Empty Closet, September 2012

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Smithsonian accepts Helping People with AIDS collection

By Susan Jordan Franklin Robinson Jr., Archives Specialist at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., formally accepted the gift of the Helping People with AIDS collection from the Gay Alliance Archives at a ceremony in the AIDS Remembrance Garden in Highland Park on Aug. 2.

Helping People with AIDS was founded in 1983 by Dan Meyers, Jerry Algozer and Dr. Bill Valenti, co-founder of Community Health Network.

Bill Valenti told The Empty Closet, “HPA was a community grassroots response to HIV, and that was before any government projects to do anything about the epidemic. The money raised (close to $1 million over 17 years) allowed us to provide treatment for people who couldn’t afford it. It made going to work bearable, because we could improve quality of life and even save lives. In the early years HPA funding was very much funding for treatment, as well as services. New York State around 1987 and the Ryan White Act in 1989-1990 were the first providers of funding

Vintage HPA posters on display at the press conference. More photos page 30; more information page 21. Photos: Jeff Mills

Franklin Robinson Jr. of the Smithsonian.

for treatment. So HPA became more of a service and support provider at that point.”

HPA’s services and support to those living with HIV included help with housing, transportation and nutrition, and also special things like TV sets, dream trips and health care for beloved pets. The organization raised money through annual parties and dances; two of the

Champion:

Vicky Robinson and Rev. Aileen Robbins. Photo: Susan Jordan

Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church becomes a reconciling congregation

Friend:

september 2012

By Susan Jordan Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4301 Mt. Read Blvd. at English Rd., has become a Reconciling congregation, due to the initiative of congregation member Vicky Robinson, and this summer the Reverend Aileen Robbins performed two lesbian marriages.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) decided in 2009 to drop the prohibition on partnered gay and lesbian clergy, and on July 7 this year, presiding Bishop Mark Hanson keynoted the assembly of the pro-gay group within the church, ReconcilingWorks, in Washington D.C. Rev. Robbins commented, “Mark Hanson has been a huge force pushing for reconciliation.”

Vicky Robinson said, “The

revolution in 2009 wouldn’t have happened without him.”

Rev. Robbins added, “He has been a very peaceful, listening presence, very compassionate and listening to all voices.”

Vicky Robinson has been a

most memorable were a circusthemed dance and a dance with a dynamic salsa band.

The complete run of The Empty Closet for the past 41 years has also been accepted by the Smithsonian.

Anne Wakeman, Gay Alliance Interim Executive Director, welcomed those in attendance at the Aug. 2 ceremony, and said, “We are here to honor the brilliant, beautiful lives lost to AIDS and the grassroots organizations and people who provided help and compassion.” She especially mentioned AIDS Rochester and Community Health Network, which merged to create AIDS Care in 2010; Jay

Rudman, the current ED, was present at the ceremony. “Today AIDS remains a critical issue,” Wakeman said.

She also recognized Evelyn Bailey of the Shoulders to Stand On project and archivist John Noble, who, as coordinators of the Heritage Program of the Gay Alliance and NYS Archives DHP Grant Coordinators, were responsible for preserving the HPA collection and transferring it to the Smithsonian.

John Altieri, president of the Gay Alliance board, said, “The Gay Alliance Archive Project has diligently undertaken… to ensure that the history of our (Smithsonian continues page 3)

member of the congregation for 20 years. She told The Empty Closet, “My daughter is lesbian and I asked Rev. Robbins whether, if she and her partner came to Rochester, they would be greeted at the church. That was something that mattered to me very personally, in addition to matters of justice.”

Rev. Robbins noted that Vicky is not the only member of the congregation who has lesbian or gay family members. She said, “I had a sense that everyone in the congregation had their own personal feelings about the meaning of the congregation.

It seemed to me we should be resolved on whether or not to be welcoming. Would we be a place that performs (same sex) weddings? We should have this discussion before it came to a crucial decision.”

The process of discernment started with education. Vicky said, “We invited a psychologist who works with gay people to come and talk to the congregation about homosexuality. She took some astonishing questions

– I was astonished through this whole thing. I never felt malice or anger toward gay people.

People just did not have information. They had been taught things they had never questioned, and now we were questioning them.

“Scott Fearing from the Gay Alliance came twice and talked about how it feels as a gay man to walk into a church. We also had a Bible study group…. One lady said gay people are called to celibacy. People were trying to understand what the Bible says.

It’s so much more complex than people have been taught.”

How did they deal with these complexities? Rev. Robbins said, “Through scholarship. We were honest about the ambiguity of the language. For instance, what did ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural’ (Messiah continues pg 3)

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Contents

Newsfronts................................... 4 Interview: Maurice Tomlinson....... 7 Making the Scene......................10 Candidates to Watch ...............12 Opinion: .....................................15 Welcome LGBT students .........17 Shoulders to Stand On ............21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: Angels ..............27 Gay Alliance News.....................30 Calendar.....................................34 Classifieds..................................34

Proud Publisher of New York State’s Oldest Lgbt Publication

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

Perspectives From the Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan

Translating Rightwing Code Here’s a lexicon for the 21st century – how to translate Tea Party-Speak. These translations are all over the Internet; EC readers are encouraged to send in their own versions! By the way, these quotes are all legitimate quotes from professional bigots (conservative and/or Tea Party spokesmen and activists), as heard/seen on the Internet, TV news or print media.

Pro Family = We hate gays.

Pro Life = We hate women.

Obama is not a US citizen and his birth certificate is fake = We hate black people.

Homosexuality is chosen, changeable sociopathic behavior, like bestiality, alcoholism, etc. = Did we mention we hate gays?

One Million Moms = One dozen Republican propagandists.

Reforming voter fraud = Disenfranchising people of color, elders, students, working people and anyone who looks like they might vote Democratic.

Unions caused the economic collapse = You can’t beat slavery for low overhead.

Public employees caused the economic collapse = Banks, Wall Street and corporations are not accountable for their actions.

Corporations are people = The 99% aren’t people.

A fertilized egg is a person = Women are not persons.

Obamacare is destroying America = The 1% would prefer

From the Interim Executive Director Anne Wakeman

that the 99% not get healthcare.

Handing out food, housing, or education to the poor destroys their will to succeed = See above.

The rich are the job creators = You can qualify for de facto slave labor if you live in Calcutta or Taiwan or any non-unionized Third World country.

BP has cleaned up the oil spill in the Gulf = BP has created lots of glossy, self-serving TV commercials.

Sacrifices have to be made = By the poor and middleclass, not by the rich.

Fox News, fair & balanced = Fox News, mouthpiece of the Republican Party.

Save children from abusive lesbian households the way Harriet Tubman saved slaves = Kidnap children from their nonabusive lesbian mothers.

Homosexuals adopting children is child abuse, pedophilia and molestation = We hate gays AND their children.

Americans have the constitutional right to bear arms = NeoNazi militiamen and random lunatics have the right to easily get guns and kill liberals, gays, black people, Sikhs, Unitarians or anyone else.

Activist judges = Judges who make decisions that don’t follow our political party line.

Objective judges = Judges who always follow our political party line.

Stop spending $59 billion in government money on social welfare = Spend $92 billion in government money on corporate welfare subsidies.

Hostility against religious liberty has reached an all time high = People are starting to reject religious bigotry.

The public school is not a faith free zone. Students need not leave their spiritual beliefs on the schoolhouse steps = It’s morally right to bully your gay classmates until they commit suicide.

Gays are worthy of death = Exactly what it says.

Not everyone should go to college… We discourage the teaching of critical thinking = Exactly what it says. ■

Many things

Though not scientific in nature, I do enjoy anecdotal feedback concerning the Gay Alliance. Whether from a major donor, folks sitting at Equal Grounds or Boulder Coffee, a youth, a senior, or one of the 30-to-40-something professionals attending an Out & Equal Networking event, people have been very willing to share.

This is good. It provides some sense of community pulse, reaction to programs and events that the Gay Alliance provides.

I’ve heard that the Gay Alliance only cares about youth and seniors, the Gay Alliance doesn’t have programs for 30or 40-somethings, or the Agency’s focus is too this or too that. And this feedback is good because perception is reality, certainly to the person sharing it.

As the “Interim Exec,” though, I feel the need to increase awareness of the amazing things this agency does.

Day in and day out, this is a working agency. On any given day, people needing information, referrals, counseling, or just a listening ear, call us.

The Gay Alliance is a publishing house, producing The Empty Closet newspaper and online content and participating in social media. In the Finger Lakes Region, we’re used to having the “EC” and can take it for granted. But when a repre-

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The Empty Closet • Youth Program • Rochester Pride Education Program & Speakers Bureau Library and Archives Gay Alliance Resource Directory Shoulders to Stand On • Rainbow SAGE • SafeZone The Gay Alliance plays a central role in advocating for the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. www.GayAlliance.org

What the Gay Alliance does

sentative from New York State tells me that its content is some of the best he’s seen, well, we have a jewel of a niche newspaper.

The Gay Alliance is an Advocate, providing Youth and Senior programming on a weekly basis, as the concerns about isolation, bullying and suicide cross both these age groups.

The Agency is an Educator, providing 103 Outreach and Professional Training Sessions in 2012 since January: LGBT Competency, Safe Zone, Train the Trainer, Dignity for All Students, Trans Healthcare Issues, to name just a few. Education occurs at corporations, colleges, high schools, churches, etc.

Staff and our incredible volunteers combine efforts to meet needs of Outreach Education, while staff typically provides Professional Education.

The Gay Alliance is a driver of Community. With events that span the year: The Red Ball, Ride4Pride, Day of Silence, Senior Spring Dance, Youth Prom (245 youth from Ithaca to Buffalo), Pride, and Library & Archive access with the Smithsonian, adding the Helping People with AIDS collection from our Archive to the National Museum of American History.

And there’s more to come.

Shoulders to Stand On has its documentary preview at ImageOut. Dine Out is coming up on Oct. 23 (an incredibly fun evening) and then there are the Fall Senior Dance, Out Loud & Out Proud Youth Leadership, and the 40th Anniversary of the Gay Alliance, our Ruby Jubilee! We’re working on a special event to be announced shortly for all things Ruby, so stay tuned.

So you’re right. The Gay Alliance is not everything to everyone, but we’re here… working, publishing, advocating, educating, celebrating and building community… right where we’ve been for over 40 years. And we can always use your help. ■

Membership levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100-999 Champion ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall ❏ Enclosed is my check in the amount of _________ (check #______) Please charge my credit card in the amount of: __________ To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # _____________________________ Exp. Date: _______ ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. ❏ Please provide me Rainbow SAGE Program (age 50+) News Benefits include: a subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or work, plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, New York 14605. Home delivery of the Empty Closet9/12 is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance.

for Many people

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2012, All rights reserved.

Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homophobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain information about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out supposed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, including the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas.

Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in person to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month.

Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. (www.emptycloset@ gagv.us) Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (December and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approximately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further information, please write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emptycloset@gagv.us.

The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay-related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help promote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate.

Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consideration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life.

The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney.

Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the editor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: emptycloset@gagv.us.

The online edition of EC is available at www. gayalliance.org.

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

page one (Smithsonian from page 1) LGBT community, and greater Rochester’s compassionate response in a critical time of our nation’s response to the AIDS health crisis, are not lost. We acknowledge those here today who pioneered our community’s response to HIV with the creation of Helping People with AIDS. “HPA funding benefited so many individuals in a vital time of need…. we need to remember those who worked tirelessly during the early years of our response and are no longer with us… We truly appreciate the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s recognition of our community’s advocacy, dedication and compassion.”

NYS Assembly member Harry Bronson (131st District) said, “We learned so much about ourselves and our community and who we are because of the AIDS epidemic.” He said that in the early days, when homophobic stigma kept society from responding to the crisis, people in Rochester said, “We must respond as a community.

We can’t let this happen. We must make sure we take care of our brothers and sisters.”

“Because of that,” Bronson said, “we are here to celebrate and archive that history.”

City Council member Matt Haag was unable to attend, but sent a message stating, “Our community should be so proud and grateful … for the work of the Gay Alliance… to promote and preserve the outstanding history of our community here in Rochester.”

Evelyn Bailey said, “John (Noble) was writer of the grant – I just typed it and sent it off. He’s the one who had the knowledge to accomplish this.”

She added that Patricia Finerty, the Archival Consultant for the 2011–2012 DHP Documentation Project, had placed 15 records collections in permanent repositories by last June, and one of these was the HPA collection. Bailey also recognized the work of HPA volunteers who made critical contributions over the years, some of whom were present at the ceremony: Gary Sweet, John Haldoupis, Neil Parisella (deceased), Rick Easton, Nancy Delancey, John Washburn (deceased), Tony Green (deceased), Patty Doran Turner (deceased), Dick Easton, Jim Black, Alan Davidson and Bob Lebman. She also mentioned Paula Silvestrone, who was present, and who as head of AIDS Rochester for 20 years received much HPA funding.

HPA also provided funds to AIDS Research at Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, as well as other providers of service specifically for persons with HIV. Bailey ended, “By the time Tim Tompkins became chair of HPA, funding had started to come through the pipeline and in 2003 HPA ended. It was Tim’s vision to keep the records, which he gave to the Gay Alliance Archive.” Tim Tompkins was present at the ceremony.

John Noble said that he has been an archivist since 1977.

He spoke about the founding

of HPA and said, “We’ve done our best to make sure that all the history in this community is documented.” He added that most of the Gay Alliance records are at Cornell in the Human Sexualities collection, and are available to scholars.

Franklin Robinson Jr. said that he was glad to be in Rochester and meet some of the people whose names are in the records. He said, “On behalf of the Smithsonian I want to formally accept and thank the Rochester community. These records are one more thread in the tapestry of our national history.”

Robinson said that the HPA records are more evidence of how communities across the country fought AIDS. “They are records of a time when compassion and urgency overcame fear and complacency,” he said.

“Archives are also about remembering.” ■

(Messiah from page 1) look like in the first century? Do we just look at scripture as words on a page that are meant to be judgmental? So it was a difficult challenge to pre-conceived notions.”

Vicky said, “People really wrestled with their preconceptions and tried to discern what God is really trying to tell us.”

Rev. Robbins said, “The initial group Vicky pulled together that made decisions about the educational process then drafted a statement that was presented to the congregation and explained.

It was edited after discussion with the congregation and then it was voted on.”

“People asked, what if we became a magnet for gay people, how would we fit in,” said Vicky. It was decided that there are probably not that many gay Lutherans in the area.

Rev. Robbins pointed out that there are two other formally Reconciling churches in the area – Atonement Lutheran Church in Brighton and St. Timothy in Geneseo.

Vicky said, “They worked through the whole process after 2009. Congregations were told

by ELCA that they were free to deal with the issue or not. We wanted to – it was important. It was a great experience.”

Rev. Robbins said, “I’d do it again! What came out of that was a real example of intentional thinking – how do we decide to welcome anyone into our midst?

It’s broader than sexuality and includes physical and mental abilities and so on. How do we accommodate special needs children? How do we become truly welcoming and open to all people?”

Vicky said, “I’ve been here for 20 years and I’m not one of the truly old ones. There are people who have been here since the church was founded 50 years ago. It made us think about the intentionality of being welcoming. For instance, how should the greeters and ushers welcome new people? It made us think about the actual mechanics of being welcoming. We’re still working on this. We’ve come a very long way, but it’s an ongoing process and always will be.”

For information on an openly lesbian minister’s installation on the staff of ReconcilingWorks in Minnesota, see page 11. ■

NewsFronts Local and State

The ribbon cutting for RGHS’s new facility.

RGHS opens new diagnostic imaging facility Rochester General Health System (RGHS) opened a new ambulatory diagnostic imaging facility on Aug. 13.

The RGHS Imaging Center at Alexander Park, located at 214 Alexander St. in the Alexander Park medical campus, offers a wide range of high-quality radiology services with convenient access for patients who live or work near downtown Rochester.

Diagnostic services offered at the Imaging Center at Alexander Park will include general X-ray, DEXA bone-density scanning, mammography screenings, non-invasive computerized tomography (CT) exams, and non-invasive ultrasound, including first-trimester OB/GYN imaging. These services will employ state-of-the-art equipment using low-dose radiation, administered by senior radiologic technologists, each with years of experience at the Rochester General Hospital (RGH) Department of Radiology. RGH will continue to offer outpatient and inpatient radiology services.

This expansion of community health services represents the latest stage of the RGHS ambulatory care initiative, in which advanced medical care is offered in an outpatient environment to ensure a more costeffective and convenient patient experience without compromising the quality of that care. By maintaining clinical integration with other RGHS affiliates, the Imaging Center at Alexander Park will offer patients and care providers the benefits of working with a comprehensive, nationally acclaimed health system – in a streamlined customer-focused setting more able to accommodate outpatient needs than a traditional hospital.

Anticipating the continuing growth of this healthcare segment, in February RGHS formed an eighth affiliate exclusively dedicated to Ambulatory Care. In June, the health system completed the purchase of three properties in Penfield comprising the Linden Oaks Medical Campus, which will soon form the headquarters of a comprehensive array of advanced RGHS ambulatory services.

The Imaging Center at Alexander Park will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and

from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, with flexible early or late appointments available as needed. Physicians may schedule an appointment by calling 9222160. The Imaging Center will accept most medical insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, and is accessible via RTS bus and LiftLine services. Additionally, validated free parking will be available for patients in the Alexander St. garage, located next door to the Imaging Center.

3 ance Community Center will be 3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7-9 p.m. Fridays (social time).

Friday programming will rotate between Game Night, Arts & Crafts Night, Movie Night, Friends & Family Night and every month that has a fifth Friday will be Dance Night!

Check out the Program Calendar every month for details at www.gayalliance.org/events/ youth.

New youth support groups include Coming Out/Being Out Group, Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Gender Identity Group, Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Remix Young Adult Group, Fridays 5-6 p.m. (ages 18-20) and Out Loud, Out Proud Youth, a leadership program, on Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.

The Senior Center calendar for September includes Sept.

4: Eldersource Presentation, 1 p.m.; Sept. 11: Patriotic Day --Remember 9/11 with a patriotic movie and popcorn; Sept.

24: Lollipop Farm Pet Therapy Visit, 1 p.m. and Sept. 25: Mary Jemison Boat Ride/Tour on the Genesee River. The Senior Center is open every Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and different programs are offered on each day.

For more information on either of these programs, call Kelly Clark at 244-8640 or email kellyc@gayalliance.org.

Free mammograms offered for women 40 and over Women over 40 who do not have health insurance can get free mammograms on Sept. 22 from 7:30 to noon at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, 170 Sawgrass Drive in Brighton.

To schedule an appointment, or for information, call 585-4422190 and select option 1 and then option 2. Have your doctor’s name and where you may have had prior mammograms ready when you call.

A physician will be available for clinical breast exams. The mammograms are sponsored by Elizabeth Wende Breast Care and the Cancer Services Program of Monroe County.

Gay Alliance plans new fall hours, groups, events for elders and youth There are new hours and groups for the Gay Alliance Youth this fall, as well as a full September calendar of events for Rainbow SAGE at the Senior Center. (For complete details, see page 31.)

Starting on Wednesday, Sept.

5, new days and times for Youth programming in the Gay Alli-

Friends of Louise Slaughter host a reception Sept. 22 Rochestarians who care about equal rights for LGBT citizens will have a chance to talk to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter about her record of support for marriage equality and other LGBT issues this month.

Matt Haag, Bill Schaefer, Mark Siwiec, Duffy Palmer and Sue Cowell will host a reception with Congresswoman Slaughter to benefit her re-election on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. at 80 Westminster Road in the Park Avenue area.

To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Sue@VoteLouise.com or by phone at 585-414-4718. ■

Thank You Donors We gratefully acknowledge all of our donors with a special thank you to those who contribute each month; who sponsored participants in the Out Loud, Out Proud Youth Camp; who continue to acknowledge the memory of Vincent DiSchino and who celebrate the marriages of Jeff Clark & Dave Doran and Emily Jones & Deborah Hughes.

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

NewsFronts national and international

Megan Rapinoe of the US women’s soccer team.

Lesbian, gay athletes were welcome in London; not next time at Russian winter games From The Advocate, Aug. 10: Megan Rapinoe says she’s been playing better since she came out. So much so, that she helped the U.S. Women’s soccer team win a gold medal in the final game against Japan.

South African archer Karen Hultzer was the latest to join the official Outsports.com count of openly gay athletes, which reached 23 as the games wrapped up. And Matthew Mitcham, the openly gay 2008 Olympic gold medalist in diving, defended his title.

While efforts were made to ensure that gay athletes competing at the Olympic games in London this summer felt welcome and safe, the 2014 winter games in Sochi, Russia may prove difficult to provide the same conditions, the Associated Press reports.

Pride House, a gay-targeted spot for LGBT athletes and allies during the games, was a welcome part of the Olympic village in London and previously in Vancouver. However, a Russian court ruled in favor of officials who decided that Pride House would not be a sanctioned part of the 2014 games in Sochi.

Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell and several others protested outside of the Sochi Park pavillion at the London games in protest of the decision.

“Quite clearly, this ban is in violation of the Olympic charter, which prohibits discrimination and guarantees equality,’’ Tatchell said. He said the International Olympic Committee “doesn’t appear to want to engage with this issue.” The IOC said in a statement that it would not comment on the court ruling since it is a private matter, but that athletes of all sexual orientations are welcome at the games.

Marriage equality is now in Democratic platform Following a campaign by Freedom to Marry to include a plank supporting marriage for same-sex couples in this year’s national Democratic Party platform, Congressman Barney Frank, a member of the platform drafting committee, confirmed on July 30 that the committee has unanimously approved such language.

