Empty Closet, February 2013

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number 464

a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley

february 2013

Progressive political agenda is on tap for 2013: local politicians comment

1988: Rochester chapter of ACT UP forms. Above: the first ACT UP march on June 29, 1988, down Monroe Ave., lead by cofounder Paul Scheib.

Look who’s Forty and Fabulous!

By the Gay Alliance Board Do you remember when we could not dance in public, celebrate special anniversaries at a restaurant, or attend movies with LGBT content? As a result of 40 years of advocacy, educating the community and incubating the organizations that became Image Out and AIDS Care, the Gay Alliance is celebrating its 40 years of work that have allowed each of us to be who we are, wherever we are in our community.

In honor of our birthday and in an effort to keep our doors open for another 40 years, we’re initiating a very special way for you to help celebrate with us all year long.

It’s our Forty & Fabulous Fundraiser!

You are invited to join the initial 20 members of the “Fab 40”: Micheal Faucher, Bruce

Gay alliance PARTNERSHIPS The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing partnership of businesses within our community who support our mission and vision.

Silver Level

Gorman, Ralph Carter, Van VanZanten, Dan Meyers, Jennifer Leonard, Pam Barres, Peter Mohr, Bill Valenti, Pat Collins, Emily Jones, Joe Nardone, John Altieri, David Frier, Chris Hilderbrandt, Jason Barnecut, David Zona, Jessica Muratore, Evelyn Bailey and Steve Santacroce, who have each chosen a year near and dear to their hearts so that this organization will be here for another 40 years.

Our overall agency goal is to raise $160,000 in 2013 so we can continue to provide youth and senior programming, education, community safety and referral services and continue to be the leading voice for Rochester’s LGBT communities. The fundraiser was launched on Jan. 24.

So how does it work exactly?

We will utilize the First Giving Page format since this is an (Fabulous continues page 6)

By Ove Overmyer Staff Reporter Any way you slice it, 2013 will be a turbulent year for our global economy and America’s working families. But don’t despair. Most pundits would agree that our legislative gridlock in Washington is the primary source of this turbulence, and even though we hear desperate and bleak predictions coming from both of the political extremes, our local lawmakers still think progressive folks will have plenty to cheer about in the coming legislative year.

Since 2010, most of the nation’s attention has fallen on Congress’ inability to pass meaningful legislation. The 112th Congress, which came to a close the first week in January, was the least productive on record. Together, the House and Senate enacted the fewest laws, considered the fewest bills and held the lowest number of formal negotiations between them — all measures that helped these politicians achieve a new historic low.

The finger-pointing starts with a dysfunctional legislative branch, especially the House GOP; the concepts of compromise and pragmatism were nonexistent. It takes real skill to be less appreciated than one of the most phobia-inducing insects on the planet, but somehow Congress managed, hitting new lows

Challenge grant enables Gay Alliance to reach fall appeal goal of $40,000

By Emily Jones The Gay Alliance Board would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the underwriters of this year’s $20,000 Challenge Grant. What a wonderful gift to begin our Forty and Fabulous year!

The Alliance has been the benefactor of a Challenge Grant in 2011 and 2012. As a result of the 2012 grant, Roc the Day donations were increased almost two-fold from 2011, raising close to $6000 for all programs of the Alliance.

We would like to thank the 2012 underwriters John Altieri, Jason Barnecut and William Kearns III, Christopher Barry and Doug Omdahl, Shirley Bowen and Tracy Perkins, Ralph Carter and Van VanZanten, W. Bruce Gorman, Matt Haag and William Schaefer, Chris Hilderbrant, Emily Jones and Deborah Hughes, Peter Mohr, Doug Potter and Greg Partridge, Elaine Spaull, William Spelman and Cynthia Woolbright, and David Zona.

(Challenge continues page 6)

Celebrate love at the Ruby Masqueerade The Gay Alliance will host its annual celebration of love, community and friendship on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Red Ball, or, as it’s known this year in honor of the GAGV’s Ruby 40th anniversary, the Ruby Masqueerade.

The dance will run from 7 to 11 p.m., in the Cathedral Ballroom at the Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. The glamorous evening will feature raffles, a photo booth, prizes for best masks and outfits, complimentary refreshments and a wine and beer lounge. Youth Group members are working on fabulous masks for ball-goers – only $3 -- or you can bring your own.

Music will be provided by DJ Chuck Argento.

Tickets are $10 in advance (www.gayalliance.org/events/ redball/html or at Equal Grounds, Outlandish, Parkleigh, and Arlene’s Costumes) and $15 at the door. ■

Louise Slaughter talks with (R-L) Bess Watts (hidden), Pam Barres and Blanche Harling at the reception held at Mark Siwiec and Duffy Palmer’s home on Sept. 8. Photo: Jill Frier

in a recent Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey that found even cockroaches more appealing.

Also more popular than Congress: root canals, NFL replacement referees, head lice, Canadian rock band Nickelback, colonoscopies, carnies (that is, carnival employees), traffic jams, Donald Trump, France, Genghis Khan, used-car salesmen, Washington political pundits and brussels sprouts.

In any event, in an effort to inform our readers, The Empty Closet set out to interview several local elected officials to get their perspective on what area residents can expect in the coming year. We asked lawmakers to provide an analysis of what key developments and major policies will confront us in 2013 and to discuss what they hope to accomplish in the new legislative sessions. Here is what they had to say.

Rep. Louise Slaughter Rep. Louise Slaughter is the United States representative for New York’s 25th Congressional District, serving in Congress since 1987. She is arguably one of the most beloved public officials from the Rochester area ever to serve in Congress. Her

homespun charm, tireless work ethic and clinical approach to lawmaking are legendary. Her district, numbered as the 30th District from 1987 to 1993 and the 28th District from 1993 to 2013, is based in Rochester and includes most of surrounding Monroe County. Formerly the Chairwoman of the House Rules Committee from 2007 until 2011, she has served as ranking minority member of the Committee since 2011, a post she also held from 2005 to 2007.

“We have achieved tremendous victories with our friends and allies in the LGBT community, but there are still some in Congress who want to use taxpayer money to defend discriminatory policies like DOMA and exclude LBGT men and women from full protection under the law,” said Rep. Slaughter. In an exclusive interview with The EC, she added, “Discrimination against anyone based on their sexual identity should never be the policy of our government, and this term I’m fighting to make sure we are moving towards full equality and away from the bigoted practices of the past.”

(Progressive continues page 3)

Contents

URMC Trans Healthcare conference, Page 7 Dr. Linda Chaudron

Editorials: .................................... 2 Local/State News........................ 3 National/International News..... 4 Interview: Dr. Linda Chaudron...... 7 Making the Scene......................10 Shoulders to Stand On ............21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: Indigo Girls: Interview with Emily Saliers ..........27 Gay Alliance News.....................30 Rainbow SAGE News................31 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 464 • february 2013

Gay Alliance Board of Trustees

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

Perspectives From the Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan

From the Gay Alliance Board emily jones

ered Mayan temple: “Beginning of North American Goofball Media Age.” Twinkies will return, but in the form of eggrolls stuffed with whipped cream, now manufactured in Taiwan by non-unionized workers. The new company will be short-lived due to a lawsuit by cannoli manufacturers.

Tea Party Republican members of the House of Representatives will be voted out next November and replaced by golden retrievers who have nice personalities and play well with others.

A collaboration between Lady Gaga and Psy will create the global pop trend of 2013: “Gaganam.”

In an attempt to shore up ratings, trendy vampires, werewolves and zombies will take over the cast of “Glee”.

In a similar effort, the undead will replace living commentators on Fox News -- but no one will notice the difference.

NASA will discover an earthlike planet with intelligent life forms, as deduced from a radiowave message tentatively translated as “The check is in the mail.”

Global warming will decline slightly in 2013 due to the evaporation of election-year hot air.

Big Gas will keep trying to turn the clock frackwards.

Jodie Foster will make a videotape for LGBT youth: “I Get Bitter.” (Thanks, Kate Clinton!)

Due to the tax increase for the ultra-wealthy, endangered billionaires will have to lay off numerous members of Congress.

Donald Trump’s hairpiece will become a miniature golf course in Connecticut.

Congressional Republicans will continue trying to shut down the government and slash Social Security, food stamps and Medicare, to get the $3 million needed for their top priority: paying lawyers to defend DOMA. The sky will continue not to fall as same sex marriage becomes legal in an increasing number of states. Chicken Little will be fired and become a sandwich at Chick Fil A. ■

Predictions: 2013 Last year saw encouraging gains for the LGBT community nationwide. Marriage is now legal in Washington state, Maryland and Maine, while Minnesota rejected an anti-gay amendment. Many polls indicate that prejudice against our love and families is declining and acceptance of LGBT people as human beings is increasing.

In the Rochester area and New York in general, the election saw victories for gay candidates like Harry Bronson and Sean Patrick Maloney, and many pro-gay candidates.

Lest we grow complacent, though, we should remember that we are still in a period of backlash, and while the professional bigots’ power has lessened, we could still lose everything we have gained if we sit back and say, “Everything’s fine and we don’t have any further work to do.” Youth who get harassed every day at school; trans people, gays and lesbians attacked on the street, and families who can’t get federal recognition because of DOMA, could tell us that it isn’t over yet. Not even close.

We don’t know what surprises 2013 holds, but it’s fun to imagine. The Empty Closet has therefore consulted its Mighty Mystic for a less-than-serious reading.

From the Empty Closet Crystal Ball: An inscription will be found on the wall of a newly discov-

Many things

Home Care How will you choose your provider of Home Care when you need it?

So many of us struggle with this question from a personal safety and financial perspective.

How would you like to be cared for at home if you needed care during recuperation from an accident or for long term care needs? What would you like a total stranger to know about you or would not like them to know? What are your fears? What would you expect of this caregiver? Do you trust your doctor to recommend someone to come into your home?

The Gay Alliance has partnered with Home Care of Rochester, the leading home care agency in Rochester, ranked in

W. Bruce Gorman, Co-President and Secretary Emily Jones, Co-President, David Zona, Treasurer John Altieri, Evelyn Bailey, Jason Barnecut, Ralph Carter Jr., Chris Hilderbrant, Jeff Markarian, Peter Mohr, Jessica Muratore, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer

the top 100 in the nation out of 10,000 agencies. HCR has invited the Gay Alliance to provide both insights on concerns and issues LGBT clients may have prior to inviting a caregiver into their home and LGBT cultural competency training for their staff.

Realizing that there are unique needs that the LGBT population may face, Home Care of Rochester has taken a leading role to partner with the Academy of Medicine, AIDS Care and the Gay Alliance to educate the medical professionals and those who train and educate these professionals and caregivers on March 14, at the Academy of Medicine.

A panel of leading physicians will discuss the unique needs of the LGBT population at this symposium. The symposium is open to 60-70 physicians, nurses, therapists and faculty training all health care professionals and all caregivers.

The symposium will explore and describe what the healthcare provider’s role needs to be in order to create welcoming and affirming healthcare for the LGBT community. This cutting edge symposium and the work that follows from it will enable those of us who will need care to feel safe, affirmed and well cared for in our own homes, as we invite a stranger in to care for us. ■ RED BALL February 9 Gay Alliance 2012 Red Ball Community Valentines Dance The Ruby Masqueerade Saturday February 9, 2013 7-11 pm Raffles & Prizes Wine & Beer Lounge Celebrating Community, Love, Friendship & the Gay Alliance’s 40th Anniversary Cathedral Ballroom Auditorium Theater 875 E. Main Street Tickets $10/Advance $15/door www.gayalliance.org

PARTNERSHIPS continued The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing partnership of businesses within our community who support our mission and vision.

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The Empty Closet • Youth Program • Rochester Pride Education Program & Speakers Bureau Library & 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

E-mail 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 Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance.

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for Many people

Friend Level

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

page one (Progressive from page 1) Looking forward, Slaughter’s major priorities are several equality issues, including the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA).

ENDA would prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity when considering decisions on hiring, firing, promoting or compensating an individual or employee.

Slaughter also told The EC she is working to pass a bill which would establish a comprehensive federal prohibition of discrimination in public schools, based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and provide victims with meaningful and effective remedies, modeled after Title IX. The bill is called the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA).

NYS Senator Ted O’Brien

Elections have consequences, and that is certainly the case for the residents who live in the newly redrawn 55th state Senate District. This contest last fall was the most expensive senate race in New York State history, and was arguably one of the most heated and contested in recent memory. The election took a red senate seat and turned it blue, and as a result voters will now see a true working families champion representing them.

Democrat Ted O’Brien, of Irondequoit, came out on top as results rolled in on Election Night. O’Brien beat Republican challenger Sean Hanna by more than seven percentage points to replace retiring legislator Jim Alesi. The former Monroe County Democratic Minority Leader for the County Legislature, O’Brien said his win against Hanna proved that “Money did not buy this election.”

He added, “Voters respected my message of raising the minimum wage, no new taxes and creating higher-paying jobs for local residents.”

In an email exchange with his office shortly after Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address on Jan. 9, Senator O’Brien told The EC, “The governor’s emphasis on equality for women is much appreciated. I look forward to continuing the fight for equality for all, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation or identity. Also, I am encouraged by the focus on New York’s most economically vulnerable residents demonstrated by the proposals to raise the minimum wage and expand access to affordable housing.

Poverty is a serious issue in our region, particularly in the city of Rochester. I believe this issue hasn’t received the attention on the state level that it deserves.”

NYS Assembly member Harry Bronson

NYS Assembly member Harry Bronson breezed to a convincing win in last fall’s election, with nearly 62 percent of the vote. He is the first openly LGBT member of the New York legislature from upstate New York.

Bronson is now in his second term representing New York’s 138th Assembly District, which covers portions of the City of Rochester and Monroe County.

Bronson told The EC he is eager to return to the state capital to roll up his sleeves and get back to work.

“With the passage of marriage equality, the legislature continued the state’s history of leading the country on civil rights,” said Bronson. “And while there are many needs across the state, I know my Assembly colleagues will pick up the torch and pass GENDA, and I am committed to working with the Senate to ensure this is the year we do the right thing for our transgender brothers and sisters. Additionally, I will fight to ensure that we prioritize the need for increasing the minimum wage, provide more resources dedicated to homeless youth, focus on improving public health services and continue our ongoing fight to help our struggling families.”

Democratic Minority Leader, Monroe County Legislature Carrie Andrews

Monroe County Legislator Carrie Andrews represents the 21st District, which includes parts of Northeast Rochester. Carrie was first elected for a four-year term in 2005. In October 2007, she was elected Assistant Minority Leader of the Legislature and assumed the role of Minority Leader when fellow lawmaker Ted O’Brien won a seat in the state senate in the fall of 2012.

Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a high-profile elected official. She is deeply concerned about whether or not kids are properly educated and has been very vocal about standing up for social justice issues. After earning her degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations in 2001, Carrie became a Labor Relations Specialist with New York State United Teachers union.

Andrews told The EC, “It is my honor to serve as a County Legislator fighting for the interests of our neighborhoods and our community. I’ve devoted my life and career to ensuring that working families have the standard of living and quality of life they deserve regardless of how we define them.”

She added, “We have had some success along the way but there is still so much to be done.

I have advocated for equal rights,

marriage equality, domestic partner benefits and affordable child care to name a few issues. And now in my new role as the Minority Leader, I’m looking forward to making significant government reforms in the upcoming legislative session. To be perfectly honest, I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.” Andrews was first elected as the youngest woman in the history of the Monroe County Legislature.

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NewsFronts Local and State

City of Rochester Councilman At-Large Matt Haag

Huddled over a hot beverage at Java’s in the East End on a cold and rainy January afternoon, City Councilman Matt Haag confided to The EC that he feels as if he is currently standing on the shoulders of two extraordinary men.

He said it is an honor to do so, but it also provides him with a personal and public challenge that he continues to relish. Haag was referring to following in the political footsteps of two other openly gay council members who came before him, Tim Mains and Bill Pritchard. Haag was first elected to a four-year term as a Rochester City Councilman at-large in November of 2009.

Haag said, “I’m extremely proud to carry on the legacy of having at least one openly gay member on council since the Ronald Reagan era. I have really big shoes to fill.”

Haag also called Mains a local icon. Tim Mains was the first openly gay elected official in New York State and had a distinguished 20-year career in public service. He said, “Tim Mains’ career was amazing, and I don’t think people today truly appreciate what a trailblazer this guy is.

From what I understand, when it came to passing legislation he was tenacious, focused, unyielding and very charming at the same time. He gave everything its due diligence. Carrying this torch has been a great experience and I have certainly learned a lot in the past four years. However, I feel like I’m just getting my feet under me. There is so much more to accomplish.”

Choosing the initiatives that Haag would like to tackle right away was guided by a recent phone conversation he had with a Human Rights Campaign staffer.

Every year the HRC publishes the Municipal Equality Index, an equality based reference guide that measures how cities treat their LGBT employees and the extent to which they require their contractors to do the same. Haag mentioned that Rochester scored very high on the index (89 percent out of 100 percent), but there is room for improvement.

Policy areas that Haag would like to tackle include improvement of the City Contractor Equal Benefits Ordinance; requiring Legal Dependent Benefits for city employees and contractors who do business with the city and making inclusive language changes to equalize the Family Medical Leave Act provisions for LGBT families.

Haag is up for re-election this year, vying for one of five at-large seats open on City Council. ■

Rochester Mayor Tom Richards stands with Ove Overmyer, who was honored by the Rochester Labor Council, AFL-CIO as the 2012 Working Families Advocate of the Year. Photo: Bess Watts

Rochester Labor honors Slaughter, Overmyer

Pride Agenda endorses Quinn for NYC mayor

By Anne Tischer Hundreds of western New York’s most progressive activists packed the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Dec. 13 to celebrate the holiday and honor their collective accomplishments for the past year.

The event was sponsored by the Rochester & Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO. City of Rochester Mayor Tom Richards was the keynote speaker at the event. He gave a stirring testimony about our area’s economic future and the critical role that organized labor plays in our collective success as a community.

The top award went to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25, Rochester), who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to a local individual in recognition of a lifetime of service and a dedication to the American Labor Movement.

Ove Overmyer, President of the City of Rochester Library Workers Unit 7420 and Local 828 Vice President, was honored

by RLC President Jim Bertolone and the RLC executive committee as the recipient of the 2012 Working Families Advocate of the Year. The award is given to an individual who has exceeded expectations publicly advocating the needs of working men and women during the past year.

Mr. Overmyer, who is also a staff reporter and photographer for The Empty Closet, has been a longtime political and social activist for working people. Ove works at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County as an Assistant Reference Librarian. He has been employed at the library since 1997.

Bess Watts, President of CSEA Monroe County Local 828, told The Empty Closet, “Honoring Ove was long overdue and well deserved. He is relentless in his effort to support the needs of the people he represents and does it with passion, empathy and humor.”

The Empire State Pride Agenda endorsed City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s run for New York City mayor’s office on Jan. 17.

“She’s got a great track record of delivering for the LGBT community and our families, so we are thrilled to endorse her candidacy,” executive director Nathan Schaeffer told The Wall Street Journal of the openly lesbian politician.

More from that paper: Mr. Schaefer said the group looked beyond her commitment to LGBT issues, citing her “progressive” policy agenda as a key factor in the endorsement. “We think she’s the best candidate to lead the city to the next level and she’s got the best vision for New York,” he said.

In November, President Barack Obama’s 3-to-1 advantage in exit polls among voters who identified themselves as gay played a role in his victory. Ms. Quinn’s campaign hopes the gay vote in New York City, estimated at 10 percent of the electorate, will be a powerful force in this year’s mayoral election.

Ms. Quinn said in an email that she’s thrilled to have the support of an organization that has been “at the forefront in [the] fight for equality and justice for the LGBT community.”

Speaker Quinn also highlighted how she and the group have worked together to tackle tough issues in the Big Apple and elsewhere in the state, “Working together, we have gotten real results for New Yorkers – from securing more funding to fight AIDS, to standing up against hate crimes to, most recently, passing marriage equality in Albany.”

Reporter Michael Howard Saul also mentioned a Quinnipiac University poll showing that 35 percent of the city’s Democrats support Quinn, 24 points higher than the next most popular Democrat, public advocate Bill de Blasio.

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/#ixzz2IFmK5BGP ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

NewsFronts national and international

President Obama: The love we commit to one another…

An excerpt from President Obama’s inauguration address: “…We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.

“It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began.

“For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts.

Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.

Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm….”

Lesbian/Gay Bands Assoc. marches In addition to the mention of gay rights in President Obama’s address, and the

poem by gay Latino poet Richard Franco, one notable event was the marching of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association in the Inaugural Parade. The organization of 32 local bands from across the country sent over 240 members to participate.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2IiIomNKf JoeMyGod reader Damien wrote on Jan. 22, “I had the honor to play in the LGBA (Lesbian Gay Band Association) Band in the Inaugural Parade tonight.

It was an amazing experience and I felt proud to help represent my brothers and sisters. We had 215 members from 26 different states, and as many local gay community bands. In 2009 we were the first openly gay group to march in the Inaugural parade, and we were so excited to come back for another performance.

Gays react to Obama speech LGBT organizations had many positive comments on the President’s inclusion of “our gay brothers and sisters” in his speech, although some transgender individuals and groups objected to being omitted.

Freedom To Marry In his second Inaugural today, President Obama traced the moral arc from Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, and rightly exalted the struggle for the freedom to marry as part of America’s moral commitment to equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom to Marry applauds our president and the moral leadership he has shown, the moral leadership we will continue to need until all Americans, all loving couples, all families, can share fully in the American promise we celebrate on Inauguration Day. National Gay & Lesbian Task Force We couldn’t agree more. It’s now time for the president — and for all of us — to finish the job of ensuring that

every American gets a fair shake. President Obama has repeatedly shown he is willing to fight for us. We have another four years to keep the momentum going, and will be vigilant in pursuing policies to ensure our community is not left behind. This includes pushing for federal LGBT employment protections, ending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, combating HIV/AIDS, preserving a social safety net, and much more. America deserves nothing less than a president who will treat all families fairly.

We congratulate President Obama and his administration and look forward to working with them in this second term to build a stronger future for LGBT people and opportunity for all.

Outserve-SLDN Today, President Obama made history with a clear and passionate declaration of the fundamental rights of LGBT Americans, and all Americans.

We honor the work of his first term especially his leadership in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - and expect great progress over the next four years on the very real inequalities that exist for our LGBT service members, veterans, and their families as we work together to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice.

Supreme Court to hear DOMA, Prop 8 in March The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in Hollingsworth v.

Perry, the federal challenge to Proposition 8, and United States v. Windsor, the challenge to DOMA, according to a press release from the American Foundation for Equal Rights: On Jan. 7, the United States Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral argument in Hollingsworth v.

Perry, the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, on Tuesday, March 26.

The Supreme Court also indicated that it will hear oral argument in United States v. Windsor, a challenge to the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), on Wednesday, March 27. Enacted by Congress in 1996, DOMA nullifies the marriages of gay and lesbian couples for all purposes of federal law.

Written briefs are expected to be sent to SCOTUS in each case prior to the oral arguments. Read more: http:// www.towleroad.com/#ixzz2HJiTC4Ck

Rubio immigration plan omits LGBT couples As the conversation for immigration reform continues to heat up, GetEQUAL released the following statement on Jan. 23 in response to Senator Marco Rubio’s recent attempts to offer an immigration framework that only offers relief to a very small percentage of immigrants: “Yesterday, Senator Marco Rubio offered up a short-sighted, quick fix to the immigration system that completely ignores some of the most vulnerable immigrants,” said Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez, national field director for GetEQUAL. “As a gay undocumented Floridian who is happily married to a permanent resident of the same gender, I know firsthand how detrimental Senator Rubio’s immigration plan would be to immigrants.

Good, humane, serious immigration policy would not leave an entire segment of the immigrant community in perpetual legal hell because of our sexual orientation or gender identity. If Senator Rubio is, in good faith, attempting to actually fix the immigration system, he would see that his statement is not acceptable.”

Senator Rubio’s framework for immigration involves sending immigrants to the “back of the line” for an undisclosed period of time in order to then wait on a visa that is only available to those who are married to a U.S. citizen of the opposite gender, have family in the U.S. who can sponsor them, or have an employer who can sponsor them. Because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), this plan specifically omits lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) immigrants from citizenship, creating a permanent second-class status for LGBTQ immigrants.

President Obama’s plan, revealed Jan. 29, would include same sex couples.

In addition to calling on Congress to pass an inclusive, comprehensive immigration reform bill this year, GetEQUAL is also calling on President Obama to use his executive power to stop the massive deportations under his administration, resulting in tragic separation of families across the country, while immigration reform is being considered by Congress.

GetEQUAL hopes to work with Republicans and Democrats to pass inclusive, comprehensive immigration reform in 2013 with a direct pathway to citizenship and other measures such as the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), an end to the one-year ban for asylum seekers, and the DREAM Act.

Columbia Law clinic wins asylum for Honduran man Columbia Law School’s Sexuality and Gender Law Clinic has won asylum for a gay man who feared for his life in his home country of Honduras because of attacks and persecution based on his sexual orientation.

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet The grant of asylum, issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on December 31, 2012, highlights the dangers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in Honduras. LGBT activists and individuals there suffer at the hands of private citizens and even the police under a regime that follows what one gay activist called “a policy of extermination.”

“Our client suffered horrendous, violent attacks in Honduras because he is gay,” said AJ Garcia ’14, a clinic student who worked on the case. “He has lived his entire life changing his behavior to avoid suspicion about his sexual orientation and surviving physical and emotional brutality from those who suspected he might be gay.”

Three years ago, the clinic’s client and his partner were kidnapped and attacked and his partner was tortured and murdered. Fearing for his life, the clinic’s client fled to the United States from Honduras. Immigration Equality, a national organization focused on immigration rights for LGBT and HIV-positive individuals, referred him to Columbia Law School’s Sexuality and Gender Law Clinic.

Four students from the clinic, AJ Garcia ’14, Michael Ruthenberg-Marshall ’14, Kimber Hargrove ’14, and Matheus Oriolo LL.M. ’13, prepared the client’s case under the supervision of Suzanne B. Goldberg, director of the clinic and the Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School.

The students spent several months conducting interviews, researching conditions in Honduras, drafting affidavits and legal briefs, contacting experts, and preparing the client for his interview with a United States government asylum officer.

“Our client has experienced such extreme persecution in his home country,” said Hargrove. “We hope that now he will be able to live a life without that constant fear hanging over his head.”

Columbia Law School’s Sexuality and Gender Law Clinic addresses cutting-edge issues in sexuality and gender law through litigation, legislation, public policy analysis, and other forms of advocacy. Under Goldberg’s guidance, clinic students have worked on a wide range of projects to serve both individual and organizational clients in cases involving issues of sexuality and gender law.

Boy Scouts may soon change anti-gay policy The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced on Jan. 28 that it is considering a new policy that would allow gay members to participate in Scouting. The decision follows a nearly yearlong campaign by GLAAD and Scouts for Equality, as well as Change.org petitions signed by more than 1.2 million people calling for an end to the BSA’s ban on gay Scouts and Scout leaders.

BSA spokesperson Deron Smith stated: Currently, the BSA is discussing poten-

tially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation.

This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.

BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.

NBC News reports that “the change could be announced as early as next week, after the BSA’s national board holds a regularly scheduled meeting.”

“The Boy Scouts of America have heard from scouts, corporations and millions of Americans that discriminating against gay scouts and scout leaders is wrong,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “Scouting is a valuable institution and this change will only strengthen its core principles of fairness and respect.”

“This would be an incredible step forward in the right direction,” said Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and founder of Scouts for Equality. “We look forward to working with BSA Councils and chartering organizations across the country to end the exclusion of our gay brothers in Scouting, as well as the gay and lesbian leaders who serve the organizations so well.”

According to the BSA website, there are over 300 local councils across the country. Scouts for Equality reports that 11 councils, serving over 260,000 Scouts, have already taken a stand against the BSA’s anti-gay policies.

Christian poll: Fewer Americans think homosexuality is a sin Trudy Ring posted on The Advocate on Jan. 11: There’s been a substantial drop in the proportion of Americans who think being gay is a sin, according to a new poll.

The poll, from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, a Christian-oriented firm, showed 37 percent of respondents saying “homosexual behavior” is a sin, down from 44 percent in a September 2011 survey. That’s a statistically significant difference, say LifeWay pollsters, who conducted their latest study in November and released the results in January.

In the new poll, 45 percent of respondents said homosexuality is not a sin, up from 43 percent in 2011, and 17 percent said they don’t know, up from 13 percent in the previous study.

LifeWay president Ed Stetzer said President Obama’s May announcement of support for marriage equality may account for at least part of the change in the poll results. “The president’s evolution on homosexuality probably impacted the evolution of cultural values — there is a real and substantive shift, surprisingly large for a one-year timeframe — though this was hardly a normal year on this issue,” Stetzer said in a press release on the firm’s website.

