & Jasmine and The Prospect Park Alliance

Litchfield Villa

VOLUNTEER/OUTREACH

Sergeant Tracey Servello, LGBT Liaison UnitPhone tree (expenses reimbursed)

Office of the Chief of Community Affairs Bureau One Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038 (646) 235-1133

& The Park Slope Volunteer

199 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, www.psgdc.org

New York, NY 10013, (212) 788-2109

Nancy J. Melissas, City of & Recreation

Matt Pintchik & Dale Garcia Ambulance Corp

Staff BP table at events Recruit & place volunteers Lick-n-Stick bulk mailings (refreshments!) Distribute newsletters Update Mailing List

COMMUNICATIONS

Work on our newsletter & Pride Guide Write press releases Produce graphic art for flyers, posters Develop media contacts Maintain our web page Ad sales

PARADE & FESTIVAL

This is the biggest event of our year. There is plenty of work to do in the coming months to ensure a happy event. And there are unlimited ways to contribute on the date of the festival and night parade. We need you!

Brooklyn Pride 2008

2008 SPONSORS

STREET BANNERS

Platinum WKTU Gold

BUD Light

Next Magazine

Silver

Aunt Suzie Crunch

HX/The New York Blade State Farm Insurance

Bank of America

Bronze

Brooklyn Borough Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Excelsior

KTU Union Distributers Crunch Fitness Starbucks Kate Murray State Farm Insurance Aunt Suzie HX/The New York

Blade ID Lube Gingers Cattyshack Benton Realty Excelsior Next Bank of America

Ginger's Bar ID Lube

Starbucks GO NYC

Friends

Poland Spring

PARADE PARTICIPANTS as of May 24, 2008 G.O.A.L.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center Gay Men's Health Crisis KTU

The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps B Productions

The Church of Gethsemane

Metropolitan Community Church of New York Park Slope United Methodist Church

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Marty Markowitz

Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn The Hetrick Martin Institute

NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti Violence Project

Temple Beth Elohim

Audre Lourde Project Sirens Motorcycle Club Cheer New York

Dykes on Bike-Cycles

Gingers Bar Enguard

Images o

Photos are by Brooklyn Pride 28

Brooklyn Pride 2008

of Pride

Brooklyn Pride 2008

THE FESTIVAL MCs:

Appolonia Cruz Lady Clover Honey Guest Appearance by Marty Markowitz

Performance Schedule: (subject to change)

Appolonia Cruz amberRose Marie Gay Men’s Chorus India M Ira Levi Jade Starling Key Key-J Lady Clover Honey Lindsay Drew Lovari Maxine and The Oracles Quentin Elias Rhythm Locura Shadz of Red Shiragirl Sister Funk Switch N’ Play Tomas

Famous Quotes... What you will do matters. All you need is to do it. - Judy Grahn (Writer)

Appolonia Cruz

Appolonia Cruz, a former New Yorker, began her drag show career in South Beach, Miami, Florida in the early 1990s. She moved back to New York City in 1999 to expand her drag show career with the help of her brother DJ Eddie Cruz. She has performed at major clubs including Hatfields, Heavens, BackStreet, Excalibur, Stonewall, Spectrum, Luchos BX Club, Escuelita,Webster Hall, Monster, Krash, Club Atlantis, Escandalo Nites and her home base Luchos Club. In Miami she has performed at Twist, Scores, Discotekka,Voo Doo, Sandal and Azucar Night Club. Appolonia has been a creative costume designer for over 30 years. Her designs include the Famous Puerto Rican Flag Gown and Huge Star "Head Piece" she wore on her first Brooklyn Pride memorable show appearance in 2007. Though Ms. Cruz is back home in NY, she returns to South Beach several times a year. She is also a recognizable face on the NYC small theater scene, appearing with Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre in summer 2005, The Disco Project at Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors, at Pregones Theatre in 2006, and At BAAD! (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance) in the "Out Like That” festivals for the past three years. She was a headliner for BAAD!’s 2007 production of Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo. Appolonia is now guest hosting for the television show, "Frutas Extrana/Strange Fruits," a Bronx-based show in which she interviews today's hottest entertainers. Despite her success Appolonia is as humble as when she first arrived back to NYC!! "Para Que Respeten" —Appolonia Cruz.

India M

Born and raised in Brooklyn, India started singing at age 5 and at age 6 started formal training with a vocal coach. By age 14, she started singing with her first band and began to actively pursue her music career. By age 16, India and the band were asked to open up for B.T. Express in Virginia Beach. From that day on her dream to be a singer/performer became her only focus. Not knowing how to get where she wanted to be, India began to seek out people that knew how to get her into the industry. She began by writing songs from her heart and produced her first CD called “Feelings” which consisted of the following songs Casonover, You Did Me Wrong, In Love with You, Another Night (Jeep Beat), Got to Have Your Love, and You.These songs brought her to the attention of a producer who quickly introduced her to Jam Box Studios in Manhattan, N.Y. While working there, her engineer Lee Evans assisted her to edit her songs to reflect her sound with little effect on her voice.This 1st CD was released in 2004. Since that first experience, India has had the pleasure of working with several different artist including Janet Sol. India stated that working with Janet on her single was an amazing experience.The writer and producer of the song “Call Him” started that single out as a gospel song and finished it as a song that rocked every one off their feet in a dance rhythm that left you breathless. India is now working on a project which will be released in 2009, a CD called “Elohim” she will be featured on 3 of the songs on the CD, In the Kingdom, One Time and It Aint Over. She is also working on a CD comprised of a majority of songs that she wrote.The CD is called “From the Soul” it will be released in 2009. India has toured through out the US and is the CEO of Just Me Productions Entertainment, which provides Karaoke, D.J’s and Live Entertainment. Brooklyn Pride 2008

STAGE Jade Starling

This award winning singer/ songwriter is best known for the #1 platinum 80’s smash hit "Catch Me I'm Falling" on Virgin Records. Along with co-founder, musician/producer/ arranger Whey Cooler, they were the driving force of Pretty Poison. This ground breaking late 80's pop band helped pave the way for crossover acts such as Britney Spears, Christina Agulera and Pink.

Jade & Whey ushered in 2007 with the placement of a song on the new Joss Stone LP “INTRODUCING JOSS STONE”.The song is called “PROPER NICE”. In addition, Jade has been getting rave reviews for her two new projects; STAR-LING f/Asia whose first single FLG was co-written by Chamillionaire producer Twinz of Thunder Trax Productions fame June 2008 release, andWOOD BEEZ with their club version of the Damien Rice classic “The Blower’s Daughter”.Look for both songs on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc. Pretty Poison’s Catch Me I'm Falling can be heard in the following movies;”Kickin It Old School” starring Jamie Kennedy. "Bam Bam & Celeste" starring Margaret Cho. "10th & Wolf" starring Val Kilmer and "Lord Of The Fans" about the fan phenomenon that swirled around the "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy. In addition to this, it can be heard on VH1's "I Love The Eighties.

