EGN200512

Page 1

December 2005 October 2003

EGN

Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12

Erie Gay News

BYKOTA Meetings BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind To One Another) is a cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT people—encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion of LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome! It meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month September - June (except in January the 2nd and 4th Mondays), from 7 to 9 PM. at the Unitarian Universalist Parish House in Meadville, 346 Chestnut St (on Diamond Park, corner of Chestnut and South Main). Contact rseddig@allegheny.edu or (814) 724-1832 for additional information. To sign up for the BYKOTA email list, browse to http://bykota.eriegaynews.com —from Lyta Seddig

Thanks from SHOUT Outreach On October 14, an HIV awareness evening was held at Trance Dance Club. Shout Outreach cosponsored this event with Trance to accomplish two things. One was to increase awareness about HIV and the other to raise money to bring some of the National AIDS Quilt Panels to Erie for the many World AIDS day events. Due to the cuts in funding to HIV prevention, bringing in the panels would not work with our budgets. Part of the money raised will help defray the cost of the quilts and was given to the Erie County Department of Health. The rest of the money will be spent on another awareness evening at Trance. The evening will include a reading from Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” on December 1, for the World Aids Day observance. Shout Outreach would like to thank Lee, Tim, and their staff for all their help and their “open door policy” to SHOUT Outreach. We would like to thank Chuck and Ginny’s for their very gracious donations of food. We would also like to thank the entertainers. Their talent was so freely given and added so much to the event. We would also like to thank the ladies who

donated cookies for the event, Nanci and Kathy. And finally, to all those who attended, those we knew and those who were new to us, Thank You. —Fran, Malcolm and Lori

PFLAG NWPA Workshop Helps Train Educators A workshop entitled “Understanding Diversity of our Youth”, was held at PSU, The Behrend College on November 9. It was sponsored by Behrend’s Women’s Studies Program and the PFLAG Northwestern PA Representative. The purpose of the workshop was to foster understanding of GLBT students and provide honest discussion about their experiences; help participating educators identify anti-GLBT harassment and its scope; and develop effective strategies to end harassment and create a safe and equitable learning (continued on page 4)

Greg, Scott, Ralph and Don doing “YMCA” as the Village People at the October Menspace PHOTO: Mike Mahler

In This Issue... Obituaries ................................................................ 4 Calendar .................................................................. 5 Having a New Year event? ....................................... 10 New Year’s Eve ........................................................ 10 On stage ................................................................... 11 Buffalo United Artists presents the WNY premiere of “Naked Boys Singing!” .................................... 11 World AIDS Day events ......................................... 12 National News Briefs ............................................... 15 Exercise Equality .................................................... 17 A More Accepting Kind of Church .......................... 18 Stop Santorum ......................................................... 19

Cover Photo: Greg, Scott, Ralph and Don doing “YMCA” as the Village People at the October Menspace. Photo taken by Michael Mahler

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Erie Gay News 1115 West 7th St. Erie PA 16502-1105 Phone: (814) 456-9833 Fax: (270)423-6217 info@eriegaynews.com www.eriegaynews.com Editors: Deb Spilko and Mike Mahler Ad Design: Mike Lipiec Deadline: the 15th of each month. The Erie Gay News is published monthly as a source of news, events, information and support for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people (GLBT’s), their families, friends & supporters in the Erie and NW PA Area. We welcome and encourage all readers to submit timely news, comments and opinions of interest to local GLBT’s for publication in these pages. We will consider for publication any nonfiction article, blurb or illustration graphic which upholds this spirit. Please include your contact information with any piece that you submit. We will not publish any material which promotes hatred or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identification, race, religion, age, class, physical ability or any other reason. We do not support the exploitation of minors. Views and opinions expressed in this publication don’t necessarily represent those of the EGN staff. Copyright 2005 by Erie Gay News.

Thank You: To Dale, James von Loewe, Christina, Chris Strayer and Todd B for folding; Dale, Chris Strayer, James von Loewe, Jerry McCumber, John & Paula King, Lois, Nathan, Christina, Maureen Koseff & Todd B for distribution. Mike Lipiec for ad layout & etc. Thanks! If you’re interested in helping out, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 4569833 or info@eriegaynews.com for date/time.