The platform was finalized at a meeting of the full platform committee in Detroit in August and will be ratified on Sept. 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Marc Solomon, National Campaign Director of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement: “We are grateful for the Platform Drafting Committee’s unanimous vote to include the freedom to marry in its draft of the Democratic Party platform. As I testified to the Committee on Friday, the Democratic Party has a noble history of fighting for the human and civil rights of all Americans. We are proud that the Committee is including language that

will ensure the Party is leading the way forward in supporting marriage for loving and committed same-sex couples and their families.”

Solomon testified in front of the drafting committee in support of a freedom to marry plank on July 27 in Minneapolis.

Freedom to Marry’s Democrats: Say I Do campaign has enlisted Democratic party leaders, elected officials, activists, and voters to make the case to the Platform Drafting Committee in support of the freedom to marry plank. To date, 22 Democratic Senators, the Chair of this year’s Democratic National Convention, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, four former chairs of the national Democratic Party, Caroline Kennedy and nine other co-chairs of President Obama’s reelection campaign, and more than 40,000 Americans have announced their support for inclusion of a freedom to marry plank in the platform.

Retiring gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who sits on the committee, told Chris Johnson of the Washington Blade on July 30 that the 15-member panel unanimously backed the inclusion of a marriage equality plank after a national hearing over the weekend in Minneapolis, in which several witnesses testified in favor of such language.

“I was part of a unanimous decision to include it,” Frank said. “There was a unanimous decision in the drafting committee to include it in the platform, which I supported, but everybody was for it.”

Frank emphasized that support for marriage equality is a position that has been established for the Democratic Party, from the president, who endorsed marriage equality in May, to House Democratic lawmakers who voted to reject an amendment reaffirming the Defense of Marriage Act earlier this month.

A DNC staffer, who is familiar with the process and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the language in the platform approved on July 29 not only backs marriage equality, but also rejects DOMA and has positive language with regard to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The exact wording of the language wasn’t immediately available.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz227rhlutg

Prop 8 funders are half a dozen rich donors The Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund is offering new insight into how much it costs to continue pushing their discriminatory agenda against LGBT Americans, and the numbers are high.

The organization is soliciting supporters for an additional $2 million to defend Prop 8 before the U.S. Supreme Court, and claims that it’s already spent $10 million on efforts to prevent loving, committed same-sex couples from marrying.

According to tax documents obtained by the Human Rights Campaign, the group reported approximately $7.6 million in revenue over the course of 2009–2010.

While figures for this year and last are not yet available, it would appear they’ve spent another $2.4 million to date.

According to the tax documents, that funding is coming from a very small group of donors – just five to six contributors. In 2010, six contributors donated nearly $3.3 million of the group’s $4.3 million for the year. In 2009, the organization pulled in more than $1.7 million from just five contributors, or well over 50 percent of its revenue.

“Once again, the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund is pushing the falsehood that it’s simply a grassroots organization relying on the donations of everyday Americans,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “In reality, it is a wellfunded anti-gay organization that relies on the support of a few donors to ensure it can continue its work to prevent committed and loving same-sex couples from marrying. The Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund does not reflect the views of the majority of Americans who support marriage equality, and is nothing more than a bastion for people with extremist agendas aimed at demeaning LGBT people.”

Prop 8 General Counsel Andy Pugno, who sent the most recent fundraising ask to potential donors and is currently running for state office in California, also appears to be benefiting personally from the money the organization raises.

According to the tax documents, the Law Offices of Andrew Pugno has received well over half a million dollars from the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund – nearly $130,000 in 2009 and $464,000 in 2010.

The U.S Supreme Court is expected to decide this fall whether it will hear arguments on the constitutionality of Proposition 8.

Another federal judge rules DOMA unconstitutional 31:

Via press release from GLAD on July

Today, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional as a violation of equal protection guarantees.

Her ruling comes with respect to claims brought by six married same-sex couples and one widower from the states of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont who were denied federal tax, social security, pension and family medical leave protections only because they are (or were) married to someone of the same sex.

Under the ruling, the plaintiffs’ marriages must be accorded the same federal protections and responsibilities as those of other married couples. The ruling by Judge Vanessa L. Bryant, an appointee of President George W. Bush, stems from the lawsuit Pedersen et al v. Office of Personnel Management et al, filed by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) in November 2010 in the Federal District Court in Connecticut.

“Section 3 of DOMA obligates the

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet beaten the medal count of such countries as Jamaica, Ireland, Argentina and India.

They would have finished 21st overall for most golds (four), tied with Iran, Jamaica, Czech Republic and Korea.”

-JoeMyGod.com

HRC, Louise Slaughter, Sen. Gillibrand condemn Paul Ryan’s record

Seimone Augustus and other members of the US women’s basketball team.

federal government to single out a certain category of marriages as excluded from federal recognition,” Judge Bryant wrote, “thereby resulting in an inconsistent distribution of federal marriage benefits as all marriages authorized by certain states will receive recognition and marital benefits, whereas only a portion of marriages authorized by other states will receive federal recognition and benefits.”

“Judge Bryant’s ruling is very clear: married people are married and should be treated as such by the federal government. There is no legitimate basis for DOMA’s broad disrespect of the marriages of same-sex couples,” said Mary L. Bonauto, GLAD’s Civil Rights Project Director. “We are very pleased that the Court recognized that DOMA’s creation of second-class marriages harms our clients who simply seek the same opportunities to care and provide for each other and for their children that other families enjoy.”

Court orders Tea Party Nation founder to pay Las Vegas hotel bill A judge has ordered Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips to pay $748,000 to a Las Vegas hotel for a massive block of hotel rooms he reserved for a Tea Party rally that he later canceled due to lack of interest.

The Venetian Las Vegas Casino Resort alleged that Phillips had reserved 1,637 rooms for the July 2010 event, and then cancelled the reservations just a few weeks before the scheduled date. He did not pay for the rooms. In a court order in July, which The Tennessean reported Aug. 9, a judge ruled that Phillips owed the resort $748,000, including the $554,000 hotel bill and $194,300 in accrued interest.

This is not the first time a Republican group has found itself in a bind over an unpaid hotel invoice. In February, the Charleston Place Hotel sued a South Carolina political consultant and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference for an allegedly unpaid hotel bill,

FITSNews.com reported.

The hotel is owned by Romney-backer billionaire Sheldon Adelson.

RELATED: Last month Judson Phillips called on President Obama to prove he isn’t a secretly gay crackhead.

-JoeMyGod.com

Ten openly gay Olympians win medals Ten openly gay athletes won medals at the London Olympics. Seven of them took the gold. Cyd Ziegler at SB Nation has the recap: GOLD: Seimone Augustus [photo above], USA, Basketball. The U.S. women’s basketball team was arguably the most dominant team in any sport at these Olympics.

GOLD: Carl Hester, Great Britain, Equestrian. Hester and his two teammates won Great Britain’s first-ever Team Dressage gold. Hester finished fifth overall in the individual competition.

GOLD: Marilyn Agliotti, Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel, Kim Lammers, Maartje Paumen, Netherlands, Field Hockey. The Dutch women beat Argentina, 2-0, in the gold medal match. Paumen and Dirkse van den Heuvel scored the team’s two goals.

GOLD: Megan Rapinoe, USA, Soccer. The Americans beat Japan, 2-1, in the gold medal match. Rapinoe had a key pass in the game. She also had two big goals in the semifinal match. Coach Pia Sundhage is also openly lesbian.

SILVER: Judith Arndt, Germany, Cycling. Arndt was the first out athlete to win a medal in London, taking silver in the road race time trial.

BRONZE: Edward Gal, Netherlands, Equestrian. Gal was on the bronze-medal team for Team Dressage; He finished ninth overall in the individual event.

BRONZE: Lisa Raymond, USA, Tennis. Raymond and partner Mike Bryan won the mixed doubles bronze medal.

Ziegler adds: “If Team Gay was a country, it would have finished 31st overall with seven medals, tied with Mexico, Ethiopia and Georgia. They would have

The Human Rights Campaign responded to Mitt Romney’s selection of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) as his running mate on Aug. 10. Ryan’s voting record in Congress – and his public remarks – make it clear that he does not support the dignity of LGBT Americans; a matter on which he is out-of-touch with the majority of Americans – even those within the Republican Party, HRC said.

HRC continued, “Paul Ryan does not support LGBT families, and has voted against allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt. He voted against hate crime protections. He opposed repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and he does not support marriage equality. Recent polling shows just how out-of-touch Ryan’s positions on LGBT equality are: support for marriage equality stands at 54 percent nationwide, with those between the ages of 18–34 supporting marriage equality by 73 percent; according to a June CNN/ORC International Survey. Nearly 50 percent of Republicans under the age of 35 also support marriage equality, according to an NBC News/WSJ poll.”

“Ryan’s record of voting against fairness, dignity and equality is out of touch with the majority of Americans and a fast growing majority of Republicans,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “LGBT Americans need leadership that will continue to fight for their rights to protect their families, marry the person they love, and enjoy equal protections under the law.”

Mitt Romney’s record is no better than Ryan’s on matters of LGBT equality. Romney does not support relationship recognition for LGBT people – making him even more conservative on LGBT issues than former President George W. Bush, who supported civil unions while in office. Romney views workplace protections for LGBT people as an “unfair burden on employers,” and he does not acknowledge the dignity and respect LGBT families deserve. As a signer of the National Organization for Marriage’s (NOM) “marriage pledge,” Mitt Romney has committed himself to vigorously pursuing a federal marriage amendment – a goal his running mate shares; defending the Defense of Marriage Act; and even setting up a McCarthy-like commission to investigate those who do not support NOM’s anti-LGBT views.

In the House, Ryan voted against hate crimes protections for LGBT people twice. He does not support marriage equality – in fact, he has twice supported the Federal Marriage Amendment that would ban loving, committed same-sex

5 couples from marrying, and he supported a similar constitutional amendment in his home state of Wisconsin. Ryan does not support LGBT families – he voted in favor of banning gay and lesbian couples from adopting in the nation’s capital. He also voted against repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Learn more about Paul Ryan’s antiLGBT votes via HRC’s Congressional Scorecards. For more on Mitt Romney’s anti-LGBT positions, visit www.hrc.org/ romney.

Rep. Louise Slaughter commented, “Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan shows just how committed Republicans are about gutting Medicare, all so they can give millionaires yet another tax break. I have said it once and I say it again, my Republican opponent has shown whose side she will stand on when it comes to choosing millionaires over the middle class.

“Even worse, Maggie Brooks has already said she thinks Ryan’s plan to gut Medicare actually doesn’t go far enough, which has fueled her campaign with tens of thousands of dollars. I want to fuel my campaign with people who want to protect Medicare and people who agree members of Congress should be fighting for the middle class, not millionaires. Let’s deliver a powerful message about Romney and Ryan’s plan to try to gut Medicare.”

Sen. Christine Gillibrand said, “Not only would Congressman Ryan’s budget end Medicare as we know it, he’s also voted 59 times on reproductive health, and each and every time he voted against women.

“I wish I could say I was surprised by Romney’s pick, but this is just another sign of how extreme the GOP leadership has become. Ending Medicare, and denying women the most basic health rights, are unacceptable.”

Activists: responsibility for violence belongs with hate groups Sharon Stapel, executive director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, commented on the recent shooting at the Family Research Council, “I’m not going to suggest all LGBT folks are non-violent because that would be silly.

However, if you look at the organized movement toward LGBT equality, there are no mainstream or even left of mainstream organizations who advocate that the murder of people who are opposed to LGBT equality is a viable solution to meeting our goal.

“Yet a quick scan of the internet shows that there are calls for LGBT people to be ‘penned up,’ urges for the abduction of the children of LGBT people, calls for the government to ‘kill the gays.’ Now the FRC is suggesting that the Southern Poverty Law Center’s labeling of them as a hate group encouraged this shooting. I would suggest that the culture that SPLC is creating is one aimed at denouncing (Newsfronts continue page 6)

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national and international ( Violence from page 5) hate and calling out the institutions that perpetrate that hate.

“I would further suggest that SPLC did not urge its constituency to pen anyone up, take their children or ask the government to murder them. Much of the culture that is created from the right, however, is predicated on violence being the solution to ‘the homosexual’ problem and inciting this violence. And we see that violence being carried out every day.

Shooting anyone associated with FCR is wrong. And so is creating a culture that would suggest that this violence is ever a solution to our differences.”

Signorile offers to debate bigot Michelangelo Signorile has penned an open letter to Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and invited him to a debate on his SiriusXM show. An excerpt: Perhaps you recall that in July 2008, a man armed with a shotgun went on a shooting rampage inside a church in Knoxville. The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, like many Christian churches and denominations across the country, is welcoming of LGBT people. The gunman killed two people and severely wounded several others. Police said that the killer’s motive was to target gays and liberals. “This isn’t a church, it’s a cult,” the killer wrote in a four-page letter he had left behind. “They embrace every pervert that comes down the pike....

[T]he only way we can rid ourselves of this evil is kill them in the streets, kill them where they gather.”

Signorile commented, “I wouldn’t claim, as you did with regard to the SPLC, that the FRC gave that killer a ‘license to shoot.’ No one knows what’s inside the mind of a premeditated killer. But I would ask: Where do people like this killer get the distortions and ugly mischaracterizations that convince them that gay people are evil? More so, where do others who wouldn’t engage in gun violence but who do harm to LGBT people in other ways -- firing them from their jobs, throwing them out of their homes, bullying them in schools -- get their misinformation about gay people? They get it from a wide array of sources that contribute to a culture that demonizes LGBT people. And you and the Family Research Council are among those who feed into that culture.”

Gay blogger gets death threats Gay blogger Joe Jervis of Joe.My.God reports he received death threats after tweeting information about the Family Research Council’s history of hateful activism.

After August’s shooting at the DC headquarters of the conservative Family Research Council, Jervis tweeted out links to examples of the organization’s antigay efforts and, later, its president Tony Perkins’s association with white suprema-

cist groups. He also tweeted, “Remember how the FRC and all the rest declared it a ‘badge of honor’ to be called a hate group by the SPLC?” That didn’t sit well with conservative pundits who defended FRC. In a blog post published Monday, Jervis posted two images from Twitter showing the kinds of responses he got. One is from CNN contributor Dana Loesch, who tweeted, “I’m blocking the Joe guy apparently celebrating the FRC shooting, fyi. He worked really hard to incite hate last week, he needs to rest.”

Another Twitter user sent Jervis a photo of a person hanged from a crane with the caption, “We plan on celebrating your lifestyle with cranes.”

Jervis informed Twitter Support, but was informed that the death threat was not in violation of Twitter’s rules.

-The Advocate

GOP platform opposes marriage equality; Tony Perkins takes credit Family Research Council president Tony Perkins is crowing that he personally authored the portion of the Republican national party platform which opposes same-sex marriage. Perkins sits on the draft committee for the platform, which will doubtlessly be adopted by general acclaim during the convention.

Perkins told BuzzFeed: “You should read the entire plank on marriage, which I wrote. I feel very happy about it. I feel pretty optimistic about the outcome here.”

Calling out “an activist judiciary,” the draft document blasts “court-ordered redefinition of marriage” before taking on the Obama administration. “We oppose the Administration’s open defiance of this principle [of separation of powers] — in its handling of immigration cases, in federal personnel benefits, in allowing a same-sex marriage at a military base, and in refusing to defend DOMA in the courts,” the draft states.

Finally, after praising the benefits of marriage, the draft documents state, “[W] e believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman must be upheld as the national standard, a goal to stand for, encourage, and promote through laws governing marriage.”

Perkins’ contribution also calls for an anti-gay marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a position endorsed by Mitt Romney.

Freedom to Marry response Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, strongly criticized the Republican National Convention’s draft platform language attacking the courts, the president, and the support for the freedom to marry now embraced by a majority of Americans.

The draft, according to Buzzfeed, derides the Obama administration for its principled determination that the socalled Defense of Marriage Act is indefensible under the Constitution – a (GOP continue page 11)

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Interview Maurice Tomlinson

By Susan Jordan Maurice Tomlinson had to temporarily flee his home in Jamaica when his gay identity was publicized and was the first David Kato award winner for his heroic efforts for LGBT rights around the globe.

He spent the summer, first in London at World Pride, then at the AIDS conference in Washington D.C., where he met President Obama at the White House, and then in South Africa and Uganda – where he was arrested at the first-ever Ugandan Pride March -- and then in Suriname, before returning to Rochester, where his husband the Reverend Tom Decker currently serves as Visiting Pastor at Open Arms MCC. It was an eventful summer for Maurice, but in his homeland of Jamaica it was a deadly summer, as usual. In June, there were at least three violent attacks, one of which on June 21 left two men dead in New Kingston. Sadly, Jamaica’s new Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms denies rights and freedoms to LGBT Jamaicans, since homosexuality has been criminalized in Jamaica.

Maurice Tomlinson, attorney and activist, was forced into temporary exile when the police refused to protect him from the death threats he began receiving after his Canadian marriage to a man was publicized. Maurice spent almost 20 years campaigning on HIV issues. When he came to understand the link between HIV transmission, the criminalization of homosexuality and mob violence against gay men and lesbians, he broadened his work to include LGBT rights.

The David Kato Award is named for the heroic Ugandan activist David Kato, who was murdered on Jan. 26, 2011. It is given annually in London to individuals who demonstrate courage and outstanding leadership in advocating for LGBT rights.

In his acceptance speech, Maurice praised the election campaign comments of new Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, who rejected the homophobia of her predecessor Bruce Golding and said she would have Parliament hold a conscience vote on repealing Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law, which criminalizes gay sex. In his speech, Maurice said that her views “represent what I and my dear mother consider the true Jamaican ‘One Love’ culture.”

Maurice told The Empty Closet that the conscience vote may not, however, result in repeal of the sodomy law, since research indicates that over 80 percent of Jamaicans don’t want repeal.

Currently, the police do not adequately investigate mob violence against gays.

“Work in that area is ongoing,” Maurice said. “Continual interaction with the Police is needed to ensure they are sensitive to gay rights.” The police for example told Maurice that they would track down those who were threatening him, but a year later they had done nothing. Of course, he said, investigation of all crimes in Jamaica is inadequate. But, he added, the police are not the real problem, The real problem is the existence of the anti-sodomy law itself. The law allows extortion: for instance, when police see two men parked in a car at night in a secluded area, they insist that the men pay a bribe or be arrested. Jamaican law criminalizes any connection between males in public or private as “gross indecency”.

“It’s a loose, broad definition,” Maurice said, “so what we need is to get the police to end this extortion. We must increase sensitivity to LGBT issues, because most persons believe that with gays only sexual intimacy counts. The first step is humanizing gays.”

As in this country, and around the world, anti-gay religious figures stereotype gay men and lesbians as incapable

of love, emotional intimacy and commitment. Jamaican homophobia and hate violence – again, as has been the case globally -- are the direct result of 40 years of dehumanization of LGBT people by rightwing evangelicals and televangelists from North America, Maurice said. Some of the most prominent exponents of bigotry, hatred and violence have been, and are, the Assemblies of God, the Church of God, the Southern Baptist Church and Pentecostal churches, he said.

Some gay rights groups exist in Jamaica, but they must stay underground.

“They are there, but can’t be visible,” Maurice said. “I have been forced through the publication of my marriage to Tom to be the face of LGBT humanity. That has been helpful, because as an attorney

encouraging mob violence.” He said that there is a Jamaican tagline – “compassion without compromise” (or “hate the sin and love the sinner”) – which has a lot more to do with hate than with love and compassion, and, in reality, means that hate violence is morally acceptable.

Maurice said, “The culture of Jamaica was always tolerant. One of the gayest figures in the world, Noel Coward, lived in Jamaica for many years and was comfortable there. One university vice-chancellor lived with his male partner for years, and the National Dance Theatre Company has a large percentage of gays. People knew – but they ‘left people to their god’ and nobody judged them, much less killed them.

“North American evangelicals fed the

Maurice Tomlinson and Rev. Tom Decker. Photo: Susan Jordan

and university lecturer, I can displace some of the stereotypes. That has been good, although very traumatic for me at the beginning. I want more groups to be visible because that will help end the stereotypes. When my students heard it was confirmed that I was gay, their response was very affirmative. This was after I left Jamaica. Then I decided to return to Jamaica from Toronto every week to teach. So I was able to talk to my students and challenge the stereotypes, which was very useful. Some of their questions were intrusive – ‘which is the man and which is the woman’ – but it was an important start.

“One student said to me that when her mother heard she was being taught by a man who had married a man, her mother was very upset – but the student explained that marriage is marriage and our marriage was no different than her own marriage to a man.”

There has been a fair amount of publicity in this country and Europe about the involvement of rightwing U.S. “religious” figures like Scott Lively in Uganda, where he and others pushed for the so-called “death to gays” law. Less attention has been paid by U.S. media to the fomenting of hatred by white evangelicals in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean. North Americans opposing Jamaican mob violence against gays, and music promoting anti-gay violence, are often told that they are being racist and disrespecting “Jamaican culture”.

Maurice says that is simply not true, and that traditional Jamaican culture did not include homophobic hate violence. He said, “The religious right has been very, very active in painting gays as vectors of disease, pedophiles out for young boys, etc. I would say in the past four decades there has been infiltration of anti-gay rhetoric by American evangelicals who are hiding behind local evangelicals. The Americans provide funding and talking points (like ‘the gay agenda’). It’s all across the Caribbean.

“There have been voices of tolerance among religious groups like the Anglican church, but this has had little effect. We have a large population of evangelicals and Pentecostals and those groups are

hate and said HIV was ‘God’s judgment’.

Most Jamaican musicians were choirboys listening to all this stuff, or were in these congregations. We are a church-going society, and this influenced the musicians’ perceptions about homosexuality: gays are not capable of love and family, we are abominations, etc.