Jade & Whey co-wrote a song to help raise donations for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Brook Lapping Productions found the song entitled "Blue Monday" and licensed it for use in their movie "Surviving Katrina" which aired on the Discover Channel on August 27th 2006, the one-year anniversary of the event. Jade spent 4 months on the road in 2007 performing as part of the arena tour ‘Freestyle Explosion” where she shared stages with acts as diverse as Shannon, Expose and Lisa Lisa.

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus is currently celebrating its 28th season.The Chorus has been acclaimed by America’s leading music critics as a men’s chorus of outstanding musical accomplishment and has established itself as a cornerstone in the musical life of New York City, bearing a message of equality and freedom by openly gay performers. It has engaged leading composers to illuminate its mission, including John Corigliano, David Conte, William Bolcom, Libby Larsen and Ned Rorem, leading to over 60 premieres, adding significantly to the repertory of choral music. Besides its subscription series, the chorus also performs with such major symphony orchestras as the Boston Pops, New York Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, and Brooklyn Philharmonic as well as other local groups such as The Collegiate Chorale and Opera Orchestra of New York. Frequent appearances on television and at local community events raise the level of acceptance for openly gay performers. The NYCGMC has brought its musicianship and professionalism worldwide with inspiring concerts on three European tours and in many American cities.Affirming its world-class status is a roster of classical and contemporary artists who have graced the stages with the Chorus: Marilyn Horne, Roberta Peters, Liza Minnelli, Stephen Sondheim, Barbara Cook, Carol Channing, Jerry Herman, Eartha Kitt, Joel Grey—to name just a few.The Chorus will be performing at the Rally in Manhattan on Sunday, June 22 and also will travel to Miami in July for the GALA Choruses Music Festival.The Chorus has been led this season by new Music Director Dr. Charles Beale. For more information you can contact the Chorus office at 212-344-1777;

Maxine and the Oracles

Maxine’s songwriting technique and heart pounding delivery are reminiscent of Jon Mayer,The Indigo Girls, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, and Cole Porter with a twist of Elvis. With clever, thoughtful lyrics and jazz influenced harmonies, her style ranges from the deep and sultry to the light and whimsical. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Maxine started her first band at the age of 9 and never stopped performing. In pursuit of her dream, Maxine sought out her formal training at The Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduation, she stayed in the New England area performing in venues such as Saints, Somewhere, Oasis Coffeehouse and The Berklee Performance Center. Upon her return to NewYork City in the late eighties she continued her musical career, performing at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, Barnard College, WOW Cafe, the Cauldron Coffeehouse, Rhythms Club and Ariel's. Maxine’s unique sound has obtained her interviews with Outlook radio station,WBAI and Blooming Out Radio. Maxine spends much of her time involved in animal rescue efforts and is always happy to donate her talent to fund raising events. With her hit singles “In Something With You” and “Dynamite” already gaining national acclaim, she is currently in the studio working on her album, Best of Maxine and the Oracles, available in late 2008. Be sure to look for this star on the rise as she is sure to leave a smile on your face and your feet tapping. Brooklyn Pride 2008

THE FESTIVAL Tomas

Beginning in 1991 as an actor and choreographer, Tomas traveled the US doing shows in clubs, at colleges, and for corporations, developing a reputation as a diverse and multi-faceted artist. He has also performed Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. In 1996, he began Tomasian Ent! as a vehicle to promote his musical, theatrical and choreographed endeavors. He has traveled the US Musically, Tomas has been compared to Prince as he writes, produces, and performs all his own music. By combining powerful pop vocals with a story-telling lyrical style all served over infectious dance floor grooves,Tomas' music moves your body as well as your mind. In 2001, he released getUP!, his first full-length CD, a collection of socially conscious dance music. In 2003, he returned with getUP! Again,The Remixes, a follow-up to his 2001 release.The project included remixes and original versions of songs previously released on getUP! plus two new tracks.__In 2005, Tomas choreographed an original off-offBroadway musical in NYC, Eve: The Story of EveryWoman (LMNO Theatre Co.). He also produced an instrumental project under the name Vie Sans Les Fleur entitled, Emagine: A World Without Flowers (released Feb 2006)._Also in 2006, he returned to off-off Broadway with his one man show, Pages from the Journal. Tomas has also filmed two movies, the feature length Loose Ends and the short Always Keep. In March 2007, te! Music/Tomasian Ent! released Rhythm for the Runway which features the single, "No Interest," by Tomas which did well on internet and special interest radio programs.Tomas is currently promoting his new single, "Day We Lost Our Love" from his soon to be released CD.

Lindsay Drew

Lindsay’s unique style of performance cannot be missed! Her performance credits are wide and varied, ranging from performing her own work to sharing the stage with other talented musicians and actors. Proficient performing in both small and large venues, her voice can often be heard in established New York City hot spots. She writes for hire, musically directs, and writes and performs her own music. Her music has been used by established New York City theater companies, The Regroup Theater Company and The Almost Knew Theater Company, as show soundtracks. Lindsay has also won vocal awards in both her home state of Minnesota and her current home, New York State. Past and current collaborators include: Boston Pops singer,Vera Mariner; Dr. David Rives; Dr.Anne Turner; actor/singer Will Bryan; and a multitude of professional musicians in New York City and Nashville. Lindsay’s performance credits bleed from singing and songwriting to both theater and film. She has been seen as an actor on camera with film companies such as SLM Productions,Terry Wickam Pictures, and Brooklyn Film Company. She has studied with major casting directors Dani Super,Tony Pichette and Rob Decina. Her theatrical credits are massive and diverse and include work Off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and with notable New York City companies such as Barefoot Theater Company and SITI Company. For Lindsay’s complete actor resume, please visit her website, www.lindsaydrew.com.

