CommUNITY Magazine (vol 3 iss 3) by Pride Center of the Capital Region

A forum for Health and Human Service Providers and Clinicians interested in prescribing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention

May 1, 2015, Friday 9:45 - 11:30 a.m. (After HIV Breakfast Club Grand Rounds)

SAVE THE DATE Guest Speaker Damon L. Jacobs, LMFT Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center Sonneborn Room 62 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208 (Across from the Hospital) Free of charge & light refreshments. For further information contact Shona Ruggeri, PrEP Coordinator at 518-262-6923 or ruggers@mail.amc.edu Hosted by Albany Medical Center in collaboration with the Pride Center of the Capital Region. Damon L. Jacobs is a New York-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in New York City. He was honored to be part of a team presenting community approaches to slow the spread of HIV and AIDS at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2015 in Seattle in February. Damon is best known for championing the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through his work on social media, news print, broadcast appearances, and is featured as one of 35 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leading HIV Activistsâ&#x20AC;? by The Advocate. His trainings have helped thousands to learn practical skills for living an empowered and fulfilling life.

FEATURES Celebrate 45 Years as the Community’s Center with a look back at the Gay Soiree

Pictures from the Gay Soiree pg. 6 Community Introductions Meet Nicholas and Damian

pg. 9

The Genderbread Person v3.3 pg. 10 We Asked..Bear Albany pg. 12

Expanding the Conversation by Elizabeth Condrey pg. 17 A First Timers Look into Equality & Justice Day pg. 22 A Brotherhood of Bears photographs by Alan Charlesworth pg 13 Painting at this Juncture of my Life Artist Bio: Jose Morales pg. 34

“LIGHT THE SKY WITH HOW WONDERFUL YOUR BODY IS, RIGHT NOW.” Cover photograph: Bear Trek Pool Party 2008 (White Plains, NY) © Alan Charlesworth Opposite page: The Gay Soiree (2015) © Jay Zhang / Jay Zhang Photography

April 2015 Volume 3, Issue 3 CONTENTS

COLUMNS The Fashionable and the Frivolous Send in the Clowns by Alan Bennet Ilagan pg. 14 Gay Man’s Musings The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly, and The Beautiful, The Masculine, The Feminine, The Fat, The Thin, The... by Nyvek Moshier pg. 15 To Be a Blessing Shedding More Light

Keith Barber pg. 19

Trans View A Gender Presentation Triptych: Corporal Klinger Meets Robert Frost and They Go To The Bathroom Together then They Take A Pride Walk! by Moonhawk Riverstone pg. 20 Ask the Lawyer

Geri Pomerantz pg. 23

Ask Mark Your Tax Questions by Mark D. Witecki pg. 25 Money Matters Time for Spring Cleaning by Thomas Walling pg. 26 Out in the Garden Graying and Greening by Judith Fetterley

pg. 28

Here’s Guffman Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t by Patrick White pg. 31 Michael Cooks and You Can Too Beef Bourguignon by Michael Meade pg. 32

NEWS,UPDATES & INFORMATION

Director’s Note From the Editor’s Desk Quick Clips

pg. 7 pg. 7 pg. 9

Special Events Calendar Affiliates Calendar Weekly Events Calendar CommUNITY Calendar Advertisers Index

pg. 35 pg. 36 pg. 37 pg. 38 pg. 30

The Gay Soiree

From our 45th anniversary kick-off in February, we followed the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City! Adorned in opulence and majesty, the new State Room once again hosted our annual Gay Soiree on Saturday March 7th. Over 200 people came out to see the Wizard and ask their wishes, dressed in their best Oz finery. Gay Soiree co-chairs Kate Otis and John Daniels offered the warmest welcomes with mistress of ceremonies Chardonnay LaTease leading an all-star line-up of performers. From DJ Sean Desiree, to Boylesque performer Mike Monaco, to Burlesque duo Toni Switch and Penny Dreadful, to enchanting southern chanteuse Jezebel, to the amazing drag performance by Miranda Moerae that brought the house down! DJ JD spun the best dance hits as we danced in our ruby slippers into the night photographs: Jay Zhang Photography

see more pictures at: http://jayzhangphotography.pixieset.com/pridecentersoiree2015/

The Gay Soiree

DIRECTOR’S NOTE This year, as the Pride Center is celebrating 45 years as our community’s center, we are really celebrating the countless champions, ambassadors and advocates in our community, we are celebrating you. We are celebrating the sup-

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK by

Mi c h a e l We i dr ic h

Don’t stop Believin’. After 6 seasons of high notes, melodies, solos and dramedy, the final curtain fell on GLEE. What was once a ratings juggernaut for FOX, slowly lost its audience and sometimes its direction of the years to the point where the finale received very little attention in the media. But for those of us that stuck with the show throughout the years, we were not disappointed by a finale that hit all the high notes. There are many reason why I fell in love with the show and remained with it but probably the biggest reason was its constant focus on showing the underdog coming out on top. For both individuals and as a team, they loved to show them overcoming adversity and achieving something

port and energy that you have extended to the Pride Center over and our community over the years; our generous supporters, tireless volunteers and incredibly talented team of staff and board members. Without you, we would not be in a position to offer a warm and inviting space to welcome our community, a high quality training program to ensure others in our provider community treat us with dignity and respect, and we would not be the answer to countless calls from our community. We are so fortunate to have your support, as it has allowed unimaginable growth.

many contributions of our community members, volunteers and leaders, I encourage you to consider submitting a nomination for this coming Awards Gala, where we will be celebrating our community October 16th. We will be accepting nominations for the many awards categories until June 1st, and would love to hear from you! Our website has information about submitting a nomination, and you will find more information in this issue of CommUNITY. Thank you for all that you do to enrich and honor our community!

As we are reflecting upon the

Curran Streett, Executive Director

they thought they couldn’t. While many of their competitors came across as rather homogenous, the show highlighted the individuality of the main cast members and how their differences complimented each other.

Finn Hudson, who passed away in 2013. Both Cory and his character Finn were the true heart of the show and his premature passing changed the show forever. I still can’t get through his memorial episode without crying my eyes out. And his memory filled the finale with that heart and reminded all of us why we fell in love with the show in the first place.

The makers of the show remained consistently committed to diversity in all forms. From sexual orientation, to gender identity and presentation, to positive body image, to ethnic diversity, to the disabled, to down syndrome, to religion, to politics, and on and on. Glee didn’t seem to shy away from showcasing anyone. In the last season they had no less than two gay weddings and one WTM transition. I wish more people had watch the show to hear the many messages it sent, especially when they were teaching lessons on bullying, funding for the arts, fitting in, bulimia, teen pregnancy, OCD, coming out, wheelchair access, caring for an aging family member, body image, texting and driving, spousal abuse, and the list goes on. The final episode would not have been complete without including Cory Monteith’s

So with a reunion of every possible Glee club member past and present and cast members, the show sang out to OneRepublic’s “I Lived”. Hope when you take that jump, you don’t fear the fall Hope when the water rises, you built a wall Hope when the crowd screams out, they’re screaming your name Hope if everybody runs, you choose to stay Hope that you fall in love, and it hurts so bad The only way you can know is give it all you have And I hope that you don’t suffer but take the pain Hope when the moment comes, you’ll say... I, I did it all

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COMMUNITY INTRODUCTIONS

Meet the two newest Pride Center Staff Members The Pride Center is excited to welcome 2 new members of our team. Meet Nicholas Bianci and Damian Lee. Nicholas joins us as Administrative Assistant and will be playing a vital role supporting Pride Center leadership. Damian comes to us from Chicago to help launch our newest Center Youth initiative as our Street Outreach Worker. We asked the guys (both use male identified pronouns) to introduce themselves by sharing five facts about their interests, experiences and backgrounds Five Facts About Nicholas • Has 2 degrees in Business Administration I received an Associate Degree at Hudson Valley Community College and a Bachelor Degree with concentrations in Marketing and Management at Ithaca College. As I have adjusted to life after college I have continued to explore the marketing field through webinars and books. • Multiple experiences in marketing I interned at Proctors and Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts. I also have gained experience in consulting and sales. With my diverse experience I look forward to the challenges the Pride Center will provide me. • Interested in working in the community I want to study how people communicate, how relationships are built, and how a community is formed. I enjoy reading about Neuromarketing and the psychology of values and passions outside of work. • Artist and artist in the making I have been involved with the performing arts and have recently begun exploring the fine arts. My passion in the arts began with playing the clarinet and participating in school productions. • Travel lover Some of the places I have been to include France, Canada, Nevada, and Florida. I hope to travel to Chicago, Colorado, and Ireland.

QUICK CLIPS

BEAR ALBANY would like to remind you that you’re beautiful

(remember your awesomess on pg 12)

The Genital Police are on a rampage

(Moonhawk tracks transphobia across statehouses and restrooms on pg. 20)

Nicholas

Shakespeare turns 451 this month

Damian Five Facts About Damian: • Loves watching Sci-fi films and reading books I’m a huge lover of Sci-fi, especially George Orwell’s classic book, 1984 as well as movies like Star Wars (1980), The Empire Strikes Back and Bicentennial Man. • Lived in Australia Back in 200 I lived there for like a year with dad for his awesome job. • Speaks two languages I prefer to speak English (ha) However, I did learn French when I was a youngly. • Loves listening to Brandy Brandy makes me cry when I listen to “Have Your Ever” (from 1998) after I have a breakup. • Was co-captain of mathletes When I was co-captian of the mathletes (math team) I used to sneak out of football practice to go to math competitions. Get to know Nicholas and Damian at one of our upcoming events, and read their full bios on our website (www.capitalpridecenter.org/about-us/staff/)

(Celebrate with Broadway Star Kevin McGuire (aka Hamlet) on pg. 31)

The only listing of events for our Community!