Along with the president’s influence,

factors in the change likely include young Americans’ widespread acceptance of LGBT people and the popularity of out celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, said Anthea Butler, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania. “Who wouldn’t want to take their grandmother to see her show?” Butler told USA Today.

Stetzer said, however, that conflicts over homosexuality will continue. “The culture is clearly shifting on homosexuality,” he said on the website, “and this creates a whole new issue: How will America deal with a minority view, strongly held

by Evangelicals, Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, and so many others?”

Pro-gay Catholic church ordains trans priest The North American Old Catholic Church, an LGBT-friendly denomination not affiliated with the Vatican, ordained a transgender man as a priest Jan. 26.

Shannon T.L. Kearns was ordained to the priesthood in Minneapolis, according to a press release. He is serving a new Minneapolis parish, House of the Transfiguration.

“I am honored and humbled to have my calling to ministry affirmed by the North American Old Catholic Church,” said Kearns, who transitioned while attending Union Theological Seminary, where he received a master of divinity degree. “I look forward to many years serving as a priest.”

Bishop Benjamin Evans of the diocese of New Jersey, who presided over the ordination, added, “The North American Old Catholic Church looks forward to establishing a presence in Minneapolis with the ordination of Father Kearns. God’s Holy Spirit continues to bless us with growth!”

The denomination combines Catholic traditions and rituals with progressive values and welcomes all people, the press release notes.

GOP lawmakers back Wyo. marriage bill GOP state Rep. Keith Gingery is one of the cosponsors of a marriage equality bill just proposed in Wyoming. Yes, Wyoming.

Laramie Democratic Rep. Cathy Connolly filed legislation in January that would create a path for gay couples to form civil unions or get married. The dual approach already has won the backing of Reps. Ruth Ann Petroff, R-Jackson, and Gingery. Both Teton County lawmakers said they would prefer to see gay marriage allowed in Wyoming but are willing to debate whether civil unions might be a better way to go.

“It’s a basic human rights and fairness issue,” Petroff said. “It’s a basic constitutional issue. There should just be no reason why same-sex couples shouldn’t have the same rights as everyone else.”

Gingery is the chairman of the judiciary committee, which will be the first

5 to debate the bills. He said the issue poses a legal problem that state officials need to resolve. “The population of gay couples in the state is increasing, and the law is not very clear about what rights they have,” he said. Gingery, who is Catholic, says the question of whether to allow samesex couples to get married in Wyoming isn’t a religious issue. If passed, the laws wouldn’t affect church policy, he said.

Same-sex marriage bills have failed in the Wyoming legislature in 2007, 2009, and 2011.

Film shows evangelicals’ ties to Uganda “Kill the Gays” legislation A new film from director Roger Ross Williams that premiered at Sundance explores the relationship between American evangelical churches, their missionaries, and anti-gay laws in Africa like Uganda’s so-called “Kill the Gays” bill.

Writes Williams in a director’s statement: “I thought about following the activists – brave and admirable men and women – who were fighting against these policies. But I was more curious about the people who, in effect, wanted to kill me. (According to the provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, I could be put to death or imprisoned.) Notably, almost every evangelical I met – American or Ugandan – was polite, agreeable, even charming. Yet I knew that if the bill passed, there would be blood on the streets of Kampala.

“What explains that contradiction?

What explains the murderous rage and ecstatic transcendence? In the well-known trope about Africa, a white man journeys into the heart of darkness and finds the mystery of Africa and its unknowable otherness. I, a black man, made that journey and found – America.”

The film’s teaser on YouTube, though more thematic than explicit, has already inspired wrath from anti-gay pastor Martin “eat the poo poo” Ssempa, who left a comment on its page: I knew all along that Roger wanted to perpetuate the myth that the “evil” well funded, American right was responsible for Uganda’s resolve to fight the homosexuality agenda. He being a homosexual is biased and hates Africa and true Christianity. He wishes to get sympathy as a typical “feel sorry for me” they wanted to kill me when indeed he was living large in the protection of “Bishop” Robert_ Kayanja a state connected operative whose team included many machine gun wielding body guards.

The film has the support of activist group AllOut. Says its executive director Andre Banks: “The world has never had an up-close look at how anti-gay animus is exported from the United States to places like Uganda. The film also raises urgent questions for American people of faith who care about justice and human rights. The (Uganda continued page 6)

Way to go 2013 designation number The United Way........... 1135 it benefits the Gay Alliance!

Thank you

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page one (Challenge continued from page 1) We would like to thank all of you who gave so generously to our Fall Appeal.

Your gifts have underwritten educational outreach to nine groups already this year.

The Alliance with your support has built a reputation for outstanding educational training on LGBT issues.

As a result, we have been invited to partner with Home Care of Rochester to train caregivers on the unique issues facing our seniors as they need care in their homes so they can stay in their home.

(See Board Chair editorial on page 2 for more details). You are bringing hot meals to seniors every Tuesday noon in the community center and continuing the leadership training for youth who will participate in producing their first fundraising pancake breakfast, raising monies for the Ali Forney shelter for homeless LGBT youth in New York City.

We thank you who are making a difference in the lives of our youth, our seniors, our allies and all in our community. ■

(Fabulous continued from page 1) easy way to raise money and support.

As an individual or with others, choose a year and become a member of the “Fab 40”: adopt your favorite year from 1973 through 2013, and each will help raise $4,000.

Consider how the GAGV has made a difference in your life.

We have staff members and volunteers ready to help you get started and provide ongoing technical support; training sessions on how to set up a First Giving Page (it is very user friendly), and how to best personalize your message have been planned.

Please sign up by sending an email to Emily Jones (emilyjone@gmail.com or Bruce Gorman (wbruce.gorman@gmail. com) The need to empower pride and self respect in all individuals is as important today as the day we opened in 1973.

So chose your favorite year and let’s get this party started! WE NEED YOUR HELP. ■

national and international (Uganda from page 5) large majority of churches in the U.S. raise money to do good in their communities and abroad. But this film makes clear that we must each be certain that our contributions at the collection plate are not going, directly or indirectly, toward supporting laws that call for the death of gays and lesbians.”

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2IKyPq84y

HRC says anti-marriage groups are failing The Human Rights Campaign on Jan. 18 highlighted a new milestone in the march toward full marriage equality: the fall of the empire opposed to same-sex marriage. Widespread losses, sagging poll numbers, and poor investments make it difficult to see how national groups like the so-called National Organization for Marriage remain viable.

“The mission of groups like NOM is to stop marriage equality,” said Kevin Nix, HRC spokesperson. “That hasn’t happened. In fact, support for marriage equality has spread like wildfire the past couple of years and there’s no turning back. With no momentum and no money, they’ve lost the marriage debate.”

The momentum for marriage equality is indisputable. Four state legislatures passed same-sex marriage legislation during 2011-12, and voters in four states for

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013 the first time in history approved marriage equality on the ballot last November. This string of legislative and electoral victories would not have been possible without Republican support. National and statewide polling consistently shows majorities – including African Americans, Latinos, millennials, Democrats, and Independents – back gay and lesbian couples receiving marriage licenses. And marriage equality supporters have more intensity than opponents, according to a recent post-election poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner.

Opponents’ financing is drying up.

They were outspent almost three to one last year, $12 million to $34 million in the ballot campaigns. More broadly, tax documents obtained by HRC last fall show that NOM’s funding declined by one-third for 2011 – and that a whopping 75 percent of the anti-gay organization’s funding came from just two donors. It’s not surprising then that NOM is unable to follow through on the threats the group makes to Republicans supportive of marriage equality.

NOM promised, for instance, that it would spend $2 million to defeat the four Republican State Senators in New York who backed the legislature’s same-sex marriage bill in 2011. NOM then backpedalled, saying it would spend $250,000 in the primary fights. According to NOM PAC NY’s campaign finance reports, it only raised $45,000 and only spent $40,000 in 2012 – nowhere near what it claimed it would spend.

Beyond funding, NOM’s pressure campaigns – which the group insists have been successful - have produced little return on investment. A new HRC fact check piece makes clear the effort to oust the four Republicans strictly because of their votes on marriage did not work.

“NOM’s threats to kick Republicans out of office – whether in New York two years ago or in Illinois earlier this month – are empty,” said Nix. “It’s nothing but bluster aimed to instill fear in lawmakers.

NOM’s become nothing but a paper tiger.”

NOM’s President, Brian Brown, just got back from Paris where, he says, he sought inspiration on how to stop samesex marriage in America. French President Francois Hollande, a socialist, campaigned on legalizing same-sex marriage. The Catholic church organized large protests in Paris against marriage equality last month.

Russia passes severe anti-gay legislation Russia is enacting oppressive gay legislation banning “gay propaganda” which might include things as minor as a kiss, nationwide, the AP reports: The legislation being pushed by the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church, and approved on Jan. 24, will make it illegal nationwide to provide minors with information that is defined as “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism.” It includes a ban on holding public events that promote gay rights. St. Petersburg and a number of other Russian cities already have similar laws on their books.

The bill is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values as opposed to Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and church see as corrupting Russian youth and by extension contributing to a wave of protest against President Vladimir Putin’s rule.

Gay activists say the crackdown on minorities of any kind — political and religious as well as sexual — is designed to divert public attention from growing discontent with Putin’s rule.

The oppressive law could levy a $16,000 fine for a gay public kiss.

The AP also makes note of an attack last month in Voronezh, a city south of Moscow. Several activists protesting the planned legislation were violently attacked by anti-gay counterprotestors throwing snowballs. Demonstators outside the Duma on Jan. 24 were arrested.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2IcU0lxUo

Discharged service members will get full pay after settlement Former service members who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging a Defense Department policy that cuts in half the separation pay of those who have been honorably discharged for “homosexuality” will receive their full pay after a settlement announced Jan. 7.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Mexico had filed a class action lawsuit against the policy, which was not part of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” statute and so was not changed when that law was repealed.

“There was absolutely no need to subject these service members to a double dose of discrimination by removing them from the armed forces in the first place, and then denying them this small benefit to ease the transition to civilian life,” said Laura Schauer Ives, managing attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico.

“This decision represents a longdelayed justice to these veterans.”

The ACLU’s class action lawsuit represented approximately 181 honorably discharged veterans who had their separation pay cut in half because of the discriminatory policy. The total amount of separation pay withheld from those veterans is approximately $2.4 million. The lead plaintiff in the case is Richard Collins, a former staff sergeant in the Air Force who served for nine years until he was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Collins was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico before being seen by a co-worker exchanging a kiss with his boyfriend in their car while stopped at an intersection off-base.

“This means so much to those of us who dedicated ourselves to the military, only to be forced out against our will for being who we are,” said Collins. “We gave all we had to our country, and just wanted the same dignity and respect for our service as any other veterans.”

Under the settlement, all service members covered by the lawsuit will be contacted by the government and notified that they are eligible to opt in to the settlement and receive 100 percent of the separation pay that they would have received had they been discharged for any other honorable reason. Federal law entitles service members to separation pay if they have been involuntarily and honorably discharged from the military after completing at least six years of service in order to help ease their transition to civilian life.

The settlement covers service members who were discharged on or after November 10, 2004, which is as far back as the settlement could extend under the applicable statute of limitations.

“It makes no sense to continue to penalize service members who were discharged under a discriminatory statute that has already been repealed,” said Joshua Block, staff attorney for the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project. “The amount of the pay owed to these veterans is small by military standards, but is hugely significant in acknowledging their service to their country.”

More information on the case is available at: http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/ collins-v-united-states-class-action-military-separation-pay

Poll: marriage support increases among both Democrats, Rebublicans A Political Insiders poll released in the National Journal shows significant increasing support for marriage for same-sex couples across the board, with 97 percent of Democrats saying that their party should support marriage, and more than a quarter (27percent) of Republicans saying their party should as well.

Zero percent of Democrats said that the Democratic Party should oppose samesex couples’ freedom to marry, and only 11 percent of Republicans said that their party should oppose it.

Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement: “The Political Insiders poll reflects the continuing momentum and movement of the center of gravity in favor of the freedom to marry. Democrats overwhelmingly support the freedom to marry, and more and more Republicans also understand why it is right, and politically smart, to allow samesex couples to share in the dignity and protections that marriage brings. From former Vice President Dick Cheney to columnist and advocate Meghan McCain, Republicans are also moving toward joining the national majority in favor of marriage, and are increasingly speaking out in favor of love, commitment, and fairness. Marriage is no longer a political divider; it’s just the right thing to do.”

The number of Republicans who said their party should support same-sex couples’ freedom to marry has nearly doubled since the same poll was taken in 2011, when only 14 percent responded in favor of marriage.

It has more than tripled since 2009, when 8 percent thought the Republican Party should support marriage and 50 percent thought the Republican Party should be opposed.

This year, comments from Republican voters pointed out that the conservative case for marriage is rooted in values such as personal freedom, small government, and lower taxes.

Hong Kong film reveals anti-gay discrimination A new short film highlights discrimination faced by LGBT employees in Hong Kong, Fridae reports: “The Pantry” is based on true stories drawn from offices around Hong Kong.

The film, which is the first in a series from AD Media, aims to raise awareness and hopes to inspire LGBT and LGBTfriendly citizens to break their silence and stand up for human rights.

Hong Kong continues to drag behind competition because the government chooses to ignore recent survey results and bows before religious extremists instead, thereby denying equality rights to the very people whose taxes it relies on and, on the broader picture, ignoring calls from the United Nations Human Rights Commission to clean up its record.

The release of the film comes after a weekend in which more than 5,000 anti-gay Christians rallied in Hong Kong against laws that would protect LGBT people from discrimination: The Evangelical Free Church of China Yan Fook Church, which organised the event, estimated that up to 50,000 people joined the “Inclusive Love Praying Concert” at Tamar Park, Admiralty, to voice their disapproval through singing and praying. They said such a law would restrict their freedom of speech on gay rights. Police put the turnout at 5,000.

“If this becomes the law, those who oppose homosexuality will have their freedom of speech restricted,” said the Reverend Jayson Tam, convenor of the “praying concert”.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2I41XUJCO

National Cathedral will celebrate same sex weddings The Human Rights Campaign on Jan. 9 applauded the Washington National Cathedral’s announcement that it will begin celebrating weddings of gay and lesbian couples. The Cathedral is the most visible faith community within the Episcopal Church.

“Today marks another milestone in the Episcopal Church’s embrace of all God’s children, including LGBT people,” said Rev. MacArthur Flournoy, deputy director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Program. “Today, the Church sent a simple but powerful message to LGBT Episcopalians – you are loved just the way you are, (Cathedral continues page 12)

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Interview

Dr. Linda Chaudron

UR hosts trans healthcare conference

By Susan Jordan The University of Rochester Medical Center will present a conference on transgender healthcare issues on March 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the UR Saunders Research Building, 265 Crittenden Blvd.