Sister Funk

Sister Funk, the nation's hottest, fivepiece, all-female band brings a high energy, entertaining stage show to a growing national following. For the past 6 years, Sister Funk has been headlining concert arenas, clubs and music festivals playing tracks off of their 3 independent CD releases: Pursuit of the Groove (c) 2001, Girl (c) 2003 & Gossip (c) 2006. Sister Funk’s music is best described as commercial pop/rock, similar in sound & style to artists like Pink & Maroon Five. Gone a track off their latest CD release Gossip, has been featured on Sirius Out Q’s Hot Top 20 Charts for 15 consecutive weeks, reaching #2. Gossip was also voted the #4 CD on Out Voice’s Top 40 CDs of 2006. Sister Funk's music is also featured in many independent films and on television: "A Word From Our Sponsor", "Becoming Donna", Montville Fair commercial and "Bringing Golfing Back To Dinah Shore" which features a cameo appearance of SISTER FUNK along side Michelle Balan of Last Comic Standing and Poppy Chaplin, incredible female comedian. Sister Funk's LIVE show is what makes them more than just another female band. According to Conch Key West, "Sister Funk gave the most animated rock performance in memory; these ladies impressed even seasoned rockaholics at the 2006 Key West Womyn's Music Festival". Sister Funk’s long list of credits and accolades include: 1st Place Winners in the 2007 Emergenza Music Festival, in 2006 became a featured artist on the Olivia Cruise roster, winners of the 2005 Hartford Advocate’s Best Pop Band, Best Bassist, Best Guitarist, Best Horn Player & Best Drummer, in 2004 voted Favorite Out Band by National Stonewall Society, in 2003 Crucify was nomination for Best OUT Song by Out Music NYC and in 2003 listed as One of the Top 12 Artists on the Rise by GONYC Magazine. Sister Funk is also proud to be nationally endorsed and sponsored by: SAM ASH, MAC COSMETICS & LIPSTICK & WILDFLOWERS. Sister Funk is also thrilled to be association with: Curve Magazine, GONYC Magazine, Outlook Magazine, Sirius Satellite Radio and more.

KeyKey J

Born in Memphis, TN raised in Brooklyn, NY KeyKey-J is “La Princessa de la Calle”. Her debut single “Toda la Noche” hit the clubs summer 07’. This Latin songbird’s UrbanClassy style ranges from Reggaeton to HipHop/R&B. At the tender age of 21 she is young, beautiful and writes lyrics that will take you along on her journey of life and self discovery. With her bright smile velvety vocals and goofy charm KeyKey-J is sure to leave her mark on every individual in the crowd. KeyKey-J is currently looking for representation in the music industry she can be contacted at nakeshia.jones@yahoo.com

Brooklyn Pride 2008

STAGE, Switch N’ Play

continued

Switch N’ Play (SNP) is a Brooklyn-born, New York-based drag alliance committed to entertaining its audiences with an eclectic repertoire of dance and theatrical numbers. Queer in every sense of the word, SNP spans the gender spectrum in life and on stage. Established in January 2006, SNP hopes to enliven the drag community of New York by performing with a diverse group of queer performance artists: drag kings and queens, burlesque performers, poets, musicians, and visual artists.We have had the pleasure of participating in an array of events, including Brooklyn Pride, IDKE 8 and 9, the Trans/Art Festival at Wow Café Theater, Welfare Warriors Speak Out, NY School of Visual Arts Out Week and LIGALY’s Gender Outreach Festival. SnP is Bigs, Chaz Del Diablo, Manny Mango, Maximum Satisfaction, Pepe Pan, and Syditious.

Rhythm Locura

Rhythm Locura is New York’s premier LGBT Latin dance group from Stepping Out Studios in Manhattan (www.steppingoutstudios.com) Led by Artistic Director Simone Assboeck, the group won first place at the 5 Boro Dance Challenge in the spring of 2007. Rhythm Locura is proud to be back at Brooklyn Pride this year, having made its debut appearance in 2006. In addition to Brooklyn Pride, Rhythm Locura has performed at numerous Pride events and venues including The LGBT Expo Event at the Javitz Center, SAGE Event at the China Club, BAAD in the Bronx and Queens Pride. Their present repertoire of dances includes Salsa, Rumba, Cha-Cha, and Hustle. The diversity of ages, cultures and dance backgrounds lends the group its unique strength and flavor. Rhythm Locura is a dynamic and vibrant group that aims to celebrate and bring the joy of Latin dance to the LGBT community.

Lovari

Born in Queens, NY. Lovari's debut single,"These Tears" was released and recieved airplay on NY's # 1Dance station WKTU (103.5 FM) and in 2006, Lovari independently released "All I Want Is You",which went to # 1 on Hot 96FM in Portland. 2007 was a breakthrough year for Lovari. FM and internet radio added his single "I Feel You" into rotation and I-Tunes began to carry his tracks. His singles and album appeared in the artist database at Billboard. com Lovari is also a SAG actor, appearing in Sydney Pollack's "The Interpreter" and in VIceroy Andrew's "The New York Strangler" Lovari directed and wrote the screenplay for "ShoreThing". Lovari has been interviewed on OUT FM with Pedro Serrano,WBAI 99.5 FM (NY), Upper Room w/ Joe Kelley & Gi Dussault in CT. Articles about Lovari have been written in The Tribune, OUT In Jersey,The Courier, and PM. Lovari has also branched out into political activism, and is a member of the New York Democrats Club, assisting with the presidential campaign, supporting Queens District Leader Daniel Dromm and participating in NY/NJ Bike Ride For Peace in memory of Iofemi Hightower, Dashon Harvey, and Terrance Aeriel. Lovari also su ports Our Youth organization in NJ. Lovari's new album will be released in the summer of 2008. Contact:Anthony Lovari-(718) 306-2357/LovariMusic@Yahoo.com www.myspace.com/lovari and cdbaby.com/cd/lovari

Did You Know? Over 65,000 gay men and women are currently serving in the military. Brooklyn Pride 2008

Lady Clover Honey

Lady Clover Honey has emerged as one of the most versatile, multitalented Drag Diva personalities! She has taken the art of Female Impersonation from the typical bars to places like Carnegie Hall, film, radio and international broadcast television. The Lady is known for her role as a fun and glamorous television correspondent on the international TV series Under the Pink Carpet, reporting at the hippest and most glamorous events, from the Emmy Awards to Erotic Expos, Lady Clover Honey and her TV crew are regular NYC nightlife fixtures. As an MC and hostess she has added both panache and humor to many notable events like the Fresh Fruit Festival and Q-Me-Com (Queer Media TV conference). She has invoked high glamor and big laughs at famous mainstream Comedy Clubs Caroline’s,World Famous Laugh Factory, Gotham Comedy Club, Don’t Tell Mama, Reprise Room at Dillon’s, Rockwood Music Hall, Danny’s Skylight Room, the Duplex and the legendary Carnegie Hall, where she made history as the first Drag Queen to conduct an orchestra at the famed concert Hall. Lady Clover Honey is a well-known Drag artist in the LGBT Community, appearing at NYC area Gay hotspots and performance venues like The Art of Drag at Cherry Lane Theater, Dance 208 at The LGBT Center of NYC, The Monster, The Web, Xl, Spectrum, Escuelita and many others. Her voice is heard as a regular guest commentator on Out FM WBAI radio 95.5. Lady Clover Honey is sometimes called the Queen of Television, but her sweet charisma gets broadcast wherever she goes!