Erie Gay News - December 2005

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Community News (continued from cover) environment for all students. Teachers from the Millcreek school district received “Act 48� Continuing Education Credits for attending the workshop. We could not have had this workshop without the sponsorship of The Behrend College and the participation of those who gave personal testimony during the workshop. Thank you all for your hard work. Participants included educators from private and public schools and represented the following occupations: school administration, staff, counselor, teacher. The workshop was well received and participants felt that it fulfilled its purpose. They especially liked the personal testimony. (A special thanks to Tim Dahle for that). We hope to hold more workshops next fall, with more school districts getting “Act 48� credits. ((Note: To contact PFLAG NWPA Rep., please email: almaureen@eriegaynews.com)) ——Maureen

Obituaries Richard James Jackson Richard Jackson passed away on November 2, 2005 of complications from heart surgery, at St. Michael’s Memorial Hospital in Ontario, Canada. He was 51. Richard is survived by his mother Helen Laurene and by his beloved spouse, Bernie Bright. On October 18, 2003 he married Bernie Bright, formerly of Erie, who is believed to be the first Erie County resident to be legally married in Ontario after that province legalized samesex marriage. At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be sent to Casey House, 9 Huntley St., Toronto Ontario M4Y 2K8, Canada.

Moonsense calendar for December December events at Moonsense Cafe, 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. This month we have an Art Auction December 4 from 2 - 5 PM to benefit the ALIVE organization. Wednesday 12/21 we have a special concert, Martha’s Trouble 7-9:30PM. Mondays 12/5, 12/19 Ladies night 6-9PM (Facials, massage, Tarot card readings, healers). Tuesdays 12/6 & 12/20 Philosophy night 7-9PM Open forum and discussion. Tuesdays 12/13 & 12/27 Spoken Word 7-9PM Sign up that night to participate. Thursdays 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29 Karaoke 6:30-10:30PM. Fridays 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30 Open mic (Musicians) Call ahead to reserve a spot. Saturday 12/3 Jerry Gaff Saturday 12/10 Brown Eyed Susans Saturday 12/17 Telephonics —Jo Hyatt, Moonsense Cafe

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

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Calendar This calendar is also online at www.eriegaynews.com/calendar.html Nov 23 - “The Guys� get together at Moonsense 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael Mahler. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. Nov 23 - Equality PA (Southwest Region) meets 7 PM. Support group to empower and support our GLBTQ community, Ginger Hill UU Congregation, 174 S Main Street, Slippery Rock. Contact: Reid. Phone: (724) 735-4407. Email: butlerdiversity@yahoo.com. Nov 23- Family Reunion at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA) Everyone is coming Home for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Catch up with old friends and family for a night of Dancing and Fun at the Zone! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 24 - Thanksgiving Day at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We open at 8:00—Join us for an after-dinner drink and dance off all those extra calories!� Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 24 - Thanksgiving Day at Trance 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “It’s R&B night at Trance!� Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Nov 25 - “Black Friday� at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't let the horrors of the Christmas shopping season get you down. Join us for a night of Fun in the Dark—Wear Black! Glowsticks

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and Blacklights!� (814) 452-0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 26 - “Shagadelic Valley of the Dolls 60's Party� at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “Prizes for Best 60’s Outfit! Drag Show Hot Spots.� Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Nov 26 - “Pump It Up Party� at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Do you Pump It? We want to watch! Guys—Prize for sexiest 6-Pack. Ladies— Prize for best Junk in the Trunk! � Phone: (814) 4520125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 27-28 - Mr. Leatherman Weekend (Toronto) www.mrlt.com/mlt_weekend/index.htm Dec 1 - World AIDS Day - See area events on pages 12 and 13. Dec 2 - Vertigo Party (Butler, PA) Lyndora Firehall, 114 Whitestown Road, Butler, PA. “We supply everything Cups, Ice, Mix, just BYOB� vertigov@aol.com. www.webspawner.com/users/vertigov. (continued next page)

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

Calendar Dec 4 - ALIVE Art Auction fundraiser for AIDS at Moonsense Cafe 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 2 PM 5 PM. Sponsored by Alive, a new organization to raise AIDS awareness. Proceeds benefit: Erie County Health Dept. to fund AIDS education, local HIV scientists to find a vaccine, Counseling and testing Phone: (814) 868-1783. Email: aliveorg@yahoo.com. Browse to www.moonsense.net. Dec 4 - Encore Presentation of Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" at Trance Dance Club Free admission. 8:30 PM. 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 7 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Charities, 329 W. 10th St, Erie, PA. For Catholic parents of GLBT children Phone: (814) 456-2091. Dec 7 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 PM - 9 PM. “We are a cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT people – encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion of LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome!’� Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: rseddig@allegheny.edu. Dec 10 - “Madonna Mix-A-Thon Party� at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We will be mixing in all your favorite songs from this huge Gay Icon's music catalog-—old and new. Vogue! ... Express yourself... Madonna Look-a-Like Contest... Prizes, giveaways, and fun. Follow the Ray of Light... into the Zone! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com.