URMC states, “Transgender individuals have unique health experiences and needs that are often unmet by the general medical community. It is necessary for health professionals of all disciplines to learn about the specific needs of transgender individuals in an effort to provide culturally competent and evidence-based patient- and family-centered care to this population. “…This conference begins to address the disparities specific to transgender individuals by educating students, staff, providers and the healthcare community about their particular healthcare needs, the evidence-based treatments available for their needs and the challenges encountered in healthcare settings. We seek to improve the knowledge of our medical community, and that of Upstate New York, to provide culturally sensitive and evidence-based care to transgender individuals in our communities.”

Dr. Linda Chaudron is Senior Associate Dean for Diversity. She said, “Our office is relatively new and evolving. We have put on a diversity series during the past year.

“As a medical student, I worked a lot on women and medical issues, both of patients and providers. So that has always been an interest of mine. My career has broadened my interest in diversity in medicine, both in our patients and in our workforce. The scope of my office is

to promote and educate about diversity issues in medicine. It was started by Dr. Vivian Lewis in 2006 and expanded in 2011 when I took over.”

The idea for the trans conference began when Dr. Chaudron was approached by several faculty members, who were concerned with educating primary care providers about trans issues. She said, “I think it’s fair to say that in primary care, providers are seeing more trans patients, but I’d guess most providers don’t see too many – so they need to be educated. We decided this was an important healthcare issue. It cuts across disciplines – social work, nursing, etc. – and it cuts across specialties – pediatric, adult primary care, psychiatry, OB-GYN, surgery. Because it’s impacted by so many different providers, it makes sense for our office to pull this event together.”

She said that the one-day conference targets medical providers regionally, all over upstate and down to the southern tier. “The education is just not available,” she said, “so we thought this was a good opportunity to educate providers who otherwise would have to figure it out on their own. There are a lot of resources, but you have to know where to look. So our goal is to educate about the resources that are out there.”

Anyone can register for and attend the conference, but the main goal is to educate medical providers and staffs. Dr. Chaudron commented, “There may be things of particular interest to the trans community and families, and people can register for just a half-day and hear the featured speakers, rather than registering for the whole day and attending workshops.”

The speakers will include Jamison Green, who is transgender and president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and who will be coming from San Francisco. For a full list of speakers and events, and to see the various fees and register, go to www. urmc.rochester.edu/cpe.

The Gay Alliance will organize a special “Voices of the Community” event, an opportunity for conference participants to talk with area community members – not only to give them information, but more especially to learn from their experiences and ideas. “They know more than we,” Dr. Chaudron said. “I think it’s very important for providers to hear patients’ experiences and understand what opportunities we have in medicine to address their needs.”

Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director, commented, “The Gay Alliance is thrilled to have the Rochester Medical Center hosting this event. At the Alliance we regularly get calls from people looking for medical providers to provide care around gender identity and

Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church We offer a VIP Worship Vibrant Inclusive Progressive Sundays at 10:30

Experience the Unconditional Love of God 740 Marshall Road Rochester, New York 14624 585-271-8478

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“When I was starting out, I had a trans patient and I knew nothing – SHE educated ME. So I think it’s time we gave back and started educating healthcare providers – and not expect trans patients to do that!”

– Dr. Linda Chaudron

expression concerns. While our on-line directory (www.gayalliance.org/directory) has a number of local resources, we know that there is a need for additional competent providers. Further, we often get calls from providers who are in need of consultation, advice and professional development on these issues. Locally there are few institutions so perfectly positioned to provide this specialized professional development.

“The conference planners and the Gay Alliance felt it was very important to bring community members into the conference, so the Gay Alliance will be hosting a day long session called Community Voices. This session will allow participants to stop in and meet and talk with a variety of trans-identified members of their speakers bureau. These volunteers will help to personalize the professional information that participants will be receiving during the conference.”

URMC hopes that those who attend

this conference “will be able to identify and have an increased awareness of the healthcare disparities faced by those in the transgender community; develop the skills and learn about the resources available to have an improved gender non-conforming accessible practice and become familiar with the World Professional Association of Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards of care.”

Dr. Chaudron said, “We’re excited to do this and personally I feel lucky to have the opportunity to educate myself about the transgender community and its resources.

“When I was starting out, I had a trans patient and I knew nothing -- SHE educated ME. So I think it’s time we gave back and started educating healthcare providers – and not expect trans patients to do that!”

For more information, see the website or call 585-275-4392. Coordinator: The Center for Experiential Learning. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

Making the Scene

SCENEMAKERS OF THE YEAR: ImageOut’s 20th anniversary was a major event of 2012. Above: The opening night after-party at Tilt. Left: Pandora Boxx, with a friend, is now a West Hollywood resident who performs at clubs all over the country, but made it back for ImageOut. Above right: Michael Gamilla, co-chair of the ImageOut film festival selection committee. Photos: Jill Frier

PRIDE AT WORK: On Jan. 15, the Rochester and Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride At Work, AFL-CIO held an organizational meeting at the Genesee Brew House. Front row left to right: Anne Tischer, Ove Overmyer. Back row: Jeanne Kennedy, Bess Watts, Dawn L. Redwine, Ryan Tucker, T. Judith Johnson. Photo: Laurie Migliore

GAY ALLIANCE ANNUAL MEETING: Jason Barnecut of the GAGV board speaks at the annual meeting on Dec. 12. Photo: Jill Frier

My Own Private Rochester Tim O’Connell

Tim O’Connell at the gatehouse of Mt. Hope Cemetery. Photos: Susan Jordan

By Susan Jordan Tim O’Connell’s private Rochester is very special. After several decades as the access person for the City Engineers Records Collection, he knows almost every brick in every building in this city – and the history behind it all. He was THE resource for many years for historians, artists and anyone needing detailed information about Rochester.

Born at St. Mary’s in Rochester, Tim grew up in Lyons, Greece and Penfield, later lived in the South Wedge and has also spent a lot of time in NYC. He is now retired and lives with his partner of 20 years, James Graves, in Brighton. An Army vet, Tim recently recorded an oral history for the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans.

The City Engineers Records Collection was started at the same time as the Phelps and Gorham Purchase of 1789.

Tim said, “Everybody that needed information had to come to me – for master plans, capital improvements, environmental studies. We would hear from special collections, the EPA, etc. – anyone needing information about any project that dealt with city history and infrastructure. It was a learning process for me over 23 years, to document the information, which was all from primary source materials.

“It was a unique position that doesn’t exist anymore, a position that crossed all boundaries and borders. The job was like Christmas morning every day – you never knew what you’d find. The highest accomplishment was the documentation of the Olmsted park system in the city of Rochester.”

Tim’s favorite public building in the city is the Rundel Public Library. He said, “Morton Rundel was a cousin of George Eastman and had an art gallery. He left millions to the city for the construction of a central library with an art division, and left a lot of art to the city. The Library was constructed as part of a ‘City Beautiful’ movement plan in the first decades of the 20th century. It’s an imposing building inside and out and is dedicated to ‘the self-improvement and education of the individual.’ So it also serves a noble purpose. It’s built over the oldest water race in the city. I volunteer there twice a week in the city historian’s office, cataloguing the Lara photo negative collection, which is glass plate negatives from the 1930s to 1970s.”

His favorite private residence is a beautiful c. 1875 house on Arnold Park, where several mayors have lived.

Tim is on the board of the Highland Park Conservatory, and on two commit-

tees of the Landmark Society. He is cochair of the Olmsted subcommittee and also on the committee on preservation issues. He said, “I meet on a monthly basis with local historians for lunch at the Bausch & Lomb cafeteria – representatives from U.R. Rare Books, the Museum and Science Center, Landmark Society, City Hall and the Library, and local neighborhood historians.”

When asked his opinion about the current state of Midtown, Tim says, “I think it’s very unfortunate that the present city administration doesn’t appreciate buildings with historic importance. They could learn a lot from European countries, which value their old buildings and do not allow the use of the automobile to be of primary importance.”

Tim’s hobbies and interests include tending his vegetable garden and cooking.

“Last year was the second experiment in canning,” he says. The pickles apparently didn’t turn out too well, unless you like mush. Tim’s specialty dish is shrimps and scallops with artichoke hearts, roasted red

Tim at his favorite house on Arnold Park.

peppers, pasta and feta.

He said, “We like to stay home and kick back in front of the fire, because the house we live in now is very interesting – sort of 1950s California feng shui, front to back split level plan. JFK visited in the early ‘60s; the then owner of the house, Rose Ferro, was Monroe County Democratic Party chair and he was probably here for a reception.”

When they do go out for dinner, Tim and James enjoy Chen Gardens on Monroe. Tim likes the Little Bleu Cheese Shop at 684 South Ave., which he says is “part of the resurgent South Wedge.” And he admits, “Contrary to doctor’s orders, I still have a craving for the garbage plate at Nick Tahou’s!” ■

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

The Rochester Trans Group marched on Monroe Ave. on Nov. 24 to observe the Transgender Day of Recognition. Photos: Khoury Humphrey

Trans Group marches on Day of Recognition

By JoAnne Metzler It was cold, the thermometer showed 30 degrees and with the wind whipping around it felt like 10 below!

That didn’t prevent almost 20 people from marching on the corners of Monroe Ave. and South Goodman St. on Saturday, Nov. 24 in RTG’s (Rochester Trans Group) first ever march in observation of the Trans Day of Recognition.

The group walked back and forth each time the light changed, holding up signs with sayings like: “Honk 4 Trans” and “We Are Trans And We Vote!”

The signs were all made the week before by members of the Gay Alliance Youth Group, PFLAG and RTG with the guidance of Kelly Clark, the Intergenerational Program Director for the Gay Alliance and Anne Tischer, a famous Rochester based activist who with other local activists was vital in getting marriage

equality passed last year.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (as it’s also known) on Nov. 20 was started to honor Rita Hester who was murdered on Nov. 28, 1998. Hester’s death launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project in 1998 and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999.

Transgenderdor.org notes that her murder -- like most anti-transgender murder cases -- has yet to be solved. The Trans Murder Monitoring project reports that from Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2011, there have been 816 reports of people who died from antitransgender violence in 55 countries. It should be noted that this number is probably much lower than the actual figure, as it only represents known cases due to issues of language used in reporting the murders (different countries have different terms for being transgender or gender non-conforming) and due to the fact that not all trans people who are murdered are identified as trans.

This year, however, the RTG bor-

rowed an idea from the University of Montana and their Trans group (here’s a quote from their internet site:) “...perhaps it’s time to change our focus from the negative aspects of death, and make this a time to recognize the many who are living and fighting for their equality... we will now be referring to the Trans Day of Remembrance as the Trans Day of Recognition.”

So for their meeting on Saturday, Nov. 24, members of RTG and their allies marched for those who have been murdered because of hatred of trans people and also celebrated having the gift of being trans!

Realizing they couldn’t feel their toes, they returned to the Gay Alliance Community Center and joined with members of the Youth Group and Rainbow Seniors and all enjoyed a quite varied and delicious thanksgiving potluck dinner which included turkey and stuffing, two different mac-and-cheeses and even pizza! ■

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national and international (Cathedral from page 6) and for that we embrace you.”

Following recent victories for marriage equality across the country and particularly in Maryland and Washington, DC, the Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean of Washington National Cathedral, said, “It is now only fitting that the National Cathedral follow suit. We enthusiastically affirm each person as a beloved child of God—and doing so means including the full participation of gays and lesbians in the life of this spiritual home for the nation.”

Since the 1960s, many clergy have provided private blessings to gay and lesbian couples, but the Church had no official practice. Following the 2009 General Convention, the Church said bishops may provide “generous pastoral response” to gay couples, especially in states that allow civil unions or gay marriages. The Jan. 9 announcement is consistent with the adoption of a new liturgy for blessing same-sex unions at the denomination’s General Convention in August.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last Sunday sermon from the Canterbury pulpit of the Cathedral in 1968. In 2004, the state funeral service for President Ronald W. Reagan was held at the Cathedral. President Barack Obama and several other past presidents-elect have been in attendance for the presidential inaugural prayer service held at the Cathedral on Inauguration day.

“The Episcopal Church is one of a growing number of denominations to see a new day in the intersection of faith and sexual orientation and gender identity.

This is not only good for LGBT people, it is good for the soul of the church,” added Rev. Flournoy.

Jamaica may get anti discrimination law

By Maurice Tomlinson Mark Golding, Jamaica’s Minister of Justice, on Jan. 4 hinted that general antidiscrimination legislation may soon be introduced.

His comments came in response to a critical report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which addressed human rights abuses against LGBTs in Jamaica.

The Civil Service Staff Orders of 2004 (which have the force of law) already protect Jamaican civil servants from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

A general anti-discrimination law would simply extend this protection to all Jamaicans.

However, there will likely be strong opposition from the powerful and influential religious fundamentalists who effectively blocked broad anti-discrimination language from being included in the 2011 revision to Jamaica’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013 Golding did not address the country’s “buggery” laws, which provide for prison sentences of up to 10 years for male homosexual activity.

For more information, see the article “Specific laws needed to target discrimination – Golding” in RJR News online.

Rev. Nancy Wilson

First gay clergy member joins inauguration service The LGBT-inclusive nature of President Obama’s inauguration festivities carried over into the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., with the first participation by an openly gay clergy member.

The Reverend Elder Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, a largely LGBT denomination, gave the first reading of Scripture, a passage from the book of Isaiah, at the event. She was one of a diverse group of interfaith clergy to participate in the service, which was attended by President Obama and Vice President Biden.

In a blog post she wrote for the proLGBT interfaith group Believe Out Loud before the event, Wilson said she expected to be “exalting” at the service. “This exaltation is not for myself but for the millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who have longed for a safe place to call home,” she wrote. “Whether spiritual or physical, we need safe homes.”

In a statement released through GLAAD, she added, “President Obama prayerfully and respectfully stood up for LGBT equality during his campaign, and I am proud to stand with him.”

This was the 57th inaugural prayer service, and officials with the National Cathedral confirmed that Wilson was the first openly gay clergy member to participate.

Video of the entire service is available at the National Cathedral’s website; it can be viewed with Microsoft Silverlight or Windows Media Player.

Lesbian poker player wins tournament Out lesbian pro poker player Vanessa Selbst, who is engaged to be married, in January won over $1.4M at the PokerStars High Rollers Tournament, beating an all male field of players.