“In my mother’s village, there were always a couple of people who everybody knew were gay, and nobody interfered with them or mobbed them. People lived together without hysteria. Now the culture has become one where even your private space can be invaded.”

At World Pride in London in July, there was criticism because a lot of major events were canceled, due to lack of cooperation from London government and conservative Mayor Boris Johnson (the man stuck on the zip line at the Olympics). Maurice said he felt that the resulting back-to-basics march was all for the best.

He said, “World Pride having to go back to its roots and be more political than celebratory was good, to me. Most LGBT groups around the world don’t have much reason to celebrate, and World Pride should take a stand for those who cannot.”

Maurice attended the International AIDS Conference in Washington July 21-27. He was one of a group of activists who were invited to a White House reception, and he shook hands with President Obama. He said, “It was gratifying to be recognized, because my work has come at a cost of personal sacrifice. I got to shake his hand. To be invited to the White House gives you a sense that you are not ignored and your work is being recognized.”

After that Maurice left for South Africa. “I was training some lawyers on how to use regional human rights mechanisms to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, such as LGBT,” he said. “It was a wonderful experience to meet these lawyers and help them humanize the LGBT reality. Now they’ve interacted with an openly gay person for the first time!”

Then it was off to Uganda for their first Pride event, in the face of total repression and the U.S. evangelical-inspired

7 “death to gays” law, which, although it has not yet been passed, is treated already by police as the law of the land. It involves severe repression, extending even to the death penalty for those deemed hardened practitioners of gay sex.

“I had the privilege of being the Grand Marshal for the first ever Uganda Pride held in Entebbe… Aug. 4…. As a result, I got my first ride in the back of a police van! This happened when the festive event was broken up after a police raid and I was detained for assisting a 60 year old woman climb into the back of the police van after police officers refused to help her!

“The march, dubbed Uganda Beach Pride, was held on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on the banks of the majestic Lake Victoria. There was a wonderful party atmosphere and apparently one of the beach goers complained to the police that we were conducting a gay wedding(!).”

Maurice told The Empty Closet, “They (organizers) decided to hold it, even though they suspected it would be disrupted. From my interaction with the police, they are not clear what the limits of the law are. The law is unclear. The current law criminalizes ‘unnatural’ activity and does not mention homosexuality.

The new law does, and it criminalizes not only gay people, but also those who do not turn in gay people they know – even your own child. The woman I was arrested for helping was not even gay – she wanted to support three men in drag who were arrested.”

After two hours, Maurice said, the station commander arrived and said everyone was to be released. “It was all about intimidation,” he said. Police have also recently broken up three HIV workshops and the government has said they will scrutinize NGOs which work on LGBT rights.

Homophobic preachers and politicians in Uganda and other African countries, working with rightwing U.S. evangelicals, claim that white American gays are exporting homosexuality into Africa.

Maurice and his husband say the truth is that what is really being exported (by U.S. evangelicals) into Africa is homophobia.

After leaving Uganda, Maurice and Rev. Tom went to Suriname, in South America, where Rev. Tom with Maurice’s help did sensitivity training for police. “It was tremendously well received,” Maurice said. “The fact that Tom and I as a gay couple were there, and that Tom is an expolice officer, were important. They could see that homosexuality isn’t just about sex, and they can now challenge those stereotypes.”

He added, “I also did human rights documentation training for groups working with LGBT issues. They want to report on the state of LGBT human rights in Suriname, so the government can develop appropriate policies. Suriname was a colony of the Netherlands, and there are supportive laws which just need to be observed. One politician in Suriname has called for criminalization of homosexuality, and the speaker of the House challenged him and said ‘that’s not Suriname culture’. There will be a Pride Week in Suriname Oct. 7-11, and the human rights groups will report anti-gay rhetoric.”

Although the situation in Suriname is not as bad as in many other countries, Maurice said, “Religious groups want to drive gays underground – which would also drive HIV underground. LGBT groups in Suriname feel they can lead the Caribbean with their culture of tolerance.”

Rev. Tom Decker commented, “What relevance do international human rights issues have to Rochester? Rev. Jim Mulcahy’s work in the Ukraine is connected to Rochester through Open Arms MCC. Now with me as ‘Visiting Pastor’ and my husband, international activism can continue being connected to Rochester, which having been an important stop along the underground railroad, has a long tradition of human rights protections for all. It’s important for Rochester to make this connection.” ■

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Making the Scene

PUERTO RICAN PARADE: The Gay Alliance helped form an LGBT contingent to march in the Puerto Rican Parade, “Somos Uno,” on July 21. Photos courtesy Wanda Martinez.

The Bachelor Forum undergoes re-construction. Photo: Susan Jordan

Bachelor Forum gets a new look After four years of Peter Mohr owning the Bachelor Forum at 670 University Ave., the beloved bar that dates back to 1973 (it was originally located on Main Street) is undergoing major renovations.

The owner of the building, Joe Ventura of Artwalk Tile, and his business partner are completely remodeling the outside of the building.

Peter Mohr told The Empty Closet, “It has been a long time coming and next year we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary. We will also be remodeling the inside. As one customer states, ‘This is wonderful. When I came out we had places that were hidden, or hid behind small windows. This really makes a statement of coming out of the closet.’”

Renovations should be done by end of September; see the October or November EC for the “After” version.

My Own Private Rochester: Tony Leuzzi

By Susan Jordan Tony Leuzzi is a published poet and an Associate Professor of Literature and Composition at Monroe Community College. He is also a Gates native who now lives in a Victorian house in the South Wedge with a beautiful garden and a 12-year-old ginger cat named Thump.

He has authored three books of poems, Tongue-Tied and Singing (Foothills, 2004), Radiant Losses (New Sins Press, 2010), and Fake Book (Anything Anymore Anywhere Press, 2012) — all of which have received strong notices from mainstream and experimental writers.

In addition to his own poems and reviews of other poets’ books, Leuzzi has spent the last five years conducting interviews with some of America’s most prominent poets. Many of the interviews have been published in prestigious journals, such as Arts and Letters, American Literary Review, EOAGH, The National Poetry Review, Jacket, and The Kenyon Review.

BOA Editions, LTD. will publish the entire collection of interviews as part of its ongoing Poets and Poetry Series. Passwords Primeval will be out in November.

It consists of interviews with 20 poets, including Mark Doty, Dorian Laux, Ger-

ald Stern, Billy Collins, Natalie Handel, Carol Frost and Jane Hirschfield.

“The project began with poets I like,” Tony said, “but then as I realized I had a book on my hands, I started to more mindfully select for balance and things like that. I chose a group of people who are very different from each other. The book was about five years in the making.”

He also has a chapbook coming out this month from Hank’s Original Loose Gravel Press, titled 40,000 Crows—a reference to what happened when massive flocks of crows arrived in downtown Rochester and the city wanted a “humane” way of getting rid of them – but, Tony said, “The crows weren’t going anywhere.

I like that kind of persistence.”

The poems are called “cadae”—a syllabic form based on pi, the transcendental number. Tony said, “The name cadae is basically the alphabetical version of 3.415—which is pi. The first line has three syllables, the second line one syllable, the third line is four syllables, the fourth line one syllable, the fifth line five syllables, etc.

“I had used a Fibonacci number sequence with earlier syllabic poems, where a line’s number of syllables is the sum total of the two numbers/lines that

Tony Leuzzi in his garden. Photos: Susan Jordan

precede it: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc. That was something I chose to do three years ago, so I thought I’d try another mathbased syllabic sequence.”

Tony was awarded a sabbatical from MCC this spring to work on these books.

Here is the poem about the crows: Our city spent twenty thousand bucks we didn’t really have to scare off forty thousand crows roosting on the tops of buildings and peaks of tall trees just because someone somewhere said their cawing bothered those below who were not inclined, until that point, to look anywhere but down.

Tony confides, “I lead a charmed life in the South Wedge. I’ve been living here since 1995 and just really love the neighborhood. It’s a lot of fun and there’s always something to do. It’s fashionable right now, but when that’s over it will still be great.”

Tony’s favorite restaurant in the Wedge is John’s Tex Mex. “I officiated at the owners’ wedding ceremony at the Tap & Mallet (a South Wedge drinking establishment) a few years ago.” He also enjoys Rocco’s on Monroe Ave. and Harry G’s on South Ave. He likes to eat out, especially lunch, alone or with a friend.

“I also love the bar Lux on South Ave.,” he says. “It’s another one of my favorite places to go, along with the Bachelor Forum. Peter Mohr has done a great job with the Forum.”

Tony is an avid moviegoer and sees films on an average of once or twice a week. “I’ll see anything,” he said. “I go to the Regal in Henrietta, the Little and Pittsford Plaza. I also like the Cinema but that’s second run and I’ve usually seen them already. Roman Polanski and Steven Soderberg are among my favorite directors.”

Tony at John’s Tex Mex.

As for local events, Tony says, “I’m a huge Pride Parade fan. I go religiously every year. Also the Picnic — those are wonderful events. And the Jazz Festival is important to me. I love music and go to jazz and the RPO. I just don’t like opera — I prefer smaller forms, like preludes and suites, but I also go to symphonies.”

Tony paints in oils and is also a former pianist who is currently trying to reclaim his piano technique. He said, “I was just given an electric keyboard and I’m learning Bartok pieces.” He goes to all the area galleries, especially RoCo, where he is a member.

Tony keeps active and says, “A couple of friends and I found two new swimming holes this summer — I’m not going to tell you where they are! I go to the gym four or five times a week at the Downtown Fitness Club, or DFC.” As a writer Tony loves to prowl used book stores, especially Greenwood Books at 123 East Ave. “It’s one of my favorite places to go.” He also loves the Public Market and garage sales.

Tony went to SUNY Potsdam and then the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (he went back to Lafayette for Mardi Gras last winter). He returned to Rochester in 1994, supposedly for one year, but never left. He and Brad Pease produced a ‘zine called “Gerbil” for six years; he also wrote film reviews and much more for The Empty Closet, including a history of the paper.

Tony enjoys traveling and takes a trip two or three times a year, most recently to Washington D.C., and he also makes frequent journeys to NYC. However, he has no plans to leave this city. He said, “Rochester is small enough for people to afford to live here, but big enough so you can do what you want. Rochester’s a great place to live and there’s a lot to do.” ■

JUNE 2012 september• 2012 number • number 457 • gay 460alliance • gay alliance of theof genesee the genesee valleyvalley • the empty • the empty closetcloset

national and international (GOP from page 6) determination effectively upheld by more than 8 federal courts that have declared “DOMA” unconstitutional. The draft also urges continued exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage.

Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry, released this statement in response to the draft platform language: “With a growing majority of Americans, a substantial majority of independents, and a super-majority of young people across the spectrum supporting the freedom to marry for all committed couples, it’s sad to see the Republican Party so out of touch. A party that proclaims its belief in freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility should not be doubling down against couples seeking to share in the commitment of marriage and the birthright of liberty and justice for all.”

News of the anti-marriage language came just days after members of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee sent a letter to the Platform Committee of the Republican National Committee asking it to resist adding language to the Republican Party platform opposing the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.

The platform also states, “We oppose the Administration’s open defiance of this principle [of separation of powers] — in its handling of immigration cases, in federal personnel benefits, in allowing a same-sex marriage at a military base, and in refusing to defend DOMA in the courts...[W] e believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman must be upheld as the national standard, a goal to stand for, encourage, and promote through laws governing marriage.”

The laughable kicker? This language: “We embrace the principle that all Americans have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Said Freedom to Marry’s Evan Wolfson in a separate Buzzfeed item: “Their lack of awareness of why marriage matters for gay couples as well as for non-gay couples is matched only by their failure to understand basic American civics, such as the role of the judiciary and the meaning of ‘equal protection under the law.’... It’s actually tragic to see a party that professes its beliefs in values such as freedom, limited government and personal responsibility taking such an extreme position in favor of denial, exclusion and the undermining of constitutional safeguards, not to mention attacking families seeking the commitment of marriage.”

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz24BZerw6Z

Firebomb destroys Ohio church: pastor calls it anti-gay hate crime After the fire that destroyed his historic church was ruled to be arson, an Ohio pastor says he’s certain the attack came because of his welcoming of LGBT members.

The Rev. Scott Davis bought the church in 2010 and opened it to the community for services in 2011. Davis said he suspects arson because he has received many death threats in the past. “It’s because this is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender church, and people around here don’t agree with it.” Davis said he welcomes all people to the church, regardless of faith, sexual orientation or race.

There are approximately 30 locals who attend on a regular basis. Davis said the residents of the small, quaint town are very upset with the orientation of the church, but doesn’t understand why someone would destroy the last historic building other than for revenge.

Gay blogger Joe Jervis comments, “The church was built in 1854. Very curi-

ously, I cannot find any mention of this crime by the Family Research Council, the American Family Association, or the National Organization for Marriage.”

-JoeMyGod.com

African rights leaders denounce Cameroon “Gay Hate Day” Human rights leaders from Africa united to denounce the organization of a “Gay Hate Day” which took place on Aug. 21 in Cameroon, and the ongoing arrests of people suspected to be gay.

With the support of 74,354 members of the global movement AllOut.org, the group called on Cameroonian President Paul Biya to take a stand against discrimination and decriminalize homosexuality as an important step toward addressing the growing anti-gay sentiment in the country.

The influential Archbishop of Yaoundé contributed to the homophobic backlash, calling homosexuality “shameful” and “an affront to the family, enemy of women and creation.”

“These anti-gay proponents say they are protecting our ‘traditional values.’

But we want to tell them that hate and homophobia are not African values,” says Alice N’Kom, a Cameroonian attorney renowned for her support for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Cameroon. “We are bringing together people from across the continent to tell our country that pro-equality voices in Africa are strong.”

“This anti-gay movement is misinforming Cameroonians. A poster announcing the ‘Gay Hate Day’ claims that hemorrhoids, incontinence and various infections are consequences of homosexuality,” says Yves Yomb, director of Alternatives-Cameroun, an organization working for the rights of sexual minorities in Cameroon. “Decriminalizing homosexuality is a fundamental step in responding to the misinformation, hate, and violence.”

In August 2011, Roger Jean Claude Mbédé was arrested for the crime of “homosexual behavior.” He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined after sending a text message to another man. “My family says I am dangerous and that they can’t live with a homosexual,” said Mbédé.

“A homophobic crackdown by the police and government would be unacceptable anywhere, but this anti-gay rally being held as Roger is fighting for his freedom shows how extreme the situation is becoming in Cameroon,” says AllOut. org’s Executive Director Andre Banks.

The global movement has been working with N’Kom and other Cameroonian activists for the past year to address the rampant levels of homophobia in the country.

“This is the right moment for us to call on President Biya to stand up for equality, discharge Roger, and revoke anti-gay laws in Cameroon,” says attorney N’Kom.

Gore Vidal dies at 86 Gore Vidal, author, playwright, critic, wit and political commentator, died at his home in the Hollywood Hills on July 31, of complications from pneumonia.

He was 86.

The New York Times: “Mr. Vidal was, at the end of his life, an Augustan figure who believed himself to be the last of a breed, and he was probably right. Few American writers have been more versatile or gotten more mileage from their talent. He published some 25 novels, two memoirs and several volumes of stylish, magisterial essays. He also wrote plays, television dramas and screenplays.

For a while he was even a contract writer at MGM. And he could always be counted on for a spur-of-the-moment aphorism, putdown or sharply worded critique of American foreign policy.”

“Perhaps more than any other

American writer except Norman Mailer or Truman Capote, Mr. Vidal took great pleasure in being a public figure.”

The L.A. Times added, at the end of two full pages of accomplishments: “I am at heart a propagandist, a tremendous hater, a tiresome nag, complacently positive that there is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise,” he said in “Gore Vidal: A Biography” (1999) by Fred Kaplan.

Despite his crushing forthrightness on many topics, Vidal preferred ambiguity in the personal realm.

Vidal, who was never married and had no children, wrote in his memoirs about sexual contacts with men, including Jack Kerouac, the Beat poet and writer. But, to the dismay of gay activists, Vidal rejected efforts to put him in any sexual category.

He was famous for proclaiming that “there are not homosexual people, only homosexual acts.”

His companion of 53 years was Howard Auster, whom he met in New York in the 1950s when Auster was a singer trying to get a job in advertising.

Vidal described their relationship as platonic and said “no sex” was the reason for its longevity.

He wrote movingly of Auster’s 2003 death from cancer in “Point to Point Navigation” (2006), the sequel to his first memoir, “Palimpsest” (1995). Auster was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, “as I shall be in due course,” Vidal wrote, “when I take time off from my busy schedule.”

Lesbian pastor named to staff of ReconcilingWorks The Rev. Anita C. Hill, openly lesbian and partnered faith leader, made history when her whole congregation was sanctioned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for ordaining her outside the standards in 2001 and installing her as a pastor. The ban on gay clergy ended in 2009. ELCA’s Saint Paul Area Synod Council has now issued a call to Hill to serve as a pastor in a staff position for ReconcilingWorks for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The Rev. Bradley Schmeling, another national figure like Pastor Hill, preached at the installation worship service on Aug. 11. Pastor Schmelling, who is openly gay and partnered, is currently a pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Saint Paul.

ReconcilingWorks was formerly known as Lutherans Concerned/North America. Its leaders were at the forefront of the 40-year struggle to drop the ban on gay and lesbian clergy Rev. Hill faced discrimination and recriminations in her years at St. PaulReformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The congregation first hired her to serve as a pastor of their church in 1994. In 2001, the congregation ordained her “extraordinarily” -- that is, the ordination was outside the ordinary rules of the ELCA for ordinations -- and she was rostered by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (www.elm.org), an independent organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people called to ministry in the Lutheran Church, but that is not part of any Lutheran church body.

As a result of the ordination, the ELCA censured (http://tinyurl.com/ cvqq5wd) the congregation and did not recognize the ordination.

In 2009, all prohibitions against lesbian and gay clergy were dropped in the ELCA. Pastor Hill was placed on the roster of ELCA minsters and received officially as a pastor through a rite of reception in 2010. The placement of Pastor Hill as a staff person in ReconcilingWorks, as a recognized specialized ministry of the church, is historic for both her and ReconcilingWorks, which has moved from being outside the church to working within the church with the name and mandate “ReconcilingWorks.”

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Over 60,000 urge Scouts to end discrimination More than 60,000 people have joined a campaign on Change.org urging California’s Golden Empire Council to reinstate 22-year-old Eagle Scout Tim Griffin as an employee at Camp Winton, and to reject the Boy Scouts of America’s policy barring gay Scouts and leaders.

Griffin, who was the longest-serving employee at Camp Winton, says that he was fired from the Boy Scouts camp because of his sexual orientation.

Alex Hayes, who was second in command as Camp Winton’s Program Director, launched the campaign on Change. org after resigning in protest with nine other camp employees following Griffin’s removal.

“For the past eight summers, Tim was loved not only by his fellow camp staffers, but all of the Boy Scouts who participated in programs he ran at the camp,” said Hayes, who launched the petition on Change.org. “More than 60,000 people have joined me, and the nine other employees who resigned, in taking a stand for Tim. We want the Golden Empire Council to know that the Boy Scouts of America’s discriminatory policy has no place in our Scouting community.”

After Griffin’s employment was terminated, the Golden Empire Council released a statement saying Griffin’s firing was “due to an issue with performance, violation of expected camp behavior and camp standards.” Hayes disagrees.

“The Golden Empire Council claims he was fired because he violated the camp’s dress code, but as his direct supervisor at Camp Winton, I know this isn’t true. He was fired because of his sexual orientation,” added Hayes. “If the Golden Empire Council truly stands by its statement, and Tim wasn’t fired because he’s gay, then the council should have no problem rejecting the Boy Scouts of America’s discriminatory ban on gay Scouts and leaders.”

Each new signature on Alex Hayes’ petition is sent via email to Scouts Executive James Martin, Program Director Glen Goddard, and other Golden Empire Council officials. Tim Griffin, Alex Hayes, and other former Camp Winton staffers delivered petition signatures at Golden Empire Council’s office in Sacramento on Aug. 15.

President Obama, who serves as honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America, publicly opposed the Boy Scouts of America’s anti-gay policy on Aug. 8, and joined Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in supporting gay Americans participating in the Boy Scouts.

“The President believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century,” said White House spokesperson Shin Inouye. “He also opposes discrimination in all forms, and as such opposes this policy that discriminates on basis of sexual orientation.”

Sports retailer REI backs marriage equality Major national camping and sporting supplies retailer REI has endorsed marriage equality. The company is headquartered in Washington state, where marriage equality is under threat from the right.

Via press release from Washington United, here is the statement from REI president Sally Jewell: “REI is taking a position in support of marriage equality — an issue that is important to the co-op as an inclusive organization and a welcoming place to work and do business. A referendum on this issue will come before Washington State voters in November after passage through the Washington State Legislature earlier this year; marriage equality is also gaining momentum nationally.

“Why is this important to the co-op?

Let me begin my answer with a personal perspective. A few weeks ago, my husband Warren and I celebrated our 34th (REI continue page 18)

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

Candidates to Watch 2012

Jose Cruz, Candidate for NYS Assembly, 137th District

By Ove Overmyer José Cruz has made public service a priority in his life. He has served the community of Rochester since his formative days at Franklin High School on the city’s northeast side. Early on, along with other notable Latino high school youth, he challenged the status quo and created Rochester’s first Latino based advocacy group, the Puerto Rican Student Union at Franklin High School.

Democrat Jose Cruz is looking to unseat longtime lighting rod Assemblyman David Gantt. The newly redrawn 137th Assembly District covers northern, downtown and western portions of the City of Rochester. Former City Councilman and current Monroe County Legislator John Lightfoot is also running in this hotly contested race.