(What’s going on!-calendars begin on pg. 35)

LETTERS TO THE EDITORmweidrich@capitalpridecenter.org

(be sure to include your name and a phone #)

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asked:

“WHAT DO YOU DEFINE POSITIVE BODY IMAGE AS?”

our

Show Your Pride Online

natu s be-

b e

It’s not uncommon to find with Spring comes a little extra attention to thoughts of our appearance. This is always a good time of year to remind ourselves of the beauty in all of nature, including natural selves. We asked our friends at BEAR ALBANY to help us remember how to keep a positive image of our bodies. In response to the question, “what do you define positive body image as?” the BEAR ALBANY team collectively, and resoundinlgy responded with a wonderful reminder of the reality of our ural beauty. (They also asked to remind our readers that cause bears stick together and love, support, and protect our friends, we want everyone to know that everyone, EVERYONE is always welcome at BEAR ALBANY events. Just open to love, hugs, and being friendly.)

We asked BEAR ALBANY, “What do you define positive body image as?” To BEAR ALBANY, “positive body image” means not just accepting, but embracing your body, and not just certain features, but its entirety, your entirety. Knowing that no bodies, not a one, is perfect. Bodies are in constant change, that allows one to relax, become comfortable and enjoy what your body can do, what it can withstand, what it can achieve, and how beautiful it is because no one has this same body, that its yours and yours alone. You are so beautiful. Light the sky with how wonderful your body is, right now. Big hugs. What do you think? Tell us your thoughts on positive body image using the hashtag #ourcommunityanswers

Share your answer on Facebook /CapitalPrideCenter1

Dedicated to inclusiveness & social justice for the LGBT Community

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Ken and Rich - in Bed (Provincetown, MA) ÂŠ Alan Charlesworth

As a teenager I never felt as though I belonged anywhere in the gay communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; that is, until I discovered the Bear subculture, whose members represent a mature and masculine homosexual embodiment. This work investigates and represents this intimate and often unseen subculture and confirms my inclusion within this group of men. The Bear brotherhood is a strong bond of gay men who cast aside traditional gender conventions, challenge heteronormative society, and question hegemonic masculinity. For over a decade I have been an insider within the Bear subculture, yet I simultaneously view myself as an outsider because I am not the physical embodiment of a Bear man. My role as photographer embodies this ambivalent stance, as my interest in documenting Bears necessitates both access and detachment from this community. "Brotherhood of Bears" is an affirmation of my inclusion in the Bear subculture substantiated by my interpreting, analyzing, and understanding these men and their sexual identities, which are much like my own.

A Brotherhood of Bears.

Alan Charlesworth See the full set and more at angryalan.com 13

THE FASHIONABLE AND THE FRIVOLOUS by ALAN BENNET ILAGAN

Guide to the Capital Region DINING NIGHTLIFE DIRECTORY & MORE!

NS LOW

EVENTS THINGS TO DO CONTESTS

IN THE C

SEND

It’s happened to all of us. Even the most consistently fashionable and perfectly-attired icons of good taste have stumbled. Some of us have done it intentionally, but the worst ones are those of us who are really trying, who really think we’ve slayed, when in reality we’ve either succumbed to a pathetic trend, or simply didn’t turn on enough light to realize that navy wasn’t black. Mismatched socks, a sweater turned inside out, or a fly left open to expose your Superman underwear - these are our fashion blunders, and they happen to the best of us. In the mid-tolate nineties, when my get-ups were largely for shock-and-awe, I found myself at Ponderosa with a few friends. (What in the hell we were doing at Ponderosa is one of those college mysteries that is best left unsolved.) My outfit instantly garnered the attention of earlybirders and families, and looking back I cringe on what I put on my back and front and everything inbetween: color-block silk boxers over scarletred silk pants, strands of sequins around my neck and waist, matched by a sequined beret that held every

sparkling color known to humanity. A green sequined vest glittered over a flowing ruffled peasant’s shirt that I felt “grounded” the rest of the outfit. A hotter mess there never was, minus the hot part. I’d like to defend myself saying it was a Gay Pride Parade or some cheesy Oscar party, but the sad truth is that it was dinner at Ponderosa on a Thursday night. As we walked in past the questionable glances of innocent buffet-lovers, a child asked his parents, “Is that the clown?” Yes, little boy, it was. That kid’s statement has haunted and helped me over the years, and every time I step out in something less than sedate, I wonder what his determination would be. Sometimes I want to be the clown, sometimes I don’t. Oddly enough, those fashion “mistakes” are what tend to be remembered. Very few people (other than myself) recall Madonna’s stunning beaded gown when she performed at the 1997 Oscar ceremony, but most of us have Bjork’s stunning-ina-different-way swan outfit imprinted in our minds. I bet you can’t name one performance that took place at the 2000 Grammy Awards, but you probably know how much of Jennifer Lopez was revealed in that green Versace dress. If we’re wise, we learn to evolve, to hone and refine our style over the years. We see what works and what doesn’t, but we only do that when we make mistakes and take risks. Sometimes it’s a deliberate maturation of taste, other times it’s simply a change in what we like. Either way, our fashion fumbles inform the people we were, and more importantly the people we’re going to become. Looking back on that dinner at Ponderosa, I chuckle. Yes, I cringe too, but I also remember how fun it was, what a good time I was having with my friends, and how much I loved sparkling in all those silly sequins. If I hadn’t worn all that crazy nonsense, we wouldn’t be remembering it all these years later. Alan Bennett Ilagan is a freelance writer and amateur photographer who resides in upstate New York with his husband Andy. He created the website www.ALANILAGAN.com, which contains a repository of his work, as well as a daily blog; the website recently celebrated its tenth anniversary online. He was the manager of the Romaine Brooks Gallery from 2008 to 2012. His writing has appeared in Instinct, xy magazine, Capitalmen, Q Northeast, the Windy City Times, and the Boston Phoenix. Notable artistic collaborations have been created with the likes of Steven Underhill, Paul Richmond, Dennis Dean, and Michael Breyette.

GAY MAN’S MUSINGS by NYVEK MOSHIER

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly… And The Beautiful, The Masculine, The Feminine, The Fat, the Thin, The… While conceiving of this article I started, stopped, deleted, scrapped and started a new many times. I have composed numerous papers, blogs and articles in my life regarding both body image and masculine versus feminine. I’ve written in regards to my battle with weight, which lead me dangerously close to developing both fatty liver and diabetes. I’ve written in regards to my personal struggle with an eating disorder that landed me in the hospital. In regards to gender norms and feminine versus masculine, I have gone into depth about my personal struggle to balance the masculine obsessed environment in which I was raised with my soft voice,“feminine” body language and fashion choices that have ranged everywhere from glitter jeans to Al Borland flannel. I have written until my hands have seized from the pain created when one spends a great deal of their time resting their palms on a keyboard, giving their wrists no support. So, while I will likely write more articles regarding these subjects in the future, I want to utilize this time and space to speak through imagery. After all, it is said that one picture is worth a thousand words. So without further delay, to help you visualize my journey, here are images of me throughout the years. Nothing is hidden from you. You are seeing me at my geekiest, my chicest, my heaviest, my thinnest, my most masculine and my most feminine. I once spent so much time looking at these pictures while trying to distinguish between the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m sure many of you can relate to this struggle. The last picture on here is of my fiancé Jonathan and me. It’s a recent photograph and I chose to place it last, not because of how I currently look, but because of where my state of mind is today. I now see many things in myself that could be described as both good and/ or bad, but what I really understand now more than ever is that the only true thing that was ever actually ugly about me was my inability and even refusal to see myself as beautiful. It fills me with joy to now be able to say that I am happy. I am happy that I can finally see beauty in every aspect of myself whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. And you too are all beautiful. So here’s to you and your journeys, may they be filled with true happiness, beauty and endless adventure.

I now see many

things in myself that could be described as both good and/or bad, but what I really understand now more than ever is that the only true thing that was ever actually ugly about me was my inability and even refusal to see myself as beautiful

I once spent so much time

looking at these pictures while trying to distinguish between the good, the bad and the ugly

Nyvek is a local college student who has been volunteering with the Pride Center since 2008. It was Nyvek’s passion for weddings that first got him involved in the fight for marriage equality and the community as a whole.

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hoo.te.nan.ny • hoot-n-an-ee NOUN, PLURAL: -nies 1. a social gathering or informal concert featuring folk singing and, sometimes, dancing. 2. a party, most generally one that is, well, chock full of hoot, with just a little bit of nanny. Please join us for an afternoon of piano playing while we eat delicious food, and a classic sing a long led by Vintage Priders! RESCHEDULED FOR: SUNDAY, APRIL 19 FROM 1-3PM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 362 STATE ST. ALBANY, NY VINTAGE PRIDE IS A CASUAL SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE 55 & older. Bring a dish to share, enjoy drinks & dessert provided by the Pride Center!

Pride Center Legacy Society WHAT IS YOUR LEGACY, YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE?

Planning

for the future can be difficult. But planning for ourselves and our families is vitally important. By preparing now, you can make sure your wishes are honored by people you love and trust.

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AND WITH A LITTLE PLANNING TODAY, YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS TOMORROW.

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Consider leaving a gift to the Pride

year s

the

voic Want to know more? CALL (518) 462 – 6138 for information.

Center through your Will, Trust, or other Estate Plan.