Dec 11 - Menspace meets (Gordon & Bill's, Edinboro, PA) 6 PM. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. Dec 11 - Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy (LEAD) meets 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA. 6:30 PM - 8 PM. Contact: Cindy Purvis. Phone: (814) 453-4113. Email: cindypur vis@velocity.net. Browse to www.erielead.org Dec 11 - Performance: Signer/Songwriter Carrie Sample at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 9 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 12 - PFLAG meets Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814) 454-1392 (John). Email: pflagerie@eriegaynews.com. Dec 13 - Hospice Support group for those dealing with loss Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E 10th (continued on next page)

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Real Estate Services Linda Foll Johnson, GRI, RRS Associate Broker 814-864-3200 ext 325 or 814-397-0615 lfjohnson@howardhanna.com

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Calendar St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Also meets Dec 22 at 10 AM. (814) 456-6689. hospice@velocity.net. Dec 14 - “The Guys� get together at Moonsense 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael Mahler. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. Dec 15 - Deadline for January 2006 edition of Erie Gay News EGN, 1115 W 7th St, Erie, PA. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to www.eriegaynews.com. Dec 16 - Friday Night Drag: “Studio 54 ’05 � at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. lee@trancedanceclub.com ww.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 17 “Studio 54 ’05 Dance Party� at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “1st & second Prizes for best 70’s outfits.� Contact: Lee. (814) 456-3027. Email:lee@trancedanceclub.com www.trancedanceclub.com.

Dec 16 - Denise Russell at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Your favorite funny lady is back for a great Holiday Show. Get here early... tables fill up fast. Holiday humor, songs and fun!� Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 17 - 10% Network Christmas Party At John S's, 201 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown, NY. Contact: Martin. Phone: (716) 484-1661. Email: jtownadmin@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http:// gayjamestownny.com/. Dec 17 - “Naughty or Nice Christmas Underwear & Pajama Party� at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Santa Claus is coming to the Zone and he wants to know who is naughty or nice. Dance the night away at our 7th Annual Christmas Underwear and Pajama Party...Prize for Sexiest outfit. Gifts to those who participate... Coal to those who don't! Come sit on Santa’s lap and tell him how bad you have been. Holiday drink specials, giveaways, prizes and fun! Happy Holidays from

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

Calendar the Zone.� Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 21 - Open Circle for Yule/Winter Solstice Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 PM - 10 PM. “Organized by GLBT-friendly Covenant of Brighidshaven. Doors typically open at 7 PM, ritual typically at 7:30 PM. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck feast. Please note that a $3 donation is requested to help defray the cost of renting the space.� For information contact Jeremy by email at prosperotter@yahoo.com. Browse to www.u-n-c-l-e.org. Dec 21- Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 PM - 9 PM. “We are a cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT people – encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion of LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome!’ Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: rseddig@allegheny.edu Dec 23 - “Divas in Toyland Holiday Show� at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “The Sexy Ladies of the Zone, along with the Diva Dudes invite you and your friends to come enjoy an Enchanting Evening of Christmas Magic! Show starts at 10:30 so get here early for a good seat.� Phone: (814) 4520125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 24 - Christmas Eve at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Come enjoy a few Holiday cocktails with friends and relax and enjoy the beautiful Holiday sights and sounds of the Season. Prizes, giveaways, and reindeer games, and Santa might just show up and hand out a few gifts.� (814) 452-0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com.

Dec 24 & 25 - “Santa Claus is Coming to Trance� Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “You are cordially invited to spend Christmas with your friends and Santa at Trance! There will be a surprise Christmas Show.� Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 25 - Christmas Day at the Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We will be open at 8 o'clock for a relaxing night with friends and family. (or a chance to slip away and have some real fun!) (814) 452-0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 28 - Equality PA (Southwest Region) meets Ginger Hill UU Congregation, 174 S Main St, Slippery Rock, PA. 7 PM.Reid at (724) 735-4407 butlerdiversity@yahoo.com. Dec 31- 2nd Annual Snow Ball at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “Wear your whitest white. With our very special guest star Melissa St. John. Free champagne and food buffet. Check out our website to see pictures of last year’s Snow Ball.� Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Blast! at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't miss out on Erie's biggest and best gay New Years Eve party!! Champagne toast, buffet, party favors and giveaways. Wear red or black—or dress in glamorous holiday attire! Happy New Year from the staff of the Zone.. Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com.