The talk before the High Roller final was of the record Vanessa Selbst looked certain to break. Selbst, 28, would become the highest-earning woman in poker if she finished fifth or better, overtaking Kathy

Leibert with more than $6 million to her name. In the end Selbst cleared that mark, by some way and in some style, winning the $25,000 High Roller title and a first prize of $1,424,420.

To consider Selbst’s career in mere numbers misses the enormity of her achievements. Since 2006 Selbst has won numerous major titles, including two World Series of Poker bracelets, two NAPT main events, and the Partouche main event. The PCA becomes the latest, and it won’t be the last.

Selbst says she plays for the money and joy of the game, not statistics, but the significance of her achievement isn’t lost on her. “There’s plenty of room for women to get involved in this game, to get really good at it, and to beat all the guys,” she said.

-JoeMyGod.com

PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford dies PFLAG mourned its founder on Jan. 9.

The group stated, “Today the world has lost a pioneer: Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Mother of the Straight Ally movement.

“Jeanne was one of the fiercest fighters in the battle for acceptance and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. It is truly humbling to imagine in 1972 -- just 40 years ago -- a simple schoolteacher started this movement of family and ally support, without benefit of any of the technology that today makes a grassroots movement so easy to organize. No Internet.

No cellphones. Just a deep love for her son and a sign reading ‘Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.’

“This simple and powerful message of love and acceptance from one person resonated so strongly it was heard by millions of people worldwide and led to the founding of PFLAG, an organization with more than 350 chapters across the U.S. and 200,000 members and supporters, and the creation of similar organizations across the globe.”

NOM hate group says gays deserve death At NOM Exposed on Jan. 15 Jeremy Hooper revealed a clip just posted by NOM on their anti-gay Rhode Island site in which the anti-gay Liberty Counsel’s Matt Barber says homosexuality is a “sin that is selfdestructive,” before going on to declare that “the wages of sins is death.”

Gay blogger Joe Jervis wrote, “While NOM has historically been relatively circumspect in their condemnations of LGBT people, by posting Barber’s words, NOM has endorsed his message.”

Hooper writes of the below clip and another one posted by NOM: “I actually think I might be underselling the two videos. I’m not kidding you — it doesn’t get much worse than these two clips! They are not just anti–marriage equality — these are proudly anti-LGBT videos that denigrate us in every single way imaginable. These videos are from the most extreme fringe of this debate. They would make even some outspoken conservatives blush. The videos I just described to you are now forever to the National Organization For Marriage’s Rhode Island strategy. The organization is pushing them on its official website as a ‘preview of what the same-sex marriage movement is about’ and telling supporters to share them widely.”

-JoeMyGod.com UPDATE: Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to approve marriage equality on Jan. 22. The bill went to the House for a vote on Jan. 24 and passed by 51–19. A Senate vote comes next.

They must not have visited the NOM website. ■

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

Gay Alliance Youth Host PANCAKE BRUNCH FUNDRAISER To Benefit Ali Forney Center in NYC Sunday, February 17 Two seatings: 12:30 & 2pm Gay Alliance Community Center 875 E. Main Street, Rochester HELP US HELP OTHER YOUTH! Tickets: $10 at Equal Grounds & Outlandish

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february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

From Our Readers Long Term Care gets more expensive, especially for single women To The Editor: One of the fastest growing health issues is the growth of Long Term Care, with over 50 percent being from cognitive impairment. As our population ages it is important to plan for this health change because it is expensive and is not covered by existing Medical Insurance or any new benefits from the Health Care Reform act of 2010. In fact, the Class Act was cancelled last year as unaffordable. That means each of us must plan and pay for our own care with our own resources until depleted.

However, planning for the consequences of a health change caused by Alzheimer’s or other physical change is going to get harder, especially for women trying to use Long Term Care insurance as a solution. Insurer’s analyzing claims data have found claims cost to be significantly higher for women than men, primarily because women live longer than men. While Life Insurance has typically been gender-based rates, Long Term Care insurance has typically been unisex rates.

That is about to change as insurers have been battered by historically low interest rates, and must adjust their models.

The first to see the impact of these changes will be single women, who will see as much as a 40 percent increase over the rate for a single man.

Couples typically get a couples discount, which is available to both married couples and those in a committed relationship. This discount will be maintained because it reflects a blended claims

risk… the assumption being that the couple is heterosexual.

How these changes will impact the gay community is anybody’s guess, so it is paramount that those who have not yet developed a plan start planning now.

Thomas Mulford For more comprehensive article, contact Thomas Mulford, CLTC, LTCP at Northfield@frontier.com or phone (585) 3813668. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013 ■

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Shoulders to Stand On Shoulders to Stand On (partially reprinted from The Empty Closet, September 1973)

By Evelyn Bailey HISTORY AND GOALS OF GAY ALLIANCE OUTLINED. THE PAST. The gay liberation movement began in New York City in 1969 when gays finally became outraged enough at the regular police harassment that they fought back. The Stonewall Bar on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village was the scene of the first gay peoples’ rebellion. It was nurtured by that spirit in the late ‘60s which seemed to beckon oppressed peoples to stand tall.

The movement came to the Rochester area in October of 1970 when a student group was formed by Bob Osborne, Larry Fine, RJ Alcala and others and funded at the University of Rochester. The University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front attracted students and non-students from a wide surrounding area, and for several years served as a focal point for gay rights activities in the region. Early in 1973, it became evident that a city-based organization was needed.

NOW. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley was organized in July of 1973, and located in the Bull’s Head area of West Main St. Its membership represents a wide variety of ages and lifestyles, but there is a common imperative among them to bring about a change in those attitudes which have led to the severe oppression of homosexuals in this society. It tries, therefore, to be both an activist and a service organization. Activist because the legal and political basis for our oppression must be

attacked, and service because we want to nurture a new social environment which will foster a more positive self-image for gays, “Gay Pride”.

The organization bespeaks its name.

A cooperative alliance of many interest groups; political, legal, educational, and. social. The new center provides a home base for these interests.

FEBRUARY, 2013: We know the results of our political activism. We have the state passage of SONDA (Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act) and most recently the passage of Marriage Equality in 2011. Political successes do not happen in a vacuum. It is because the Gay Alliance has remained true to its founders’ vision of “a cooperative alliance of many interest groups: political, legal, educational and social” and I would add one more – religious, that we have been so successful in creating a welcoming, supportive and healthy environment for all members of our community.

Over the past 40 years, ordinary men and women have been leaders in gay community using their energy, time and talent to begin, incubate and give birth to over 260 LGBT organizations, agencies, and groups in Rochester, all a part of the Gay Alliance. In every part of the greater Rochester community, you will find gay men and women in leadership roles moving the community forward.

Here is a partial list of these “interest groups” that have strengthened the community and have helped to make Rochester the third most welcoming gay city in the country. The leaders in each were also leaders in the Gay Alliance.

Rochester Transgender Group, Atlantic Five O, Empire Bears, Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, Just Us Guys, Rainbow Sage, Rochester Butch/Femme

Above: Down this alley at the Genesee Co-op was the somewhat furtive entrance to the Gay Alliance Community Center, until the GAGV moved to the corner of Atlantic Ave. and Elton St. in 1990 (below.) The Alliance is now located at 875 E. Main St.

Gay Alliance and its continuing vision of a cooperative alliance of many interest groups: political, legal, educational, social, and religious. Shoulders To Stand On is proud of all of the women and men who have made this happen. Congratulations to YOU! ■

History Corner: February 1973

Connection, Lesbian Resource Center, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers, Gay Father’s Group, Rochester CD Network (Cross Dressers), RGMC (Gay Men’s Chorus), RWC (Rochester Women’s Chorus), Greater Rochester Gay and Lesbian Business Forum (GRGLBF), Out & Equal, Gay Picnic, Gay Pride Parade, Come Out & Play, Triangle Talks, GAGV Youth Group, MOCHA, Team Rochester (Gay Olympics), Image Out Film Festival, Open Arms MCC, Dignity-Integrity, RSCD Task Force on GLBT Issues for Students & Faculty, RATFA (Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS), ACT Up, Gay Political Caucus, Log Cabin Republicans, Women’s Peace Encampment, ESPA, NOW, Women Against Violence Against Women, Take Back the Night Marches, AIDS Rochester, Rape Crisis Center, GLSEN, PFLAG, Lambda Kodak, GLOBAL (B & L), Galaxy (Xerox), GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances in area schools); campaign managers for men and women running for political office: Tim Mains, Susan John, Bill Pritchard, Matt Haag.

Shoulders to Stand On is proud of the

From a monthly newsletter of the University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front, February, 1973. HAPPENINGS: SUN 4 FEB: “WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT BEING GAY?” A Norman Vincent A-Pealing view of Gay life. 7:30 pm NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: Meets at the Music Lounge at 7:30pm and moves to another location.

SUN 11 FEB: Tenderness Hearts and Flowers. Bring original or plagiarized love poems and thoughts about gay tenderness.

Todd Union Music Lounge 7:30 pm WED 14 FEB. GAY RADIO SHOW, WCMF-FM 98.5 Mhz. Midnite WCMFFM will feature an hour long program by and for Rochester area gays. The program will appear weekly beginning Wednesday, Feb. 14 at midnight.

SAT 17 FEB: DANCE! Danforth Dining Center 9pm – 1am. 75c with U of R. ID card. OTHERS $1.50. BAND: Major Bummer SUN 18 FEB: “GLF LIBRARY” Our Gay Librarian takes you on a cruise through the books. 7:30pm Todd Union Music Lounge SUN 25 FEB: “FUNKY GAY KITCHEN”. A non-meeting meeting about fun, food and intimate conversation. A chance to get your taste buds off on organic foods. 7:30 pm Todd Union Music Lounge. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

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 Street Life

By Eric Bellmann Manhattan is a pedestrian culture.

Everyone walks.

Even in winter. The weather is never as harsh as it is here.

One aspect of urban life there is the ubiquitous presence of panhandlers. Who knows what their stories are? Homeless, addicts, con men, all of these, something else, or none of the above. It doesn’t matter. One just averts one’s gaze and continues on.

The beggars cluster in high traffic areas -- intersections, near subway entrances, outside bodegas, never in poor neighborhoods -- what’s the point? And oddly, not in the very posh enclaves of the upper east side.

My friend Sally drives me wild. She has never passed a bum without reaching into her purse and giving him a couple of bucks. Rarely is it a woman asking for alms on the street. And music lover that she is, if it’s someone in a subway playing an accordion or another instrument, she’s good for $5.

In one of my meditation books I came across a suggestion. The writer, a Buddhist teacher, advises the reader to plan a time and then give money to homeless people, the very souls I cringe at as I pass them on the street. It’s an intriguing notion and, I think, worth my attention.

My friend J. in Chicago is a committed Libertarian and this idea flips him out, not that that matters to me. J. is a devotee of Ayn Rand and his take would be to help people find jobs so they become self sufficient. I don’t have time or resources for that. But I do visit New York often and there, unlike here in Rochester, one passes people all the time who have hand-printed signs proclaiming hardship.

So I thought I’d give the suggestion a try.

Beggars can be creepy. They look terrible. How could they not? Despite the collective habit of walking in New York which insists on forging onward and never making eye contact, I walk slowly, look up at buildings, check out good looking men, try to imagine what their stories are. Possibly that’s a lingering aftereffect of a lifetime of cruising casually, now of course without any hope, only curious about people and regularly entranced with the sheer beauty of men who seem to be

everywhere. I am always looking. Sometimes I think the evidence of God is that He created so many men with narrow hips and wide shoulders. Never an ass man, now I turn and check out butts.

My love of Art knows few boundaries.

Enough of that. Back to the Buddhist teacher’s suggestion. I decided that over one recent visit to Manhattan I would give a buck to anyone who was asking for a handout. To prepare I collected a handful of one dollar bills, clipped them together and slid them into my shoulder bag.

Initially it’s rather simple. You just put a buck into the cup. You don’t have to make eye contact and you can keep up your walking pace. Right away I realized there was a range of responses from zip to “thanks” to “God bless you.” Giddy with my new behavior, I reported my exemplary behavior to my friend Sally. “Are you giving to everyone or just the people who ask?” Bitch.

OK, re-assess my strategy. Giving to everyone, which seems more in line with the teaching, will now include giving to someone with several hundred dollars worth of visible tattoos, male or female, smoking a joint and very blasé. Am I up for that? I don’t recall the advice I read including making judgments. Not entirely happy with this adjustment I reconcile and accept: a deal is a deal.

Once I’m back in my groove I play, however briefly, with my role as lady bountiful. To a man jingling change in a cup I say, “You know that’s rather annoying. You don’t have to do that.” He kind of smiles.

My newfound behavior has several effects. I feel good about myself. Actually I feel a little too good about myself.

I am overly pleased with myself. I am smug. I am using the hardship of people to enhance my self worth. It’s a very slimy feeling.

Then too, I figure anyone who has found himself in the situation of sitting on a sidewalk has made a decision I cannot question. What would go wrong in my life that would cause me to find myself in a similar situation? So, it goes on. Eventually I look for people.

There’s a variation on my behavior that I have mixed feeling about: I’m a smoker.

You may not know this but it is nearly impossible to find places where smoking is allowed. Not in hotels, not in restaurants, not in parks (!) and not in your own home if it’s a condo or a smoke free building. So, people smoke on the streets.

And people ask you for cigarettes.

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Actually the usual behavior is to offer you a dollar for a cigarette which costs about $10 a pack. FYI I’ve had businessmen, no doubt trying to quit smoking, who have accosted me, offering to buy a cigarette.

So I gave away cigarettes. It helps that I buy them from the Indian reservation where they remain a bargain. This generosity elicited the best reactions. Guys were really, really happy.

On my last day in New York, a Sunday morning when the streets were empty, as I walked up 8th Avenue to Penn Station, I saw a man, perhaps in his mid-thirties.

He was inspecting the contents of a corner trashcan. I guess I must have stopped to look in a store window because at the next intersection there he was again, ahead of me, this time lifting out of the trash can a pair of discarded trousers. Without hesitation, I reached into my wallet, pulled out a twenty and handed it to him. “Oh, papi, thank you, God bless you.” I don’t think I looked him in the face but as I continued walking I started to weep.

One bottom line is that over the course of a week I gave away about as much money as I’d spend on a good shirt or a pair of cheap shoes. I can only wear one shirt and one pair of shoes at a time.

I have too many shirts and more shoes thanI know what to do with.

I consider that the point of the Buddhist teacher’s suggestion was that both the giver and receiver experience generosity. The act of giving someone a handout is not the sum of the experience. Of equal value is to be open to the expressed gratitude, when and if that comes. The emotions experienced receiving gratitude were beyond my imagination.