Proudly continuing to serve as the voice of the LGBT community after 22 years… Live every Sunday 10AM – 2 PM Check us “OUT”: WRPI 91.5 FM or wrpi.org 518.276.6248 • homoradio.blogspot.com

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B L E S S I N G

Shedding More Light I am a gay Christian, or if you prefer, a Christian who happens to be a gay man. Gayness is a simple matter of nature, an innate characteristic like blue eyes or dark brown hair turned silver in my now elderly years. Gayness is a gift from God, as is all sexuality. I am responsible for how I use that gift. My Christianity is a matter of some choice. I come from upbringing in a Christian home but my parents would likely have a hard time comprehending some of my faith beliefs and practices. I’ve probably gotten more grief from my gay friends about being Christian than from my Christian friends about being gay. Perhaps I’ve been selective or just fortunate in selecting my Christian friends. Perhaps God purposefully led me to safe Christian havens. After an absence of 10 years from church, I stumbled into Albany’s First Presbyterian at State and Willett Streets in 1975. I grew up Presbyterian and it was the Presbyterian Church nearest my home. So I checked it out and found a loving Christian community comprised largely of straight folks trying to understand the unfamiliar claims of the gestating gay rights movement springing up in all of American society. Here were people who looked for how they could help, how they could find mutuality, peace, accord, and unity rather that looking for excuses to continue the old ways, to divide and reject. Here was a community that took seriously Jesus’ great commandment to love God and to love neighbor as yourself. The rest of Scripture, they understood, is just embellishment. Now I should make it clear that this was not unanimous within that particular congregation nor across the denomi-

Keith Barber

nation as a whole. In the willingness to struggle faithfully and prayerfully to discern the will of God there was some resistance. That congregation lost some of its members and the Presbyterian Church USA has lost some of its individual churches in the now 40 years of ongoing discernment. This is, of course, painful but perhaps necessary. If a Christian institution is to be true to its calling it must be willing to endanger even its own survival. During the period from the mid-1970’s to now, the Presbyterian Church USA has achieved ordination without regard to sexual orientation and I expect that by the time this is published, will have completed all but a final pro forma step in authorizing marriage equality in those local churches and by those clergy who choose to do so. This progress, this doing what is right and what I am convinced is ordained of God, has come at some cost. Our denomination has lost more than a third of its churches and members nationwide. But we chose loving the neighbor and the justice that I believe God leads us to, over a count of members and dollars in the treasury. I have come to greatly appreciate those Christians who are willing to take a second look at what they’ve always believed, to consider that they might have been mistaken and for the justice of God’s kingdom are willing to change their mind. And I appreciate it when these Christians leave the door open for those not yet ready to reconsider what they’ve always thought to be correct. Over its 2,000 year history, the Church has initially gotten it wrong as often, or even more often, than it’s been right. It

If a Christian institution is to be true to its calling it must be willing to endanger even its own survival

is at its best when it pauses and reconsiders, humbly seeking yet more understanding. Most Christian denominations have organizations within them advocating fresh looks at LGBTQ matters. In the Presbyterian Church USA, one such is More Light Presbyterians which takes its name from a sermon preached to the Pilgrims as they set sail for America, containing the line “God hath yet more light and truth to break forth from His Word.” First Presbyterian of Albany was a pioneer in the More Light movement as were First United Presbyterian in Troy and the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. More recently First Presbyterian of Hudson and Westminster Presbyterian of Albany have so declared themselves, and many other churches of various denominations in our area open their doors and their minds and hearts to all of God’s children, including us LGBTQ ones. It’s not only Presbyterians, but a wide range of traditions. You’ll find some of them in this publication’s Welcoming Congregations listing. We’re working to build a church as wide as God’s love. Come on in.

Gayness is a gift from God Keith Barber is a Presbyterian Elder currently serving as a Member of Session at First Presbyterian Church in Albany. He is newly designated Chair of that church’s More Light Committee, which is responsible for leading the congregation on LGBTQ matters. He is involved in Presbyterian Rainbow, a group of laypeople and clergy from throughout Albany Presbytery, who advocate for LGBTQ causes. This is the group that brings Jesus, at least a graphic representation of Jesus, to the annual Pride parade.

This article is one of a series provided by Advocates for Welcoming Congregations, a Capital Region group that encourages the welcoming of LGBT persons into the full life and leadership of communities of faith. The group also works to make visible for members of the LGBT community opportunities for practicing their faith traditions.

TR A NS* V IEW

A Gender Presentation Triptych: Corporal Klinger meets Robert Frost And They Go To The Bathroom Together, Then They Take A PRIDE Walk! by

News flash--the bigots are busy! It seems that those who appear to take great righteous pleasure in discriminating and oppressing transgender people do not ever consider taking the road less traveled by doing the right thing. Suddenly in very divergent parts of America, transphobia thought to be in its dinosaurian death throes is lobbing transgender bathroom laws into state houses at an alarming rate. The Genital Police are on a rampage in Dallas, Florida, Kentucky to name a few. Cleveland, let’s here it for the road less traveled--is a potential island of genital sanity with a bill before them to codify transgender people’s right to use the restroom of their gender presentation! The Florida law which passed its first committee vote on 3/5/15 would state that “preoperative transsexuals” must ONLY use gender neutral bathrooms and are not permitted in the bathroom of their gender presentation. However! (and here’s where in the rush to be a bigot, they’ve not thought this law through)... if you can present to the Genital Police a Photo ID or Driver’s License or Passport with your current F or M, then you get to use the girl’s and boy’s room. No one has told these lawmakers that many places (Florida may not be one of them) now permit Photo IDs and DLs to be changed without surgery, and the Dept. of State has allowed passports changed without surgery as well. So, the offending genitals will still be loose in the bathrooms! The whole gist of these laws is very reductionist and out of touch with modern scientific understanding of sex, gender and transgender. But, what the hey, these are probably the same folks who think global warming is a big lie. So, to these folks a person is always the genitals they were born with (Texas has been big on this idea for decades--see the Christie Lee Littleton case) and your genitals will always define you legally as M or F. Our genderqueer, nonbinary and neutrois Trans* members are just left right out of the conversation in bathroom hell. State Representative Debbie Riddle, sponsor of the Texas law is particularly demented in the language of her bill. “... anyone over the age of 13 in a public fa-

Moonhawk RiverStone

cility of “a gender that is not the same gender as the individual’s gender (at birth) should be convicted of a class A misdemeanor and spend up to one year in jail and be fined $4,000.” That’s an expensive pee for sure. Dan Savage in his February 26, 2015 column has suggested both a send in walk in and walk up campaign to State Representative Riddle where we all hand her jars and bottles of urine since we can’t use the bathroom, where else can we go except in a jar? Let her figure out what to do with them! Reminds me of Act Up and the pigs blood at the CDC in the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Time to get pissy with the bigots. So in Texas it’s not far fetched to imagine that all state residents when they get their Photo ID or Driver’s License will, in addition to having their head shot taken, have to have their crotch shot taken as well. We’ll see how that goes over with those Church ladies so intent on having the Genital Police do their job! After all, anyone can be transgender! You never know--we’re everywhere! The real truth is that transgender people are at inordinately high risk of being the victim of violence in the bathroom. Not the other way around. The risk of being harmed in the bathroom occupies a major amount of concern for transgender folks of all ages everywhere on the spectrum, and its not a fantasy, but an all too frequent reality. We must remember that bathroom panic has been successfully used again and again in American discriminatory politics to stir up fear and violence against targeted groups. Groups like women and African-Americans and gay and lesbian military personnel have all been so targeted with these campaigns. Us Trans* folks just happen to be the latest target. Somebody else will be next. Personally, I think it’s a sign, a big sign we’re winning, when the only target they’ve got is where we go pee. Other places like Arkansas are very cleverly attempting to pass bills that will not allow cities, counties and other municipalities in their state pass laws that are more liberal than current state law-so if Arkansas does not have a statewide transgender civil rights law, Little Rock is forbidden to pass one. Huh?! You got it! This is just a tiresome variation on Colorado Proposition 2 that was over-

turned by the Supreme Court. Talk about desperate. We’re hoping none of these bills makes law. But, hey, this is America...we’re more than a little obsessed with being human rights reactionary these days, at least some of us and especially when it comes to genitals and where your genitals can and can’t go--go pee that is.

News flash--the equalizers are busier! In total contrast to the genital frenzy of some of the states the federal government, is, indeed, taking the road less traveled as the hurdles to full participation in the military for transgender people continue to fall. I’m going out on a limb here and predicting that our “big get” for Pride Month 2015, will be the change in military policy to allow transgender soldiers to serve. When the front page of the conservative Wall Street Journal (2/23/15) has a story on it, you know it’s just around the corner. The new Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter was quoted “during a [recent] visit to Afghanistan that transgender people should be allowed to serve openly as long as they are able to do so.” President Obama has supported changing the policy as well. So Corporal Klingers of the armed forces, your days are numbered! The WSJ article goes on to quote the Palm Center, a liberal think tank that as many as 15,000 transgender troops serve secretly. Personally, given the number of calls I receive from military people, I’d say that probably right. Also, mentioned in the article is that “national security advisor Susan Rice identified transgender equality as a national security priority when laying out the administration’s 2015 agenda.” It is also been verified that Chelsea Manning while still housed within the male military detainment center, is now allowed to undergo hormone therapy. To top it off, moving further down a road less traveled, the State Dept. has a new special diplomatic envoy to address discrimination and violence against LGBT communities outside the US. Before Randy Berry runs off to help LGBT folks in other countries, he’s needed here at home to knock some sense into the Genital Police. It’s nice we’re taking LGBT equality abroad, but here at home things are still very dangerous and

Let’s join hands and Walk for PRIDE and Equality. The 4th Annual Union College and Schenectady Country Human Rights Commission is holding its Walk about Schenectady on Saturday, April 18, 2015, 11 am--2 pm. This is a wonderful event--bathrooms are gender neutral, there will be no Genital Police attending...and their theme this year is a wonderful one, “Show Your Colors” and they are seeking a fastasmagoria of gender presentations to come and Walk with them. So whether your gender presentation gets you in or out of a bathroom, or in or out of the military, your gender presentation ALWAYS gets you IN the LGBT PRIDE Walk! Come on over to Union College for a great day of Walking, entertainment and rallying. To end with Robert Frost’s very famous words: I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Equality is the road less traveled, but when we take it, it makes all the difference in the world. Think of that the next time you take a pee. Until next time..T.