THE FESTIVAL STAGE, Shiragirl

May be best known for crashing Warped Tour and bringing her all-girl pink mobile Shiragirl Stage to audiences across the country. But in 2008 fans will get to hear a new raw sound from Shiragirl, with a new full length featuring production by Joey Z (Life of Agony) and Tim Armstrong (Rancid). Fusing styles from punk rock to hip-hop, Shiragirl's new style highlights a musically talented lineup. Shira (front woman, vocals) Raine Palladino (drums, musical direction), Sammy D. Evil (bass), and Foxy Roxy and Jas (guitar team) complete the band; the all-girl crew is often joined onstage by guest DJs and dancers, bringing the audience an unforgettable show.You can find out more about Shiragirl by visiting their myspace page.

amberRose Marie

Making her first appearance this year, during Brooklyn Pride, amberRose Marie on Catz Entertainment brings her debut Billboard hit single, "Destiny" to the stage, with her very energetic stageshow. Having performed the Original GLBT Expo, PURE, Twist, Gypsy, the Empire Ballroom, the Billboard Dance Music Summit and elsewhere, you can expect this Diva on the Dancefloor to deliver consistantly in a big way! With radio listeners making it clear that they want more of amberRose Marie, New York radio stations Pulse 87, 103.5 KTU, Party 105.3, and 106.1 BLI are taking notice! amberRose Marie is no stranger to lending her talents to support not-for-profit organizations who are close to her heart such as LIFEbeat, AIDS Service Center NYC, Long Island Gay & Lesbian Youth, The Healing Center, Friends of Karen and more! amberRose Marie has also performed our nations anthem for the Long Island Ducks and the New York Mets. Visit amberRose Marie online at www.myspace.com/amberRoseMarieMusicor on her new website, www.amberRoseMarie.com - It's your destiny!

Shadz of Red

SHADZ OF RED is the creative expression of front woman Karlene Williams (singer, songwriter, and guitarist). Part Rock, Part Soul her music is honest and inspired. Karlene hails from the Caribbean island of Jamaica. She has lived most of her life in NYC and currently makes her home in Brooklyn NY. Her songs are about freedom and revolution.This is music for the new woman and the new man; those with a vision for the new world. Shadz of Red has played many venues most recent The Underscore, Solomon’s Porch, Rayhans,The Chocolate Monkey and Grand Street. Shadz of Red debut EP “I believe in Love” was released in April 2008. For more you can visit Shadz of Red at www.myspace.com/shadzofred or www.ourstage.com/profile/shadzofred.

continued

Quentin Elias

Quentin Elias is a renaissance artist with unparalleled style and substance. His passion, talent and personality render him an artist of extraordinary ability. But how did it all begin? Quentin was born and raised by his mother and older sister in the slums of Marseille, France on the Mediterranean Sea. After learning of his father’s death in an accident, Quentin fled to Paris at the age of 15 to pursue his dreams of singing and dancing. In 1996, he became a member of the newly formed four member boy band Alliage. Alliage outranked other international musicians and entertainers of the era such as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, and a host of other groups. But, after four years, Quentin wanted to move in a different direction artistically and left the band to begin his career as a solo artist. Quentin moved to New York City where he began working with notable music industry insiders such as Nile Rogers, Ernie Lake and Junior Vasquez and, in 2001, recorded and released “Always the Last”. In 2002, he was named the Most Promising Male Singer, and was awarded the coveted Diamond Award at The Diamond Award Festival in Europe. Continuing to perform and record, Quentin released two solo albums “Serve It Up” in 2005 and “What If I” in 2006. In 2007, working with J.Marty of the Beatdoctorz and Flash the DJ from Electro Boy Inc. Records in Los Angeles, Quentin recorded new songs and began re-working some previously unreleased material. Electro Boy Records has since pre-released the new song “Fever” and a newly recorded version of “Always the Last” in support of Quentin’s upcoming album “Love Confusion” to be released during the summer of 2008. Visit Quentin’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/quentinelias.

Ira Levi

Incredible vocals, showmanship and versatility are the trademark of popular recording artist Ira Levi. After establishing himself as a major force in Dance/House music with a series of hits on the legendary dance label, Strictly Rhythm, Ira Levi makes his 2008 stage debut in the hilarious production, "Why Wont He Love Me Forever?". As a popular dance artist, Ira's Billboard singles include "Free Your Mind", "We Came To Work It Out" and his latest international smash "Let the Children Dance!" . He's worked with Dance music's top producers ( Jellybean, Eric Morillo,and Roger S). and has shared the stage with great artists like Jennifer Holiday, Cece Peniston, Sheena Easton and the Village People. Raised in NYC, buzz on his latest single started at the 2007 Winter Music Conference. "Let The Children Dance!" was rated among the top 3 dance songs to watch for by About.com music editor DJ Ron. The song was inspired by the deaths of young LGBT victims of violence- including Sakia Gunn, Gwen Aurojo and Matthew Shephard. The single was released exclusively to Abercrombie & Fitch for in-store play and quickly became an international smash.

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Tranny Love Lisa (John) Nisbett 1953–2007

By Denise Samen

he walked into my life one summer’s day in 2006, in front of Ruby Fruit Bar and Grill (NYC), and I was never the same. For it was not into my ear that she whispered—but into my heart. It was not my lips that she kissed—but my soul. I still see her in my mind’s eye whenever I go to Cattyshack Bar (Brooklyn). Although she lived in Queens, she liked the bar’s two floors, its bars and dance areas, not to mention the deck, and I can still see her there, smiling. One night we just sat out there looking up at the stars, debating if what we were looking at was Mars or Venus. Then she told me what planes were flying into the various airports. What a night that was. She enlightened my friends and me about what her life was like in her world, how she had struggles with family (ex-wife, two sons and a brother) and coworkers. She introduced me to a group she was involved with, Transgender Health Initiative of NY (THINY). She was so happy that, in January 2008, she was going to Canada to have her final reassignment surgery. But Sunday night, July 1, 2007 at the

Brooklyn Pride 2008

end of Gay Pride, with which she helped at the Pier Party, she went to bed and never woke again! We all live in our own cubical in life, and it took a blind date with this passionate 5’7” Aquarius, ex-Marine, to allow me, an ex-Army 5’ Taurus, lesbian butch, to see and think outside the box. We never became lovers, just very good friends, but she touched my heart and mind like no other, and I’ll be forever grateful for that. She said that I taught her a lot about lesbian butches—although I never knew how. We talked about our days in the service, and she was just so delighted to be talking with another Vet, that she almost smothered me to death with her big bear hug. We talked about ex-lovers, and I even met two of hers. (I still keep in touch with one.) On February 11, she would have turned 54.Although her name was changed legally, the Coroner’s Office still has her listed as a man. Her family is fighting to have this corrected per her wish to be recognized as a woman even in death. Rest in Peace, my good friend. L

Steaks

Chops

Seafood

Grecian Corner Breakfast Lunch Dinner Serving Beer & Wine Best Wishes for a Successful Brooklyn Pride 2008

FREE DELIVERY Your Hosts Manos Maria Steve

234 7th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 38

718-788-1478 718-832-7017 Brooklyn Pride 2008

Brooklyn Pride 2008

“Happy Pride, everyone!”