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Calendar Jan 4 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Charities, 329 W 38th St, Erie, PA. Support group for Catholic parents of GLBT children (814) 456-2091. Jan 8 - Drag 101: The Drag Queens at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Part of Moonsense/Trancesense series. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 9 - PFLAG Erie/Crawford County meets Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814) 454-1392 (John). Email: pflagerie@eriegaynews.com. Jan 10 - Support group for those dealing with loss Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E 10th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Also meets Jan 19 at 10 AM. Phone: (814) 456-6689. Email: hospice@velocity.net. Jan 11 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 - 9 PM. Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: rseddig@allegheny.edu. Jan 13 - Friday Night Drag: “Around the World in an Hour” at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 4563027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 14 - Pizza & Porn Party Rob & Jon's, 18 Lakeview Drv, Jamestown, NY. 7:30 PM. Phone: (716) 4841661. Email: info@gayjamestownny.com/. Browse to http://gayjamestownny.com/.

Having a New Year event? We can list it for free in the next issue (Deadline Dec 15) Events needn’t be parties, and needn’t take place at midnight. In the past we have listed New Year’s afternoon, New Year’s Day, and so on. We’ve also listed religious services, cultural events, and more. So if you want to get the word out, be sure to let us know! 10

Jan 21 - Menspace meets (Rich's, Erie, PA) 7:30 PM. Monthly social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Michael Mahler. (814) 456-9833. info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http:// menspace.eriegaynews.com. Jan 21 - “Snow Ball: 7th Annual Winter White Party” at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Prizes, Giveaways, Contests, and an Avalanche of fun!” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Jan 23 - Drag 101: The Drag Kings at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Part of Moonsense/Trancesense series. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 25 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 - 9 PM. Contact: Lyta Seddig. (814) 724-1832. rseddig@allegheny.edu.

New Year’s Eve Below are some early listings for events and places of GLBT interest. Please let us know about additional events by December 15. Dec 31 - “Playhouse Bouquet” Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St., Erie PA. “A potpourri of Broadway and Hollywood musical magic.” Full orchestra, and David Matthews hosts. 7:30 PM. (814) 454-2852. www.erieplayhouse.org/ Dec 31- Trance Dance Club: Annual White Party: New Year's Eve Party 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. With Extra Special Guest: Melissa St. John. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 31 - Zone Dance Club: New Year's Eve Blast 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't miss out on Erie's biggest and best gay New Years Eve party!! Champagne toast, buffet, party favors and giveaways. Wear red or black—or dress in glamorous holiday attire. Happy New Year from the staff of the Zone.. Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com

Erie Gay News - December 2005

On stage Selected area cultural events that may be of interest to GLBT audiences. Nov 18 - Dec 17 - “Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge” Roadhouse Theatre, 145 W 11th St, Erie, PA. 8 PM. “Comedy written by Christopher Durang, based on the characters from the classic Dickens novel “A Christmas Carol.” All shows Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM and, we will even be running it for the weekend after Thanksgiving, and, as always, affordable Roadhouse prices.” Reservations: (814) 456-5656. Email: pipedown3@msn.com. Browse to www.goerie.com/roadhouse. Nov 25 - Rob Thomas in concert Playhouse Square in Cleveland. www.robthomas.com Dec 1 & 4 - Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St., Erie PA 9 PM. Dec 3 - Cyndi Lauper in concert with special guests Jill Sobule and Sandra Bernhard Lakewood Civic Auditorium, Lakewood OH (Ticketmaster). Dec 10 & 11 - “Home for the Holidays with Amanda Post” “Erie’s premier holiday tradition returns to the Warner with none other than everyone’s favorite newsworthy entertainer, Ms. Amanda Post.” www.eriephil.org/upcoming.cfm Dec 17 & 18 - North Coast Men’s Chorus presents “Tree Chic” Waetjen Auditorium, Cleveland State University, 2001 Euclid Ave, 800-766-6048, www.ncmchorus.org, info@ncmchorus.org Dec 31 - “Playhouse Bouquet” Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St., Erie PA. “A potpourri of Broadway and Hollywood musical magic.” Full orchestra, and David Matthews hosts. 7:30 PM. (814) 454-2852. www.erieplayhouse.org/ Jan 20-21 - Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: “A Winter’s Tale” 8 PM

Websites/email lists for area performers Bob Bearfield www.bobbearfield.com Jocelyn Porter Project www.jocelynporterproject.com Leah Zicari www.leahzicari.com Two Girls Alone http://twogirlsalone.iuma.com email list: twogirlsalone@att.net.