Mr. Cruz has tons of public service experience, having spent several years working for the City of Rochester as an Administrator of the NW Neighborhood Services Center. His prior professional employment also includes stints at the Bank of America and HSBC banks. Mr. Cruz has also been owner of an Allstate Insurance agency and was the CEO of the Worker Ownership Resource Center, a micro-business development agency in the Finger Lakes area.

As an elected official, José currently serves as Commissioner of Rochester City Schools. He is Chairman of the Policy committee and sits on both the Finance and Governance committee. Jose recently retired from the Monroe County Legisla-

ture, having served a full term of 10 years representing the residents in Northeast Rochester. He was the Ranking Minority Member of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee and served as a member the Agenda and Charter Committee. He also served as Minority Leader of the Democratic Caucus.

Mr. Cruz is also the Past President of the Board of Directors at the Ibero American Action League. José serves on several other Boards of Directors, including Ibero Investors Corporation and the Legal Aid Society. He was named by Governor Patterson to the NYS Workforce Diversity Task Force and has been Commissioner, Rochester Housing Authority and a member of the National School Boards Association.

In an interview with The Empty Closet, Mr. Cruz wholeheartedly supported same sex marriage and the repeal of DOMA and said he would fight to ensure New York State’s marriage equality law is upheld. This puts him in different Democratic company than the anti-equality incumbent he is seeking to replace.

According to major equality rights groups in New York State, Assemblyman Gantt has a very poor voting record when it comes to gay rights.

Mr. Cruz added, “The LGBTQ movement in many ways mirrors the struggle of African-American and Latino citizens in our nation. It is important that our communities see these connections and similarities as we all fight for everyone’s civil rights. Though not exactly the same, we can all learn and benefit from our common struggles and help our community grow towards one that is more understanding and welcoming for all of its citizens.”

As a potential Assembly member, Jose could be described as a pragmatist. He said, “While we all won’t always agree on everything, we must all strive to be one community, supportive and united around common causes and struggles. I look forward to these collaborations and struggles that we will share together.”

José and his wife, Maria Diaz Godreau, live in northeast Rochester. They have four children and one granddaughter, Jaylee.

State Supreme Court ruled Aug. 24 that Cruz can appear on the primary ballot. Incumbent Assemblyman David Gantt had challenged both Cruz and John Lightfoot’s right to be on the ballot for the three-way Democratic Party primary scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 13. ■

Ted O’Brien, New York State Senate, 55th District

By Ove Overmyer A lifelong resident of Monroe County, Ted O’Brien moved to Irondequoit 27 years ago. For his entire career in public service, Ted has fought for middle-class families and to create jobs.

As the Democratic Leader of the Monroe County Legislature, Ted is generally viewed favorably by folks from both sides of the aisle. Some local pundits characterize his good nature and respectful approach to governing as “refreshing,” which make him a bit of an anomaly on the local political scene.

Ted O’Brien has been a longtime supporter of equal marriage in New York State. Looking to fill the seat vacated by Republican Senator Jim Alesi, O’Brien is campaigning on what he says “is a proven record of accomplishments.”

In an interview with The Empty Closet, O’Brien said, “I believe that the struggle for LGBT equality is the defining civil rights issue of our generation, one I have been proud to advocate on behalf of since well before I became an elected official. I’ve always stood for the principle that all citizens – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve equal treatment under the law.

Since I began participating in Pride events over a decade ago, fighting for LGBT rights has been a personal and public priority for me.”

According to Bess Watts, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 President and the local chapter President of Pride At Work, AFL-CIO, O’Brien is a trust-

worthy ally. “Ted O’Brien has been a full supporter of LGBT equality in all its forms as long as I’ve known him… he has worked very closely with us in our struggle to achieve domestic partner benefits for Monroe County workers.”

O’Brien added, “While I am so pleased that New York became the nation’s largest state to legalize samesex marriage last year, I also remember a time when there was much less public support for gay and lesbian rights.

I remember participating as the only elected official in a public demonstration to demand that same-sex domestic partners receive benefits from the Monroe County government. I remember beating the drum for marriage equality long before it was politically fashionable to do so. We’ve come so far in such a short time, and I’m proud to have stood side by side with the LGBT community for many years.”

O’Brien readily admits that there is a lot of work ahead when it comes to civil rights. He said, “As a State Senator, I will support the passage of GENDA, (the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act), which has died in the Senate each of the last three years after passing in the New York State Assembly. I will continue fighting to create a government that treats its citizens with respect and dignity, while giving citizens the opportunity to succeed on the merits of their hard work. I will support raising the minimum wage, and work to pass the Fair Pay Act so that women receive equal compensation to men who do the same job. I will reject any efforts to scale back rights for minorities, women and LGBT individuals. I will fight for a state government that reflects the character and pride of the citizens it represents.”

The 55th Senate District should also work somewhat to Mr. O’Brien’s advantage. As of Aug. 13, 2012, in Monroe County there are 62,187 Democrats compared to 49,232 Republicans registered to vote in this newly redrawn district. There are also 2,331 registered Conservative voters plus over 44,000 Blank and Independent voters that call the 55th District home. These totals do not include portions of Ontario County, which were not available at press time.

Ted and his wife, Suzanne, have two daughters, Brynne, eight years old, and Corinne, seven years old. ■

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

The Gay Alliance is seeking a reliable, energetic self-starter to sell Empty Closet advertising for a generous commission. For more information, phone Susan Jordan at 244-9030 or e-mail: susanj@ gayalliance.org

E K MA

MONEY

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Opinion AIDS 2012: Where do we go from here?

By The Black Aids Institute At the close of the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C., we stand at a threshold between the past and the future. We can now imagine an AIDS-free world; it’s at our doorstep within our reach -- but only if we decide to act now -- and we must act now.

Decisively. Deliberately. Definitively.

The End of AIDS: We have heard this phrase many times for the last five days.

We have attended hundreds of sessions on the latest scientific HIV research, we have viewed thousands of posters pointing to new tools at our disposal; we have been inspired by numerous plenary speakers, leaders in their fields of research, science, advocacy and policy, who tell us that we are now beginning to turn the tide to on AIDS. But will we?

Despite the developments of recent years, serious problems remain.

There are approximately 50,000 people who become infected with HIV each year in the United States. This number has remained unchanged for nearly the past ten years. We need to make serious adjustments in our prevention methodologies.

“I charge everyone who attended this Conference to ask this one important question,” said Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute.

“Was it all worth it? Was it worth the time, energy and expense to come to Washington for a week or more? When we leave D.C., where do we go from here?”

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To end the epidemic, we have to bring the conversation home and re-energize our communities to act.

We are done with the sessions and the lessons. Now we must move on and out beyond D.C. and back to our families and our communities, where we must spread the news from AIDS2012.

The Black AIDS Institute now demands for implementation of what we learned at this Conference. It’s now up to us -- each and every one of us has an obligation to take what we have learned back into our communities, to our local leaders, our non-traditional partners, to our policy makers at every level.

“It’s a huge undertaking but we must accept the charge,” said Wilson. “We must aim beyond the five steps I outlined in my plenary speech and act on them: to fully implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to encourage every person with HIV to come out; to demand treatment to link individuals to the care they need; to integrate both biomedical and the behavioral therapies in our prevention and treatment efforts; and to ask AIDS organizations to re-tool themselves for a rapidly evolving AIDS landscape.”

The Black AIDS Institute is doing just that by hosting post-Conference hubs in 13 U.S. cities most impacted by HIV/AIDS and by supporting training in community clinics and healthcare facilities to help build infrastructure and scale up access to care in the most impacted communities across Black America.

The End of AIDS is more than just a declaration: it’s a commitment and it’s a charge. We must now take the Conference on the road to turn the tide of HIV in our own neighborhoods. And we must

do it now. An AIDS-Free Generation is within our reach only if we seize this moment and maximize this opportunity.

To end the epidemic, we have to bring the conversation home and re-energize our communities to act.

“Talking is not enough,” said Wilson.

“Yes, we can end this epidemic; if we act now. As we look back on this Conference and think about the End of AIDS -- it gives us hope and it reminds us of the work that is still left to be done. We must redouble our commitment to act. This is our charge. And we can prevail.”

About the Black AIDS Institute Founded in May of 1999, the Black

AIDS Institute (www.blackaids.org) is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the United States focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute’s Mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view. www.blackaids.org ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Welcome to Rochester: A Guide for arriving LGBt Students TRANS/QUESTIONING:

Gay Alliance Gender Identity Group, Thurs. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. (Ages 13-18.)

Rochester Trans Group, Last Saturdays, GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor, 3-5 pm. (All ages.)

Genesee Valley Gender Variants, Thursdays 7-9 pm, Equal=Grounds, GVGenderVariants@yahoogroups.com

ONLINE/PODCAST: COFFEEHOUSES:

Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Boulder, Alexander St. at S. Clinton.

Spot Coffee, 200 East Ave. Java, 16 Gibbs St.

SUPPORT/SOCIAL:

Fridays 5-6 p.m.: Gay Alliance Remix Young Adult Support Group (18-20 years old). Gay Alliance Youth Center, first floor, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. Info: Kelly Clark, 244-8640; kellyc@ gayalliance.org.

NIGHT LIFE (over 18):

Classic Rochester bars: 140 Alex, Bachelor Forum, Ave Pub Dance club/drag shows: Tilt

RESTAURANTS:

Low cost but tasty: John’s Tex Mex on South Ave. in the South Wedge; Jines, 658 Park Ave. Drag brunch: Edibles, 704 University Ave. (Every two months or so.)

GAY GIFTS/VIDEOS/ LEATHER:

Outlandish in Village Gate, 274 N. Goodman St.

Empty Closet News at www.gayalliance.org. Also on Facebook and Twitter.

Gay Sunday Brunch podcast: www. gaysundaybrunch.com

FILMS:

The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave. Dryden Theatre of George Eastman House, 500 East Ave.

ARTS FESTIVALS:

September: Clothesline Art Festival, Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Sept. 8-9. Rochester Fringe Festival, 180 performances at 17 venues. Sept.

19-23.

October: ImageOut Gay and Lesbian Film & Video Festival. Oct. 5-14 at three venues. (See October EC).

MISC. FUN STUFF:

Buy local fruit and veggies at the Public Market, recently voted the 2nd best in the country (after Seattle’s Pike Place).

Check out autumn foliage in the city at the arboretum in Mt. Hope Cemetery, burial place of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

Go to the Conservatory on Highland Ave. at Goodman to see blooming flowers, or the butterfly habitat and Strong Museum of Play downtown. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

national and international (REI from page 11) wedding anniversary. We’ve been on a journey through life together since our first date on my 18th birthday, raising our two children, changing jobs, moving to various places, and witnessing the challenges and joys of our relationship and those of our parents, three of them through end-of-life.

“For heterosexual couples, it is very easy to take for granted the legal and societal benefits of marriage — health care benefits, retirement benefits, insurance, death benefits, healthcare decisions, child-rearing and custody, and many more, not to mention the meaning of the commitment of marriage that was so vivid to us as we introduced each other as husband or wife for the first time. As executrix of my mother’s estate, the legal benefits of marriage in estate and health issues became even clearer to me over the past year. Marriage equality is important to the co-op because the benefits, legal clarity and societal understanding that Warren and I have enjoyed these past 34 years should be available to any two people who want to express their love and make a permanent commitment to each other that is so clearly provided for in the legal definition of marriage.”

Jewell’s statement was delivered via blog post to REI’s 11,000 employees. REI has 110 physical stores in 30 states and is the nation’s largest. (JoeMyGod.com)

Mixed message: APA issues new positions on transgender treatment Kelley Winters posted on The Bilerico Project on Aug. 21: … (O)n August 16, the APA announced two… position statements, authored by Drs. Jack Drescher and Ellen Haller and

approved by votes of the Assembly and Board of Trustees.

The first position statement… acknowledged the efficacy and medical necessity of hormonal and/or surgical transition treatment and the barriers to accessing this care faced by those who need it. Similar transition care policy statements were issued in 2008 by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

Position Statement on Access to Care for Transgender and Gender Variant Individuals Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association: 1. Recognizes that appropriately evaluated transgender and gender variant individuals can benefit greatly from medical and surgical gender transition treatments.

2. Advocates for removal of barriers to care and supports both public and private health insurance coverage for gender transition treatment.

3. Opposes categorical exclusions of coverage for such medically necessary treatment when prescribed by a physician.

The second statement… acknowledges harassment and discrimination that trans and gender variant people face in employment, education, parental rights and civil justice. It notes that trans people are frequently victimized in violent hate crimes and inappropriately assigned in gender-segregated facilities. Similar nondiscrimination statements were issued by the National Association of Social Workers in 1999, the American Psychological Association in 2008, and WPATH in 2010.

Position Statement on Discrimination Against Transgender and Gender Variant Individuals Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association:

1. Supports laws that protect the civil rights of transgender and gender variant individuals 2. Urges the repeal of laws and policies that discriminate against transgender and gender variant individuals.

3. Opposes all public and private discrimination against transgender and gender variant individuals in such areas as health care, employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and licensing.

4. Declares that no burden of proof of such judgment, capacity, or reliability shall be placed upon these individuals greater than that imposed on any other persons.

Although the APA lags years behind other leading medical and mental health associations in speaking out, these position statements represent an unprecedented shift in acceptance of human gender diversity by their leadership and membership. Given the APA’s unique position in setting diagnostic policy that has been historically used to limit civil justice and transition care access for trans people, these statements come far better late than never.

However, the APA statements fall short of debunking the false stereotype that gender difference is inherently pathological. This is troublesome, because the proposed diagnostic criteria for the Gender Dysphoria category in the pending Fifth Edition of the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) continue to mischaracterize gender identities and expressions that do not conform to birth-assigned gender stereotypes as symptomatic of mental illness.

By describing social and medical transition itself, or the desire for transition, as pathological, the new Gender Dysphoria diagnosis, like its controversial predecessor Gender Identity Disor-

der (GID), contradicts rather than supports the medical necessity of transition care that is affirmed in the new APA position statement. Even worse, the Transvestic Disorder category in the DSM-5 ascribes nonconforming gender expression and medical transition for many transsexual women and men to a defamatory false stereotype of sexual deviance and paraphilia.

Ironically, the Medical Care statement acknowledges these contradictions in the DSM: “...the presence of the GID diagnosis in the DSM has not served its intended purpose of creating greater access to care-one of the major arguments for diagnostic retention.”

Thankfully, there is evidence of change in attitudes toward gender diversity at the American Psychiatric Association. In 2010, the DSM-5 Task Force proposed to rename the widely despised Gender Identity Disorder title (intended to imply “disordered” gender identity) to Gender Incongruence and a further change in 2011 to Gender Dysphoria (from a Greek root for distress). The new Position Statement on Discrimination… contains the APA’s strongest statement to date that gender difference is not disease: “Being transgender gender or variant implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities.”

Though long overdue, these position statements on Discrimination and Access to Care for Transgender and Gender Variant Individuals represent a historic step forward in reducing barriers to civil justice and transition care access. But they do not go far enough in deconstructing false stereotypes that equate gender diversity with mental sickness and sexual deviance.

In the context of the proposed gender diagnoses in the DSM-5 and the recent treatment task force report, they represent a mixed message. ■

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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Shoulders to Stand On

Helping People With Aids collection placed at Smithsonian Museum of American History

By Evelyn Bailey The day was Thursday, Aug. 2. The sun was out, the weather was warm. A tremendous sense of pride and excitement rippled through those in attendance at the Press Conference held at the AIDS Remembrance Garden at Highland Park.

The Archives Center of the Smithsonian was in Rochester to formally accept the Helping People With AIDS record collection! What an amazing accomplishment!

In May 2012, the Helping People With AIDS Collection was sent to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Ms. Patricia Finerty, the Archival Consultant for the 2011–2012 DHP Documentation Project, made arrangements for the Rochester HPA Collection to be placed at the Smithsonian.

Helping People With AIDS (HPA) was a grassroots fundraising not-for-profit organization which provided financial support to persons with HIV in Rochester from 1986–2003. HPA donated funds to AIDS Rochester, Community Health Network, and to AIDS research at Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, as well as other providers of service specifically for persons with HIV. These federally funded programs were in the forefront of the national response to the AIDS crisis.

By 1991 HPA had begun the Wish List Fund dedicated to fulfilling the needs of people with AIDS. HPA became a model for other communities across the United States. Over 17 years of fundraising, HPA raised close to a million dollars to meet the daily needs of persons living with HIV. By 2003 federal, state, and local money was flowing through the pipeline to many organizations whose purpose was to provide for the financial, spiritual and physical needs of persons with HIV. The need for HPA was diminishing. AIDS had become a chronic disease that you could live with. In November 2003, the Board of HPA voted to dissolve the corporation.

In addition, the Smithsonian has accepted the full run of the Gay Alliance’s 41-year-old newspaper, The Empty Closet, the oldest continuously published lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender newspaper in New York State and one of the oldest in the U.S. The Empty Closet documents the voice of the LGBT community through social, business, cultural, artistic, religious coverage and commentary.

In 2009, the Gay Alliance received its first NYS Archives DHP Documentation Project Grant. The purpose of this and subsequent grants was to identify, locate and survey as many of the records of the 260-plus Rochester LGBT organizations, agencies, groups and individuals as pos-

sible, and place a minimum of three in permanent repositories.

Tim Tompkins, the last Chair of HPA, released the HPA records to the Gay Alliance. The collection was surveyed, the Smithsonian agreed to accept the collection, and the decision was made.

The Helping People With AIDS Collection was on its way to Washington!

On August 2, 2012 at 11 a.m., Franklin Robinson Jr., Archives Specialist from the Archives Center of the Smithsonian, formally accepted the HPA collection. Anne Wakeman, Interim Executive Director of the Gay Alliance, signed the Deed of Transfer. Among those present: Dan Meyers and Bill Valenti, founders of HPA along with Jerry Algozer; Dick Easton, organizer of the first Dining for Dollars event held at Village Gate; Gary Sweet, owner of the Avenue Pub who provided the liquor for the first six Dining for Dollars events; Paula Silvestrone, former Executive Director of AIDS Rochester; Jay Rudman, current President and Chief Executive Officer of AIDS Care, the agency which Community Health Network and AIDs Rochester merged to become in 2010.

Shoulders To Stand On was privileged to play a part in making this happen. This was a truly historic occasion for the Rochester community, and another proud moment in our history. Congratulations Rochester!

Read more about this historic event at www.shoulderstostandon.org.

The Empty Closet goes to Washington

By Evelyn Bailey The Smithsonian Museum of American History Archives has requested a complete run of The Empty Closet from the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley.

Pulling a copy of The Empty Closet from each month it was printed will take some time. Expected date of transfer is October 2012.

Why does the Smithsonian want a complete run of The Empty Closet?

The Smithsonian Institution was established with funds from James Smithson (1765-1829), a British scientist who left his estate to the United States to found “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities whose vision is to shape the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.

One of the four grand challenges outlined in the Smithsonian Strategic Plan is understanding the American experience. America is an increasingly diverse society that shares a history, ideals, and an indomitable, innovative spirit. We will use our resources across disciplines to explore what it means to be an American and how the disparate experiences of individual groups strengthen the whole, and to share our story with people of all nations. The Empty Closet newspaper does just that for the LGBT community of Rochester, NY. The Empty Closet (EC), a publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Inc. (http://www.gayalliance.org/) is the Rochester region’s first and only newspaper for the LGBT community. First published in January, 1971 by the Gay Liberation Front as a four-page mimeographed paper, the EC is the oldest continuously published LGBT newspaper in New York State, and one of the oldest in the United States, the Washington Blade and Bay City News being the oth-

ers. It documents the social, political, religious, cultural, artistic, business, and literary history of thousands of people in the Rochester area from a very diverse GLBT community, including people of color, the deaf and disabled communities, and people of all ages and economic backgrounds.

In the hometown of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, the EC serves any member of the community as an expressive voice for equality and justice for all. It is a record of local, state, national and international news and events of interest to the local GLBT community.

The EC also serves as an educational tool for the non-GLBT community.

Because of The Empty Closet’s local, national and international historical significance, the Smithsonian Museum of American History Archives joins the Local History and Genealogy Department of Rochester Public Library, the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts of the University of Rochester River Campus Libraries and the Human Sexuality Collection at Cornell University in seeking to collect and preserve a complete run of all its issues.

In 2010, the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Inc., as owner and publisher of The Empty Closet, and the University of Rochester collaborated to microfilm and digitize The Empty Closet.

The completed work is available online at: http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index. cfm?page=4800.

The Empty Closet newspaper is now preserved for future generations of LGBT Rochestarians, and the greater Rochester Community. In January, 2011 The Empty Closet turned 40 – a milestone in anyone’s life, but an exceptional one espe-

Shoulders To Stand On Presents The Early Days of Rochester LGBT History: Pre-Stonewall to 1974 Shoulders to Stand On is proud to share some of the fruits of its Archival Project over the past three years.

The roots of liberation can be traced as far back as 1897 and beyond.

It is not difficult to see the connections between the history of Rochester and the beginnings of equal rights here in the Rochester region.

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 11, and for the following three Tuesdays, there will be a presentation with discussion on the early days of Gay Liberation in Rochester at the Gay Alliance Youth Center, Auditorium Theatre, 875 E. Main St., first floor, 6:30–8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 11: Rochester Roots of Liberation: Pre-Stonewall.

Tuesday, Sept. 18: the Stonewall “Uprisings”: Impact on Rochester.

Tuesday, Sept. 25: University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front.

Tuesday, Oct. 2: Formation of the Gay Alliance.

cially today for any newspaper, let alone a gay newspaper! In October, 2012 The Empty Closet will achieve another milestone – inclusion in the Smithsonian Museum of American History Archives!