I have done that which was mine to do.

Email: elbcad@rit.edu

Faith Matters Young white men in crisis

By Rev. Irene Monroe The most recent massacre, the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, took the lives of 6 and 7 year-olds. It has shaken our nation to its core.

The enormity of this devastation is incalculable. There are the small coffins of the victims killed during a holiday season at a tender age. It is also the death of the safety of a Norman Rockwellian era.

We now know that none are safe.

This shooting, like so many others before, has sparked a debate on gun control and the need for adequate healthcare for our nation’s mentally ill. But glaringly omitted from the national discourse is the motive of these mass shootings that are reported predominantely within a specific demographic group – young white privileged men.

“I think we need to examine critically the fact that most mass shootings are done by young, white, relatively economically privileged males. What is it about their socialization that results in the manifestation of their mental illness in a rage-fueled carnage of this magnitude? If we don’t ask these questions, along with all the others, I fear we are missing an important factor in this and other mass shooting tragedies,” wrote an academic administrator from UMass Boston in an email to me.

The Columbine High School massacre in 1999 involved two young white males, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.

Both were from an affluent suburb of Colorado. Their massacre of schoolmates called attention to the killers next door.

At least for a while. Loners wearing trench coats dominated the news then faded into the background.

This oversight in examination might be one of the reasons mass shootings by white young men from middle class families seems to be happening more frequently.

For example, a list of mass shoot-

ings compiled by the online blog “Think Progress” of this specific demographic group reveals, not including Newtown, that this year alone there have been seven: December 11, 2012. On Tuesday, 22-year-old Jacob Tyler Roberts killed 2 people and himself with a stolen rifle in Clackamas Town Center, Oregon.

September 27, 2012. Five were shot to death by 36-year-old Andrew Engeldinger at Accent Signage Systems in Minneapolis, MN. Three others were wounded.

Engeldinger went on a rampage after losing his job, ultimately killing himself.

August 5, 2012. Six Sikh temple members were killed when 40-year-old US Army veteran Wade Michael Page opened fire in a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Four others were injured, and Page killed himself.

July 20, 2012. During the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, CO, 24-year-old James Holmes killed 12 people and wounded 58.

May 29, 2012. Ian Stawicki opened fire on Cafe Racer Espresso in Seattle, WA, killing 5 and himself after a citywide manhunt.

April 6, 2012. Jake England, 19, and Alvin Watts, 32, shot 5 black men in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in racially motivated shooting spree. Three died.

February 27, 2012. Three students were killed by Thomas “TJ” Lane, another student, in a rampage at Chardon High School in Chardon, OH. Three others were injured.

The problem of young white males and mass shootings has been screaming out at us for some time, culminating unfortunately with the recent massacre at Sandy Hook.

Getting to the why for these specific type of shootings predominantely from this demographic group is not as mysterious or elusive as it is purported to be.

Hugo Schwyzer, a Pasadena City College professor of history and gender studies, is a white male who offers a compelling premise. He wrote in his article “Why Most Mass Murderers Are Privileged White Men” that, “White men from prosperous families grow up with the expectation that our voices will be heard. We expect politicians and professors to listen to us and respond to our concerns. We expect public solutions to our problems. And when we’re hurting, the discrepancy between what we’ve been led to believe is our birthright and what we feel we’re receiving in terms of attention can be bewildering and infuriating.

Every killer makes his pain another’s problem. But only those who’ve marinated in privilege can conclude that their private pain is the entire world’s problem with which to deal. This is why, while men of all races and classes murder their intimate partners, it is privileged young white dudes who are by far the likeliest to shoot up schools and movie theaters.”

While I contest that the overarching problem is that the construction of most male masculinities perpetuates a violent patriarchal society, Schwyzer’s analysis should invite dialogue. If the men were males of color, poor white males or Muslim, these recurring mass shootings would be stereotypically explained as inherent to their make-up, affirming and fueling continued fear of them.

Male violence in this country is too easily associated with poor white males and males of color, ignoring that male violence is, unfortunately, a universal problem regardless of social and economic class. And will continue to be so as long as patriarchy rules the day.

How male violence expresses itself depends on the demographic group.

Every country needs to stem the havoc it wreaks.

There is even more tragedy from the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School — young men need mental health help. Young males of color, poor white males, and other marginalized male subgroups in this country, and even young privileged white males. Is anybody listening?

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Cleaning My Closet WORD WORRIES

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger Asspuppy? I do not now encounter nor have I ever encountered an asspuppy. I could be wrong. Actually I have no idea what an asspuppy is. So, I suppose, I could, this very minute, be surrounded by a whole litter of asspuppies.

Asspuppy. A fascinating word. Amusing to chant… asspuppy, asspuppy, asspuppy. %*#&@! Swear words are intriguing. I cherish heirloom stories of naughty utterances. Such a time, big sister, first born, sweet daughter, a mere three-ish toddler, toddled, as toddlers are wont to do, across spring green grass to garden’s edge. Bending down to a blooming tulip, little Wodgie said “Hello you little son of a bitch.” And the day I first used a curse word in range of my mother’s ears. Consequently experiencing the literal delivery of “I should wash your mouth out with soap!” Ivory, 99.99% pure. The giant, double bar.

I played with words for a living. I helped my giggling ninth grade student find the other spelling of “dike.” The word he really wanted to discuss. I started the school year by instructing my seniors to copy some word definitions: vagina, penis, homosexual, heterosexual, feminine, masculine, gender, sex. Then they had to write an essay explaining what those words had to do with AP English.

I do wonder if asspuppies grow up to be assdogs. And would that be good or bad? I also wonder why the Pakistani government put “asspuppy” on their list of Banned Texting Vocabulary. Wonder if anybody has posted the definitions of those 1,108 forbidden words. (Urban Dictionary knows the answers.)

Once the word list was disseminated, reactions were swift. The Directory of Naughty Nouns and Virulent Verbs aroused social media mavens, Facebook fanatics, and tweet junkies. Instantly trillions of texters glommed onto new gross words. Then I became engrossed.

Yes, Pakistan does have a constitution that guarantees freedom of speech.

But. A while back (May 2012) the Minister of Nasty determined that freedom of vocabulary needed reasonable restrictions.

Reasonable restrictions include wicked words like bazooms, Kotex, and two misspellings of “idiot.” Disgusting words include the usual felons like “fuck” and company. And, no surprise, any word associated with non-heterosexual beings.

The catalog has an astonishing assortment of all body parts that have ever been associated with Recreational Pseudo-procreation Procedures. (They did overlook eyelashes.) Their Eraser Department successfully amassed 64 distinct forms of “fuck” and 52 variations of “ass.” Some suggestive animals cannot be mentioned… any form of feline, canine, and male domestic bovine. Some taboo groceries: breast, butt, corn, mango, whiskey, and KY Jelly.

Almost all bodily functions, including “barf” and “spit” are prohibited. Oh my stars! I resent the exclusion of those two versatile words, part of my personal herstory. In the fifties “barf” was an impudent insult, a belittling response spewed by me and my adolescent friends.

And spit? My mother, a gentle womyn and a lover of words, could, on occasion, be heard to grumble “I am so mad I could spit.” In dire stress she could spit nails.

Today I am so furious I could spit nails. Some words anger me. All while the Pakistani government is fussing about the idiots, IDOITS, and ID10TS writing shameful words, important problems like poverty are glossed over.

Last year’s statistics show that Pakistan had a 75 percent poverty rate. Most of their

impoverished are women and girls. Some person has named that dreadful situation “The Feminization of Poverty.” Feminization? Feminization means to increase the importance of women in an activity.

It means to make it more appropriate for women. Absurd. Their White-out Manager who expunged “Trailer Trash” and “Kmart” needs to forbid “Feminization of Poverty.”

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government is vexed about the spread of dangerous homosexuality. I wonder if dangerous homosexuality is a strain different from America’s regular, every day, everywhere homosexuality. In any case, the powers that be, over there, have instituted seminars teaching parents and teachers to identify latent homosexuality.

Danger signs identified: boys who show affection for V-neck t-shirts. And boys who wear spectacular, sleeveless shirts. School boys who favor fashionbe-damned tight, light-colored clothes.

Guys who have chiseled physiques.

Lads who dangle their large handbags.

(V-neck will probably be nominated for a spot on the Bad Word List.)

Malaysian baby-lesbians, it seems, wear no wardrobe warnings. Fortunately hints are evident in their behaviors.

Homo-girls shun the company of boys.

Fact: lesbians are “people attracted to women.” Fact: Malaysian lesbians like to eat, sleep, and hang out in the company of other women. And girls wanting to sleep in a bed with girls, the government notes, might be a clue.

To fight the scourge, government advisors will run preventative camps for effeminate boys, will coach them how to butch up. Will explain the importance of avoiding sleep-overs. Details of the de-gaying measures have not been announced. And there was no information released about camps designed to de-butch little lesbians.

(I think, in our country, the boys’ Butch-up Camps are provided by the Big N Group: Nike, NRA, and NFL. The girls’ Butch-down Camps are sponsored by the Big A conglomerates, Anorexia R Us and Air Brush Inc.) And so it goes. Words catch my attention. Raise my hackles. Give me a laugh.

Or a jolt.

“Rape” is such a word. It is a word that should forever be banned. Because it has been contaminated.

In India, a woman, just 25 years old, was raped. The lawyer for three of her assailants said that he has never heard of a “respected lady” being raped.

In America, an elected official believes in “legitimate rape.”

Raped? She asked for it.

Transgender person raped? Deserved it.

Butchy dyke lesbian raped? Needed a real man to set her straight.

“Rape” is a word that should forever be banned. Because it is not connected to truth. Because it is never simply rape.

In India, a young woman was kidnapped and gang-raped by six men. The respected lady student was torture-raped by six violent criminals and an iron rod.

The sadistic villains threw her naked body out of the moving bus.

The brutally-raped woman suffered severe brain injuries. The victim suffered massive internal injuries. Doctors removed 95 percent of her intestines. She suffered a heart attack and abdominal infections. She died.

Jyoti Singh was murder-raped by six treacherous predators.

We all know that. The report went virile. Texts, tweets, Facebook posts, the news at six and eleven.

Well, that was Over There, where they abort female fetuses. Over here, we are civilized. Here, in our country, a destructive-rape happens every two minutes and 97 percent of the raping-felons never spend a day in jail. No outrage in the media.

In our country, “rape” is a word that means “who cares.”

MeredithElizabethReiniger@frontiernet.net

Inspiritual F is for Fog

By Rev. Dr. Sharon Jacobson I was looking at the image on our website’s homepage and the fog, which hovered over the water and the mountains, caught my attention.

The fog seemed heavier in some spots than others. As a result, I could see the details in some areas more than others.

It reminded me of when I was driving through fog and I could barely see what was ahead of me. However, as I moved through the fog in faith, a few feet at a time, I always reached my destination.

Sometimes I had to slow down and focus on being mindful of where I was and what I could see, but I made it through.

Physically fog can be caused in a number of ways. In the most simple of terms, most fogs occur when warm air blows or hovers over a cold surface such as snow or a cold water mass. It is that interaction between warmth and coldness which creates the fog.

Spiritual fog, that’s what I call it, seems to occur when the energy of others hovers over the energy of the Infinite in our lives or vice versa. Some may think of this spiritual fog as an obstacle to one’s spiritual growth, but it is a gift from the universe. It is an opportunity for us to work through those thoughts and beliefs, which no longer work in our lives and separate us from our relationship with the Divine.

Don Miguel Ruiz in his book “The Four Agreements” tells the story of The Smoky Mirror. Here he talks about the fog as being “made by the interpretation of images of light – the Dream of humans.”[1] This fog, the dream of the planet, as defined by Sheri Rosenthal, is the “combined energetic structures of beliefs, roles, and concepts that all the humans on our planet simultaneously dream and project onto one conjoined reality.”[2] As long as we agree to the beliefs, roles, and concepts of this dream, we are not aware of the fog, of which we are a part. However, once we begin to break with this structure, we become aware of the fog and then can begin to work to examine our own beliefs and agreements.

We begin this process of becoming warriors, “one who is fighting for freedom from her own domestication and social conditioning. She is free from needing to link her self-worth to the beliefs, thoughts, and wishes of her fellow human, free to be happy no matter what happens in life.”[3] The process of doing so, of moving through the fog, is about the process of releasing our attachments to opinions, emotional reactions, and things and moving towards a space of being in service to the Infinite. It is about the process of moving from the Dream of the Human/Planet to the Dream of Heaven, which “refers to heaven on earth for a Warrior; a life of beauty, unconditional love, grace, selfacceptance, inner peace, and happiness.”[4] The fog, in this case, goes from being

23

a state in which we live unconsciously to a state where we are aware of the fog and are on a journey of moving through it, as we move to a higher level of consciousness, awareness, and relationship with the Infinite. As I say all the time, it is all about the journey.

[1] Miguel Don Ruiz, (1997). The four agreements: A practical guide to personal freedom. (San Rafael, CA: AmberAllen Pub., The Smoky Mirror).

[2] Sheri A. Rosenthal, (2005). The complete idiot’s guide to Toltec wisdom.

(New York: Alpha Books. 321) [3] Sheri A. Rosenthal, (2005). The complete idiot’s guide to Toltec wisdom.

(New York: Alpha Books. 326) [4] Sheri A. Rosenthal, (2005). The complete idiot’s guide to Toltec wisdom.

(New York: Alpha Books. 321)

What’s Bothering Brandon?

Substituting clawfoot tubs for self-love

By Brandon Brooks When it comes to houses and interiors, you can find me in that old mansion on top of the hill -- the one at the end of the road that children fear, the one with drafty corridors and (preferably) leaded glass guillotine-style windows. Brass inlay marble flooring in the front foyer is always a plus, and if you want to really seal the deal, throw in some Neoclassical or Rococo wood paneling in the drawing rooms. Also, some footmen would do me well.

Every since I can remember really, I’ve been attracted to things that carry with them a story, a history and a tradition from the now-so-far-away “Old World.”

Old houses, antique furniture and furnishing occupy much space in the back of my mind, both because of their mysterious appeal and overall quality. The suburban monstrosities we create today out of particle board, faux stone siding and plastic veneers traumatize my eyes and pale in comparison to those houses and halls of the past -- they have no mystery and certainly the quality is sub-par to any antique you can find in an attic or barn storage.

I often wonder why I am drawn to these things. Am I attracted to the appeal of times past, or am I just a glutton for monetary punishment?