By William Urich, with grateful acknowledgment from additional contributors to the Human Rights Forum held during an Annual General Meeting of InterPride: Dmitri Bartenev, Moscow Pride;Tomasz Baczkowski,Warsaw Pride, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Equal Ground, Sri Lanka; Oscar Ataderro, ProGay, Manilla, the Philippines; Nada Raphael, HELEM, Beruit and Montreal (Diverscite); Aidan Dunn, San Francisco Yes, Happy Pride. It’s the familiar greeting you hear repeatedly all day at the once a year festival you go to to buy GLBTIQXYZ-themed chatchkas, lavender candles, buttons, the occasional piece of jewelry and bumper stickers, and to enjoy a beer or share recent gossip with friends. You walk around with your dog, who might be wearing a rainbow collar or hankie. You enjoy watching a parade and might even cheer the contingent of queer police officers who pass by as active participants in the Pride Parade. You hear gay and lesbian-related messages and music from queer (and supportive) speakers and musicians on stage.You see folks you know, or those you only see out at such events. But you see people. Friendly people. Lots of people. People like you. They're all doing the same thing you’re doing: being seen strutting your Pride and enjoying a peaceful day. Fear is the farthest thing from your mind. “Happy Pride, everyone!” It is shouted proudly from the stage to welcoming cheers and applause. It rings loudly. It rings clearly amongst the festive crowd. Once a year, we “let freedom ring.” But, not every year. And not everywhere.

In many places around the world, there is silence. In many places around the world, there is invisibility. And in some places, when that silence and invisibility are breached, there is ostracizing, imprisonment...or death. Indeed, let freedom ring. We in the West have enjoyed an active Pride movement and some advances in equality and recognition since Stonewall. We're used to it. It's no big deal. Like many of us, Pride is moving into a comfortable and complacent middle age. In many areas of the world, however, an emerging Pride movement is just now enduring the stresses of birth….a slow and agonizing birth. During the first Belgrade Pride March in 2001, our peaceful Serbian brother and sister Pride goers were harassed and beaten and bloodied by religious and skinhead groups as the police stood idly by and watched, sometimes joining in. Although present, the good officers offered very little support and protection from the abusing anti-gay protesters, some of their own ranks included. It turned out to be the ONLY Pride March. There has been no Pride in Belgrade since. Happy Pride, everyone? Not in Serbia. In 2002, during Zagreb’s first open Pride event, the young organizer did not shout “Happy Pride” from the stage. Instead, he stood up at the microphone and yelled, “…from Brooklyn Pride 2008

this day we shall be silent no longer…from this day, we won’t be invisible anymore…” Zagreb has had a successful Pride event ever since. But this achievement was not won without an on-going, widening struggle. And it could not have been won without a courage that surpasses a constant fear of retribution from hate mongers and religious bigots. With a brave and daring GLBT community and diligent police support, Pride events have occurred in Croatia since 2002. Happy Pride, everyone! When the nations of the former Soviet Bloc signed on to the various international European bodies (the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe, etc.), they agreed to adopt and conform to the established European standards of Human Rights.The extent of the protection of Human Rights in any nation is directly proportional to the level of democracy that nation has attained and to how well it conforms to the standards of the international bodies of which they are a part. Idealy, it is the combined pressure of conforming nations on the “bad guys” that can force compliance with accepted practice. But not always. In some cases, like the EU, membership is contingent upon each member adopting specific Human Rights in individual member constitutions. Failure to do so can be grounds for exclusion. Russia and Moldova belong to the Council, but not the EU. The level of Human Rights protections is therefore still lower in those parts of Europe.All over the world, Human Rights are tested during Pride organizing and activity. Neofascist Nationalists, religious protesters and homophobic municipal leader's refusals hinder us while the state silently approves hate speech.There is an obvious absence of Human Rights non-profits in these areas and the ability to monitor abuses of Human Rights is extremely limited. The guarantee of Police protection is written into constitutions. However, European Convention protocols allow for certain restrictions on freedom of assembly in the interest of national security and some homophobic mayors use this as a loophole to prevent Pride events from taking place. Moscow officials, for example, said they couldn’t guarantee the security or safety of Pride participants and therefore banned Moscow’s first gay Pride last year. Interestingly enough, they want to host an Olympics and say security and safety are of no issue. Their constitutional law and the laws of organizations they signed onto are supposed to guarantee equal treatment. This is the basis for the suit which Moscow 41

Pride organizers have filed against the city. In Poland, a nation which shares a similar history with other former Eastern Bloc countries, the church is the greatest stumbling block, supported by homophobic municipal officials who ban Pride events. Just last year, Warsaw was finally able to put on the first legal Pride celebration, but foreign intervention was instrumental in facilitating the event. As elsewhere, homosexuality was not visible at all during the totalitarian regime. The fall of the Soviet Union would result in an increase of rights and protections, but any Pride movement at all in these areas had to start from zero. In much of Eastern Europe (and indeed, much of Africa and Asia as well) there is a common equating of gays to criminals and pedophiles. If you’re gay, you break the law and rape children. With no nonprofit Human Rights groups to help educate the public, GLBT groups have the daunting job of multitasking, and money, or the lack of it, is always an issue. With the few brave activists working on Human Rights, HIV/AIDS, public education, etc., despite the obvious importance of Pride in these areas, the event itself often has to take a back seat. This is why it is such a MAJOR occurrance when Pride actually happens there. Asia is closeted and people are forced to conform to heteronormitive behavior. There is family pressure to marry and produce children, so homosexuals are forced underground and become invisible. It’s hard to bring these people out when their lives are endangered. Poverty and money are always problematic, making sponsorship nearly an impossibility in some areas. The power of a closeted GLBT market is not recognized. Culture is a problem: families are shamed. With more pressing Human Rights issues, Pride is not always a prioirty. There are some positive changes, however. Taiwan is leaning toward tolerance and has accepted Pride events. Happy Pride, everyone! The attitude in China is softening and they are expanding programs for HIV/AIDS among gay men as well as the general public. But no Pride has yet been held in Tienneman Square. In Nepal, despite the overthrow of the king, GLBTI issues are still not allowed on the Human Rights agenda. The Blue Diamond Society is working diligently and bravely to change this. In Sri Lanka, as in most of Asia, homosexuality is still a criminal offense. GLBT people are targeted by extremists, rounded up and sometimes shot. Bangla Desh, Pakistan, Malaysia and more are the same. This is based on religious and cultural taboos. There is a current trend to abhor anything western and homosexuality is seen as a westen import, promoting deviant behavior and pedophilia. In many parts of Asia, British Colonial sodomy laws are still in place, despite their having been repealed in the UK. Now, if it existed back then to the point that it had to legislated against, why do these people think it’s a western import? The logic of straight people astounds me. In Indonesia, the Muslim police raid gay clubs and target gay Muslims. On a brighter note, however, for the last 2 years Equal Ground, the Sri Lankan GLBT organization, has had success42