TRANS VIEW© #132

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precarious and inequality reigns supreme in many places.

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Equality is the road less traveled, but when we take it, it makes all the difference in the world. Think of that the next time you take a pee

0214-03393 Rev. Moonhawk River Stone of Riverstone Consulting is an Interfaith Minister, transgender activist, writer, educator, consultant, keynote speaker and psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years with experience and extensive expertise in all aspects of transgender policy and health.

A First Timers Look into by *Equality & Justice Day is the largest statewide gathering of our movement to show the strength of the LGBTQ community in our state’s capital. It is organized by the Empire State Pride Agenda, this year’s event will take place on Tuesday, April 28th from 9am-5pm at the New York State Capitol in Albany, NY. For more information, please visit: www.prideagenda.org/events/equality-justice-day

I really had no idea what to expect going into Equality and Justice Day—I had heard a lot of things about it, but none of that really can compete with actually walking into the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and seeing all of the tables set up, complete with flags bearing the names of more regions in New York than I could even remember (shame on me), but that one moment remains the freshest inside of my mind. I forget about this fact a lot

Nick Bernard

of the time because I actually live here myself, but despite not having the big city “feel” or the huge population to back it up, Albany is still the center of state government, activism, and many of the encompassing affairs. All of the regions that were represented at Equality and Justice Day, and all of the people in attendance, had a way of yanking my eyes open to see that there is activity and community more far-reaching than I could possibly have imagined (and that’s just within one state!), but it was only one of many from an entire day filled with new and meaningful experiences— When I went to Equality & Justice Day, I was a member of the Center Youth Action Team and we were asked to submit a presentation/workshop for a portion of the day. I had never been

such a big part of putting together a workshop before, it went fabulously! Part of the day also consisted of a political rally, which was really amazing—the emotion that was brought to the event by some of the speakers was incredible, and with me being the guy who can get sweaty palms when addressing just about anyone, I can only think about what they were about to do and the things that they were able to talk about in pure admiration. I’m looking forward to attending Equality and Justice Day again, and I hope that there will be many more people amongst the crowds, maybe coming from some of the more rural areas of the state, who feel the same kind of astonishment over the existence of such an event that I felt walking in last year.

ASK THE LAWYER by Geri Pomerantz

to assist them in obtaining necessary information, and/or draft court papers. As the situation becomes more complex, or less amicable, the line shifts and more attorney involvement may be necessary.

Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process that can be an excellent choice for addressing LGBTQ family law issues. The process can be utilized to resolve family and relationship conflicts as a relationship ends or transitions, or to reach agreement concerning family formation arrangements.

Somewhere in the middle of the kitchen table and full blown adversarial process is collaborative law. Collaborative law is a dignified, cooperative, and respectful process in which a separating or divorcing couple is assisted by their attorneys, and other professionals, such as divorce coaches, family professionals, child specialists, and financial professionals. This collaborative team works together to arrive at the best outcome for the entire family, to maximize the family’s resources and to assure the best interests of any children. The participants resolve their conflicts, with the help of the team, and without the stress, delay and expense of litigation. Although each person has an attorney who zealously represents her, the paradigm shifts from the traditional adversarial process to a team approach, with identification of shared goals.

A separating and/or divorcing couple may use different means to achieve their legal goals. At one end of the spectrum is full blown judicial intervention with litigation. This is the formal adversarial process, with rules that must be followed for discovery and disclosure, motion practice, court conferences and appearances, and trial if there is ultimately no resolution through negotiation and stipulation. If there is no agreement as to custody of children, support, distribution of their property, or any other issue, a judge will decide the outcome for them. Litigation may be necessary in high conflict situations where for example there is domestic violence, abuse and/ or other coercive controlling behavior, where one or both of the parties has a serious untreated mental illness, drug or alcohol problem, or where one family member needs the court’s protection from the another. At the other end of the spectrum are those separating couples who enjoy a more amicable relationship, and are able to work out their conflicts with minimal assistance. Depending on the complexity of their situation, interpersonal issues and other factors, these couples may be able to resolve issues of custody, support, property distribution, and other marital or relationship issues around the proverbial kitchen table. They may each need an attorney to draft or review an agreement, to counsel them about their respective rights and obligations,

Collaborative law is based on several principles, including: an open, honest, voluntary and good faith exchange of information; a commitment to resolve conflict without litigation, or threat of litigation; and a holistic approach to problem solving that appreciates everyone’s perspective and priorities, including the best interests of any children. Moreover, unlike litigation, collaborative law is a private process. Collaborative law provides a noncombative atmosphere, where the couple can maintain a relationship of cooperation to resolve current issues and deal with future issues. Engaging in the collaborative law process involves a commitment to creative problem solving for the entire family The Collaborative Process is built on the belief in human dignity and respect. This allows for more productive decision making and more easily reached agreement. Respect and dignity become even more critical when the parties involved may not have

LAW OFFICE OF GERI POMERANTZ, ESQ. Proudly serving the LGBT community and our friends

Practice focused on family and matrimonial law

the full protection of the laws for their families. Thus collaborative law is ideal for families that are considered to be “non-traditional”. The Collaborative Process supports the family’s goals for a smoother transition to the future.

The Collaborative Process is built on the belief in human dignity and respect. This allows for more productive decision making and more easily reached agreement. Before there was marriage equality, LGBTQ people were forming and creating relationships and families, dissolving those relationships, and creating new ones. With marriage equality, some now choose to marry, and some do not. Some have formed emotional and financial bonds which they may or may not have intended to conform to traditional marriage like relationships. Some have raised children in family arrangements which may not follow traditional family models, such as three parent families, or co-parenting arrangements with people who do not live together. Some wish to now have children, and desire to protect those relationships inside or outside of a marriage. Collaborative methods encourage creativity to resolve family conflict or legal issues with fair and equitable solutions. The collaborative process is different from mediation. In mediation the couple meets with a neutral third party to help settle the case. The participants advocate for themselves while consulting an attorney outside of the mediation process. The mediator cannot give either party any advice or represent either individual. In the Collaborative Process, each party is fully and individually represented by an attorney, and often joined by other collaborative professionals to assist in achieving the best outcome for the family. (continued on pg. 24)

694 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY 12061 Tel: 518-479-3713 http://pomerantzlaw.org/

(continued from pg. 23)

The Collaborative Process supports the family’s goals for a smoother transition to the future. Only those attorneys, financial professionals and mental health professionals who have had specialized training and education to represent participants in the collaborative process are qualified to do so. Collaboratively trained attorneys and other professionals have also committed themselves to seeking solutions that address the needs of all participants. There are collaboratively trained attorneys and other professionals throughout the capital district. For a listing, and for more information about the process, see the website of the collaborative divorce association of the capital district at http://cdacd.org/. Before I close this month’s column, I want to pass along an excellent resource that I just came across. An international guide to same sex relationship recognition laws can be found at www. samesexrelationshipguide.com.

The legal rights of LGBTQ

families are an everchanging landscape, to be addressed monthly in this column. The material in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to give legal advice, and should not substitute for the independent advice of counsel. The views expressed in this column are solely those of Ms. Pomerantz and do not reflect the opinion of the Pride Center. Geri Pomerantz is an attorney in the capital district with a practice focused on family and matrimonial law, specifically including LGBTQ issues. Geri conducts continuing legal education training for other lawyers on issues of importance to the LGBTQ community. Amongst other things, Geri is a member of the Collaborative Divorce Association of the Capital District. Geri can be reached at pomerantzlaw@albany.twcbc.com

Like What You See?? Consider Giving a Gift. The Pride Center of the Capital Region is the oldest gay and lesbian community center in the country and has grown to be the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) multi-service agency in Upstate NY. Serving 10 Counties, the Pride Center is the only LGBTQ community center between Kingston and the Canadian Border. The Pride Center’s mission is to promote the well-being of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Because of you, the Pride Center’s core programs and services will continue to benefit the LGBTQ and Capital Region community now and in the future. Our programs include the following: CENTER ARTS, CENTER FAMILIES, CENTER SUPPORT, CENTER YOUTH, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, TRAINING AND EDUCATION, TRANS PRIDE, and VINTAGE PRIDE. Your gifts stay local, helping to serve the LGBTQ community in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington Counties. Donate Today at www.capitalpridecenter.org/donations/

Out - Pledge Form is seeking nominations TheTear Pride Center 2015 Annual Awards to be given Mailfor to: 332the Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12210 out at the Awards Gala on- 6138 October 16, Have Questions or Need Additional Information? Call: (518) 462 2015. Do you know someone in the Capiwho does outstanding work for To help the Pride Center of the Capital Regital on Region I wi l ful f i l my gi f t i n the fol l o wi n g manner: the LGBTQ community? If so, please rethe award categories and I want to make a __ one time __ monthly giftview of: ______Check made payabl e to the Pride Center of thesubmit Capital Regioyour n nomination today! The nomination deadJuneMasterCard 1, 2015. □$10 □$25 □$50 □$75 □$100 □$250 line is ________ ______ Visa _______ Amex

□$500nominate □$1000 □Other $___________ To an individual, business or organization, download Card www.capitalpridecenter.org # __________________________________________Exp.and ____/____ the Nomination Form from return it to the Pride Center Awards Selection Committee, 332 This gift Hudson, Albany, New York 12210 by fax to (518) 462-2101 or is: ___Incstreett@capitalpridecenter.org Memory of ___In Honor of CVV _________ Signature ________________________________ e-mail; Honoree _______________________________ Otherthe Ways Todiscretion Give to the Pride Center: Awards will be selected at of the Pride Center Board of Directors. The Pride Center reserves the right to limit Pleasenumber give us your nameofandawards address below:and Donate pridecenter.orgin every category. the mayOnline: notwww.capi givetalawards Final selections will be made by the Pride Center Awards SelecName Committee. Workplace Giving: SEFA, UNITED WAY, Northern New England CFC tion ***SAVE THE DATE*** ***ANNUAL AWARDS GALA 2015*** Gifts: Check16, with2015 your employer regarding matching gifts & please FRIDAY,Matching OCTOBER Hilton Albany apply to have your gift matched.