Either way, I’m willing to pay a higher price for something that is real and that will last for decades to come -- what I like to refer to as “forever furniture.” But could there be another reason why I, like so many other gay men, enjoy and surround myself with beautiful things? This question led me to the work of Dr. Alan Downs, clinical psychologist of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Author of The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World, Downs asserts that since gay men grow up in an environment where we are told “…that we are unlovable...” it makes it difficult for gay men in particu(Columnists continue on page 24)

24 (Columnists continued from page 23) lar to cultivate an internal sense of authenticity and self-worth. This in turn, causes gay men to “…chase down the affection, approval and attention doled out by others…” while neglecting that which we can supply ourselves (Downs, 2006, p. 25-26).

Downs identifies that many gay men are often left without this developed internal ability to cultivate self-worth, and are instead filled with shame and rage. This shame and rage are then compensated for externally, rather than internally regulated.

One way we as gay men externally compensate for shame and rage, Downs suggests, is by surrounding ourselves and/or immersing ourselves in careers, jobs and vocations that focus on the beautification of things. Hairdressers, interior designers, fashion designers and moguls, gym-rats and muscle queens, having a beautiful house filled with beautiful (and rare) expensive objects; all of these center around the idea of making something or someone more attractive, and more “ideal” (and often more masculine). These careers and activities are acknowledged and received as testaments of beauty, sexiness, and attractive appeal by most individuals and this positive reception is eagerly internalized by gay men as a sign of approval. Downs states that gay men seek out and use this external approval as an indirect means of finding acceptance and, overall, love.

Now, I’m not sure that my love of all things Rococo directly translates to a lack of an ability to internally cultivate self-worth and love. I also do not presume that anyone who cares about their appearance, LGBT or otherwise, is really compensating for a lack of selflove. However, I must admit, I do not think it a coincidence that most gay men are successful at some form of external beautification. We seem to think that if we appear beautiful, reside in beautiful places, or make others beautiful, handsome, masculine or sexy, that this will grant us the love and acceptance we are all too often denied and so desperately crave and deserve. And to be honest, I know I’m not decorating my house for my eyes only. After all, it’s no fun to be pretty if no one sees you being it.

At the end of the day, however, I know that a beautiful house does not necessarily mean a beautiful soul. Despite my attempts to polish my silver to brilliancy (I told you I needed a footman), I know that the only thing I should be polishing up on is my ability to cultivate my own sense of worth -- abstracted from my collection of antique furniture. With the New Year already upon us, we should all learn to take inventory on ourselves instead of inventory on the silver. It may be harder and harder to live up to that blue China, as it was for Mr. Wilde, but there are better and more important things than our Blue Willow settings, such as loving ourselves.

Questions, comments or critique? Feel free to email the author at brandon-

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013 brooks@mail.adelphi.edu Citation: Downs, A. (2006). The velvet rage: Overcoming the pain of growing up gay in a straight man’s world.

Cambridge, Massachusetts: De Capo Press

Legally Equal DOMA

By Marcus Kroll On October 18, 2012, a groundbreaking decision by the United States 2nd Circuit (in New York) found that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violated equal protection, and was therefore unconstitutional.

Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer lived as a couple for over 44 years, and were married in Canada in May 2007. In 2009, Thea died and Edie filed a federal estate tax return claiming the right, as a spouse, to inherit Thea’s estate free of estate taxes. The federal government denied her this right, and instead treated Edie as a complete stranger. This case highlights the disparity between Federal Law and the law of some states, such as New York, and brings to the forefront whether marriage is a Federal issue or a State issue.

The first issue to be decided was whether or not Edie and Thea were actually married at the state level. New York State passed its own Marriage Equality Act on June 24, 2011. However, the issue was whether or not their 2007 marriage in Canada was recognized by New York at Thea’s death in 2009. The court concluded that at the time of Thea’s death, New York did recognize a valid same-sex marriage so long as it was legal at the time and in the place where it occurred.

Having found that the marriage was valid under New York State law, the court then applied a concept known as “intermediate scrutiny” to the facts of the case. Intermediate scrutiny is a standard of review applied to sex-based classifications. In order for a law to pass this test, it must be demonstrated that the law furthers an important government interest in a way that is substantially related to that interest.

The court justified this level of scrutiny because they found that homosexuals as a group have historically endured persecution and discrimination; homosexuality has no relation to aptitude or ability to contribute to society; homosexuals are a discernible group with non-obvious distinguishing characteristics; and the class remains a politically weakened minority.

The Obama administration has instructed the Justice Department not to defend DOMA. As a result, the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group, a House Panel under the leadership of Paul Clement (a former Solicitor General under President George W. Bush) took the case. In defending DOMA, it was argued that DOMA maintains a uniform definition of marriage; it saves government resources; it preserves a traditional understanding of marriage and it encourages responsible procreation.

The court found that maintaining a uniform definition of marriage and saving government resources were important government interests, but DOMA itself was not substantially related to supporting those interests. They also found that preserving a traditional understanding of marriage was not an important government interest.

As a result of this decision, Section 3 of DOMA was found to violate the Equal Protection Clause and is therefore unconstitutional. Since this decision, this case will come before the Supreme Court for review of the same-sex marriage issue on March 26. Other Circuit Courts have come to a different conclusion and upheld DOMA. ■

Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday at 4pm, closed on Mondays 1550 Route 332, Farmington, NY 14425 • 585-924-8000 Happy Hour: 4-6pm, Tuesday-Friday www.proseccoitalianrestaurant.com

february 2013 • number 464 • 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.

Dignity-Integrity 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 months of February 2013.

1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music.

3rd Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel.

4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed by a Potluck Supper.

The season of Lent comes early this year, so our Potluck Theme is “Soup and Bread”. Bring along your favorite bread or make up a yummy soup to share. No time to cook? Just bring yourself and a friend or two and join us for food and conversation!

The 6th Annual Christmas Hymn Sing was held on Friday, Dec. 28. Tim Schramm did a stellar job leading us once again in singing all our favorites.

Feb. 16 is our Winter Cabin Party from 4:30 to 9 p.m. We’ll provide paper goods and beverages, and the location comes equipped with a fireplace so it will be roaring when you arrive. Bring munchies or a dish to pass (we’ll eat around 5:30 p.m.) and perhaps a party game such as cards or Scrabble. To save yourself and your friends a seat for at this event, call the Hotline at 585-234-5092 and someone will get back to you promptly! Hope you can join us!

EMPIRE BEARS It’s winter, but the BEARS do come out to play, so join us. You can find us every Wednesday evening, having 6 p.m. supper at The Wintonaire with our favorite waitress, Becky. She’ll know your name and favorite meal by next week.

Or you could meet us at our monthly potluck, the second Saturday of the month at the GAGV. Enter at the rear, off Prince Street. We’ll be there early on Feb. 9, before 6:30, because there’s a show going on, and parking will be tight. We’ll play cards and games after stuffing ourselves.

Or you might run into us catching a movie at The Cinema on Tuesday, line dancing at 140 Alex on Wednesday, rehearsing with the Gay Men’s Chorus on Thursday, or meeting friends at The Forum on Saturday. Members are on the email list to keep up with events.

The Empire Bears is a social club for gay men, most of whom are larger-sized and middle-aged, but we have friends of all sizes, ages, and interests, and enjoy meeting new ones. Try us.

Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church We’re going home...back to the city that is. After a handful of years in the suburb of Chili, the consensus from congregants and visitors alike is that they wish the church were still located in the heart of Rochester.

So a “For Sale” sign graces the front yard of the charming white church that Open Arms MCC has inhabited for the last six years. It is hard to argue against a move which will bring the church congregation closer to like-minded progressive people who are concerned about social justice and looking for vibrant spirituality within a welcoming religious fellowship.

In the meantime it is business as usual in the church. Sunday Service continues at 10:30 a.m. each week, graced with our Rainbow Rangers Children’s Ministry.

Drop in some Sunday at 740 Marshall

Road, Rochester 14624. For more information call (585) 271-8478 or check our website: http://openarmsmcc.org.

Rochester Trans Group It was cold, the thermometer said 30 degrees and with the wind whipping around it felt like 10 below!

Only that didn’t prevent almost 20 of us from marching on the corners of Monroe Ave. and South Goodman St. on Saturday, Nov. 24 in RTG’s (Rochester Trans Group) first ever march in observation of the Trans Day of Recognition.

We walked back and forth each time the light changed, holding up signs with sayings like “Honk 4 Trans” and “We Are Trans And We Vote!” The signs were all made the week before by members of the Gay Alliance Youth Group, PFLAG and RTG with the guidance of Kelly Clark, the Intergenerational Program Director for the Gay Alliance and Anne Tischer, a famous Rochester based activist who with

her partner Bess Watts, was vital in getting marriage equality passed last year. The RTG thanks you all!

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (as it’s also known) on Nov. 20 was started to honor Rita Hester who was murdered on Nov. 28, 1998. Hester’s death launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project in 1998 and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Transgenderdor. org notes that her murder – like most antitransgender murder cases -- has yet to be solved.

The Trans Murder Monitoring project reports that from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011, there have been 816 reports of people who died from antitransgender violence in 55 countries. It should be noted that this number is probably much lower than the actual figure, as it only represents known cases due to issues of language used in reporting the murders (different countries have different terms for being transgender or gender non-conforming) and due to the fact that not all trans people who are murdered are identified as trans.

This year, however, we borrowed an idea from the University of Montana and their Trans group (here’s a quote from their internet site) “...perhaps its time to change our focus from the negative aspects of death, and make this a time to recognize the many who are living and fighting for their equality... we will now be referring to the Trans Day of Remembrance as the Trans Day of Recognition.”

25 So for our meeting on Saturday, Nov. 24, members of RTG and our allies marched for those who have been murdered because of hatred of trans people and celebrated having the gift of being trans! After not being able to feel our toes, we returned to the Gay Alliance Community Center and joined with members of the Youth Group and Rainbow Seniors and all enjoyed a quite varied and delicious Thanksgiving potluck dinner which included turkey, two different mac & cheeses and even pizza!

For our Saturday, Feb. 23 meeting, we’ve invited two enthusiastic speakers, Courtney Michie and Anne Tischer, to get us revved up about getting GENDA (Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act) passed as a law in New York State this year. Courtney is the Rochester organizer for ESPA (Empire State Pride Agenda) a political advocacy group that is working to get us our rights. Anne is that famous activist who with her partner Bess Watts, was instrumental and vital in getting marriage equality in New York passed last year. Both of these women are quite passionate about GENDA and we have this chance to hear them together.

We’ll also talk about going to Albany on Tuesday, March 30 for the Pride Agenda’s Equality & Justice Day, when we have the opportunity to talk to our legislators about our issues and that it’s past (way past) time to pass GENDA! So plan on being there on Saturday, Feb. 23.

(Community continues on page 26)

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

(Community continued from page 25) We meet in the Gay Alliance’s Community Center located in the Auditorium Theatre, 875 E. Main St. on the last Saturday of each month, between 3-5:30 p.m. Parking is available in the back of the theatre off of 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: www.rnytg.org or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ RochesterTransGroup. So plan on coming to a meeting, bring your questions, bring your answers, and meet people like yourself! See you on Feb. 23!

ROMANS ROchester MAle 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 21. 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 gayfriendly, who love to laugh and learn, and who enjoy nude social activities.

Our February nude volleyball and swim will be on the 2nd and our monthly meeting will be on the 16th. We are trying something different with our monthly meeting by going out to eat at a local restaurant. Of course it will be a clothed event. So if you want to check out Romans with your clothing on, our February meeting is your chance.

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. ■

Spring SpeakOUT Training

The Gay Alliance would like to invite you to participate in our Spring SpeakOUT Training: Providing Successful LGBT Education The Gay Alliance SpeakOUT Training prepares participants to educate others on LGBT issues in a respectful way, to successfully advocate for LGBT individuals and to address challenges to full LGBT inclusion. SpeakOUT participants become more confident and articulate while talking with others about LGBT issues. This is a great experience for someone new to LGBT issues or someone who has lived or worked with the issues for years.

Think of it as professional development for your life. This training is also the first step in becoming trained as a Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau member.

Facilitators: Jeanne Gainsburg, Gay Alliance OutReach Coordinator and Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director, draw upon their 30+ years of LGBT training and education experience to facilitate the class. A dynamic mix of interactive exercises and lecture make for a fast-paced, intense and valuable learning experience.

The SpeakOUT Training will run on Friday, March 22 from 6-9pm and on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30am-5pm and is $50 per person. It will be held in the Gay Alliance Community Center in the Auditorium Center (875 E. Main St. Rochester, NY 14605). We only offer this training twice a year and it fills fast, so don’t wait!

To register, go to: www.gayalliance.org/speakout.html. To ask questions or find out about paying through an invoice to your school, please contact: SpeakOUT@gayalliance.org or 585-244-8640 ext. 20. *ASL interpretation available if requested before March 6.

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Arts & Entertainment

The Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls to sing at Greentopia: an interview with Emily Saliers

By Susan Jordan The Indigo Girls will give a concert during the Greentopia festival on March 2, at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Ave. Emily Saliers recently answered some questions from The Empty Closet about music, the environment and her messages for young women and LGBT youth.

You’ll be performing at Greentopia here in March. Do you have strong feelings about environmental issues?

Yes, we have strong feelings about environmental issues because there’s only one earth

and we all share it. We do most of our environmental work with a group called Honor the Earth that focuses on environmental issues in indigenous communities. We have found that what we’ve learned in these communities is applicable to all environmental issues.

What musicians have inspired you the most?

For me personally, Joni Mitchell, when I was a very young songwriter in particular.

Her album “Hejira” was a seminal work in my life -- I can’t even describe how it inspired me and

also debilitated me because she was just too good a songwriter.

I also listen to this gospel group called Mary Mary. It’s these two sisters and their music is very stirring and inspirational. Some others that come to mind are Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and Heart; I love them and they totally inspired me.

What are you listening to now?

I’ve really been enjoying the Belle Brigade, their grandfather is composer John Williams, and their record from last year is probably my favorite record of the year. And I just – through a mix my friend sent me -- discovered a writer named Sarah Suskind, and I’m also listening to a good bit of Yo Yo Ma and classical music compilations.

The Gay Alliance has a flourishing youth group. Do you have a message for young women, or LGBT youth in general?

There is a blessing in being a minority with a strong vision for justice in the world. Young woman or LGBT youth inspire me in working towards equality for all. Find your own voice and celebrate it! ( Indigo continues next page)

27

Shaun Rice is Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family”

By Susan Jordan The 2013/2014 National Tour of the new musical The Addams Family, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, will make its Rochester premiere Feb. 5-10 at the Auditorium Theatre as part of the M&T Bank Broadway Season presented by RBTL & Albert Nocciolino. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster. com, 800.745.3000 and the Box Office.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune described the production as “classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!” and John Simon of Bloomberg News called it “uproarious! A glitzy-gloomy musical entirely worthy of the macabre drawings

by Charles Addams.”