ful Pride events, but they had no publicity or visibility (internet and word of mouth only) and made sure they provided a secure and heavily protected environment. A public Pride march is still out of the question for Sri Lankan Pride participants. They’d be like rotating ducks at a carnival shooting booth. The Middle East is no different, with a religiously sparked homophobic culture. Gays are equated to pedophiles. Sex itself is a taboo to talk about, whether hetero or homo. In most of Islam, homosexuality is criminal and usually severely punished....often by death. Family honor is at stake (sound familiar?) and your own family can kill you for being queer and dishonoring them. Lebanon and Israel are the only centers for GLBT activity in the Middle East. We wince when we think about the 2 young Iranian boys who were publicly hung for being gay. Since 1979, more than 4,000 alleged homosexuals have been executed there. All countries which have death penalties for homosexuality are Moslim. No Happy Pride there. Ironically, Turkey, a Moslim nation between Asia, the Mid East and Eastern Europe has been having successful Prides for 14 years. Happy Pride!

Of the 54 countries on the African continent, only a precious small handful has any sort of Of the 54 countries on the African continent, only a precious small handful has any sort of Pride event at all. In Africa there exists an atmosphere of refusal to acknowledge not only basic human rights, but basic human dignity. The challenges our brothers and sisters face daily are deeply rooted in culture and religion. They are ridiculed instead of treated in hospitals, where doctors act as moralists, not physicians, and, as many of us have experienced, homophobia is too often used as a platform to gain political standing. In some areas, GLBT activists have attempted a redoing of Bills of Rights but the outspoken homophobes repeatedly block these efforts in nearly all cases. Like the Mid East and Asia, there is a common view that homosexuality is an import to Africa. However, Attorney Alice NKrom, who has been fighting for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Cameroon and currently representing the Cameroon 9 postulates that Africa is the birthplace of mankind, therefore, homosexuality has existed from the beginning, that there can be no true creativity without diversity and cites examples of homosexual activity among various other species within the animal kingdom. She also puts forth that if God created Man, and homosexuality has existed all along, that God must want it to exist. It’s a foregone conclusion that religious and political leaders don’t often go along with that thinking. The social climate in parts of Africa is not at all unlike that which occurred during Hitler’s reign. The people in some countries are not dealing so much with Pride issues as they are with issues of their very survival. Confidentiality as a Brooklyn Pride 2008

necessity is a given and there is considerable effort to prevent assembly, particularly in Nigeria where stricter laws were just passed which basically ban homosexuality altogether. People often fear imprisonment…….or worse. There is rampant persistent devaluation of the Human in much of Africa. In Senegal, for example, there is a 95% Muslim population with an elitist electorate. The overall political and religious control emphasizes a lack of worth of the GLBT population and perpetuates justification for the denial of and refusal to recognize basic Human Rights. We will not herewith be sayers of all doom and gloom, however, and we must recognize and encourage further the strides of Africa and her fledgling movement towards equality. Two moments which sparked change, the African Stonewall, as it were, can be traced back to a rallying call around the death of Simon Nkote and the Book Fair “rebellion” for lack of a better term. Active and successful Prides and/or pride-related situations DO exist, albeit few and far between but most are heavily entwined with the difficult business of dealing with the AIDS situation as well as Human Rights issues. This is typical of the struggling organizations throughout Africa, and the publicizing of a “GAY” or “GAY and LESBIAN” Pride event is quite rare for safety’s sake. We do have Johannesburg and Capetown in the Republic of South Africa, which both celebrate relatively large Pride events. Equality Now! Development Group is but one of several struggling organizations in Kenya trying to organize an event. Namibia celebrates a cultural Pride week through the efforts of the Rainbow Project in Windhoek. And in Zimbabwe, the Jackoranda Festival organized in part by GALZ has a large GLBT contingent. And Nigeria, where being queer can be “hazardous to one’s health” for a multitude of reasons, looks to celebrate Black Gold Pride despite horrific opposition from the Anglican Church and Islamic officials. There are indeed other organizations in various stages of growth with all the pain and suffering that that often entails. Notice the lack of use of the term PRIDE in most of the African events, but keep in mind: “…a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. There is a strong desire in Africa to set up a network to follow the South African example, a nation that is looked up to by her neighbors on the continent as the powerhouse of socio-economic change in the region. Although the first

nation to incorporate the equal treatment of homosexuals into its constitution, it must be remembered and understood, however, that this was a long and hard-won battle. It was not done in the forefront of lawmaking, but slid in on the coat tails of other legislation. “Sex change issues” is the only piece of actual GLBT legislation. Despite the successes of South Africa in our lifetime, the access to Social Security and legal aid is still not good. There has to be a closer scrutiny of the entire socio-economic system throughout the continent: the high jobless rate, lack of sponsors and knowledge and means to find them, no money to organize and lobby to change archaic laws, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Although HIV/AIDS is rampant, there is poor access to healthcare. As with gays and lesbians in other cultures, many marry to attempt to hide their true identity and there is forced invisibility just to stay alive. Bush has prevented all funding dealing with any aspect of birth control whatsoever making life-saving condoms and even lubricants widely unavailable. In Atlanta, New York, Boston,Toronto, London, Berlin and many other cities and towns around the globe we have been having Prides for years both big and little. Happy Prides, all. Belgrade, Bucharest, Chisinau, Krakow, Moscow, Poznan, Riga, Katmanhdu, Karachi,Tehran, Bagdad,Abuja,Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Mambassa and many, many other cities and regions continue to endure the suffering and feel the pain and fear that we either never knew or have long ago forgotten. No Happy Pride there.

Without basic human rights, there can be no pride. Pride is not just about visibility, or marching in a parade or eating different foods or enjoying a stage show. It’s all about rights. If you’re reading this, you have them. You're lucky. We call it freedom. Human Rights continue to be an issue around the world. Violations of basic Human Rights occur on a daily basis throughout the world and they occur with a severity the likes of which we can have little or no comprehension for. Without basic Human Rights, there can be no Pride. There are, however, brave souls in difficult areas who continue to try. We should count our many blessings as we celebrate our Pride and remember the words of Pearl S. Buck: "None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free." So, when you say “Happy Pride” while you’re enjoying the festivities at your Pride event, keep it somewhere in the back of your thoughts that you are among the fortunate. Not all of us can say: Happy Pride, everyone.