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ASK MARK YO U R TA X Q U ESTI O N S ing of selling it to raise money but hate to part with it. Any thoughts? Signed, Grateful to get the painting. Welcome to the DEAR MARK column where you can ask a tax question. Of course some questions might warrant answers that cannot be answered to due to the limited space in this column or warrant more facts due to specific circumstances of the taxpayer.

============================= Dear Mark, I tried to convert a nondeductible IRA to a Roth IRA by the end of December. I now received a 1099-R showing a taxable amount and taxes taken out. What can I do? Sign me, Troubled Dear Troubled, Contact your broker/investment counselor and advise them of the error. Ask them to issue a correct 1099-R and ask them to remit the taxes into the converted Roth IRA. Keep me advised of what happens. ============================= Dear Mark, I teach piano. I started 3 years ago, and lost money the first couple of years. In 2014, I made good money and made a profit. I have another job. Do I need to pay estimated taxes? Very Truly Yours, Piano Lady. Dear Piano Lady, You could increase the withholdings on your other wage income to address the increase in income or you could file estimated taxes. Contact me for the rules on that. ============================= Dear Mr. Witecki,

Dear Grateful, I would have the painting appraised especially for insurance purposes. If you sell the painting, your tax cost is the fair market value at the date of your grandmother’s death. The gain would be taxed as a collectible subject to a current maximum Federal tax of 28 percent if long term, and inherited items are considered long term even if held for less than one year. New York State taxes capital gains at ordinary rates currently. ============================= Mark Witecki, A few years ago I invested in a fund that specialized in fine wines. Now I want to sell my units and I am told that I have to pay a 28 percent tax on the profits. Is this true? Signed, Wow Dear Wow, The maximum capital gain rate on the wine sale, if the investment is classified as a collectible has a maximum Federal capital gains rate of 28 percent. Your rate depends on your other income etc. If the wines are not deemed a collectible, the rates would be your normal capital gain rate, depending on your income. ============================= Mark, I received an email supposedly from the IRS telling me I have a big refund due and all I have to do is give them more personal information. What do you think? Wondering,

I inherited an old painting from my grandmother. I don’t know what it’s worth but something tells me it has value. I am think

Dear Wondering,

=============================

Mark, I use a credit card to pay many of my business expenses but I also use the card to pay for personal expenses. I pay interest on the card. How do I figure out how much of the interest to write off? Sign me, Unsure Dear Unsure, One way to figure that number is to take the total number of business charges divided by the number of total charges and multiplying that percentage by the total interest. for the year. An alternate method would be to do the same thing on a month by month basis if that number was more advantageous to you.

Answers that apply to specific taxpayers may not necessary apply to others. Changes in tax law and rules may affect answers given at any point. You can write Mark at Mark Witecki CPA CFP(R) CFE, 3701 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304. Mark D. Witecki specializes in small businesses and professional individuals. Mr. Witecki has a B. S. in Accounting from S. U. N. Y. Albany and an M. S. in Accounting from Syracuse University. Mark D. Witecki is a Certified Public Accountant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ practitioner, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified College Planning Specialist and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Mark’s office is located at 3701 State Street, Schenectady, New York

Sounds like a scam. =============================

Mark D. Witecki

Certified Public Accountant Certified Financial Planner™ Certified Fraud Examiner Tax Preparation 3701 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12304 (518) 346-4000 f: (518) 346-5196 Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the Certified Marks CFP (c). Certified Financial Planner ™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP’s initial and ongoing certification requirements

MONEY MATTERS by

Thomas

Walling

TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING Along with the warm weather comes a need to clean out those files and papers you have all over your desk (or even house). In this month’s column we will look at some papers to keep, where to keep them, and what your comfort level is regarding online financial documents. Legal documents such as Wills, Trust documents, Durable Powers of Attorneys, and Health Care Proxies should be kept in a secure place where they are accessible in the case of an emergency. Fire proof safes have been the place for these for years; however, if you are comfortable with the security of your cloud service, it may make sense to upload some of these documents so you can access them anywhere. Also, in the case that you are married, a copy of your marriage license is a good thing to have in the instance that something happens when you are in a non-Marriage Equality state. Work sponsored retirement account statements such as 401(k) accounts and Defined Benefit plans (to name a few) send statements at intervals. These are usually monthly, quarterly, or annual statements. Here is the trick to remember regarding record keeping…it’s all available online or by a phone call. Many times the paperwork piles up and may become unmanage-

able. Annual reports should always be kept, however, the quarterly or monthly statements can be thrown out or shredded after three years. If, in the future, you need a copy of one of these documents, your financial representative or investment customer service department can access these values and statements for you. It seems as though every week or so there is a hacking incident putting your personal information at risk. Many large financial institutions and insurance companies have been the target of these attacks. One way to lessen the risk of these attacks is to change your password frequently for your online access to accounts. If you receive your statements online and put them in a file on your computer, ensure the computer is backed up. I seriously doubt that there are many people who have not experienced the fun and excitement of a “computer crash” or virus. When these occur, sometimes your files can be retrieved and sometimes they cannot. Do not put you r password list on your computer. If it is stolen, there is a good chance the thieves will be able to find your password file, leaving everything open for their devious plans. As time progresses, more companies are charging for paper statements to be mailed. These charges range from $50 per year to more than $200 per year. If you are more comfortable with paper, it will still be available at most places. Just weigh out if the paper is worth the money being charged. At some point in the future, all things will probably come through email and online access only. This is not good news for the US Postal Service, but paperless may soon be the only way to go. Paperless is much greener and cheaper.

So, to wrap up, hard copies of original documents should be kept somewhere safe and accessible. It may make sense to backup those you are comfortable with online. Think twice before you put a password list in a file on your computer in the case of loss or crash. If your not comfortable with online statements, paper is still available, but be prepared to pay a surcharge. Any information from almost any financial institution is available by phone call or email. Maybe this year, spring cleaning will actually include your home office. This way, when the warm weather is here, you are not stuck in your office looking for a form from years ago. You can go out and play.

Along with the warm

weather comes a need to clean out those files and papers you have all over your desk (or even house)

Thomas J. Walling CFP® is an Investment Advisor Representative of and offers securities and investment advice through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC. (Member FINRA/SIPC) and a Registered Investment Advisor. Branch office:235 Lark St. #43 Albany, NY 12210. He is also past presenter at the PrideCenter on financial affairs affecting the LGBT community as well as for SAGE of NYC. Tom Is past president of the board of directors of Our Brothers’ Keepers Foundation. Reach Thomas at 518.878.1294 or ceteranetworks.com

Thomas J. Walling, CFP®

INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE

NY Insurance License #LA910069 235 Lark St., Suite 43 Albany, NY 12210 Direct: 518.878.1294 thomas.walling@ceteranetworks.com Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC

Customized solutions to allow you to maintain your independence.

www.scofieldsolutions.com 518-956-0345

APPLY TO THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL! The Leadership Development Council is a diverse group of LGBTQ professionals and allies dedicated to the preservation and future growth of the Pride Center of the Capital Region.

Members Alliance for Positive Health Mexican Radio Schenectady Albany.com Montgomery County Office for Aging Albany Renaissance BBL Hospitality Northeast Acura Aras Performance Group, Inc Rain Modern Chinese Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch Ronnie Mangione / Wealth Advisory Group Buenau's Opticians RBC Wealth Management Capital District YMCA Scofield Access Solutions LLC Canterbury Animal Hospital Security Plumbing & Heating Supply Central Avenue BID Skylands Services, INC Charles F. Lucas Confectionery / The Grocery Spectrum 8 Theatre Classy Body Art Sunrise Management and Consulting Corey Jamison Consulting, LLC. Tri City Rentals Connections Psychotherapy Wells Fargo Consumer Optical Mark D. Witecki, CPA Deb Best Practices Wolffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biergarten, Schenectady Deja Vu Experience and Creative Design, Ltd. Geri Pomerantz, Esq Homo Radio / WRPI Interim Healthcare Janet Stein / Arbonne International Jay Zhang Photography Joseph Roche, Accounting - JOIN THE BUSINESS ALLIANCE TODAY! Journey United Church of Christ Key Bank www.capitalpridecenter.org/resources/ L&P Media business-alliance Mazzone Hospitality / Aperitivo Bistro