Congratulations, Rochester – be proud! ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

Columnists The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet.

Growing Up Marta Curro

By Eric Bellmann When location filming of the original “Law and Order” began on the streets of New York City, not only was it a new phenomenon, but it aroused the curiosity of a certain segment of the community that was regularly depicted. Reputed Mafia members came to check it out.

That is how Marta became friends with Joey Gallo.

Marta was Jerry Orbach’s (Detective Lenny Brisco) first wife and at the time when the TV series began she still managed his career. Marta allayed any concerns Mr. Gallo had and filming continued without problems. Gallo and Marta became friends. Some people suspected they had an affair. Other people believed, because Marta told them, that somewhere in the clutter of her West 17th street home there was a manuscript, “Joey and I”. No one knows for sure.

Marta abandoned her promising career as an actress, in part because she considered herself primarily a writer (she was a member of the Writer’s Group at The Actors Studio), to manage Jerry’s career. She loathed the idea of his being on television. Jerry had a remarkable career as a stage actor, winning a Tony award for “Promises, Promises”. He was the original star of the long running hit “The Fantastics”. But Marta and Jerry had two young sons, Tony and Chris, and bills needed to be paid.

After I knew Marta better, she showed me a photograph of her younger son, Chris, asleep in Marilyn Monroe’s lap at the Actor’s Studio. Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft were Chris’ godparents. “Mel never treated Annie very nicely,” Marta commented matter-of-factly.

Marta’s off hand comments thrilled me. One day she told me that Stephen Sondheim had named the character Marta in “Company” after her, as a compliment. And she told a wicked story about cruising with Harold and Judy Prince in the Mediterranean when a wicked queen endlessly taunted Sondheim about his recently failed romance.

In the bathroom of my studio apartment, one floor below Marta’s fourth floor walk-up, was a pile of wonderful yellow towels elegantly embroidered “Hotel Cap Ferat,” liberated during one of the stops on this cruise.

My ghastly, dark studio was furnished with odd pieces of furniture that somehow had migrated down a flight of stairs: a narrow wrought iron bed, a seven foot tall framed beveled mirror that was propped against the wall. When I moved in, she found me a TV in the basement, bought me a coffee maker and continued to ask if there was anything else I needed.

Marta was as close to a fairy godmother as I’ve ever known. One Thanksgiving night, walking through an early swirling snow, she muttered to me, “Honey, you need a pied-a-terre. If Chris approves, the studio is yours.” I got it at significantly less than market price, smack in the heart of gay Chelsea. My life changed forever.

Marta would often phone me from her sparkling yellow bedroom upstairs.

Sometimes she needed a prescription picked up, sometimes she wanted me to meet the delivery boy from the grocery and tip him: “I’ll pay you back later.”

One morning, oddly at Thanksgiving, Marta called to say she had fallen during the night and broken her hip. She was in St. Vincent’s half a dozen blocks away.

She never walked again.

But backing up to better days, Marta asked me one visit if I’d like to go to lunch with her and her lady friends who met mid-town every Friday. Marta needed help. She suffered from vertigo. So I joined her.

I have to insert here that she never thought twice about smacking a taxi with her cane to get the driver’s attention! At lunch I met Gwin, a retired editor from the Times, and Rita Gardner, the actress who had co starred with Jerry in “The Fantastics,” and a rotating list of dropins, other folks from the theater world, the Times staff, artists. I became an honorary “lady who lunches”. Towards the end when Marta had been freed from the Village Nursing Home and had a remarkable home care worker, Anna, she would come to lunch in a wheel chair.

Oh, The Village Nursing Home.

Marta got so angry being there she called the police.

The police take calls from elderly people in nursing homes quite seriously.

Without discussion they moved her to the psychiatric wing of Bellevue! Finally she came home and spent the rest of her days in bed, watching TV, with her two cats lying in bed with her and a bag of chocolate on her nightstand.

Because of the fall no one really paid much attention to Marta’s vertigo and only later during her confinement was it discovered that she had bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is slow moving and, in this case, deemed not needing radical treatment.

A couple of years ago Marta’s sons decided they needed my studio to house a building manager and I was asked to vacate. I went to visit Marta to say goodbye. She no longer had speech but her eyes flared and she growled; clearly my exodus was news to her and not welcome news either. But she knew, because I had told her earlier on, that I loved her and that she had given me the greatest gift, the gift of being, even for a few years, a New Yorker.

Marta Curro died July 30, 2012.

Email: elbcad@rit.edu

Cleaning My Closet Shoulders to stand on

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger Who decides what words to use in an obituary. Which truths.

What omissions.

What announcements.

Some death notices are merely functional, announcing “another one bites the dust” and the location of the cookies and coffee distribution. Others, a mite more tender, state the fact that the dead one is survived by family and friends.

Such a time, after I developed a case of feminism, I noted that funeral directors, traditionally male, wrote obituaries that listed the children in gender order, males first. Instead of the truth of birth order.

Who writes the obituary for a tree?

For the seven acres of trees that used to be my neighbors. Who shed tears as the claw of the backhoe grabbed each trunk?

And yanked.

How do robins explain to their nestlings the concept of ownership? Where do fledglings sleep the first night their uprooted tree lays flat? What is the red cardinal shrieking into the black of nothing. What will fill the morning air when all the singers are purged.

Who approved the architect’s landscape plans, drawings with tiny circles symmetrically dotted at the edges of a white sheet of paper. How many birds can nest in circles drawn to scale.

Who laments the developer’s promise to plant ten foot tall dreams, knowing those roots are a century too late.

I knew the trees were doomed, sold to those who value bottom lines, not woods.

I knew the day would come when acres were surrendered to those who build for paying renters, not birds. But knowing something is inevitable does not make it painless.

My mind had understood. Never would my heart. With each snap, I mourned. Over and over again, I whispered “Beloved tree, thank you for your life.”

Death notice: the woods, survived by friends and foes.

After I retired, I took up the hobby of daily obit reading. I became aware of the Power of Parenthesis. Inserted after the real family member (the legally attached beloved) was named. But there were no parenthetical connections listed after the lesbian family member. The names of beloved pets were printed.

Who decides what words to use in an obituary. Which truths. What announcements.

Sally Ride came out of the closet on her way out of this world. Her choice.

Sally Kristen Ride, with her beloved Tam O’Shaughnessy, composed her obituary.

Revealed their 27-year relationship. Their choice.

Her exit strategy was judged. “Too late,” whined gay advocates. “Cheated all those little gay girls out of a shot at selfesteem,” admonished some bloggers.

Opportunely, many were aware that all little lesbians are females, but not all females are lesbians. Understood that Sally was a role model for all non-male children.

Others celebrated her courage for keeping her private life… well, private.

Some admired her power to define herself.

Historically women did not have the option to control their labels. They were property. Pre-liberation women did not see a need to claim their own classification. They were accustomed to meanspirited tags and jokes: spinster, old maid, the little woman, my old lady, wife, Mrs. SomeMan, my better half.

During the many years of evolving feminism, womyn have chosen to be a whole, not a half. Indeed, those people who are female have earned a variety of nouns, have succeeded and exceeded in a variety of categories. Changed Wimmin have chosen to be identified by their skills and achievements.

Obituaries are often short biographies: Clearly aware of her competencies, Sally Ride had answered a newspaper ad and soon NASA accepted her into their training program. Astronaut Sally Ride orbited in and worked on two space shuttle missions. She was the first American womyn in space, the first American female astronaut to use the robot arm, the first American female astronaut to use the robot arm to retrieve a satellite.

Sally Ride had earned the doctorate that gave her the right to be Dr. Ride. As a physicist, she proved her expertise. She did not choose to be Gay Dr. Ride.

Even though she was the first American female physicist for two Challenger operations, Dr. Sally Kristen Ride faced traditional, demeaning Woman Questions. 1. “Will the flight affect your reproductive organs?” 2. “Do you weep when things go wrong on the job?”

There is no record of questions directed to astronaut Dr. Norman E. Thagard.

We are left to wonder if his penis shriveled in the space shuttle like it does in the

pool. If so, did he shed crocodile tears?

Without a doubt and nary a tear, Dr. Sally Kristen Ride became a pioneering astronaut. She was the youngest astronaut, the first white female astronaut.

She was the only expert to be appointed to both investigative panels for the Challenger and Columbia disasters. She served on Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Arms Control. Astronaut Ride made a great leap for womynkind.

She was the founder and CEO of Sally Ride Science, a business focused on creating entertaining science programs to encourage children to study the sciences.

She authored five books, about Space, to invite the young to explore career possibilities beyond Barbie-doll or cowboy.

She achieved those world altering goals while gripping the knob on her closet door. It was the path to those goals, not the configuration of her family, that was relevant to her career. Why would she have allowed her sexual preference to become part of her credentials? If she had come out of Challenger’s closet, what do you suppose Inquiring Minds would want to know about the first American lesbian launched into space?

It is a miracle that no snooping journalist dragged her out of the closet.

How impressive that her co-workers and friends knew her truths and respected her decision to focus on her career.

It is a lie to say she copped out from an obligation to lots of little lesbians. No, the truth is that she decided exactly when she would come-out of the closet into our lesbian archives.

Dr. Sally Kristen Ride, you flew among the stars. And now you fly into my heart. Thank you for your life.

MeredithElizabethReiniger@frontiernet.net

Faith Matters At 42, Paul Ryan out of step with his generation

By Rev. Irene Monroe On paper, you’d think a 42-year-old Republican would be up to speed on marriage rights, and might even, given his age, be tolerant.

To my surprise, Mitt Romney’s vice presidential pick, U.S. Congressman Paul D. Ryan from Wisconsin, is not only no ally to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities — he’s completely ignorant of our struggle.

When it comes to the issue of marriage equality Ryan has consistently voted it down.

In defending his stalwart stance for a constitutional amendment to ban samesex marriage Ryan stated, “I believe fundamentally that marriage is between a man and a woman. Although I support the constitutional amendment to protect marriage, that process cannot continue at this time given the failed attempt by the U.S. Senate to advance the amendment. Meanwhile, states could be forced to accept same-sex marriages because of a few judges in Massachusetts.”

Ryan made that statement in September 2004, just four months after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts.

In 2012, his position hasn’t altered.

When Ryan was asked once again about his stance on same-sex marriage he stated on Meet the Press in February that he “… supported the Wisconsin amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman.”

One of Romney’s objectives in selecting Ryan is to entice young voters, a constituency Romney hopes will come out for his ticket in November in numbers comparable to that of Obama’s 2008 campaign. Having a young energetic and relatable candidate like Ryan revs up Romney’s campaign, which has been uninspiring to young conservative voters.

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet But Ryan, 42, is an outlier for a generation of young conservatives, especially his stance on LGBTQ social issues. His barometer on queer social issues is not only way off, but it’s also not in lockstep with young social conservatives, who have clearly articulated that discrimination against marriage equality is not the government’s business.

“I don’t really care about the social stuff,” Millersville University student Jordan Smith told reporter Lauren Fox of US News. “I think it’s big government when the government tells you who you can and cannot marry and that’s not conservative.”

With this younger generation of conservatives exposed to same-gender families, classmates, peers, educators, etc., and some who are LGBTQ themselves, their focus is on issues like the economy, jobs and military.

“We’re worried about getting jobs after graduation... Gay marriage isn’t as important of an issue for me,” Lindsay Matera, a freshman at Roger Williams University, told US News.

With exposure to LGBTQ people, and with more and more Americans wanting LGBTQ members in their families to receive the same state and federal protections as every heterosexual American, a seismic shift has occurred. The increasing acceptance of gay marriage has a lot to do with public acceptance of LGBTQ people.

A 2011 survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that 58 percent of the American populace accepts LGBTQ people. And the latest Pew survey found a “47 to 43 percent plurality favoring gay marriage, with as many Americans saying they strongly favor (22 percent) as saying they strongly oppose (22 percent),” according to Pew Research Center president Andrew Kohut. Much of this change in attitude toward LGBTQ Americans is both generational and cultural.

In attempting to deflect attention away from the topic of same-sex marriage, Ryan brought more attention to it, revealing recently how he’s not up to date.

“If I recall from the last presidential campaign, President Obama and Vice President Biden said that they support marriage as being between a man and a woman,” Ryan is quoted in Michelangelo Signorile’s Aug. 12 article on HuffPost Gay Voices. “So I don’t know why we are spending all this time talking about this.”

Whereas both Obama and Biden have now come out in support of marriage equality, in the last presidential election it would have been political suicide to support it. This November it may be a risk not to.

As chair of the House and Budget Committee, Ryan wants to focus on his strong suit — the nation’s financial crisis — and not have his campaign bid be bogged down with social issues, like abortion, women’s health and same-sex marriage.

But even social issues have an economic component, and legalizing samesex marriage brings a fiscal benefit on both state and federal levels.

On a state level, the evidence is obvious.

It’s an untapped consumer base that would rev up revenues in marriage licenses, rings, hotels, restaurants, wedding venues, and divorces, to name a few.

In arguing the case for marriage equality for Rhode Island, a study from the Williams Institute at UCLA’s Law School wrote that the state’s coffer had

the potential to generate an additional $1.2 million over a three-year period.

And, in the first five years, since 2004 when same-sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts, our state coffers increased by an additional $111 million.

On a federal level, if all 50 states legalized same-sex marriage the revenue would net $1 billion a year over a decade, according to a 2004 report by Congressional Budget Office, an office Ryan is familiar with.

For a man so interested in balancing America’s budget, you’d think the revenue stream from marriage equality might catch Ryan up to Biden.

A Few Bricks Short “R.U.O.T.D.?”

By David Hull Facebook, i-phone, Kindle, ipod, i-pad, texting, Pinterest, Twitter, Google, instant messaging, Nook, digital 3-D. Wow, it’s like a foreign language to

me.

I impressed myself back in the 1980s when I finally learned how to set the clock on my VCR and now no one has a VCR any more. I’m definitely falling behind.

When I want to talk to someone, I call them on the phone, I take a book off the shelf and turn the pages when I want to read and I hardly see any reason to worry about my television broadcasting in digital 3-D when my favorite show is reruns of M.A.S.H. My young co-teacher was so concerned that I didn’t know how to text on my cell phone that she spent two lunch breaks teaching me about it.

“Now you can talk to anyone anytime you want,” she told me proudly when I had finished my tutorial.

“I could do that before just by calling them on the phone,” I said.

“Yeah,” she replied. “But now you don’t have to talk to them anymore.”

I didn’t have the heart to explain to her that I actually enjoy talking to other people. That is a good thing, right?

“Uncle David, you’re going to love being on Facebook,” my 16-year-old niece told me as she sat next to me in front of my computer. “Over on this side you list all the things you like so your friends will know about you.”

“Well, my friends already know what I like,” I said. “And why did I have to give a status that I was married? Everybody knows my husband.”

“No,” replied my niece, shaking her head. “This is for friends who don’t know you.”

“How can they be my friends if they don’t know me?” I asked.

My niece sighed and slumped back in her chair. “You just don’t get it, Uncle David.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I was thinking the exact same thing about her.

But, okay, I know I’m in the minority. Most of you do read books on Nooks and text messages to others and accept “friends” you’ve never met on Facebook and that is great for you. But not for me.

One time I saw a fellow teacher walk into an open locker as she was walking and texting in the hallway. Another time I saw a kid miss a bus to a field trip because he was watching a movie on his

i-pad and never saw the bus arrive. Once I sat in a restroom stall next to a guy who was a having an argument with someone on his cell phone. He kept yelling: “I don’t give a crap! I don’t give a crap!”

However, since I was there I can assure you he did indeed give a crap – and I couldn’t wait for him to flush!

But this is what worries me – where are we headed? Most teenagers communicate by texting rather than talking to each other. With Facebook, lots of people have “friends” they’ve never actually met.

And why is that some people feel lost and alone without their cell phone? Aren’t we becoming a little too Obsessively-TechoDependant or O.D.T. – I just made the word up – and my parents thought that I’d never use those psychology classes I took in college!

In a couple of generations what will the human race have become? Cell phones implanted in the frontal lobe.

Communicating textually with someone on the other side of the globe while being completely oblivious to the person sitting next to you. Instead of hugging your mother on her birthday a person will just text her smiley face icon. And then we’ll be ripe for the harvesting.

Harvesting by some brain-hungry reptilian invaders from the planet Zetaloid who have silently been watching us from their orbiting mother ship, waiting for the earthlings to reach the point where they’ll be helpless without Facebook, i-phone, Kindle, ipod, i-pad, texting, Pinterest, Twitter, Google, instant messaging, Nook, digital 3-D. And then they’ll attack.

Well, it won’t so much be an attack as they’ll just turn off everyone’s battery … and the earthlings will be helpless.

So, here’s my advice: stop the aliens now. Call your friends and talk to them with your voice. Pick up a book, hold it in your hands and read it. Turn off that piece of technology just for an hour today. The planet you save may be your own!

You can contact David at Davidhull59@aol.com

Conundrums Romney chooses Ryan

By Ove Overmyer Mitt Romney pandered to the extreme right and announced Paul Ryan as his pick for vice president on Aug. 11, guaranteeing that this election will be about tax cuts, Medicare, and the economy.

This is an admission of fear from the Romney campaign. You don’t make a risky pick like Paul Ryan if you think the fundamentals favor your candidate. You make a risky pick like Paul Ryan if you think the fundamentals don’t favor your candidate. And, right now, the numbers don’t look good for Romney: Obama leads in the Real Clear Politics average of polls by more than four percentage points — his largest lead since April.

Ryan is a rock star for Republicans, the lead architect of the radical rightwing budget that Republicans are pushing in Congress. A budget that calls for huge new tax cuts for the super rich, on top of extending the Bush tax cuts; turning Medicare into a voucher program; making massive cuts to vital programs like Medicaid, food stamps, Pell Grants, and job training; new increases in military spending -- even as President Obama ends two wars.

Let me put this as simply as I can: Paul Ryan is the author of everything the progressive and LGBT communities have been fighting against in Washington since Republicans took control of the House -- and now Mitt Romney wants him to be vice president.

It has been said that the Romney and the GOP needed a VP candidate that voters could see as “actually being president.” It kind of harks back to the Bush

23 and Cheney days -- where the VP called all the shots and the president basically got out of the way. This shows how illprepared Romney really is to be Commander-in Chief and how desperate the GOP is to shore up the most conservative elements of their own Party. This also calls into question the risk-reward of picking a guy like Ryan, a guy who is a Washington insider who sits on Capitol Hill with a single digit approval rating.

Plus, Ryan has zero foreign or international relations experience.

The contrast between the two visions of America couldn’t be more different.

The future of American society will be determined by whether or not rightminded folks can stem the tide of voter suppression efforts, exorbitant gobs of Super PAC money and the lies and misdeeds of extreme elements of right wing ideology. This is what the GOP is hoping for -- even though their policies overtly explain that their vision will only improve the lives of the richest Americans. Our challenge is formidable, but one that has to succeed if LGBT working families want to remain relevant in a democratic system that should be about fairness, equality and opportunity.

Under a Romney-Ryan (and Maggie Brooks) administration, you can expect those who are insulated from any financial harm to continue to reap the benefits of a rigged system, while the poor, disabled, working poor and middle class struggle with uncertainty, limited access to public services and a lower standard of living. The GOP plan is basically, at its core, a path to the poorhouse for 99 percent of us.

Inspiritual The P Word

By Rev. Dr. Sharon Jacobson I was talking with an associate of mine about what my son calls the P word, Patience.

She said when she used to preach about it, she would say, “God, I need patience, and I need it now.” The interesting thing about patience is that we have the capability of being patient at any point in time in our lives. We just have to choose to work what a friend of mine calls the patience muscle.

We all have the same amount of time.

Regardless of who we are, regardless of our race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, sex, etc., we all have 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute. What we do with those 24 hours may differ, but we all have the same amount of time in a single day.

Patience, unlike time, is one quality one can acquire greater levels of over time. The secret is in working your P muscle. As many wisdom teachers have argued, the more you practice patience, the more patient you become. This is not to suggest that patience is a muscle; rather that through the practice of patience, one develops one’s ability to remain and stay patient.

One of the great teachers of patience is life. There are in most people’s lives those moments when one can feel as if something just rained on their parade, stole their joy, ruined their weekend, etc. The reality is that when we look back on those moments, we see that whatever it was we were going through passed and we made it through. Sometimes life itself can teach us to be patient.

Most people have mastered impatience; we do not need more of that.

Being patient requires practice. It requires us making the active choice to not be impatient. Impatience can come from a number of directions and experiences; however, it is generally in response to the experience of a feeling which is not positive. So maybe somebody said or did something which made you angry. “She just pissed me off.”

(Columnists continue on page 24)

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

(Columnists continued from page 23) The reality is that you are not angry, you are feeling anger. Feelings are not permanent, they are transitional. Whatever happened which triggered feelings of anger in you are not who you are, nor are they going to last forever. When we recognize the impermanence of that which triggers our acting out of impatience, then we can begin to practice being patient and remember that this feeling will pass.

Patience begins with us. It can begin by allowing ourselves to move through what we are feeling. It is not what we are; it is what we are feeling. When we allow ourselves to move through the feelings without reacting to the feelings, we are practicing patience. So often, we tend to react to what we are feeling because we have not yet mastered the patience within ourselves to move through the feeling and know that this too will pass.

When we react out of impatience, we can create situations which we later regret. So much of the suffering in our lives could be eliminated if we could just practice the art of patience. The hardest thing about patience is giving ourselves the time to work through and understand the roots of our impatience.

It is not that we need more patience now; it is that we need to learn how to practice using the patience which we already have, so that we can become increasingly patient with ourselves and others. So just for today, take a moment and pause before you react and give yourself the time to move through the desire to act impatiently. Take a moment to find out what is at the root of your impatience.