Urich is a member of Connecticut PRIDE Hartford Rally and Festival, Inc., a Regional Director for InterPride and serves as Chair of the InterPride Subcommittee on International GLBTI Human and Civil Rights. L Brooklyn Pride 2008

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Babeland

KLYN Babeland is proud to announce its third boutique in New York! %HUJHQ 6WUHHW Â&#x2021; EHWZHHQ )ODWEXVK DQG WK $YH

Get a FREE Babeland 6LOYHU %XOOHW YLEH ZKHQ you mention this ad! Offer good at the Brooklyn store only. One per customer, while supplies last. $PVQPO DPEF p &YQJSFT

arouse your curiosity â&#x201E;˘ Brooklyn Pride 2008

babeland.com Sex toys. DVDs. Erotica. 47

COMMUNITY RESOURCES COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS

CULTURAL / ETHNIC / SOCIAL

Gay & Lesbian Alliance of Brooklyn College Plaza Bldg, 1404 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11210 718-951-4234 Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Alliance of Kingsborough Community College 2001 Oriental Blvd Brooklyn, NY 11235 GLBs at Pratt 200 Willoughby Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-636-3422

The Audre Lorde Project 85 So Oxford St, 3rd Fl Brooklyn NY 11217 718-596-0342 www.alp.org alpinfo@alp.org Bi Perspective-NY Area Bisexual Network Meets 1st & 3rd Sundays, 3:00 p.m. at the center 212-459-4784 Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) 421 5th Avenue at 8th Street Brooklyn NY 11215 718-832-0018 info@bax.org www.bax.org The Brooklyn Historical Society 128 Pierrepont St Brooklyn, NY 11201 www.brooklynhistory.org 718-222-4111

LEGALS (Brooklyn Law School Lesbian & Gay Alliance for Law Students) 250 Joralemon St Brooklyn, NY 11201 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center of Brooklyn College 227 New Ingersoll Hall Brooklyn, NY 11210 718-951-5777

Caribbean Lesbian & Gay Alliance c/o Audre Lorde Project 85 South Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 The Gay & Lesbian Arab Society c/o The Center, 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-620-7310 www.glas.org Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of NY P.O. Box 1608 Old Chelsea Sta New York, NY 10113 212-802-RICE (7423) Gays & Lesbians of Bushwick Empowered (GLOBE) 301 Grove Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-418-7690 Gays & Lesbians of Williamsburg (GLOW) 139 N 10th St Brooklyn NY 11211 718-782-3105

Brooklyn Pride 2008

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Greek Gay & Lesbian Association 6817 4th Ave #150 Brooklyn, NY 11220 212-255-6860 Las Buenas Amigas Lesbianas Latinas en NY c/o The Center, 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-614-2948 Latino Gay Men of New York 85 South Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 Latinos & Latinas de Ambiente — NY (LLANY) c/o The Center, 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-614-2945 Lavender & Green Alliance 4121 7th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232 718-436-5756 Lesbian & Gay Natural History Group of NY 80 Garfield Pl Brooklyn NY 11215 718-965-0013 Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps 332 Bleecker St K48 New York, NY 10014 800 222-2786 Lesbian Herstory Education Foundation 391 6th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 Lesbian Herstory Archives P.O. Box 1258, New York, NY 10116 718-768-3953 www.lesbianherstoryarchives.org The Lesbian, Gay, Bisextual, Transgender Community Center 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-620 7310 www.gaycenter.org

Brooklyn Pride 2008

Men of All Colors Together–NY (MACT/NY) P.O. Box 907 Ansonia Sta. New York, NY 10023 212-330-7678 People of Color in Crisis, Inc. 468 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 www.pocc.org 718-230-0770 South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA) P.O. Box 1491, Old Chelsea Sta New York, NY 10113 212-358-5132 Shades of Lavender 470 Bergen St Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-783-0883 Sing Out! Brooklyn 224 W 132nd St #2 New York, NY 10027 718-783-0883 Sistahs in Search of Truth, Alliance, Harmony (SISTAH) 208 West 13th Street 212-479-7886 sistah97@aol.com Sirens Motorcycle Club 208 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 212-749-6177 www.sirensnyc.com Twenty Something c/o The Center, 208 W 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-620-7310 U-MEN Entertainment P.O. Box 20644 New York, NY 10129 718-346-3589 www.umenent.com Women of Color Group of Brooklyn’s Women’s Martial Arts 421 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-788-1775

COMMUNITY RESOURCES GOVERNMENT SERVICES NYC Office of Labor Relations Domestic Partner Health Benefits 40 Rector Street, 3rd flr New York, NY 10006 212-306-7736 NYC Domestic Partner Registry City Clerk 1 Centre Street, rm 265 New York, NY 10007 Gay & Lesbian Health Office NYC Dept of Health125 Worth Street, cn 67 New York, NY 10013 212-442-6944

HEALTH / COUNSELING / SUPPORT SERVICES The Answer is Loving Counseling Center 1964 E 35 Street Brooklyn, NY 11234 718-998-2305 ansisluv@aol.com

Black Women's Health Project P.O. Box 401037 Brooklyn, NY 11240 The Bright Back Center, NSA Chiropractic 300 8th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-832-1830 Brooklyn’s Women Anti-Rape Exchange 190 Willoughby Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-330-0310 Brooklyn Aids Task Force 502 Bergen St Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-622-2910 Callen-Lorde Health Center 356 W 18th St (btwn 8th & 9th Avenues) New York, NY 10011 212-271-7200 www.callen-lorde.org CCM 810 Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-230-5100

Center for Anti-Violence Education (CAE) 421 Fifth Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-788-1775 www.cae.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline 800-THE-GLNH (843-4564 212-989-0999 glnh@glnh.org www.glnh.org Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) 119 West 24 Street 212-807-6655 (Hotline) www.gmhc.org God’s Love We Deliver 166 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10013 212-294-8100 IAPI-International AIDS Prevention Initiative (AIDS Memorial Quilt) 75 Varick St, Suite 1404 New York, NY 10013 212-226-2292 www.aidsquilt-nyc.org Lesbian Cancer Support Group 212-673-7699

Brooklyn Pride 2008

COMMUNITY RESOURCES LG Immigration Rights Task Force 350 W 31st St, #505 New York, NY 10001 212-714-2904 Life Force Women Fighting Aids 175 Remsen Street, Suite#1100 Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-797-0937 PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Queens: 718-271-6663 www.dorsai.org/~pflag NYC: 212-463-0629 www.pflagnyc.org Park Slope Center for Mental Health 348 13th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-788-2461 Park Slope Safe Homes Project PO Box 150429 Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-788-6947 Rainbow Heights Club 25 Flatbush Ave. 4th flr Brooklyn, NY 718-852-2584 Brooklyn Rainbows 718-499-1132 brooklynrainbows@yahoo.com Dr. Siegel & Dr. Levy, Podiatrists 338 9th St. Brooklyn, NY 11215 78-788-2290 www.footdoctor-ny.com Touch Community Dinners, Inc P.O. Box 401032 Brooklyn, NY 11240 718-518-2806 Village Center for Care at Red Hook 83 Coffey Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 718-596-8144