Buffalo United Artists presents the WNY premiere of “Naked Boys Singing!” from Buffalo United Artists “Naked Boys Singing!” (NBS), conceived by Robert Schrock, is a musical comedy revue featuring an original score of songs celebrating the splendors of male nudity. Schrock and a team of 12 acclaimed writers, including Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch, have written a bouncy (no pun intended) and fabulous musical revue that reminds us that clothes alone do not make the man. NBS is a traditional musical revue, in the vein of Vaudeville and high-camp American musical theater. Its main point is to celebrate the splendors of male nudity in comedy, song and dance. Musical numbers range from the screamingly funny (like the opening number “Gratuitous Nudity” or the circumcisionbased “Bliss of a Bris”) to poignant and moving numbers. There are 15 songs in NBS making this 80-minute tribute to the human male, fly by in a rage of laughter and nudity! The original New York production of NBS opened in 1999 and it is still playing at offBroadway’s Dodgers Theater. NBS opens in Buffalo on Saturday, November 19 and plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM., and Sundays at 7 PM through December 4. Tickets are $25.00 for VIP seating, $20 for general admission, $16 for BUA members NBS is directed and choreographed by Michael Walline, musical direction by Michael Hake, starring Joey Buchecker, Kurt Guba, Matthew Crehan Higgins, Christopher Stephen Parada, Marc Sacco, and Doug Weyand. No one under 18 admitted. All performances at Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Alley, in the heart of Buffalo’s Theatre District. For reservations, call (716) 886-9239. Tickets: $20.00 general admission, $16.00 for BUA Members, $15.00 for students, Limited VIP seating $25.00 www.buffalobua.org

Erie Gay News - December 2005

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World AIDS Day events Shout Outreach and Trance Dance Club create an Erie Premiere: Paul Rudnick’s The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told “Funny it is‌consistently, rapaciously, deliriously‌easily the funniest play in town.â€? —Variety In celebrating World AIDS Day on December 1, Shout Outreach and Trance Dance Club introduce the Erie Community to the wit and wisdom that is Paul Rudnick. Rudnick has penned many great screenplays thru his growing career including Sister Act, Jeffrey, In & Out and last year’s remake, The Stepford Wives. But before writing film scripts, Paul Rudnick was turning the world on its ear with his irreverent and famously funny stage comedies. In 1998, Rudnick decided to rewrite the Bible’s Old Testament into a retelling of queer proportions while tackling difficult taboo subjects and this is the blessing, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. Act One recounts the major episodes of the Old Testament, only with a twist: Instead of Adam and Eve, our lead characters are Adam and Steve, and Jane and Mabel, a lesbian couple with whom they decide to start civilization (procreation proves to be a provocative challenge). Act One covers the Garden of Eden, an ark, a visit with a highly rambunctious Pharaoh and finally even the Nativity. Along the way, Mabel and Adam discover (or invent?) God, but Jane and Steve are skeptical. This brings about the Flood, during which Steve has a brief taste of bestiality while inventing in-

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fidelity. No longer blissful, Adam and Steve break up only to be reunited as two of the wise men at the Nativity. In Act Two, Rudnick brings us to the contemporary themes of AIDS, artificial insemination, and questions about modern religion. It’s the late 1990’s amidst the holiday season madness of Manhattan, New York. Here we re-encounter our favorite couples along with some new friends; the naive Mormon, an acerbic Santa, a Go-Go Elf and the infamous Jewish lesbian Rabbi from cable access TV. Adam and Steve are together again, and Steve is HIV positive. It’s Christmas Eve, and even though Jane always thought of herself as the butch one, she’s nine months pregnant! The two women want to marry and ask Adam and Steve to join them in the ceremony. But the ceremony is interrupted as Jane gives birth, and Steve confides to Adam that his medication isn’t working and that he’ll probably not survive much longer. Please join us for two dramatic readings by some of Erie’s greatest ‘family’ entertainers with this fantastically fun comedy and great entertaining at Trance Dance Club, 1601 Raspberry, Erie, PA. Show dates and times are Thursday, December 1 at 9 PM with an encore presentation on Sunday, December 4 at 8:30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE! —from Gary

World AIDS Day at Cascade United Methodist Church The 17th Annual World AIDS Day observance will be held at the Cascade United Methodist Church located at 1001 West 21st Street. A worship service entitled “A Candlelight Service of Love and Assurance in the Face of HIV and AIDS� will be held Thursday, December 1st at 7 PM in the church sanctuary. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service. The United Methodist Church celebrates “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.� All are welcome! God loves us unconditionally and welcomes us as we are and where we are. For more information you may call Rev. Russell Shuluga at 452-3364. or 452-2870.