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The first Leadership Development Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 6pm at the Pride Center. Please contact Pilar at parthur-snead@capitalpridecenter.org or 518-462-6138 to obtain more information or to apply. 27

out

the

garden

Graying and Greening by

This winter has made me feel old. I am tired of fighting the snow and fighting the cold, of wearing my woolies, of being trapped inside until the person who snowblows our driveway comes to free us, of missing anticipated events because of the weather. I feel worn out and all I want to do is sleep. Usually when the first of March arrives I feel energized by the stirrings of spring and excited by thoughts of the season to come. This year I look out the window at the damage the snow has done to my garden and I feel old. I can’t imagine how I will find the energy to repair the damage or to rebuild what has been lost or simply to care for what remains. Perhaps it is time for me to listen to what I tell others when I talk about “Graying and Greening.” Aging is inevitable. The challenge is to age well – to maintain our sense of connection to world larger than our aging self; to feel enthusiasm for doing and being; to share this enthusiasm with others and avoid isolation; to have a relation to our physical self as a body that works. I believe gardening can help us age well. Plants apparently have the capacity to make us love them. They elicit our passion and our passion keeps us engaged in life. Our gardens are never static. They are constantly presenting us with problems that we need to solve – how do I get rid of the red lily bug? what is the best way to prune a hydrangea paniculata? why aren’t my Serbian spruces flourishing in this particular site? To solve these problems we need to do research, to learn new skills, to think, to keep up. The world of horticulture is constantly changing too. Every season brings new plants for us to meet, new information that may change familiar practices, new ideas for how to make the long border better. We decide it’s time to rip out those invasive barber-

Judith Fetterley

ries and redesign our green fence. We suddenly see how the long border can be made to cohere and decide to redo the lower third. Starting over gives us a longer horizon; it expands our sense of time and keeps at bay the anxiety of time running out. Gardening is an intensely social activity as well. Good gardens make good neighbors; good neighbors join together to form garden clubs; garden clubs have garden talks and garden days open to the public. The home gardener gets to know the folks at the local nurseries. Some of us become Master Gardeners and develop friendships with our fellows; we have meetings and picnics and trips and talks, and we become connected to the larger world that the Cornell Cooperative Extension represents. We often need help managing our own gardens. Help is often younger and so we connect with different generations.

Starting over gives us a longer horizon; it expands

our sense of time and keeps at bay the anxiety of time running out

Gardening keeps us physical. Our bodies are made to move and when we garden we are bodies in motion. We bend, we kneel, we lift, we poke, we pull, we push, we twist, we crawl. We get that we are bodies. We inhabit our physical selves. Gardening is also an intensely sensual experience. We smell the wet earth and the flowers of the Abelia grandiflora; we relish the feel of good dirt crumbling in our fingers and the rough softness of the lamb’s ear Stachys as we stroke it; we hear the scrabbling of disturbed chipmunks and see the

We do not wake up and smell the flowers; we are awake because we have smelled the flowers

magnolia blossom emerging from its pussy willow bud. We do not wake up and smell the flowers; we are awake because we have smelled the flowers. One Friday night in February I gave a talk to the East Schodack Garden Club on how to awake the garden in the spring. All of us there were exhausted from a long week and the long winter and particularly from the effort of getting to the meeting on this bitterly cold night. By the end of our conversation, however, we were all jumping around the room hardly able to contain our excitement as we envisioned ourselves back in our gardens, pruning, edging, raking, sniffing, even weeding. I give thanks daily for plants. They keep us going, they keep us green, and they will survive us.

The challenge is to age well – to maintain our sense of

connection to world larger than our aging self

Judith Fetterley lives and gardens in Glenmont, New York. She also runs Perennial Wisdom, a garden design business for new and existing gardens. Reach Judith at f etterleyj@gmail.com

ISRAEL IS FOR REAL! IS A VISIT TO ISRAEL IN YOUR FUTURE? by Rabbi Dan Ornstein Join Us In Exploring Your Spiritual Side At One Of The Welcoming Congregations Below: As rabbi of Congregation Ohav Shalom, an inclusive Conservative synagogue in Albany, I in- Community Congregational (518)465-5161 www.goodshepherdvite you to join us on our 2016 biennial trip to IsChurch (UCC) churchloudonville.org rael, which will take place February 9-21. I have 221 Columbia Tpke, First Church in Albany (518)458-1562 been leading the congregation on Israel trips Rensselaer 110 North Pearl Street, every two years since 2006. Participants return www.clintonheightsucc.org Albany Holy Trinity National www.firstchurchinalbany.org Catholic Church inspired by all that the land and State of Israel Community Reformed (518)463-4449 405 Washington Avenue, have to offer them.

Welcoming Congregations

Church of Colonie

701 Sand Creek Road, The State of Israel stands out among the nations Colonie of the international community in protecting the rights of LGBTQA individuals, couples, and fam- www.coloniereformed.org (518)869-5589 ilies, and its record of progressive legislation only gets stronger. As the Wikipedia entry on LGBT Congregation Agudat Achim Rights In Israel reports: (Conservative)

First Congregational Church of Albany UCC & NACCC 405 Quail Street, Albany www.firstcongregationalalbany. org (518)482-4580

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Israel have generally been seen as one of the most advanced in the Middle East and Asia. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1988… Israel became the first in Asia to recognize unregistered cohabitation between same-sex couples, making it the only country in Asia to recognize any same-sex union thus far. Although same-sex marriages are not performed in the country, Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, making it the first and only country in Asia to do so. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was prohibited in 1992. Samesex couples are allowed to jointly adopt after a court decision in 2008, while previously allowing stepchild adoptions and limited co-guardianship rights for non-biological parents. Gays and lesbians…serve openly in the military. Recent polls have indicated that a majority of Israelis support same-sex marriage, despite some social conservatism. Tel Aviv has frequently been referred to by publishers as one of the most gayfriendly cities in the world, famous for its annual Pride Parade and gay beach, earning it the nickname "the gay capital of the Middle East" by Out magazine. According to LGBT travelers, it was ranked as the best gay city in 2011, despite reports of some [anti-] LGBT violence during the 2000s, which were criticized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. A monument dedicated to the gay victims of the Holocaust was erected in Tel Aviv in 2014.” (From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ LGBT_rights_in_Israel)

First Lutheran Church 181 Western Avenue, Albany www.FirstLutheranAlbany.org (518)463-1326

2117 Union Street, Schenectady www.agudatachim.org (518) 393-9211

Congregation B’nai Shalom (Reform) 420 Whitehall Road, Albany www.bnaishalom.albany.ny.us (518) 482-5283 Congregation Berith Sholom (Reform) 167 Third Street, Troy www.berithsholom.org (518)272-8872

First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street, Schenectady www.1streformed.com

Congregation Beth Emeth (Reform) 100 Academy Road, Albany www.bethemethalbany.org (518)436-9761

First Unitarian Society of Schenectady 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady www.fussonline.org (518)374-4446

Congregation Gates of Heaven (Reform) 842 Ashmore Avenue, Schenectady www.cgoh.org (518)374-8173

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 405 Washington Avenue, Albany www.albanyuu.org (518)463-7135

Congregation Ohav Shalom (Conservative) 113 New Krumkill Road, Albany www.ohavshalom.org

First United Methodist Church 603 State Street, Schenectady, www.gbgm-umc.org/schenectady (518)374-4403

Congregation Temple Sinai (Reform)

Israel is not only LGBTQA friendly, it is a 509 Broadway, Saratoga country famous for its warmth, its historical, Springs spiritual, cultural, and culinary riches, and for www.templesinai-saratobeing a terrific place to have the vacation of a gasprings.org lifetime. Contrary to some popular misconcep(518) 584-8730 tions, Israel is one of the safest, most secure tourist destinations in the world today. We are Eastern Parkway United currently registering individuals and families for Methodist Church our 2016 trip. All we are missing is you! Every943 Palmer Avenue, Schenectady one is welcome, whether you are Jewish or nonJewish, and you do not need any background in www.easternparkway.weebly.com (518)374-4306 Judaism or in Hebrew language to participate. St. George’s Episcopal To find out more about Israel 2016, please see Church our link at: www.ayelet.com/OrnsteinFeb2016. 30 North Ferry St., aspx. If you would like to be part of our inforSchenectady mational email list for the trip, please email me www.stgeorgesschenectady.org at ohavrab@gmail.com.

As we say at the end of the traditional Passover seder: Next year in Jerusalem!

First Presbyterian Church 362 State Street, Albany www.firstpresalbany.org (518)449-7332

Emmanuel Baptist Church 275 State Street, Albany, NY www.emmanuelalbany.net

First United Methodist Church, East Greenbush www.fumceg.org First United Presbyterian Church 1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy www.unitedprestroy.org (518)272-2771 Friends Meeting (Quaker) 727 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-8812 Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Saratoga http://pnecchurch.org/ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville

Albany www.NCCofA.org/holytrin.html (518)434-8861 Journey United Church of Christ 500 Kenwood Blvd, Delmar www.journeyucc.com Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs www.saratogaspringsumc.org (518)584-3720

Saint Aelred’s Priory and Retreat House (National Catholic) 670 Bunker Hill Road, Northville staelredpriory@aol.com (518) 863-8086 / (518) 434-8861 St. Andrews Episcopal Church Main at Madison Avenue, Albany www.standrewsalbany.org (518)489-4747 St. John’s Lutheran Church 160 Central Avenue, Albany www.stjohnsalbany.org (518)465-7545 Temple Israel 600 New Scotland Avenue, Albany www.tialbany.org (518) 438-7858 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.saratoga-uu.org (518)584-1555 Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany www.unitychurchinalbany.org (518)453-3603 Woodstock Jewish Congregation (Reconstructionist) 1682 Glasco Turnpike, Woodstock www.wjcshul.org (845)246-1671

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Lifestyle Photography is... Your Everyday, Your Important Moments, Your Once In A Lifetimes, Your Loved Ones. Lifestyle Photography for a Lifetime of Moments