Legally Equal New developments

By Marcus Kroll This summer has brought some interesting developments in LGBT rights. First, married same-sex couples scored a major victory in Federal district court.

Under the current estate-tax rules, when one spouse dies the surviving spouse is entitled to inherit the estate free of any estate taxes – this is referred to as the unlimited marital deduction, and, at the federal level, has been a right which has been denied same-sex couples.

However, in the recent case, a woman left her estate to her partner of more than 45 years, who she legally married in Canada. Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, which barred the couple from being treated as married for purposes of U.S. law, the surviving spouse did not qualify for the unlimited marital deduction for Federal estate tax purposes.

The Federal district court in New York ruled this part of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. This decision has already been appealed, and, along with other cases that have found the law to be invalid, will eventually reach the Supreme Court.

Until the Supreme Court decides the issue, estates of married same-sex couples should file protective claims with the IRS, and the agency will hold the claims until there is a final decision in the case.

In New York State, a married lesbian couple challenged a building owner and management company with regard to a rent-stabilized apartment in New York City. After being married for 11 years, the request was made by the tenant to have her wife added to the lease. In response, a representative for the management company berated the couple and emphasized that the marriage would not be recognized. The matter was settled outside of court, with the management company ultimately accepting the validity of the marriage and complying with the New York State Marriage Equality Act and the New York Rent Stabilization Code.

Finally, in Texas, Tarrant County College (TCC) and former professor Jacqueline Gill have agreed to settle a Federal discrimination lawsuit, claiming that TCC officials discriminated against Gill because of her sexual orientation.

Gill was hired as a temporary professor by TCC. The suit alleges that a disgruntled student whom Gill had disciplined for academic reasons retaliated by falsely claiming Gill flirted with female students in class. Gill was subjected to a diatribe from school officials about “homosexuals” and how “Texas and Tarrant County College do not like homosexuals.” She was not hired full-time as a result, despite high praise and a policy of hiring teachers who complete the oneyear temporary contract successfully.

The settlement agreement provided Gill with a payment and a positive letter of recommendation. In addition, and independent of the settlement, TCC has written a policy prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. ■

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St. Mary’s Catholic Church 15 St. Mary’s Place 585-232-7140 www.stmarysrochester.org Liturgies: Saturday: 4pm; Sunday: 10:30am

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Community Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for through the various groups listed here.

Butch Femme Connection The Rochester Butch-Femme Connection will have one event in September 2012, which is our annual Fall Potluck Gathering at the home of one of our members in Fairport.

Bring a dish to pass and join in the fun! This year’s event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 starting at 6 p.m.

Please contact us to RSVP with the number of attendees and we’ll provide location and driving directions. There is limited space, so please RSVP early!

For further information on the event and the Connection, contact Kerry/Max at (585) 288-7208, e-mail DressyFemme@aol.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bfconnection.

ComeOutDancin’ CALLING ALL DANCERS……….

ComeoutDancin’s 2012-13 Season starts Sunday, Oct. 7.

Do you love to dance? Do you want a place where our Gay and Lesbian community can come together in celebration of life and love through dance?

Do you want to dance with others who share the same desire? Then ComeoutDancin’ is for you.

ComeoutDancin’ is a dance community created for the Greater Rochester LGBT population, their friends and their allies. Our goal is to provide a venue where people who love to dance can gather and enjoy dancing with one another. Our dance sessions are informal, inclusive, friendly and fun.

Our style of dance is primarily East Coast Swing, a partner dance. But you do not need to attend with a partner in order to participate. Besides Swing we also add some 2-Step, Line Dance, Salsa and Freestyle to our mix. We use music from many genres – jazz, R&B, Rock, Latin, Country and Pop. Our season runs from October through May. We meet on the first and third Sundays of each month. Our first dance of the 2012-13 Season will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., at The Friends Meetinghouse, 84 Scio St. Admission is $5 per person. All are welcome. Join us and bring a friend!

Questions? For more info e-mail comeoutdancin@gayalliance.org OR call 585-244-8640.

On a happier subject, The Bears continue to meet for supper every Wednesday at the Wintonaire at 6. We’ll restart our monthly Second Saturday potlucks in the GAGV Youth Center on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish, we’ve got paper, plastic, and pop.

Camping season is winding down, and we’re looking forward to October and the Image Out Film Festival. Have you got tickets?

Dignity-Integrity

JUST US GUYS

D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of September 2012.

First Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music; Second Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music; Third Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel; Fourth Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed by a Potluck Supper; Fifth Sunday: Evening Prayer.

September Pot Luck Theme: “Sufferin’ Succotash: Food That Tastes Better Than It Sounds.” Sylvester the Cat made the phrase memorable though he wasn’t talking about food! There are lots of dishes that sound awful but are really quite tasty; chicken fingers, lemon curd, bubble and squeak, slumgullion, even succotash! So dig through your cookbooks and see what you come up with and bring it along to share. No time to cook? Just bring yourself and a friend or two and join us for food and fun.

Sunday, Labor Day Service/Picnic during the regular worship time. There will not be a service at the church on Sunday, Sept. 2. All activities will be at our friends’ home in Lima. Call us on the hotline if you want to attend and we’ll be happy to provide directions.

October is when we traditionally celebrate our anniversary. This year we are recalling the 36 years of service to the GLBTQI community and beyond.

To start our 37th year, we are having a service and dinner on Sunday, Oct. 14.

We’ll start with the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, then head off to dinner at a yet to be identified local restaurant. Check the website for further details and call the hotline if you want to join us for dinner.

Further details can be found at our website (http://www.di-rochester.org/) or by calling the DI Hotline at 585234-5092.

Our group has been on summer recess during July and August.

However, there have been more than enough local activities to fill one’s calendar.

On Sept. 11 we return to AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., for an end of summer Pot Luck Dinner. Gathering time is 6 p.m. in the lower level break room with dinner service planned for 6:30 p.m. There is a Security Booth in the entrance hall that will provide directions. Guests or prospective new members are welcome to attend.

In addition to dinner and getting caught up with summer activities, plans for our meetings scheduled for the remainder of the year will be discussed.

To learn more about the group and the September Pot Luck Dinner, contact Ron at 729-2259 or email rmatter1@rochester.rr.com We hope to see some new faces!

EMPIRE BEARS Are you having a good summer? Eating healthy? Exercising? Seen your doctor lately? Bears tend to be big men, and don’t always take the best care of their own health.

The Empire Bears lost a long-time member in August, and we’d like you to take better care of yourself in memory of Peter Nickles. We want you around for years to come, so get busy.

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Want to join?

The Rochester Gay Men’s Choruses rehearses at 7 p.m. on the second f loor of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church on North Fitzhugh St. The first rehearsal of this coming season is Thursday, Sept. 6. Visit the website for more details: www. thergmc.org.

Rochester Rams M.C. “Save a horse, ride a cowboy!”

Join the Rams for “Western-Leather Night” on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Bachelor Forum.

October is the anniversary of the Rams’ founding and we’re celebrating the Halloween season with “Hell Night” on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Bachelor Forum.

The Rochester Rams M.C. is Rochester New York’s foremost gay motorcycle and leather club as well as being one of the oldest clubs of its type in the country. All who are interested in the leather club scene are invited to check us out. Our general meeting is open to the public and we meet the Wednesday before bar night at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held at our home bar, the Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. Our next general meetings will be held on Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12.

For more info, visit our website: www. rochesterrams.com.

Rochester Trans Group The Rochester Trans Group (RTG) extends a warm welcome and great gratitude to Emily Henninger. She not only did a terrific job of creating the‚ “Genesee Valley Trans Groups‚ banner for the Pride Parade (check it out in the August‚ Empty Closet), she has also agreed to be on our steering group and to be one of the co-facilitators, along with Maur Delaney.

We also thank Pam Barres and Shauna O’Toole, who were instrumental in resurrecting the Rochester Trans Group, but because of demands on their time are not able to continue to be co-facilitators, as they had originally planned. Thank you so much

25 Pam and Shauna!

Activities and Meetings for September: Sept. 8: Saturday‚ meeting of the Groups‚ Part II. It will be at the Western NY Pride Center, in Buffalo. The various Upstate group leaders will tell us what they have been doing over the last four months and what they would like to do for the next four months.

Mallory Kendall from Transgender Alliance of Central NY will talk about the alliance, what they have managed to get done since the last meeting and where they are headed. They also plan to have someone to discuss ways to preserve your privacy on the Internet.

When we had the first Meeting of the Groups‚ this past April in Rochester we had almost 70 people from all over Upstate New York show up. The hope is that this Meeting of the Groups will have an even bigger attendance. And then, as we did in Rochester after the meeting, we will party in Buffalo!

Sept. 29: Saturday,. Our regular RTG Meeting (3:30 p.m.) and this month we will be showing the film “Two Spirits.” about Fred Martinez, a Navajo (Dineh) boy who was also a girl. He was murdered by a man who bragged to his friends that he “bugsmashed a fag.” Fred was actually part of the honored Navajo tradition of Two Spirits, those who possess a balance of masculine and feminine traits.

The film “Two Spirits” interweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female, and when many Native American cultures had places of honor for people of integrated genders. Powerful and moving, Lydia Nibley’s film “Two Spirits” explores the life and death of Fred Martinez and the ancient Native American Two Spirit tradition.

We will also have the privilege and honor of having Kelly Baumgartner give a talk about her own personal experience as a mixed-blood Cherokee Two Spirit. She is also an artist, advocate, and U.S. Navy Veteran. She is a co-founder of the Rochester Two Spirit Society and a Planning Committee member for the North East Two Spirit Society Annual Gathering in NYC. Kelly was previously the Victim Advocate in the Anti-Violence Program at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Native American Studies and Gender Studies from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. We hope you can join us to listen to an excellent speaker and see a gripping film about the little known history of Native American nations which traditionally valued both the female and male being expressed by and in a single individual.

Come on, it’s time to find the courage and find out that you are NOT the only one who feels like you do! So come to a meeting! You never know whom you might meet or what you might learn.

We meet in the Gay Alliance Community Center, located on the first f loor in the Auditorium Center, 875 E Main St. Parking is available in the back of the theatre off Prince St. and College Ave. Note: if there is a guard at the booth, just say you’re here for the Gay Alliance and they have instructions to let you in without paying the parking fee. Our website is: HYPERLINK “http://www.rnytg.org” www.rnytg.org. Hope to see you there on Saturday, Sept. 29!

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus is ready to begin its twenty-eighth season of bringing beautiful women’s voices to the Rochester area.

In a change from our traditional December concert program, we’ll be

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012 a strictly volunteer organization and we have numerous opportunities for people of all genders to join us with non-singing tasks such as concert production, publicity, etc.

For more information about RWCC concerts and upcoming activities, check out our website: therwcc.org.

To become a volunteer, send a note to chorus@therwcc.org. or call and leave a message at (585) 234-4441.

We can also be found on Facebook.

ROMANS ROchester M A le NaturistS (ROMANS) is a social organization of gay naturists who enjoy camaraderie in the nude.

We are gay, bi, and gay-friendly men over the age of twenty one. We are all sizes, big and small. We are single, partnered, married, and divorced.

We are short and tall, wide and thin, quiet and outgoing. We are young and not so young, furry and smooth.

ROMANS is an inclusive social group for all men who are gay-friendly, who love to laugh and learn, and who enjoy nude social activities.

Our fall schedule of events will begin in September. Our monthly meeting will be on the 15th and will include a dinner and group discussions about our summer events and planning for the fall. Our monthly swims will begin again on Oct. 6 and this is a good time to join the group for first timers. The group meets before the swims for dinner at a local restaurant, which will allow first timers to meet us fully dressed.

Visit the Romans web site where an application for membership and information about the club is available. http://www.wnyromans.com or E-mail:wnyromans@yahoo.com, call our message line at 585-281-4964 or write ROMANS, PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692. ■

The Avenue Pub 37 Year Landmark in the Gay Community

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performing this year’s winter concert in January. The theme of the concert is “Here Comes the Sun”. In addition to the title song, we will be singing a varied repertoire of fun and exciting songs chosen to bring a ray of sunshine to a typically cold and grey Rochester winter.

Our concert will be on Saturday, Jan. 19, at St. Anne Church 1600 Mt. Hope Ave. We made our first ever appearance at the prism concert, “A Taste of Song” held at the Eastman Theater in February of 2011. This performance featured many of the various choral organizations in the Rochester area. A prism style concert keeps you on your toes as your aural and visual senses switch from front to back and side to side around the theater. The music and ensembles rapidly change from classical to gospel, from large ensembles to small and everything in between.

This collaboration is organized by the Greater Rochester Choral Consortium, of which RWCC is an active member. We will again be participating in GRCC’s prism concert, “A Taste of Song” in February 2013.

If you are unfamiliar with the RWCC, it is truly a community chorus that welcomes all women’s voices regardless of music training and background. There is no audition necessary, just a love of singing and a commitment to rehearsing on a regular basis. There are voice placements held during the first few rehearsals of the new season, at which time the conductor helps you find your appropriate vocal part.

Our first rehearsal is Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 6:30-8:45 p.m. with a short break for refreshments and announcements.

New singers are encouraged to arrive at their first rehearsal between 6-6:15 p.m.

We rehearse at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St. As our mission statement reads, the RWCC uses beautifully sung choral music to build bridges in the community and the world. The group is

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Arts & Entertainment David hints that surprises are in store for Angels in America audiences. “We like our audiences to have fun – when they have to sit so long!” Part I is three and a half hours; Part II is three hours, and the Sept. 9 marathon will last seven and a half hours – with four intermissions and that dinner break. The two agreed, “We’ve never done anything like this and have no idea how it’s going to be!”

Melissa Etheridge to perform here Oct. 28

A scene from the Method Machine production of “Angels in America.”

Marcy Savastano and David Henderson of “Angels in America.” Photo: Susan Jordan

Angels in America: Perestroika is at Geva; parts 1 & 2 on Sept. 9

By Susan Jordan David Henderson of the Rochester theatrical company Method Machine is the director of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America: Perestroika, which opened at Geva Nextstage on Aug. 30 and will run through Sept. 9. The cast did Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, the first of the two plays, last spring, and will combine both plays in a special marathon on Sept. 9.

Marcy Savastano, co-founder of Method Machine, is a well-known local actress who plays the characters Harper and Martin in Angels. She and David recently spoke with The Empty Closet about the two plays and what they and the rest of the cast have learned from this ambitious project.

Marcy said, “In terms of acting, everybody has a greater sense of the arc of each character. All of what we do in Part II is informed by what we did in Part I.” David said, “It made our journey to Part II a little easier. We’re refining some of our technical aspects – the video, the angel and so on. We’re taking a bigger journey and it’s a lot of fun. We laugh a lot at each other. There are some relationship conflicts and inner turmoil in the script.

The artist’s dream is that sort of anchor.”

The play opened on Thursday, Aug. 30, and will also be performed on the evenings of Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, with a matinee only on Sunday, Sept. 2. On Tuesday and Wednesday the troupe will rehearse Part I, on Thursday and Friday they perform Part II and on Saturday, Sept. 8 they will rehearse Part I in the afternoon and perform Part II in the evening. Then on Sept. 9 both plays will be staged; there will be four intermissions and a dinner break, which the audience can take at Geva’s Café or at nearby restaurants.

Marcy laughed, “We’re going to be exhausted!”

David said, “I’ve been warning the actors to make sure they do their warmups and not just on Sept. 9, but all that week.”

Part I got several good reviews last spring, from Jack Garner in the Democrat & Chronicle and from Michael Lasser in City. David said, “Lasser had great things to say; he had some questions and challenges, but that’s good. He said you’re supposed to experience the stage magic, and it’s OK if the wires on the angel show. It’s the muscles and heart of the characters.”

Method Machine is a collaborative effort. David said, “We go back and forth – I make suggestions and we try different things. The script is the river, we’re in the boat, and we make the oars as we go.

We’ve been working together for seven years.”

Next up for Method Machine is the Rochester Fringe Festival, also this month; 180 performances will take place at around 17 venues. For instance, Ed Popil (Kasha Davis) will stage his autobiographical play “There’s Always Time for a Cocktail,” with direction by JCC CenterStage’s Ralph Meranto, at the TheatreRocs stage at Xerox Auditorium.

Method Machine was involved in the creation of the Fringe Festival, which runs Sept. 19-23. David said, “We’ve been working on this for two or three years now. I’m doing a play I wrote last year, ‘The Gay Fiancée.’ It’s about a man getting ready to marry the man in the moon, who has locked himself in the dressing room at a tuxedo shop because he’s getting cold feet. This is a fantasy! It’s about what our ideas of perfection are – in a lot of different senses – like true love and finding happiness.”

Marcy said, “I’m helping David with that and I’m going to be in ‘The Isle of Dogs’ by Kimberly Niles.”

David added, “Kimberly Niles is a local playwright. Then we’re taking a long break!”

Both plays will be at Writers & Books on University Ave. David said, “We wanted to go small!”

The Fringe Festival has many local partners, including UR, RIT, Geva, Garth Fagan Dance, the Eastman House and Push Physical Theatre.

Among the sponsors for Angels in America are JCC CenterStage, ImageOut, Hedonist Chocolates, AIDS Care and the Victory Alliance at URMC. David said, “It’s very important for us to reach out to the HIV community. We started taking up collections after performances last spring – the actors in costume passed around a basket. We made $1,400, which we split between AIDS Care and the Victory Alliance. We’re doing this because the epidemic is still going on.”

Melissa Etheridge arrives Oct. 28 at the Auditorium Theatre.

Lesbian icon, Oscar® and two-time Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge is set to embark on a North American tour in October in support of her latest studio album, “4th Street Feeling” (set for release on Sept. 4 on Island Records).

Melissa wrote 12 new songs for the album, which features Blair Sinta on drums, Brett Simons on bass, and Zac Rae on keyboards. Melissa takes the lead on vocals, piano, harmonica, banjitar and some of her most stirring lead guitar work to date.

The first single on the album, “Falling Up,” became available on iTunes on Aug. 7.

In addition to her recording career, Melissa hosts “The Melissa Etheridge Radio Show,” syndicated through Benztown Radio Networks.

In late 2011, Melissa was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and this fall, will be honored by the National Women’s Museum of Art in Washington DC with her inclusion in the exhibition, “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power.”

Reserved tickets for the 7:30 show are $102.50, $67.50, $47.50 and $27.50, including facility fees and are on sale now at the Box Office, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000.

“Vito” will be screened at the ImageOut Fair on Sept. 14, when ticket sales start.

ImageOut Fair is Sept.

14; 20th annual Festival runs Oct. 5-14 ImageOut, New York State’s largest LGBT Film Festival, is pleased to announce its landmark 20th anniversary program lineup at the Fifth Annual ImageOut Festival Fair on Friday, Sept. 14, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Ave. This will be the general public’s first chance to learn about this year’s Festival lineup and purchase tickets prior to the start of online ticket sales. The evening will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, as well as a 30 minute Programmers’ Preview including trailers for the 2012 Festival selections, followed by the documentary feature “Vito,” about LGBT activist and author of the acclaimed “The Celluloid Closet” Vito Russo. The Fair and screenings are free and open to the public.

The 20th anniversary ImageOut Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 5 to Oct. 14, will feature over 90 films shown in three venues in Rochester (The Little Theatre, The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House, and The Hubbell Auditorium at the University of Rochester).

With annual average attendance of (ImageOut continues page 28)

Jason & deMarco.

Jason & deMarco sing about struggle, love and inspiration Are you a fan of Jason & deMarco? If so, rejoice that they are returning to Rochester this month for an evening of song and inspiration.

The gay Christian music duo will be performing live in concert on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 7-8:30 p.m., at St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 South Fitzhugh St. They will be premiering songs from their new album, “The Oneness of Praise.”

Admission and parking are free. A love offering will be taken and CDs will be available for purchase. The church is wheelchair accessible.

Visit http://jdrocconcert.eventbrite. com/ for details and to register. All are

welcome.

Jason & deMarco are independent young artists and songwriters who have spent years touring the U.S. and abroad.

“We’re All Angels,” a documentary film about the couple, was released in 2007.

Their music focuses on everyday challenges, relationships, and struggles. They also work as part-time church worship and youth leaders in Houston, Texas. They recently welcomed twin sons Mason and Noah into their lives.

This concert is proudly sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, Oasis Rochester, St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, St. Mark & St. John Episcopal Church, St. Stephen Episcopal Church, Ascension Episcopal Church, St. Luke Episcopal Church, Fairport; Zion Episcopal Church, Palmyra; St. Michael Episcopal Church, Geneseo and the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley.

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

RGMC in Denver. Back Row: David Clinton, John McIntyre, Gary Keleher, James Sullivan, Ryan Carter; 4th Row: Steven Randell, Kevin Frisch, Raul Torres, Frank Hanzel; 3rd Row: Cory Cummings, John Villani, Bob Parsons, John Owen; 2nd Row: Dennis Rosenbaum, ASL interpreter Cat Hardesty, Jeffrey Greene; 1st Row: Mark Brennan, Terry Quataert, Ron Schutt, Rob Strauss.

RGMC at GALA 2012: it’s about belonging

By James Sullivan In the beginning of July, members of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus (RGMC) traveled to Denver, Colorado for the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses Festival 2012.

The Festival occurs every four years in a different major North American city, and RGMC has sent delegates to every Festival since the founding of GALA in 1983. Despite RGMC’s regular presence, the trip was for many members, including myself, our first GALA experience. We were, so to speak, GALA virgins.