LEGAL SERVICES South Brooklyn Legal Services HIV Project 105 Court Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-237-5500 www.sbls.org

Brooklyn Pride 2008

MEDIA Dyke TV P.O. Box 170-163 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-230-4770 staff@dyketv.org www.dyketv.org Gay City News www.gaycitynews.com Gay Wired www.gaywired.com GO NYC www.gonycmagazine.com HX Magazine www.hx.com Metrosource Magazine www.metrosource.com NEXT Magazine www.nextmagazine.net The NY Blade www.nyblade.com

POLITICAL / ACTIVISM ACT-UP New York 332 Bleecker St, Suite G5 New York, NY 10014 212-966-4873 www.actupny.org American Civil Liberties Union Lesbian & Gay Rights Project 125 Broad St, 18th floor New York, NY 10004 212-549-2627 www.nyclu.org Amnesty International USA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Amnesty Members for Lesbian & Gay Concerns 322 8th Ave New York, NY 10001 212-807-8400 Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) 647 Hudson St. New York, NY 10014 www.prideagenda.org GLBT Political Coalition 1760 Lexington Ave, suite 10F New York, NY 10029 212-889-4262

Lambda Independent Democrats (LID) P.O. Box 150614 Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-361-3322 www.LIDBrooklyn.org Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500 New York, NY 10005-3904 212-809-8585 www.lambdalegal.org Log Cabin Republicans of New York 127 4th Ave., Apt Ph New York, NY 10003 212-886-1893 www.LCRNY.org Marriage Equality of New York P.O. Box 121 Old Chelsea Station, NY 10113-0121 212-627-0305 www.marriageequalityny.org New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) 240 West 35th Street Ste 200 New York, NY 10001 212-714-1141 www.avp.org STONEWALL Veterans Association 70-A Greenwich Ave., Suite 120 New York, NY 10011 212-627-1969 www.stonewallvets.org

PROFESSIONAL Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) P.O. Box 2038, Canal St Station New York, NY 10013 212-NY1-GOAL (212-691-4625) www.goalny.org GLBT Vets NY (Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of Greater New York) 346 Broadway, wuite 803 New York, NY 10013 Gay, Lesbian & Straight Educators Network P.O. Box 551, Cathedral Station New York, NY 10025 212-749-6866 www.glstn.org Globe of Bell Atlantic 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036-6797 800-232-0069 ext. 6887

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press P.O. Box 40-4920 Brooklyn, NY 11240 Out Professionals c/o The Center, 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-462-9255 www.outprofessionals,org New York Cyberqueers (NYCQ) c/o The Center, 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 718-522-6553 Outmusic P.O. Box 1575 New York, NY 10013-1575 212-330-9197 info@outmusic.com www.outmusic.com Pride At Work New York P.O. Box 20900,Thompson Square Station New York, NY 10009 718-596-5372 Stonewall Business Association P.O. Box 387 New York, NY 10028 212-439-1010

Village Playwrights % Bob Zolnerzak 167 Hicks Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-522-0591

RECREATION / SPORTS Front Runners New York P.O. Box 230087, Ansonia Station New York, NY 10023 212-724-9700 www.frny.org On The Move / Women In Biking 400 7th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-768-4998 www.onthemovenyc.com

SENIORS GRIOT Circle 25 Flabush Avenue, 5th flr Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-246-2775 reunion@griotcircle.org www.griotcircle.org Pride Senior Network 356 W 18th St New York, NY 10011 212-271-7288 Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE) 305 7th Ave, 16th flr New York, NY 10001 212-741-2247 www.sageusa.org info@sageusa.org

SPIRITUAL Affirmation NYC (Mormon) P.O. Box 40-2038 Brooklyn, NY 11240 (212) 853 9434 members.aol.com/affirmnyc/index.html Brooklyn Brownstone Jewish Coalition 247 Garfield Place Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-832-6230 Brooklyn Heights Synagogue 131 Remsen Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 Dignity P.O. Box 021313 Brooklyn, NY 11202 212-627-6488, ext. 4 DignityNY@aol.com First Unitarian Church Of Brooklyn Gay Straight Alliance 50 Monroe Place Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-624-5466 Integrity / New York (Episcopalian) P.O. Box 20067 New York, NY 10011 212-691-7181 Lutherans Concerned St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church 283 Prospect Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-768-0528 Metropolitan Community Church 446 West 36th St New York, NY 10018 212-629-7440 www.mccchurch.org Park Slope United Methodist Church 8th St & 6th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-768-3093 psumcoffice@earthlink.net www.psumc.net Radical Faeries P.O. Box 150296 Brooklyn, NY 11215 212-679-2729 www.radicalfaeries.net

Brooklyn Pride 2008

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Unity Fellowship Church Of Christ 2578 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207 718-385-2406 ufcnyc@aol.com

TRANSGENDER

Imperial Court of New York 208 W 13th St. New York, NY 10011 212-475-0838 Transgender Rights c/o The Center, 208 W 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-979-8547

YOUTH

Bisexual Gay Lesbian Transgender Youth of NY (BIGLTNY) c/o The Center, 208 W 13th St New York, NY 10011 212-620-7310

Brooklyn Pride 2008

accounting services Ellis Delvalle . . . . . . . . . . . . .

activism / pride organizations Heritage of Pride. . . . . . . . . Kid Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long Island Pride . . . . . . . . . The Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .

clubs / bars Excelsior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginger's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

design services Ambicionz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rori Baldari . . . . . . . . . . . . .

dignitaries Marty Markowitz, Bkln Boro Pres . . . . . . . . . .

entertainment Just Me Productions . . . . . . food 200 Fifth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aunt Suzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grecian Corner . . . . . . . . . . Los Pollitos II . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria’s Bistro Mexicano . . . Poland Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stella Restaurant . . . . . . . . . Trattoria Mangia . . . . . . . . . Windsor Café . . . . . . . . . . . Zana Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

health services & products IDLube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

insurance State Farm — Katherine Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

marketing Clearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GLBT Expo – RDP . . . . . . . media Best Buy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO NYC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . .

The NY Blade . . . . . . . . . . . Next Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . WKTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front

pets Hope Veterinary Clinic . . . .

religious organizations Park Slope United Methodist Church . . . . . Unity Fellowship . . . . . . . . .

social organizations Griot Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . .

sports & sports apparel Crunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slope Sports . . . . . . . . . . . .

wines & spirits Budweiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover Fermented Grapes . . . . . . .

Brooklyn Pride 2008