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Albany.com.....14 Albany Gay Men’s Chorus....36 Buenau’s Opticians.....21 Canterbury Animal Hospital.....11 Choices Counseling & Consulting.....11 Corey Jamison Consulting.....14 Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers.....16 First United Presbyterian Church..... HomoRadio.....18 Interim Healthcare.....16 Jay Zhang Photography.....30 Law Office of Geri Pomerantz....23 Joseph Roche, Accountant.....28 Ronnie Mangione, Financial Advisor.....11 Northeast Acura.....16 Queer Engineer.....36 Realty USA - The Capital Team.....16 RiverStone Consulting.....14 Saratoga Pride.....36 Scofield Access Solutions, LLC.....26 Security Plumbing and Heating Supply.....30 Skylands Services.....11 Spectrum 8 Theatre.....39 The State Room.....8 Tri City Rentals.....40 Welcoming Congregations.....29 Wells Fargo Advisors.....21 Thomas J. Walling, CFP® / Cetera Advisor Networks.....26 Mark Witecki CPA, CFP......25

Place your ad in CommUNITY and expand your brand awareness while directly reaching the important LGBTQ market. For more information contact Steven @ 518-462-6138 or sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org

HERE’S GUFFMAN by PATRICK WHITE

Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t

Broadway star Kevin McGuire is back at Capital Repertory Theatre this month making his directorial debut for the company with Shakespeare’s immortal “Hamlet.” The Hoosick Falls native has been back often since his 2011 debut in the title role of “The Man From La Mancha.”

Since then he has appeared in the galvanic “Red,” a stripped down “A Christmas Carol” and this season’s previous offerings “Other Desert Cities” and “A Secret Garden” collecting accolades along the way. In a year end arts review cover story for the Times Union entitled “Progress, plaudits, milestones in the Arts” Steve Barnes singled McGuire out calling him “An actor who can be emotionally expansive or tightly bottled, McGuire has a voice that always rewards the listener; sometimes you only want to luxuriate in its sound. Resonant and full when singing in the lower register, McGuire’s voice is at its best when his characters are angry. You wouldn’t want a voice that powerful yelling at you in real life but on stage it’s a thrill.” Recently, Kevin and I sat and talked about Shakespeare and a life in the arts. Here’s what he said: “The first play I ever saw was ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ when I was a kid. It was in Williamstown but at the college. My father took me I was in 6th grade. I thought it was fantastic! I laughed! I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever seen and I couldn’t believe there were real people creating this in front of me. The first play I was ever in was Hoosick Elementary and I was the Christmas mouse. Bobby Ryan and I may have split the role. It never occurred to me that it was something that people do for a living. In my hometown of Hoosick falls they had a show ‘Smorgasbord,’ it was a talent show. My father was in it. My sister was in it. When I was in High School we used to

go to the Williamstown Theatre Festival. We used to go to Dorset. My first Broadway show was Galt McDermott’s musical “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” It totally blew my mind, Shakespeare, singing and dancing and funny. It was so immediate.

If my father hadn’t brought me to theatre I wouldn’t be doing this. I’d be a history teacher. I studied at Washington College, London and then Julliard. I thought about getting my MFA but I knew I wanted to act. I didn’t want to be in college. I studied with Michael Kahn (for whom he appeared in “Henry IV” last season alongside Stacy Keach), John Houseman, Marian Seldes. And Nikos Psacharopoulos. I went to Williamstown Theatre Festival. I studied with him but I actually worked with him. He was my mentor.

On Hamlet: “I really believe it’s the greatest play ever written. It taught us how to be human. It’s the clearest and simplest story Shakespeare ever told. I think everyone understands the instinct for revenge, the instinct for love. I think it’s a great thing. Tragic. I mean everybody dies. But I mean people understand the urge for revenge and the struggle between your will and your conscience. Everyone understands the instinct for revenge in the play I think. Not in life. I mean people see it and feel it. This guy murdered his father and he is pressed to do what is noble. I posted a collection of sayings and phrases we get from Shakespeare and a friend responded that years ago she had seen Mel Gibson’s “Hamlet” and overheard a woman say ‘That would’ve been great if there weren’t so many cli-

chés.”

Some of the phrases Shakespeare has given us from ‘Hamlet’ alone: To thine own self be true. Neither a borrower nor lender be. I must be cruel only to be kind. O that this too, too solid flesh would melt. There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. The play’s the thing. Madness in great ones must not unwatched go. A little more than kin, a little less than kind. Doubt truth to be a liar but never doubt that I love. To sleep perchance to dream. Brevity is the soul of wit. Get thee to a nunnery. Though this be madness, yet there is method in it. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy…and of course To be or not to be. I’m very incredibly excited about ‘Hamlet.’ We’re doing so many student performances and I think it would just be fantastic to expose these kids to Shakespeare and ‘Hamlet’ for the first time and maybe inspire someone to strive for something better. One of the things I took for granted in my life were the risks that I took. I was very courageous to set off from this small town and say ‘I’, going to New York. I’m going to starve to death but I’m going to be an actor.” Please celebrate Shakespeare’s 451st birthday and enjoy the story of a student’s return home playing April 17May 10 at Capital Repertory Theatre and if you can, take a young person to see it with you.

Patrick White is a Capital Region actor, director and teacher who will be in “Night of the Iguana” at Albany Civic Theatre 4/305/17. He is currently an adjunct instructor in acting at the University at Albany.

MICHAEL COOKS AND YOU CAN TOO by MICHAEL MEADE

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that’s delicious, easy to make and perfect for either a fancy company dinner or a relaxed supper with a few friends. It’s a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine and beef broth, flavored with garlic, onions and mushrooms. The dish originates from the Burgundy region in eastern France, where it dates back to the Middle Ages. Beef Bourguignon is one of many examples of peasant dishes that have been slowly refined over the centuries into haute cuisine. Because it’s quite filling, all you need to go with it is a loaf of crusty bread and a simple, light dessert like Lemon Mousse with Raspberry Sauce.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat, warm 2 Tbs. of the oil until just smoking. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes per batch. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and the mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, 6 to 8 minutes, adding 1 to 2 Tbs. water if the bottom of the pot becomes too dark. Transfer the mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bacon to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to the bowl with the beef and mushrooms. Discard all but 1/4 cup of the fat from the pot. Add the yellow onion and cook until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and flour and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

Beef Bourguignon 3 Tbs. oil 4 1/2 lb. boneless chuck roast,cut into 1-inch cubes Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 lb. button mushrooms, quartered 1/2 lb. slab bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 bottle (750ml) Pinot Noir 3 cups beef broth 1 lb. frozen pearl onions 1 bouquet garni (2 bay leaves, 4 thyme sprigs and 6 parsley sprigs, tied with kitchen twine) 3 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Cooked egg noodles or small boiled potatoes for serving

Return the beef, mushrooms and bacon to the pot. Add the broth and bouquet garni. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and then with the lid. Transfer to the oven and cook until the meat is fork-tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. When you’re ready to serve, remove and discard the bouquet garni, then add the frozen pearl onions and continue cooking for ten minutes until tender. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the parsley. Serve over cooked egg noodles or small boiled potatoes. Serves 8 to 10.

Fresh Lemon Mousse with Raspberry Sauce 1 1/3 cups heavy cream, (or as needed) 3 lemons 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup sugar 3 cartons raspberries, each about 6 oz.

In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of the cream on medium-high speed until medium-firm peaks form, about 1 minute. Do not overwhip.  Finely grate the zest from 1 lemon and squeeze the juice from 2 lemons. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the remaining 1/3 cup cream. Using the electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth, adding more cream as needed to achieve a velvety consistency. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture.  Squeeze 1 Tbs. juice from the third lemon. In a blender, combine twothirds of the raspberries, the 1 Tbs. lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 3 Tbs. water and process until smooth. Strain the raspberry sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard the seeds. Spoon the mousse into individual bowls and drizzle generously with the raspberry sauce. Garnish with the remaining whole berries and serve immediately. Serves 8.

Michael Meade graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, worked at Jack’s Oyster House in Albany and is currently sous-chef at Thunder Mountain Curry in Troy. Questions & comments are welcome at Michaelmeade1215@yahoo.com.

Saturday, June 13th - Washington Park, Albany

Registrations now being excepted for Parade Entries Festival Vendors Raffle Donations download the complete registration and information packet at www.captialpridecenter.org/pride REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 15

The 2015 PRIDE Guide Show your support for the Pride Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally community in the Capital Region and surrounding areas, while advertising your business, service or organization to over 6,000 readers in print and online. Submit your ad today! more information & contract www.capitalpridecenter.org/pride/advertise Benefits and Reach: • Thousands of readers keep the PRIDE Guide as a souvenier of Capital PRIDE and re-read it throughout PRIDE Week and the entire year. • Attendees take special note and remember ads with messages of support, celebration, unity, etc. By associating your message with Capital PRIDE you directly link with the core identities of this important demographic • The PRIDE Guide is a conversation piece- attendees notice and share with their friends ads that pique their intrest because they are associated with PRIDE. • PRIDE Guides are kept as commemorative souvieners - your ad will be seen and message remembered beyond the celebration. • The PRIDE Guide is printed and direct mailed to over 3,700 households as well as distributed to hundreds of local businesses and published online. • The PRIDE Guide online recieves tens of thousands of impressions year round and provides for fully functional direct links and other interactive reader engagement.