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

World AIDS Day Selected local events Selection of local events in observance of World Aids Day. This listing includes public or GLBT-interest events; full list available at www.eriegaynews.com by Patty Puline Hosted /co-sponsored by Erie County Department of Health. 2005 Theme: “STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE.� November 26 - Gaudenzia Crossroads SHOUT Program Booker T. Washington Center 1720 Holland Street Red Ribbon Night/Talent Show Open to Public 5:30 PM 11/26/2005 - 12/10/2005 -Erie County Department of Health NAMES Project: AIDS Quilt Display Site: 606 West Second Street, Erie PA. Contact: Steven R. Simmelkjaer Phone: (814) 451-7875. Email: ssimmelkjaer@ecdh.org November 30 - Gannon University World AIDS Day Observance December 1 - Cascade United Methodist Church 1001 West 21st Street, Erie PA. “Candlelight Service of Love and Assurance in the Face of HIV and AIDS.� 7 PM in church sanctuary. 7 PM. December 1 - Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St., Erie PA. Poetry Reading. Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.� 9 PM. Free admission December 4 - Moonsense Cafe - ALIVE Art Auction/ Erie County Dept. of Health Fundraiser for ALIVE organization which promotes HIV awareness and research. 5442 Peach Street, Erie PA. (814)868-1783. December 8 - Mercyhurst College World AIDS Day Observance Program 8 PM. December 10 - Erie County Department of Health STOP At Marsha Hall Learning Center 1841 East 18th Street (Harbor Homes Area) Remembering the Spirit of Julia, Emory, Don Paul, Kelvin and Others *Special Presentation honoring a beloved case manager, friend Jeffrey Charles Grego. Open to Public. 1:30 P.M.

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

National News Briefs by Bob

Limon Finally Released from Jail One of the most controversial gay rights legal cases has come to a happy conclusion with the release of Matthew Limon from a Kansas prison. Limon, now 23, was sentenced to 17 years behind bars for having consensual sex with an underage male teenager. The episode took place a week after Limon’s 18th birthday. After numerous court appeals and losses, the Kansas Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of Limon, but not until after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Kansas courts to review the case in light of the landmark Lawrence vs. Texas ruling. That ruling struck down state laws banning consensual adult sodomy. As a result, the Kansas Supreme Court unanimously said that the state’s sentencing laws that subject same-sex teens’ sexual encounters to far harsher punishment than heterosexual teen trysts was unconstitutional. Under the Kansas “Romeo and Juliet” law, as it’s nicknamed, youthful sex offenders can not be charged under adult sodomy statutes when they are involved in consensual sex with other teenagers around their own age. However, a section of the law specifies that it only applies to opposite-sex couples. As a result, Matthew Limon was not charged under Romeo and Juliet, but under criminal sodomy laws and sentenced to 206 months in jail. In a 19-page ruling, the Kansas justices agreed that Lawrence v. Texas controls the case. Matthew Limon was treated far differently than a teenager caught in a heterosexual act, the court wrote, and the state of Kansas was not able to present a legitimate state interest to justify its unequal policy.

Gay Rights Setback in Oregon An Oregon judge has dealt a blow to gay couples in Oregon when he upheld the legality of the voterenacted constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, known as Measure 36. Measure 36, a single-sentence constitutional amendment limiting marriage to the union of one man and one woman, was passed by 57 percent of the Or-

egon electorate a year ago. In January, the measure was challenged in court on several technical grounds. However, their arguments fell on deaf ears as Judge Joseph Guimond found nothing amiss with Measure 36, and made short work of the legal criticisms brought by the plaintiffs.

In Australia, You’re Free to “Tell” Same-sex couples serving in the Australian military have been granted the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples by the Australian government. Gay rights advocates see the move as the first step toward full equality in the military. In making the announcement, Defense Minister Robert Hill said that allowing lesbian and gay service members to have equal rights reflected the government’s attempts to ensure all employees were protected from discrimination. “This is a victory for common sense and for equality, but most of all it is a victory for the military because it makes the ADF a fairer, happier and more effective workplace for troops in same-sex relationships,” Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said. “The least this country can do for its servicemen and women is to treat them and their families equally, regardless of sexual orientation,” he said. According to the country’s Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, complaints of discrimination from service members prompted Commission members to take up this issue with the ADF and the government earlier this year.

Alaska Moves to Block Gay Rights Following a state Supreme Court ruling that gay public workers should be able to share their employee benefits with their partners, conservative politicians in Alaska are drafting a constitutional amendment aimed at same-sex couples. Republican State Sen. Fred Dyson has proposed an amendment that reads: “No provision of this constitution shall be interpreted or applied so to require the state or its political subdivisions to extend or assign the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities or ef-

Erie Gay News - December 2005

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National News fects of marriage to any other union, partnership or legal status.” Dyson told reporters the measure would shore up the 1998 amendment to the state’s constitution that outlawed same-sex marriage. He said he was coordinating his efforts with Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski, who plans to bring the constitutional amendment bill to the legislature next session