Seventeen singers, along with our conductor, pianist, interpreter, and business manager, made the trip. The festival was meaningful to each of us in different ways. But with over 6,000 participants (making this the largest festival in the history of the GALA organization), the festival was for all of us both an exciting and humbling experience -- exciting to sing for and with 6,000 of our brothers and sisters, humbling to see that RGMC was just one small part of a much larger gay chorus movement.

These feelings were all that much more intense for us GALA virgins. Singing alongside thousands of other participants during festival group-sings was truly empowering. Receiving a standing ovation from choruses all over the country after performing in RGMC’s own 30-minute concert was reaffirming. And giving that appreciation back by standing and applauding the numerous other chorus concerts, concerts as varied as the chorus members themselves, was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever (ImageOut continued from page 27) over 10,000 people, ImageOut continues to draw diverse audiences from the Upstate New York region and beyond.

Single ticket prices will range from $7 to $15, with $2 in-person discounts for seniors 65 and older, and for students with valid ID. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at www.imageout.org from Sept. 15 through Oct. 4.

The Festival Fair also offers the community the opportunity to interact with ImageOut committee members in programming, outreach, theatre operations, ticketing, special events and membership.

Board and committee members will be available at the Festival Fair to answer questions. Board chair Paul Allen notes, “ImageOut depends on volunteers for its ongoing success. We hope people who are curious about ImageOut will come and see if they’d like to get involved. There’s still time to be a part of this year’s Festival.”

Free special film programs are a part of

been a part of. This GALA Festival experience was one of belonging.

There were many times during our stay in Denver and on the plane flight home that I and other participants were asked, “Who won?” Those asking were non-participants who genuinely wanted to know more about the festival. But the question was slightly misplaced. The festival was not a competition between choruses.

Sure, it was a chance to show off what we had been working on back home in Rochester, but it was never about outdoing other choruses. It was about supporting and being supported in a way that might make up for the lack of such support in other aspects of participants’ lives.

In this way, GALA is still doing what it set out to do when it was first formed nearly 30 years ago.

My piece of unsolicited advice -- join a GALA chorus! I have been a member of two different gay men’s choruses over the past six years. It has been and will always be an essential part of what it means for me to be a gay man. And I am happy to say that I am no longer a GALA virgin.

James Sullivan joined the RGMC in 2010 when he came to Rochester to begin graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Originally from Oak Ridge, Indiana, he had previously sung with the Quarryland Men’s Chorus from Bloomington, Indiana.

Want to join RGMC? The Rochester Gay Men’s Choruses rehearses at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church on North Fitzhugh St. The first rehearsal of this coming season is Thursday, Sept. 6. Visit the website for more details: www.thergmc.org. ■

the Festival Fair: 8 p.m.: Programmer’s Preview of the Fall Festival. Recline in the planetarium as the stars of the ImageOut Programming Committee preview their 2012 selections and offer the insider scoop.

The Programming Committee has traveled to festivals from San Francisco to Berlin to select this year’s best dramas, comedies, thrillers, documentaries, and shorts. Programmers will be happy to talk about their favorites and recommendations, between the exciting trailers for the 2012 Festival picks.

8:30 p.m.: “Vito.” ImageOut is honored to share with the Rochester community a special free screening of the brand new documentary “Vito,” about activist Vito Russo. It is safe to say that without Vito Russo, ImageOut might not even exist. Not that Russo ever visited the Rochester festival. In fact, the subject of this brilliant and inspiring documentary died in November 1990, nearly two full

years before the first ImageOut festival.

The importance of the film lies in the fact that many fans and followers of ImageOut have no idea who Vito Russo was and is.

In 1981, Russo published his master work, the penultimate queer film history, “The Celluloid Closet,” which documented the history of LGBT images in film. Having gathered material during private study and community screenings of old movies at the headquarters of the Gay Activists Alliance, one of the nation’s first gay rights organizations, Russo traveled the country delivering lectures on his findings and collecting stories of history and community to write his book.

But film was not his only love. A natural leader and public speaker, Russo found himself at the forefront of the early gay rights movements in New York City and San Francisco and later as a founding member and organizer of ACT UP. Sadly, Russo died from complications due to AIDS himself before any of his work was truly complete.

Through personal footage, news video, and the recollections of those who knew Vito best, “Vito” works as hard as its hero himself did in life to teach us about history that is in danger of being lost forever.

Not only is this documentary engaging and enjoyable, it is our duty, as members and allies of the LGBT community, to pay tribute to and carry on the legacy of Vito Russo and all of those who have fought in the past for our lives today and progress to come.

There is no better movie this year to kick off the 20th Anniversary of ImageOut, allowing us to pay tribute to Vito Russo and the many others who paved the way for the current generation.

ImageOut Ticket Sales Information Friday, Sept. 14: Festival Fair; first chance to purchase tickets Saturday, Sept. 15: Online ticket sales begin at 9am EST Sunday, Sept. 16: In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office from 12:304pm Thursday, Sept. 20: In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office from 6-8pm Saturday, Sept. 22: In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office from 12:304pm Wednesday, Sept. 26: In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office from 6-8pm Monday, Oct. 1: Final In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office from 6-8pm Thursday, Oct. 6: Online Ticket Sales End at 5 pm EST Friday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 14: 20th Annual ImageOut Film and Video Festival

Gay marriage play “8” comes to RIT Sept. 20 Dustin Lance Black’s marriage equality play “8” comes to RIT’s Robert F. Panara Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20. Tickets for the production are free and may be reserved by emailing ntidtix@rit.edu.

Uncover the truth about marriage for gay and lesbian Americans. “8” — a new play by Academy-award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar) — demystifies the debate around marriage equality by chronicling the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger.

Learn about the historical context of marriage from expert testimony at the Prop 8 trial that deprived LGBT Californians of their right to marry. See the human cost of discrimination. Uncover the arguments used to justify bans on marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Using the actual court transcripts from the landmark federal trial of California’s Prop. 8 and firsthand interviews, “8” shows both sides of the debate in a moving 90-minute play.

After the successful Broadway staged reading, the question was whether or not the play would work without name stars.

After a test version was produced at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Adam Umhoefer, the producing group’s director, declared it to be “an overwhelming success.”

Dr. Gerald Argetsinger, associate professor of Cultural and Creative Studies at NTID, read about the performances and believed that RIT would be the right place for a western New York production.

He elicited the support of the NTID Performing Arts Program, the RIT Players theatre club, the RIT GLBT Center and the Vice President for Diversity and the four campus groups agreed to co-sponsor an application for rights. RIT became one of the first universities named to produce 40 productions before the November 2012 elections, to be joined by another 160 nationwide over the next year.

RIT/NTID’s production will be presented simultaneously in English and American Sign Language and will feature renowned NTID professor of Performing Arts Thomas Warfield and several other notable performers from the Rochester area. Henry Hinesley, Coordinator of the RIT GLBT Center, is in charge of out-reach and educational materials.

“This is a great opportunity to continue RIT’s commitment to diversity,” he said.

“It provides a platform for continuing a community discussion on pluralism and equality.”

Noting that the performance date, Sept. 20, is the eve of the Rochester Fringe Festival, Argetsinger said, “It’s ironic that the most exciting fringe production in Rochester this week is RIT’s performance of ‘8.’ But it was important for this event to be on the RIT campus and not in competition with the myriad wonderful events beginning Friday.”

For more information, ticket information, and directions to the theatre, see http://www.8theplay.com/readings/ rochester-institute-of-technology/.

“Red Scarf” by Heather Swenson, from “things that are still,” at The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds this month.

“Tip toes” by Jenny Magruder, the other artist in the “things that are still” at Equal=Grounds.

Two-person show is at Equal=Grounds Gallery The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is delighted to announce its September show, ‘things that are still’ -- artwork by Heather Swenson and Jenny Magruder.

This two-person exhibition showcases the work of recent college graduates Heather Swenson and Jenny Magruder.

Ms. Magruder’s work is part of a photographic essay called *You are the only one* chronicling the relationship of a young Russian woman and her fiancé, a Laotian-born US Army private and her

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet future mother in law.

Ms. Swenson’s screen prints focus on everyday spaces and situations. The thermostats on the studio wall, a cough drop wrapper found on the ground, the broken mirror in the bathroom, by taking what is ordinary and transforming them into objects of our collective attention.

Pandora Boxx enters Drag All Stars battle They come armed with stilettos, feathers and sequins, prepared for a battle where one false move – or eyelash – could spell doom. They are the best-ofthe-best, the top queens from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Seasons 1-4, and they’re ready to lip-synch for their lives to determine which All-Star will walk away with $100K and a spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame.”

RuPaul welcomes back the most celebrated queens of the past for Logo’s new series “RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race.” Comprised of six one-hour episodes, “RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race” premieres Monday, Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. ET/ PT on Logo with a special “Rupersized” episode containing 10 bonus minutes.

The companion series “Untucked: All Stars” immediately follows “All Stars Drag Race” each week.

RuPaul declared, “Unlike other reality competition shows, when contestants leave ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ they don’t fade away, they become internationally famous performers. ‘RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race’ is the perfect new franchise for fans to fall in love all over again with some of the most talented and unforgettable queens.”

The 12 queens entering the “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” drag battle this season are Pandora Boxx, Tammie Brown, Nina Flowers, Jujubee, Mimi Imfurst, Manila Luzon, Alexis Mateo, Chad Michaels, Raven, Latrice Royale, Shannel and Yara Sofia. Only one will walk out as the ultimate queen among queens.

For more information on “RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race” and sneak preview clips, go to LogoTV.com. For up-to-date “RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race” news and exclusives, join the “Fans: Untucked” super fan community on the “RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race” Facebook page or follow the series on Twitter at @RuPaulsDragRace and #DragRace.

Book Review: Transitions of the Heart

By Pamela Cornish As the mother of a transgendered boy, reading Transitions of the Heart was

Travel Finding two Philly museums

By Merle Exit With so many museums, it seems that Philadelphia has added two more in the last few years: the Barnes Foundation and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Both are located in the area known as Center City. I ventured out to experience them.

The Barnes Foundation, which recently opened, is located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just near the Rodin Museum. It’s like Albert C. Barnes and Laura L. Barnes had a huge art collection and needed a building to put them in. Then they asked some friends if they wanted to house their art collections as well.

I didn’t ask for a docent to take me around nor did I rent an audio tour. For me, not a lover of the fine arts, it was inundating. I felt as if I needed a GPS to get around and wasn’t sure as to whether I was in that same room again. I didn’t notice that there are numbers on each of the entrances. You need a docent!

The National Museum of American Jewish History, a Smithsonian affiliate, tells the story of American Jews who have arrived in North America from 1654 to the present. Exhibiting and interpreting the American Jewish experience, this five story building located on Independence Mall is the only museum in the nation dedicated solely to telling the story of Jews in America. They moved from a smaller building near the same area.

Currently, and until Sept. 30, the main exhibit is called “To Bigotry No Sanction,” and features historic correspondence between George Washington and the Jewish community of Newport.

Washington’s iconic address to “the children of the stock of Abraham” placed an emphasis on the confirmation of his commitment to a government that “gives to bigotry no sanction”.

I found this museum also to be overwhelming as there is so much to see. Looking back, I would have a full breakfast and get there at 10 a.m. Break for something to drink at their cafe after two hours, and continue for another two hours. No photos, so you may want to take notes. They close at 5 p.m. Basic cost is $12 for adults. Check it out on www.

Ben Franklin looks out at his city.

nmajh.org.

Philly is noted for having a “Gayborhood” located in the downtown area.

My focus was on the Q-Fest, an annual GLBT film festival. Opening night had the award winning movie called “Elliot Love”. Expect it to be out on DVD. The festival went from July 12 to 22 with some other excellent movies and afterparties. Movie venue was at one basic movie theatre. You can see the fest by going to www.qfest.com.

I stayed at the Loews Hotel. Skyscaper. Great views and great location on Market near 12th, just blocks away from Independence Mall, down the block from City Hall and across the street from Reading Market. The hotel has a spa and a most delicious restaurant called Sole Food.

For further information on Philadelphia go to www.philadelphiagaytourism. com ■

very much a healing experience for me.

Transitions of the Heart is a compilation of stories written by mothers who have experienced transitioning with their transgendered child, and is edited by Rachel Pepper who co-authored the book The Transgendered Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals.

My daughter recently came out to me as transgendered. His announcement sparked a journey which the women in this book can relate to, having made a similar journey with their own children.

These mothers very eloquently share their stories. Although no two stories are the same, the essence of the journey which families of transgendered people make during their loved ones’ transitions is at the heart of this book.

Like the mothers in these stories, I have always felt that my child was different; that he didn’t quite fit the gender mold our society applies to girls and boys.

These mothers express this sentiment about their own children. They speak of gender variant behaviors that are not easily defined as being either boy or girl. As a parent I realized this, though I did not discuss it with my child.

I have struggled daily with fear for my son. Many of these mothers struggled with fear for their children. They were concerned that society would harm them emotionally or physically. They worry that the medical profession will not be able to help, or that hormone therapy will be harmful.

As a parent I have asked myself “what did I do wrong? Could I have done things differently for my child?” Many of these women have asked these same questions. The fact is, we as mothers could not have changed that our children are transgendered. Confusion and sadness are common feelings for the parent of a transgendered child. However, these feelings are outweighed by the fact that no matter what, we love our children, and like all parents we want our children to live happy and healthy lives.

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Kasha Davis. Photo: Steve Levins There’s always time for a cocktaiL: Ed Popil (Mrs. Kasha Davis, International Celebrity Housewife) will stage his autobiographical play “There’s Always Time for a Cocktail,” with direction by JCC CenterStage’s Ralph Meranto, at the TheatreRocs stage at Xerox Auditorium, Sept. 20 at 10 p.m., Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. Kasha Davis knows fringe… and she looks fabulous in it. The story of Little Eddie Popil’s transformation from a young boy in Scranton, Pa. to the star of “Big Wigs” makes a world premiere at The Rochester Fringe Festival. Join the ultimate hostess for an evening of music, stories and party games, with a heartfelt story of love, acceptance and finding your own path. Tickets are $15, available through www.rochesterfringe.com.

Transitions of the Heart has helped me to see where I am on my own journey with my son. Through stories similar to mine, I have come to see where I am, where my son and I are going. I now feel I have a better sense of how to get there. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

The Gay Alliance plays a central role in advocating for the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley w w w . g a y a l l i a n ce . o r g

Exciting new programs are coming up for youth this fall at the Gay Alliance Youth Group

A time for remembering: Evelyn Bailey and John Noble, who submitted the application asking the Smithsonian to accept the HPA collection and the complete run of The Empty Closet, speak at the press conference on Aug. 2.

Evelyn Bailey with Patricia Finerty.

John Altieri, Gay Alliance Board President, speaks at the Aug. 2 Smithsonian press conference in Highland Park, when the Helping People With AIDS collection was accepted for the National Museum of American History. Photos: Jeff Mills

Harry Bronson, with John Altieri and Evelyn Bailey.

Thank you JCC Tikkun Olam* On behalf of the LGBT and Allied communities, the Gay Alliance would like to express its deep appreciation to the Jewish Community Center for hosting the traveling exhibition from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945.”

Your commitment in hosting the exhibition and supporting the extensive related programming was a remarkable healing gift to the Rochester area. *Tikkun Olam is a Hebrew phrase that means “repairing the world” (or “healing and restoring the world”) which suggests humanity’s shared responsibility (with the Creator) to heal, repair and transform the world.

By Susan Jordan Kelly Clark, Intergenerational Program Director, has some exciting news for youth in our community. New programming starts this fall, designed to help LGBT youth deal with the new challenges they face in 2012.

Kelly said, “Updated programming will meet the needs of today’s teens, which have changed a lot just over the past few years. We’ve always provided a safe space for youth to explore their identities and make new friends, and now there’s so much more.

“On any given day you’ll find us cooking, dancing, playing, making art or music! We may be in deep conversation about religion and spirituality or laughing hysterically at our own theater improv.

What does a tower made of spaghetti sticks and marshmallows have to do with leadership? You’ll have to come down to the Center to find out!

“So many teens are out now at earlier ages; they see out gays on TV, President Obama has declared support for marriage equality, GSAs are in many local high schools and we hear from many more parents who are supportive of their LGB or T children. But not everyone has the skills to handle that. Youths’ personal experience with their schools, churches and

families may not jibe with the life they see on TV or the Internet,” Kelly said.

“Life skills programming will be offered three hours a week, and there will be about two hours of leadership development programming per week. Check out the online program calendar each month for exact times (address below). We’re also starting three new support groups: Coming Out and Being Out (ages 13-18); Gender Identity (ages 13-18) and Remix Young Adults (ages 18-20).”

New days and times start Sept. 5 Starting on Wednesday, Sept. 5, new days and times for Youth programming in the Gay Alliance Community Center will be 3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7-9 p.m. Fridays (social time).

Friday programming will rotate between Game Night, Arts & Crafts Night, Movie Night, Friends & Family Night and every month that has a fifth Friday will be Dance Night! Check out the Program Calendar every month for details at www.gayalliance.org/events/ youth.

New Support Groups Sometimes parents and other adults forget how tough it is to be a teen. Add on issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity and let’s just say that having a safe, supportive place to vent your problems can certainly make a difference in your week! That’s why we have created three new support groups: Coming Out/Being Out Group, Thurs. 6:30-7:30 p.m. We don’t just come

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Rainbow Sage Senior Center Calendar for September 2012

By Ashley Powers The Gay Alliance Rainbow Sage Senior Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor, Prince St. entrance, is open to LGBT older adults every Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

September 3: Labor Day – CLOSED. No programming. Off for the holiday; celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers.

September 4: Eldersource Presentation 1 p.m. Come join Eldersource’s presentation on their TRAC (Transportation ACcess) program that connects you with transportation and goes over eligibility, types, etc.

September 10: Alzheimer’s Association 1 p.m. Join us in welcoming back Nanette for a discussion on “Managing Challenging Behaviors.”

September 11: Patriotic Day-Remember 9/11 with movie and popcorn. We will be showing a patriotic movie TBD. Suggestions welcomed or bring in your favorite.

September 17: Birthday Bash. We’re doing it again! Put on your party hats and head to the senior center as we celebrate all September babies with great fun, giveaways, and CAKE! (Cake recipe from Weight Watchers and is three points.)

September 18: National Play-doh Day and Pictionary. We all remember playdoh, right? Some of us may remember its release in 1956 and have fond memories of modeling fun. Well guess what? We’re going to make our own, followed by a game of Pictionary, molding our playdoh into sculptures or “pictures.” Prizes awarded.

September 24: Lollipop Farm Pet Therapy Visit 1 p.m. Registered therapy dogs, cats, and/or small animals from Lollipop Farm will be available to be held, petted, brushed, walked or just provide quiet companionship.Those with pet allergies please be aware.

September 25: Mary Jemison Boat Ride/Tour. All Aboard! Join us on the Mary Jemison for a 75 minute tour begin-

ning at noon. Meet us in Corn Hill prior to the departure or meet here at Auditorium lot and car pool. We really need your input by Sept. 11 to make this work so email or call Ashley ashleyp@gayalliance. org or 585-244-8640 ex31. Once plans are finalized, timely notice will be given. **ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Call 244-8640 to check.

SpeakOUT Training: Successful LGBT Education coming in November On Nov. 9 and 10, Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Education and Outreach Director and Jeanne Gainsburg, Gay Alliance Outreach Coordinator, will present their SpeakOUT Training.

On Friday, Nov. 9, the Training will run from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The SpeakOUT Training is an experiential, dynamic training that results in personal and professional growth. Graduates of this training will have improved skills to effectively educate about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their allies.

When LGBT issues are discussed in today’s society, people often feel discomfort, anger, confusion, resentment or futility. To change systems of oppression, and the hearts and minds of individuals, it is critical that level-headed, productive and useful discussions occur. This training helps to inspire individuals to put fear and negativity behind them and to confront oppression, harassment and discrimination in useful and productive ways whenever and wherever it is found.

SpeakOUT is professional development for your life.

Here is what SpeakOUT participants said about our last training: “The strengths were their enthusiasm and knowledge and shared insights on the LGBT subjects covered. This was so much more useful than I ever thought possible.”

“Created a great atmosphere for learning how to be kind in responding to statements that are hurting. Extremely well versed in all phases of subject matter. I will treasure and review and review the materials.”

“Interactive, personal, balanced with professional development. It was a very well balanced training. The leaders were awesome and the group was diverse. It seems clear that each presenter was genuine and really knows their stuff. There was a flow and a comfort level that can only come from experience. It was great!

Thank you!”

Don’t miss out on this special opportunity. SpeakOUT is open to and appropriate for everyone; all ages, all identities, all experiences. The training is $50 per person, which includes lunch and training manual.

It will take place in the Gay Alliance Community Center (875 E. Main St. first floor).

Scholarships are available. Information and a link to registration are at: http://www.gayalliance.org/speakout. html

Gay Alliance Youth Program The Gay Alliance Youth program empowers today’s teens to meet today’s challenges! It provides a safe space to: Explore their identity, make friends, build community, gain life skills, become a leader & have fun!

Wednesdays/Thursdays 3:30-7:30pm Coming Out/Being Out Support Group Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm (13-18 yrs old) Gender Identity Support Group Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm (13-18 yrs old) Remix Young Adult Support Group Fridays 5-6pm (18-20 yrs old) Gay Alliance Community Center Auditorium Theater Bldg, First Floor 875 E. Main St, Rochester 14605 585-244-8640

Check out our calendar for weekly programs descriptions and special events: www.gayalliance.org/events/youth ficult to see the connections between the social justice history of Rochester, N.Y. and the beginnings of LGBT equal rights here in the Rochester region.

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 11 and continuing over the following three Tuesdays, there will be discussion of the early days of Gay Liberation in Rochester. Sessions will be held at the Gay Alliance Community Center, first floor, 875 E Main St., 6:30 – 8pm. These events are FREE. For

more information call 244-8640.