The 2015 PRIDE Guide will be published in early May - AD DEADLINE: APRIL 13 /capitalpride518

8:00 AM REGISTRATION

9:00 AM PRIDE 5K

10:00 AM RAINBOW FUN RUN

AWARDS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RAINBOW FUN RUN

SAVE THE DATE

PRIZES FOR TOP 3 MALE, FEMALE, OPEN GENDER, & VARIOUS AGE GROUPS

SUN. JUNE 7, 2015 PRIDE 5K Walk, Run, Sponsor a Participant The 8th Annual PRIDE 5K takes place on Sunday, June 7th 2015. The NEW Race location will be announced soon!!! Bring the whole family for the Rainbow Fun Run at 10:00.

INFORMATION TO REGISTER WILL BE OUT SOON!! YOU WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER @:

WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG

Awards and Prizes immediately after the Rainbow Fun Run!

www.capitalpridecenter.org

@CapitalPrideCtr

PAINTING AT THIS JUNCTURE OF MY LIFE José J. Morales returned from the State Education Department in 2003, and has been painting since then. His retirement coincided with an acceptance of his true self and his decision to make powerful changes in the significant circumstances of his personal life. Painting became a comfort to him in moving forward positively and resiliently. Born in the Barrio in New York City, José is grateful for the foundation provided by his Puerto Rican heritage. He received an M.Ed. from SUNY Buffalo, and taught in that city’s bilingual programs. He is a proud father of two adult daughters, Melissa and Katherine, to whom he dedicates this show.

Changes to Women’s Group!

José attributes the sensibility of his art to his life-long personal appreciation of the arts and cultures. Some of his influences are the Impressionists, Sargent, and Rembrandt. This show has a variety of subject matter in still life and landscapes. [José modestly confesses that] He feels he needs to continue to learn to paint and attends weekly lessons, adding, “My approach is basically realism, though I try to loosen things up a bit. I enjoy using a wide palette of colors and hues, applying them boldly with a good load of paint to add texture.” “Painting at This Juncture of My Life” consists of still life and landscape oil paintings by Albany resident, José J Morales. The paintings are eclectic and boldly colorful.

Painting at This Juncture of My Life works in oil by José J. Morales Opening Reception: 1st Friday, April 3 - 5-9pm on display through April 2015 For more info, please contact rgalvan@capitalpridecenter.org

the Romaine Brooks Gallery is open every Sunday from 6-9pm this show is presented as part of the Pride Center’s Center Arts Program

Special Events

Friday 4/3 Opening Reception: José J. Morales ; “Painting at this Juncture of My Life”

Join us for an evening to celebrate Jose’s first solo show during Albany’s 1st Friday. This opening reception wil l debut the first collected exhibit of the painter’s works in oils. Friday, February 6 Romaine Brooks Gallery 332 Hudson Ave, Albany 5-9 pm Free!

Thursday 4/16 LGBTQA Professionals’ Networking Event

Presented by

Don’t miss the biggest monthly LGBTQA event in the Capital Region. This month the Business Alliance brings its Professionals Networking Event to abck to Saratoga Springs for another great evening of food, drink and connecting with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied professionals.

Wednesday 4/29 One Night Premier: Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine

Join us as the Spectrum 8 Theatre holds a very special, one night only, premier of the acclaimed new film. Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine and a special Skype talkback with the director. Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine follows director Michele Josue, a close friend of Matt’s, as she travels to pivotal locations in Shepard’s life, interviewing other friends and family members, and gaining insight into the beautiful life and devastating loss of Matthew Shepard. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Pride Center of the Capital Region. Wednesday, April 29 Spectrum 8 Theatre 290 Delaware Ave, Albany 6:30 pm $12.00 (portion of proceeds benefit the Pride Center)

LOOKING AHEAD :

Thursday, April 16 Circus Cafe 392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 6-8 pm $10 Suggested Donation for your convenience, you can donate online in advance:

www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/aprilnetworking

Tuesdays 4/7 & 4/16 Capital PRIDE Planning Committee Meetings

Get information and assistance on executing PRIDE Week Events, help with outreach and marketing, raise raffle prizes, help with volunteer recruitment and planning (and learn more about volunteering during Capital PRIDE) and play a vital role in making celebration the best ever! for more info call or email Steven (518) 462-6138 | sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org FOOD AND BEVERAGE WILL BE PROVIDED! Every other Tuesday (Apr. 7- May 5th) The Pride Center 332 Hudson Ave, Albany 6-7pm GET EVENT UPDATES:

24 HOURS OF ONLINE GIVING

5.21.2015 engage. support. give

Pride Center of the Capital Region, 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12209 (518) 462 - 6138

Affiliate Events

Chorus Rehearsal The Albany Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 9:00pm at the First Lutheran Church. For more information: www.albanygmc.org, E-mail: albanygmc@yahoo.com, Voice-mail: (518) 459-7563 or join us on Facebook at: Albany Gay Men’s Chorus - AGMC.

Movie Night-Second Tuesday of each month We will begin at 5PM at Harvey’s Pub, 14 Phila Street Saratoga Springs,. From there, we can decide who wants to see what movies and leave accordingly for Bowtie Cinemas. Lesbian Networking Breakfast We meet on the third Thursday of each month, at the Country Corner Café on Church Street in the upstairs dining room at 7:30 am. Latecomers are welcome. Monthly GLBTQ Support Group Second Sunday of the Month Fallstaff Building, Skidmore College 3-4:30pm. Contact Caroline with questions: 518.857.9361

QueerEngineer Get to know us & how you can support LGBTQ* students in science, technology, engineering, & mathematics. /QueerEngineer

agmc

is an affiliate of

AGMC

AGMC is looking for new members Albany Gay Men’s Chorus

@QueerEngineer

Rehearsals are Tuesdays 6:45 - 9:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church of Albany.

A Pride Center of the Capital Region affiliate

For more Information Website: www.albanygmc.org E-mail: albanygmc@yahoo.com Voice-mail: 518-459-7563 Join us on facebook... Albany Gay Men’s Chorus - agmc

AUDITIONS / CALL FOR ENTRIES SAY IT LOUD: Black & Latino Pride Open Auditions for All Performers Friday 4/17 & Monday 4/20: Be a part of the show at this year’s Say It Loud: Black & Latino Gay Pride! Open auditions and for all types of acts, everyone’s welcome! Auditons to screen for family appropriateness. Coaching is available. Contact Gabby for more information, questions. 6pm In Our Own Voices 245 Lark St., Albany (518) 432-4188 FUN & GAMES / ETCETERA Gay Skate Tuesdays: An open skate for the LGBTQ Community! $9.50 w. Skate Rental / $6.50 w. your own skates. For more info contact David at DB40@AOL.com or (518) 5733962 - 7-9:30pm Rollarama Skating Center 2710 Hamburg St., Schenectady Saturday 3/28 - Open Skate with the Albany Bombers Hockey Team 5:30-6:30 pm Knickerbacker Ice Arena 191 103rd St., Troy KARAOKE

Mondays: Waterworks Pub - 10pm 2am, No Cover 76 Central Ave, Albany, (518) 465-9079 Thursdays: Oh Bar - 10pm - 1am, 21+, No Cover 304 Lark St., Albany, (518) 463-9004 Fridays: Waterworks Pub - 10pm 18+ (w. cover) 76 Central Ave, Albany, (518) 465-9079 Rocks - 9pm-12am

Calendar

77 Central Ave, Albany, (518) 472-3588 Saturdays: Circus Cafe - 10pm - 2am, 21+ 392 Broadway, Saratoga, (518) 583-1106

OPEN MIC / LITERARY

Wednesday, 4/18: Live from the Livingroom open mic w. featured poet Mike Ceccon- 7pm The Pride Center, Garden Level 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, (518) 462-6138 Thursday 4/02 & 4/16: Open Minded Mic & Talent Showcase (for all performers)- sign up 8:30pm start 9:00pm Rocks 77 Central Ave., Albany (518) 472-3588

SOCIAL / SUPPORT GROUPS Out of the Closet I Am (for women who have sex with women): 1st & 3rd Wednesdays- 6:30pm-8pm Men’s Empowerment Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays -6-7:30pm Voices of Unity (for Transgender people of color): 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month from 6pm-7:30pm Groups listed above meet at In Our Own Voices 245 Lark St., Albany (518) 432-4188 YouthPride! A student led meeting that centers around helping LGBTQ students and allied students discuss matters in our community, schools, and in their Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) that they have in their schools. YouthPride provides leadership development and an opportunity to help plan activities around GLSEN’s Days of Action and Days of Support. 1st Friday of the month 6-9pm

Professor Java’s Coffee Sanctuary 217 Wolf Rd., Colonie Trans Partners Group: provides support for people to discuss and explore their relationships with trans-identified or gender non-conforming individuals. Open to people currently in partnerships with trans-people or people exploring their gender identities. Monthly on Tuesdays at 5pm. Contact Faith Hoffman at faith@ choicesconsulting.com for more information. Choices Counseling and Consulting 523 Western Ave. Suite 2A Albany, NY 12203-1617 (518)438-2222

SPECIAL EVENTS

Spring LGBT Dance - Saturday, 4/18 Special Guest Performance by Maureen DeLuke. Eclectic Songs will be spinning your favorite dance hits from the oldies to the latest Top 40 Dance Hits. The bar will be open the entire dance! Plenty of safe parking. All are welcome. 8.00 cover 7:30-11:30 pm Colonie Elks Lodge 11 Elks Ln, Latham

TRIVIA

Live Trivia with Frieda Tuesdays, 8-10pm Rocks 77 Central Ave, Albany (518) 472-3588 Wednesdays: Oh Bar - 9pm-12am 304 Lark St., Albany (518) 463-9004

To have your event listed email the details to info@capitalpridecenter.org by the 15th of the month BEFORE the event. See more events at www.capitalpridecenter.org/upcoming-events/

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