Lesbian Minister Defrocked The highest court within the United Methodist Church has defrocked a lesbian minister for violating the denomination’s ban on “self-avowed, practicing homosexual” clergy. The Judicial Council’s ruling comes as the final step in a church battle involving the Rev. Irene “Beth” Stroud. In December, a church panel rule that Rev. Stroud, who is in a lesbian partnership, engaged in practices that the church has declared incompatible with Christian teachings. That panel’s decision was then overturned by the Northeast Jurisdiction Committee on Appeals. But the Judicial Council ruled that the appeals committee “erred in reversing and setting aside the verdict and penalty from Rev. Stroud’s trial.” Keep Informed

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Thomas Hall, counsel for the United Methodist Church, said the decision provides some relief but is “not the end of this whole conversation.” “An issue like this takes so much energy on both sides, and takes the focus off a lot of the great things the church is doing,” Hall said. “This gives us some space so we can hopefully channel our energies into the great things we’re doing.” Stroud, who became an associate pastor at Philadelphia’s First United Methodist Church of Germantown in 1999, has said she never revealed her sexual orientation in documents related to her ordination, but didn’t keep it a secret. She said she decided to come out in 2003 because she felt she was being held back in her faith by not sharing the complete truth about her life. Stroud will continue as a lay staff member at her congregation, preaching, supervising children’s and youth work and conducting pastoral visits.

Maine Voters Back Gay Rights Law On Election Day, voters in Maine solidly rejected a Christian conservative effort to repeal the state’s new gay- and transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination law. The ballot question read, “Do you want to reject the new law that would protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, education public accommodations and credit based on their sexual orientation?” In 1998 and 2000, conservatives were successful in knocking the law off the books but this time the law was supported by 55 percent of people voting. Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, said the election outcome was a sign that Maine is a welcoming place for everyone. The vote “reaffirms the basic values that are intrinsic in Maine,” said Baldacci. “Mainers don’t like discrimination ... if it happens to one person it happens to all of us.” Gov. Baldacci had introduced the law, which the state legislature quickly passed back in March. All of this year’s election news was not good however. Voters in Texas made their state the 19th to amend its state constitution to ban same-sex couples from marrying.

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Erie Gay News - December 2005

Exercise Equality by Caillean Maureen McMahon PA Gay and Lesbian Alliance Last night I went out on a dinner date in the small great lakes city where I live. During the course of the meal at an upscale restaurant, we smiled, leaned forward and exchanged whispers, held hands over the table briefly and even on one occasion touched each other’s cheek with dreamy looks in our eyes. In many respects we were not at all different from any other couple on a date there with one exception that set us markedly apart from the rest of the diners. We are both women. Now, for the two of us, this is not a big deal. We have stolen quick little kisses in bars, kissed on the observation platform on the Bayfront, held hands walking down the street, and I routinely open the car door for her when she is getting in. We do what straight couples do in public, essentially no more and no less. To date no one has even commented on us other than to say hello, smile and engage us in conversation. Most people in the mainstream in the city where we live seem to accept us as a matter of course. The day before, in a college town in Indiana, a group from a local church there carried signs reading “Gays die, God laughs” on the campus, then marched to a gay-owned kitchen supply store and burned the rainbow flag. In that light, our dates out in public become a protest and a symbol. Mind you, we are low key. As I said, we do no more than most straight couples of our age do on a date in public, but we do no less either. There is no chance of our being taken for two “women friends” when we are on a date. A friend of mine visited Provincetown over Women’s Week and came back enraptured with the

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sense of liberation and freedom that she felt there, the ability to hold a woman’s hand in public, to take a romantic walk on the beach. In Lesbian relationships for most of her adult life, she had, like most of us, kept her life hidden when out in “the straight world.” I am done with that kind of behavior. I lived most of my life in the “straight world” and find the unspoken imperative to surrender the prerogatives of a heterosexual couple unacceptable. This evening we attended the concert of “TransSiberian Orchestra.” Again, we were like any other couple there, holding hands, the occasional kiss on the cheek, whispers, smiles and walking out at the end with our arms around each other. No one confronted us or said a word. Perhaps, just perhaps, we might be changing each of the people who see us and helping them to look at us as being like every one else. Maybe this kind of exposure will take away the fear that the mention of same sex relationships generate in so many people and win the hearts and minds of more straight allies to stand along side of us as we exercise equality.