Tuesday, Sept. 11: Rochester Roots of Liberation: Pre-Stonewall.

Tuesday, Sept. 18: The Stonewall “Uprisings”: Impact on Rochester, NY. Tuesday, Sept. 25: University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front.

Tuesday, Oct. 2: Formation of the Gay Alliance.

The event organizer is Evelyn Bailey (owner of Professional Tutoring Service). ■

Library & Archives

On-line Resource

Internet Access?

The Gay Alliance Library has internet access available during library hours: Monday and Wednesday: 6-8pm

The Gay Alliance On-Line Resource Directory (GARD) The online community tool providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at www.GayAlliance.org.

on

Rochester LGBT History sessions are free Shoulders to Stand On, the History and Archive wing of the Gay Alliance Library, is proud to share some of the fruits of its Archival Project over the past three years.

The roots of liberation can be traced as far back as 1897 and beyond. It is not dif-

Fridays 7-9pm

Youth

out once -- if only life were that easy!

This group is for teens who want support around coming out and being out to parents, in school, at church and in other areas of life. (13-18 years old.)

Gender Identity Group, Thurs. 6:307:30 p.m. This group is for transgender, gender queer and gender nonconforming teens, or teens who are questioning and exploring their gender identity. (13-18 years old.)

Remix Young Adult Group, Fridays 5-6 p.m. Once a song is written and recorded you can’t really go back and do it over. But you can remix a song to make a new hit! This group, which precedes Friday Night social time, is especially for young adults ages 18-20 who are working to remix their lives, maybe by getting a GED or going to college, starting that first “real” job, or getting that first apartment. LGBT college students arriving in town this fall are welcome!

Out Loud, Out Proud Youth Join us on Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. for our new leadership program. In Out Loud, Out Proud Youth, you’ll gain skills to better run your GSA, take on a new community service project or even run for class president! Never boring, our workshops are always interactive and fun, while making a point.

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The computers are part of our David Bohnett Cyber Center

D GAR

The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. • Address: 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm • Phone: (585) 244-8640 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Web: www.gayalliance.org Interim Executive Director: Anne Wakeman • Education and Outreach Director: Scott Fearing Director of Intergenerational Programs: Kelly Clark • Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan • Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson Phone: (585) 244-9030 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Advertising: (585) 244-9030 • E-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

Resources Check our monthly and ongoing calendar as well as the community section for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance at 244-8640 or visit: www.gayalliance.org. And send us your information.

BISEXUALITY resources

AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisexuality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual Network; Bi Café; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health’s Bi Health Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network; The Bi Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource Center (email brc@biresource.net)

CULTURAL

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar).

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus www.thergmc.org

deaf services

Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASADVhope@gmail.com; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/ FAX : 585-232-2854.

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, information: rcoaster@rochester.rr.com Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance RIT/NTID student group. <SpectrumComment@groups.facebook.com

Elders

Gay Alliance Rainbow Sage Senior Center Mon-Tues 11am-3pm, 875 E. Main St. first floor, 244-8640; kellyc@ gayalliance.org

family

CNY Fertility Center Integrative Fertility Care. Support meetings, webinars, workshops. Information: cbriel@cnyfertility.com; www.cnyhealingarts.com

AIDS Care AIDS Care is the leading provider of HIV/AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

On-site services include HIV testing and limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. AIDS Care satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. AIDS Care is also a leader in providing services and education to members of the LGBT community.

Contact Information: Website: www.acRochester.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545-7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258-3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier Office: 122 Liberty St. Box 624, Bath, NY 14810 607776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-4545556.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Referrals to physicians and service agencies.

(585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org.

Victory Alliance University of Rochester Medical Center. One of several research sites worldwide that comprise the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site conducts research vaccine studies sponsored

by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-7562329; www.vaccineunit.org.

Threshold At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confidential HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, ages 12-25. Sliding fee scale, no one denied, most insurances accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-5pm; Tues., Thurs., 9am-7pm; Sat. 10am-2pm. www.ThresholdCenter.org Center for Health and Behavioral Training of Monroe County 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration of Monroe County Health Department and U.R. Provides year-round training in prevention and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, such as domestic violence and case management. (585)753-5382 v/tty.

Rochester Gay Moms’ Group Support group for lesbian mommies and wannabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding areas. Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Tollfree Helpline: 1 866 600-6886. Offers confidential HIV testing and information. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Lesbian & Gay Family Building Project Headquartered in Binghamton and with a presence throughout Upstate NY, the Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. Claudia Stallman, Project Director, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; 607-7244308; e-mail: LesGayFamBldg@aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org.

Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of resources and services to the upstate New York community. Their offices are located through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also provides medical literature and newspaper clippings, as well as demographic and statistical data for use in developing health care services. (585) 461-3520.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG’s threefold mission: supporting parents and family members in coming out process; educating the community; advocating on behalf of LGBT family members. Regular meetings: Third Sunday of the month, Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 14624. 1-3pm. PFLAG@ gagv.us; 585-244-8640 x27.

MOCHA Center of Rochester Our mission is to improve health and wellness in communities of color through intervention and service, with emphasis on LGBTQ programming. Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education, support groups, computer lab, referral services and more. 107 Liberty Pole Way (corner of Pleasant). (585) 420-1400.

Adoptive Parent Support Group Monthly potluck lunches. For information, location, call Shari, 350-2529.

Angel Food Ministry Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance.

Menu changes monthly. For information and distribution sites, call 585 861-4815.

HIV/AIDS

Free testing for HIV exposure is available from New York State Department of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at (585) 423-8081, or 1 800 962-5063 for pay phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or hearing impaired people should call (585) 4238120 (TDD.) New Rapid HIV Testing now available in 30-40 minutes! Statewide information can be obtained by calling 1 800 541-AIDS. Other organizations which provide AIDS-related services are as follows:

Monroe County Health Department at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. (585) 753-5481.

Strong Memorial Hospital provides a complete range of HIV medical care, including access to experimental treatment protocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual and group psychotherapy. Training of health care professionals also available. Infectious Disease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training Project, (585) 275-5693.

Planned Parenthood of Rochester and Genesee Valley Offers testing and information (585) 546 2595.

Rural HIV testing Anonymous and confidential, in Allegany, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1 800 9625063.

Action Front Center (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV prevention education and case management services. Training and technical assistance to service providers. Resource library open to public. All services free and confidential. Multicultural and bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., second floor. Hours 8:30-5pm, Monday-Friday.

262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 1-4pm, provided through NYSDOH. Thursdays 1-4pm at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St. Anthony L. Jordan Health Center Prevention & Primary Care Program Provides Medical Case Management, Mental Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Testing using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education presentations, and access to other Jordan services. Prevention & Primary Care is a walk-in program; no appointments necessary. Office hours: Mon.– Fri., 8:30am– 5 pm: extended hours on Monday until 8pm. (585) 423-2879; fax (585) 423-2876. Website: www.jordanhealth.org. For more information, call Program Director Patrick M. Trevor, (585) 423-2879.

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail address: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.

Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Monroe County 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orientation, HIV status, etc.

Public Interest Law Office of Rochester 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilingual advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in PILOR. 454-4060.

Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing and counseling. (716) 847-0328 Westside Health Services Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254-6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more.

McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Health’s Connection Clinic (585) 368-3200, 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kearney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of services, regardless of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and convenient.

Catholic Charities AIDS Services A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing services to a diversity of people infected and affected with HIV. Coordinates HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS) short term emergency assistance with rent/mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized housing. 1945 E. Ridge Rd., Suite 24, Rochester NY 14622. (585) 339-9800.

Huther Doyle 360 East Ave., Rochester 14604. Offers drug, alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk Reduction Plus Team offers services to HIV positive and those at risk through substance use. Programs include outreach, transitional case management, free cconfidential testing (OraQuick Rapid Testing). NYS Dep’t. of Health offers free on-site confidential and anonymous testing. (585)325-5100, M-F 8am-9pm, www. hutherdoyle.com.

Geneva Community Health 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV testing, HIV specialty and primary care for residents of Ontario and surrounding counties.

Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5pm; Fridays 9am-noon.

315-781-8448.

lgbt health

For a list of LGBT-friendly and competent health and human service providers in the Rochester and Finger Lakes area, visit the resource directory page(s) at www.everybodysgood.com.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory under “Health” for Gay Alliance referrals to physicians and service agencies.

TRANSGENDER

Rochester Trans Group Social/educational group for gender variant people and friends. Last Saturday, 3-5pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. www.rnytg.org

Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Gay Alliance Community Center, 875 E. Main St. first floor.

Ages 13-18. 244-8640; kellyc@gayalliance.org Genesee Valley Gender Variants Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. GVGenderVariants@yahoogroups.com Transgender online: Transenough.com; www.endtransdiscrimination.org; genderfork.com; www.transgendercare.com; International Foundation for Gender Education Gender Education and Advocacy http://www.gender.org/; FTM Information Network http://www.ftminfo.net/; Transgender at Work http://www.tgender.net; PFLAG Transgender Network http://community.pflag.org/ page.aspx?pid=380; TransActive http://www. transactiveonline.org; The Transitional Male http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/; National Center for Transgender Equality http://transequality.org/; New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy http://www.nyagra.com/; Transgender Aging Network http://forge-forward.org/aging/; Transgender Law Center http://transgenderlawcenter.org; Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund http://transgenderlegal.org/; The Self Made Men http:// theselfmademen.webs.com/ (please send us your favorite sites/groups) Guys Night Out Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnightout@gmail.com

Women’s health

Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585487-3300. Specializing in breast health, diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and mammography outreach and education.

Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www. bccr.org; email: info@bccr.org. Breast Cancer Coalition provides support services that include programs designed to help those coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and those coping with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis, such as the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group to support women living with metastatic breast cancer. Information about breast cancer, lending library, a monthly educational program.

All BCCR programs, support services free.

Monroe County Women’s Health Partnership 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester NY 14692; (585) 274-6978. Comprehensive breast cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured women.

Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic 170 Sawgrass Drive. 442-8432. Dr. Wende Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide mammograms.

Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer (SHARE) 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866-537-4273.

Alternatives for Battered Women 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men welcome.

GAGV Anti Violence Referrals 585-244-8640 ext 19. For women and men.

Victim Resource Center of Wayne County Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1172; office (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189.

Mary Magdalene House Women’s outreach center for HIV positive women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30pm 458-5728.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Tollfree Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Parenthood has led the way in providing high quality, affordable reproductive health care since 1916. All services are confidential. Accept most insurances; including Medicaid. You may qualify for low- to no-cost family planning services. When you make your appointment, ask about our sliding scale fees. No one turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Women’s Resource Center YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740.

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Ongoing Calendar Monday

Occupy Rochester M-F, 4-6 pm, at the Liberty Pole.

Born That Way Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group.

First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516.

Lilac Squares Gay Square Dance Group, Mondays, 7pm, 140 Alex Bar. To reserve space: 467-6456; bdaniels@frontiernet.net.

Free syphilis testing AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 4422220.

Rainbow SAGE Senior Center, 11am-3pm, Gay Alliance Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor.

Rochester Historical Bowling Society 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.)

HIV Positive Men’s Support group Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Care Center for Positive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Monday. 1-3pm; 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640.

Equality Rochester 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds.

426-0862; annetischer1@gmail.com

Tuesday

Just Us Guys Gay men of all ages. 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 223-2629 Charlie’s Group 2nd Tuesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated support group for married men who have sex with men.

Confidential, free. For time, place: email: charlie@gayalliance.org.

Rainbow SAGE Senior Center, 11am-3pm, Gay Alliance Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor.

MOCHA Youth Drop-In Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 4201400 Women’s Community Chorus Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Free HIV Testing 9am-7pm. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave.

Wednesday U.R. Pride Network 7:30pm, Gamble Room in Rush Rhees Library. urpride@gmail.com

Rainbow SAGE Ruby Slippers Wednesdays, 5:45 pm, Callan-Harris Physical Therapy, 1328 Universty Ave. Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640

New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open.

Support Group for Parents who have lost Children First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Genesee Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 COAP Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights.

8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. 7pm, paulkaseman@gmail.com.

Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Brothers Keeper Support group for men over 30. Third Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400 HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. Gay Alliance Youth Wednesdays, 3:30-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 x 13.

Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Wednesday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640.

Empire Bears Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Wintonaire. www.empirebears.com

Thursday

Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Queer Radical Reading Group First and third Thursdays, 7pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Pride at Work First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. off Thurston Rd. 426-0862.

GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb).

Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 conference room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 Gay Alliance Youth Thursdays, 3:30-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 x 13.

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Thursdays, 6:30-7pm, Ages 13-18, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor (Prince St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13.

Out & Equal Second Thursdays Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm.

Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outandequal.org

FRIDAY

Gay Men's AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting.

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave.

GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations.

RochesterGLBTIQbikers@yahoo.com; 4676456; bmdaniels@frontiernet.net.

GAGV Remix Young Adult Support Group Ages 18-20. 5-6pm, 875 E. Main St. first floor.

Prince St. entrance, 244-8640, kellyc@ gayalliance.org L.O.R.A. Potluck & Games Night Fourth Fridays. GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor 6-9:30pm, 585-313-3037; E-mail: info@l-o-r-a.com. http://www.facebook.com/L.O.R.A.14464; www.l-o-r-a.com Womyn’s Drum Circle Fourth Fridays. 6-9:30pm, GAGV Youth Center; E-mail: info@womynsdrumcircle.org; Website: www.womynsdrumcircle.org.

SATURDAY

Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Rochester Trans Group Social/educational group for gender-variant people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5 pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Empire Bears Potluck 2nd Saturdays, Youth Center, 875 E. Main, 1st floor, Prince St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to pass. www.empirebears.org.

Cross Dresser Support Group First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: 251-2132; RCDNET@hotmail.com Guys Night Out Third Saturdays. Social group for transguys.

1pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnightout@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. Men and women. Open meeting.

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. rcoaster@rochester.rr.com Sophia’s Supper Club First and third Saturdays. http://www.inspiritual.biz/online-spiritual-evolution-gro/

Sunday

Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) 3rd Sundays, 1-3pm. Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 244-8640 x 27; pflag@gayalliance.org.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives Sunday hours ended.

Rochester General Assembly Sundays, Flying Squirrel Community Center, 285 Clarissa St. Unity Fellowship Church Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188.

Dignity-Integrity 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to start the week, followed by potluck supper.

Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 10:30am, 271-8478 Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, Weekly.

Closed meeting Rainbow SAGE First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third Sundays, Potluck at First Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave., 4pm.

Men’s Cooking Group Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664.

Civil Rights Front Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront.wordpress.com

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Rochester AA/NA Meetings Every week there are four regularly scheduled GLBTI AA and two NA meetings in Rochester.

Tuesdays

Narcotics Anonymous 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS.

Wednesdays

New Freedom/New Happiness Group 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction and recovery – are fair game.

Fridays Gay Men’s 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • Handicapped accessible This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about meeting people or speaking up in a group, you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting because everyone gets their turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting often runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour.

Saturdays Saturday Night Special 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings.

Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton.

• Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight friendly” • Mixed men and women • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to basement Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

Sundays Step in the Right Direction 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each week features a reading from NA literature, followed by discussion.

Rochester Gay Men 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the County Office Building and walk south one block.

• Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • NOT handicapped accessible Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012

September 2012 SATURDAY 1

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) Bar Night at the Avenue Pub. 10 pm. Information: rcoaster@rochester. rr.com.

SUNDAY 2

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 4

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus first rehearsal of season. 6:308:45 pm. Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St.

WEDNESDAY 5

New hours begin for Gay Alliance Youth Group. 3:30-7:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7-9 pm Fridays. GAGV Youth/Community Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. (More information on new youth groups, Sept. Senior Center calendar, see page 31.)

THURSDAY 6

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus first rehearsal of season. 7 pm, second floor, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St.

SATURDAY 8

Empire Bears potluck. GAGV Community Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30 pm. Bring a dish.

LRAD general meeting. Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf. Information: rcoaster@rochester.rr.com.

Meeting of the Groups II. WNY trans groups meet at Western NY Pride Center, Buffalo. www.rnytg.org.

AIDS Care White Party. Century Club, 566 East Ave., 6:30pm. Info/tickets: http://www.acrochester.org/modules/ events/?event_id=48. For updates www.

RochestersWhiteParty.com.

SUNDAY 9

Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 11

LGBT history sessions at Gay Alliance Community Room, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30–8 pm. FREE. Rochester Roots of Liberation: Pre-Stonewall.

Just Us Guys. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., Pot Luck Dinner. 6 pm in lower level break room with dinner 6:30 pm.

Ron at 729-2259 or email rmatter1@rochester.rr.com.

Classifieds Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance or GAGV. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calling all playwrights! Black Sheep Theatre putting together short-play showcase for Valentine’s Day, 2013 (exact dates TBD). Local playwrights invited to submit scripts for consideration. Looking for “black box” plays with between one and four characters, between five and 15 minutes in length, and which let actors show off their emotional range. Plays should have some connection to Valentine’s Day or amour in general and alternative viewpoints (same sex relationships, “bashing” the Valentine’s Day holiday, etc.) especially encouraged! Deadline Sept. 30, 2012.

Questions and submissions: info@blacksheeptheatre.org.

Moscow Ballet and Dancing with Denise announce casting call for 20th Anniversary production of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Auditorium Theatre. Children’s roles at all levels of ballet, include Party Children, Mice, Angels, Butterflies, Snowflakes. Dance students from area dance studios invited to audition Wednesday, Sept. 19, (time TBD) at Dancing with Denise, 2256 Hudson Ave, Rochester 14617. Must be 7 to 16 years old, have one year of ballet training, dress in dance attire. May bring Pointe shoes. Moscow Ballet soloist and Audition Director Natalia Miroshnyk to conduct auditions; looking for dancers with ballet training, poise, ability to work in groups.

She will also work one-on-one with students in rehearsal after auditions. Register at www.nutcracker.com/auditions or contact Denise, 585-266-5860.

Kids Ministry starting September 9 at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church for ages 5-12. Join us for vibrant,

progressive, inclusive worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. oamcc@frontiernet.net.

SERVICES

Wedding space and clergy services available. Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. oamcc@frontiernet.net. (585) 271-8478.

Rochester’s Best Man to Man Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV negative. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction.

Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home) or e-mail me at: magichands@rochester.rr.com.

Hate to paint or clean gutters? I have tall ladders! Dale’s Pleasure Painting & Gutter Cleaning has very reasonable rates for painting year round and gutter cleaning in the spring or fall. 585-576-5042.

Email dale.furlong@yahoo.com.

Martin Ippolito master electrician.

Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. 585266-6337.

World renowned weddings. 42 years performing same sex commitments, now marriages (it’s about time!). Nancy BB Meyer minister, God is Love-Animals are Angels ministry. 585-733-6213.

Piano lessons, all ages and levels. Are you getting married? I’d love to play for your event. Contact Frank Verna III, (585)5446799, frankmelisma@yahoo.com. ■

LRAD Java Night, Boulder Coffee. For information: rcoaster@rochester. rr.com.

THURSDAY 20

Democratic primary Out & Equal 2nd Thursday Networking Event. Pier 45 at the Port of Rochester, Charlotte. 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.

Womyn’s Dance 8pm-1am, Golden Ponds Party House, 500 Long Pond Rd. $10 advance (Equal=Grounds, 140 Alex). $15 at door. Host: LORA

“8” at RIT Panara Theatre, 7:30 pm. ntidtix@rit.edu

THURSDAY 13

friDAY 21

FRIDAY 14

SATURDAY 22

Empty Closet deadline for October.

244-9030; susanj@gayalliance.org.

ImageOut Fair. 6:30 pm at Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Ave. 8 pm: Programmer’s Preview of the Fall Festival.

8:30 pm: “Vito.”

SATURDAY 15

ROMANS dinner, monthly meeting.

Information: http://www.wnyromans. com or E-mail:wnyromans@yahoo.com, message line at 585-281-4964 or write ROMANS, PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

Rochester Rams. “Western-Leather Night,” 9 pm-2 am at the Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. Butch Femme Connection dinner.

Fall Potluck Gathering at home of member in Fairport. 6 pm. RSVP for directions: Kerry/Max at (585) 288-7208, e-mail DressyFemme@aol.com or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ bfconnection.

SUNDAY 16

Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. LRAD ice cream social, Abbott’s at Charlotte Beach. 6 pm. rcoaster@rochester.rr.com.

TUESDAY 18

LGBT history sessions at Gay Alliance Community Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30–8 pm. FREE. The Stonewall Uprisings: Impact on Rochester.

Fall equinox LGBT event for Louise Slaughter. 3 pm, 80 Westminster Rd. RSVP or info: Sue@VoteLouise.com, or 585-414-4718.

SUNDAY 23

Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, followed by Potluck Supper. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 25

LGBT history sessions at Gay Alliance Community Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30–8 pm. FREE. UR Gay Liberation Front.

SATURDAY 29

Rochester Trans Group. 3–5:30 pm.

Film: “Two Spirits.” Kelly Baumgartner on experience as mixed-blood Cherokee Two Spirit. Gay Alliance Community Center, first floor, 875 E Main St. Jason & deMarco concert, 7-8:30 pm, St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 South Fitzhugh St. Admission, parking free. Wheelchair accessible. http://jdrocconcert.eventbrite.com/ for details and to register.

SUNDAY 30

Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

OCTOBER TUESDAY 2

LGBT history sessions at Gay Alliance Community Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30–8 pm. FREE. Formation of the Gay Alliance. ■

september 2012 • number 460 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Bed & Breakfast

PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month. Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 740 Marshall Road, Rochester 14624 from 1 to 3pm.

Join us!

Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: pflag@gayalliance.org

Seeking

sex

in the park?

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 460 • september 2012