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A More Accepting Kind of Church by Brian and Larry A lot of people in the gay/lesbian community know that the Universalist Unitarian Church is a very accepting church. Many also know that the Episcopalian Church is accepting as well although the headlines in the papers and the news show a deep divide over the approval of homosexuality when it comes to their leaders. There is another church located in Erie and in other cities and towns across the nation that many may not realize is very accepting of gays and lesbians; the United Church of Christ. They are so accepting that they have been ordaining gay men for decades according to Rev. Richard Moyer the pastor of Community United Church on W. 38th and Cascade. Some may recall an article that appeared in the Erie Times-News over a year ago that showed two big muscular bouncers standing in front of a church with the velvet ropes allowing only certain people in. None of the main TV networks would show the commer-

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cial because it was too controversial although some of the other networks did. Basically what it was saying was that if your church won’t accept you our church will. Larry and I experienced this firsthand. I knew from the way Larry talked about it that going to church was something he missed and the more he talked about it the more I realized that I missed it also. We were determined to find a place for the two of us to worship. Larry was Protestant and I was Catholic. I was active in the church both while growing up and once I started attending Mercyhurst College. Both of us grew up in churches that were not very accepting of gays. We talked to friends to see if they went to church and if so where they went. Not surprising, a lot of those in the community do not go to church for the obvious reason that we are usually not accepted as a whole. We as individuals may be accepted but when it came to accepting the whole gay thing altogether it was a different matter. We tried different churches but could not find the one that clicked with both our different upbringings so we quit going for a while. The article in the Erie Times then appeared one day and we both read it with interest. Could the Community United Church be that all accepting church out there? Could Erie have its own MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) in the making? And not just one but two! Erie had two of these churches. We wanted to find out. It took us a while to get there. For one reason or another we did not make it out the door on Sunday. But finally, we made it. The first one we tried was downtown. It was a big beautiful church but there were very few people in it. The next one was the one on W. 38th and Cascade. It was a small church but the people were very friendly there. It did help that there were several people there that we knew so it was a lot less difficult to feel like we belonged. We attended for a couple weeks and started to like it. On one Sunday evening they had a pot luck dinner that we attended. We sat by ourselves near some of the people we knew. While I was away from the table getting something, the Reverend came over to talk to Larry and one of his first questions he asked was how long the two of us had been together. It was

Erie Gay News - December 2005

Accepting Church Stop Santorum a sincere question and not asked in way that you felt he was prying. At that moment it was clear we found our church. We met with Reverend Moyer a couple weeks later to talk about us and the church. It was at that time we learned about the decades of acceptance in the church. He told us that his wife came to him and asked him if he had a problem with us being gay and he said that he didn’t. She was glad because the rest of the congregation didn’t either and wanted to make sure he didn’t. According to Rev. Moyer just about everyone in the church knows about us. If they had a problem with it, it sure does not show. Everyone says good morning when we walk in and shakes hands or gives hugs. We’ve talked to others about the church and coming some Sunday to give it a try. Some said they are looking for a different church for one reason or another. The way we look at it, why attend and support a church that does not support you or the way you think and feel? I could not handle the hypocrisy of the Catholic church. And to tell you the truth, now that both of us are going, my week feels more complete. It was hard to get back into the routine of going but once we got into it, is hard to get out of it. So if there is anyone out there who is not happy with the church they are attending or are looking for a church that accepts you for who you are, the Community United Church 1011 W. 38th at Cascade is a more accepting kind of church. There is only one service on Sunday at 11 AM. So even if you were out late the night before you can make it. There is usually coffee and sweets also to help you wake up.

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by Deb Spilko “And if the Supreme Court says that you have the right to [gay] consensual sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything. ... It all comes from, I would argue, this right to privacy that doesn't exist in my opinion in the United States Constitution... Whether it's polygamy, whether it's adultery, where it's sodomy, all of those things, are antithetical to a healthy, stable, traditional family.” —Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), April 21, 2003, Associated Press interview. Next year, America’s worst US Senator is running for re-election. Yes, Pennsylvania’s own Rick Santorum, major homophobe and rightwing extremist, will be running for a second term. The GLBT community, and all persons concerned about the direction in which this country is headed, need to take this election very, very seriously. Although this publication generally avoids endorsing or taking partisan positions, there have been a couple of races in which the choices were so dire that a stand had to be taken. Last year’s presidential election was one of those times. And in 2006, the race to defeat Santorum is another situation that is so extreme that there is no way that we can or would wish to appear neutral. This is not just about Santorum’s strong homophobia. It is an entire worldview that is intolerant and often cruel, as when—just one week after the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, while thousands were still trapped in hellish circumstances in New Orleans— Santorum proposed that people who “decide” to stay behind should be heavily fined. In the coming months, this column will attempt to keep Santorum’s extremist mission in the minds of our readers. We will also keep you up on how to get involved—to volunteer for opposition candidates, to contribute to this effort, and so on. You can also stay updated by visiting the Stop Santorum Now website, which is maintained by and for GLBT voters. Stop Santor um Now is at www.stopsantorumnow.org

Erie Gay News - December 2005

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