The Addams Family features an original story that is every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before -- keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Shaun Rice plays lovably

Shaun Rice

weird Uncle Fester, who lights electric bulbs by putting them in his mouth. He recently answered some questions from The Empty Closet.

Empty Closet: Do you think of yourself as an actor first, or a comedian, or a singer? Or all of the above equally?

Shaun Rice: I definitely think of myself as a comedic actor first and then a singer second.

EC: When did you decide to go into show business and how did your career evolve? Was Broadway always your major aspiration?

SR: My family moved to Florida when I was going into the second grade – and the school I attended put a great deal of attention to the arts.

Each grade put on a class play – so I was bitten by the bug very early. I enjoyed my experiences with the school plays and choral performances so much that I convinced my parents to find me a local agent.

Being so close to Orlando, I had the opportunity to do some (Shaun continues next page)

The Addams Family cast. Photo: Scott Suchman

Khoury Humphrey’s “unframed” show opens at The Gallery at Equal=Grounds on Feb. 1.

ce

I ED N I D

Interview with Khoury Humphrey

Take your sweetheart out to dinner on Feb. 14

By Casey Sullivan Extraordinary multi-media artist and freelance photographer Khoury Humphrey moved to Rochester during the summer of 2012.

Inspired at a young age by his ( Khoury continues next page)

Looking for a new idea for Valentine’s Day? Why not treat your sweetie to dinner on Feb. 14 at one of the restaurants that supported the Gay Alliance Dines Out last October?

You can choose between Mexican, Tex Mex, Spanish, sushi, vegan, gourmet fine cuisine, or classic comfort food. A wide variety of choices for all tastes and pocketbooks can be found at these establishments: Benedettos, the Winfield Grill, Selena’s Mexican Restaurant, Jine’s, John’s Tex Mex, The Cellar Door in Fairport, Upstairs at 140 Alex Bar & Grill, The Owl House (many vegan choices), Piranha Sushi Bar, Banzai, Tapas 177 Lounge, Warfield’s High Point in Victor and the Gate House at Village Gate.

Bon appétit! ■

w

an

Khoury Humphrey’s multimedia series “unframed” will be exhibited at the Gallery @ Equal=Grounds this month.

Khoury Humphrey will be present during the reception on Friday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Khoury Humphrey’s series “unframed” was chosen by The Gallery @Equal=Grounds as the gallery’s THAW 2013. This city galleries collaborative deals with winter’s thaw and dripping water. Khoury combines inks, wax, alcohol, watercolor, glow-in-the-dark gel, and various forms of acrylic to deliver

the unique composition found in his work. The application is delivered by utilizing spray bottles, brushes, eyedroppers, blowing techniques, random items that he finds, and even his hands as a tool themselves.

The dates for this show are Feb. 1-28. ■

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Khoury Humphrey series thaws out at Equal=Grounds

t h e g ay

al

28 (Indigo from page 27) Anything you’d like to add?

I’d like to add that I’m looking forward to the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl because I’m a football freak. I’m looking forward to Obama keeping his promises to the LGBT community and I’m thankful for what he’s done so far. And I’m also reading a great book called Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter.

Concert tickets are $36.50. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8. Tickets are available at greentopiafestival.com, dansmallpresents.com, Abilene’s (153 Liberty Pole Way), and Greentopia (81 Browns Race) and may be charged by phone at 1-888-512-SHOW. ■

(Shaun from page 27) extra work on Nickelodeon shows and a few industrial films. I also got involved in a community theatre children’s group called The Carrollwood Players. I basically grew up in the community theatre world – eventually graduating to their adult mainstage shows, then directing both with the children’s and adult theatres, and finally becoming a board member.

Eventually, though, I left the world of community theatre to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. Since then, I’ve been very lucky to be steadily working and touring. While live theatre has always been my goal, Broadway itself never truly was (though don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t turn down a Broadway show if I was offered…). I’ve always just wanted to perform – and making a living at doing what I love has been what I’ve been striving for.

EC: What is your take on Uncle Fester? Is your Fester different from the one in the films in some ways, or just the same – already created for you?

SR: The characters in The Addams Family have appeared in so many different reincarnations over the years: The two movies where Fester was played (brilliantly) by Christopher Lloyd, the Saturday morning cartoon that I grew up with, the TV show and now the stage musical.

Our version tries to go back to the original source material for them all – which was the delightfully disturbing drawings of Charles Addams.

My Fester is meant to connect directly with the audience and sort of guide them through the Addams world. He has a very old school song-and-dance-man charm about him that makes him different from the movie versions. But his devotion to his family and the way he is almost entirely driven by his heart are still there.

EC: Is it harder creating a character in a farce than in a drama? Bruce Vilanch says writing comedy is much harder than drama. Is that true of performing as well?

SR: From a performance standpoint, I agree. Comedy is very difficult because you have to approach it like drama. Characters in a comedy almost NEVER find

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013 their situations comical – so as an actor you have to approach it as if it were the most serious drama ever. The moment you start to “play for a laugh” – you’re basically acknowledging that the situation is funny. It’s like laughing at your own joke – which always makes the joke less funny to your audience.

EC: What would be your ideal stage role, if you could pick anything?

SR: I’ve always wanted to play a villain – especially in something Disney. To be “evil” yet lovable at the same time is quite a challenge – and you always get the best songs.

EC: What should Rochester audiences know about this production?

SR: Well they should definitely know that they’ll be missing out if they miss this show. It’s such a charming and fun musical – with some dynamite singing and dancing to boot. Even if this is their first experience with The Addams Family, I think they’ll come away wanting more.

The message is so fundamental and pure – and in light of recent world and local events, it’s great to see a show about people learning that no matter how different we might seem from each other – we’re all the same deep down.

EC: Where did you grow up, and where is your hometown now? Do you love touring or loathe it?

SR: I mostly grew up in Tampa, Fla. – but have been back and forth between NYC and Tampa for about 10 years now.

I actually love touring – it’s not for everyone to be sure. But I love getting to see different parts of the world and always being on the go.

EC: You probably always get asked this, but how do you manage that light bulb?

SR: Well, don’t try this at home kids – but Fester defiantly likes playing outside during lightning storms! ■

(Khoury from page 27) father, Humphrey explored his creativity despite never having taken a formal art or photography class. His family provided a great source of encouragement and support while growing up. “I’d receive art supplies as my standard gift—even to this day.”

Armed with crayons and paper, Humphrey remembers waking up at 4:30 in the morning to watch the television show Pappy Drew It. Often he would become exasperated that his drawings rarely resembled what was shown on TV. “I always thought I had no natural talent, that I was a crummy artist.” Despite this, he recalls fondly, “My father always encouraged me though, [he] was always impressed.” In elementary school, his teacher entered one of his drawings into a contest, and won a judge’s award.

Humphrey comes to Rochester from southwestern Oklahoma. Although he admits that he is relatively new to the exhibitioner side of what he refers to as the “art world,” he expresses disdain towards

the pretention that many galleries emit.

He shares a disappointing story about the “art world” he experienced as a child with his father who was asked to leave the City Art Counsel Community Art Room because his style of dress (compared to a homeless biker) made other patrons uneasy.

Humphrey strongly opposes this type of uncivility and stifling of personal creative expression, especially from those who consider themselves as open minded as the art community. He also dislikes how art is generally not meant to be touched. He forces himself to resist the urge of reaching out when visiting other people’s galleries. “I want my artwork unframed — I invite people to touch my work. It’s a compliment to me. One sense isn’t enough for artwork.”

Outer space, dead trees, cephalopods, birds and human bodies are common themes found in his work. “I really enjoy dead trees for some reason—I suppose growing up in the land of the Great Plains, where droughts are common, contributed to that.”

Humphrey implements different methods into his work. His latest piece is a set, consisting of three individual paintings, and has yet to be titled. He asked me how many vultures I could see. Initially none stood out. “This might help,” he said, moving a black light over the piece.

“Look for the eyes.” And lo-and-behold, the eyes emanated an eerie glow. Like an optical illusion, once the vultures were pointed out, it was difficult to imagine how I missed them in the first place. “I like keeping things vague so the individual can interpret (my art) as they see fit.”

Last May, Humphrey received a sponsorship to showcase his work at the Arts for All Festival in Oklahoma. “I recall this woman nonchalantly walking in and saying ‘My pre-K kids make stuff like this every day.’ I wasn’t sure if she had just insulted me.” He laughs it off, but adds quickly, “I stay away from crayons as a medium for this reason.”

In lieu of crayons, Humphrey works with acrylics, watercolors, ink, wax, and alcohol. Through trial and error, he learned how to use wax to repel the ink, and how alcohol would dissolve the colors of the inks. In 2012, Humphrey spent a brief stint selling art on Venice Beach Boardwalk in Venice, California.

This was a turning point for his career as he explains, “It gave me the confidence I needed putting myself out there for the first time in my life.” He says jokingly, “I still owe the family I was living with new curtains from ink splatters.”

Elated to have his art displayed at Equal Grounds, Humphrey says, “This is a wonderful opportunity. I enjoy the people here, and they have been awesome.”

His next goal is to secure a permanent space for his studio. His dream project is to assemble a stegosaurus skeleton. “Those guys are just cute.” Humphrey’s work will be on display at the Gallery at Equal Grounds through the month of February.

For more information visit www.khouryhumphrey.com. ■

Karl Rogers

Red Dirt Dance presents The Metallic Series Karl Rogers, artistic director of Red Dirt Dance, will share The Metallic Series, an evening of dance centered around metallic objects: golden army men, silver pumps, bronzed tightywhities, nickels and glittering handbag latches. While the dances range between more abstract meditations of beauty to a depiction of unrequited love, each work delves into a unique theatrical world.

Rogers, Assistant Professor of Dance at The College at Brockport, crafts quirky movement that highlights the virtuosity of the body while calling attention to the theatricality of the everyday. When not accompanied

by Rochester’s music maven Carson Moody, Rogers’ choreography illuminates new perspectives on relationships among people, things and the world.

The Metallic Series invites the audience to consider their own perception of the human experience with dances rooted in the contemporary.

In “men i’d like to pillowfight”, Rogers vividly recalls moments from a queer childhood, while a DIY youtube video broadcasts directions on gilding. “upward panic,” performed

by Courtney Smith and Leah VerierDunn, artistic directors of Moving Ethos Dance Company of Sarasota, Fla., imagines the lives of two cubicle secretaries where one is desperately in love with the other.

Of the four pieces on the bill, two are world premieres — “Silver Thoughts” features local dancers Heather Roffe, Christina D’Amico, and Nicole Kaplan in episodes that all refract around nickels; “A Different Rabbit’s Moon,” a romp set to doo-wop songs, takes inspiration from Kenneth Anger films and will be performed by Tristan Koepke, from Minneapolis,

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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Travel

and Rogers.

See The Metallic Series on Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Multi-Use Community Center, 142 Atlantic Ave. Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $8 for students and are available at muccc.org. Visit reddirtdance. com for additional information

Bill Evans Dance offers a jazz/tap valentine Bill Evans Dance presents “RRROX… Rochester Rhythm and Romance: Jazz Hugs and Tap Kisses,” a dance and music Valentine for Rochester audiences, at Downstairs Cabaret Theatre Center, 540 East Main St., Feb. 13–17.

The event features rhythm tap choreography and performance by Bill Evans, Cheryl Johnson and Courtney World and instrumental and vocal jazz music by Richard Delaney, Cheryl Johnson and Tamara Wilco, with guest artists from the Bill Evans Dance Company and the College at Brockport Department of Dance.

Returning to downtown Rochester with their first jazz/tap show since the sold-out Autumn Leaves at the Geva Theatre Center just over a year ago, Evans, Johnson and World offer a new program of romantic jazz music standards and an amazing variety of tap dance styles. Musical selections will include My Funny Valentine, Takin’ A Chance On Love, Let’s Get Lost, Just Squeeze Me, Crazy, Our Love Affair, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and Gershwin’s Preludes.

Tickets are $25 general admission (discounts for selected performances: seniors age 60 and above, military personnel, groups of 10 or more, full-time students age 22 and under, DCT members). To make recommended advance reservations, call DCT (585) 325-4370 with a credit card.

Cheryl Johnston, Bill Evans and Courtney World.

RRROX is a one hour-long program, with no intermission. There will be special “Tappy Hour” 5:30 p.m. shows on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 15 and 16. Evening shows Feb. 13 through 16.

Two matinees on Sunday, Feb. 17, and a Wednesday show on February 13 at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 14, shows are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and on Friday Feb. 15 and Saturday Feb. 16, at 5:30 and 8 p.m.; Sunday Feb. 17, 2 and 4 p.m.

Three world-class tap dancers joined forces in the spring of 2011.

Bill Evans was named one of America’s three favorite tap dancers in the latest Dance Magazine Readers’ Poll. Cheryl Johnson became the Pacific Northwest’s foremost tap artist/jazz vocalist and recently returned to her native Rochester. Courtney World, a vibrant young tap artist, is one of the most sought-after teachers and performers in western New York. Richard Delaney is an acclaimed Cuban-style jazz musician and director of the Mambo Kings.

Tamara Wilcox is director of music in the Department of Dance at SUNY Brockport. ■

From “Forever Dusty”

Gays to the left; Lesbians to the right

By Merle Exit New York’s off-Broadway venue, New World Stages at 340 W. 5th St., is offering two great shows this season – “Bare,” a musical focusing on two gay guys, and “Forever Dusty,” about the life of singer Dusty Springfield.

“Bare” takes place at a Catholic School in St. Celia’s Church where 16-year old nerdy Peter (Taylor Trensch) and high school jock Jason (Jason Hite) have fallen in love. Now there’s Ivy (Elizabeth Judd), who has transferred here sporting a reputation as a slut, who is going with Matt (Gerard Canonico).

The play opens with back and side sets of hundreds of student photos that look as if they were taken by cell phone or such. Peter is upstage talking about a large photo shot of the student in the cast and we go to a flashback of what leads up to the ending.

Jason and Peter are lying in bed talking about a signal for them to meet as well as that Jason is trying out for the part of Romeo in the school play. Jason does not want to come out of the closet, not only for fear of his parents but of the “head jock” Zack (Casey Garvin). Ivy is trying out for the part of Juliet and needless to say, they each get their intended role.

Jason is getting too chummy with Ivy, who has fallen in love with him. Matt is not only jealous but has gotten wind of a photo of Jason and Peter kissing. Jason wants to prove that he is “normal”.

We also have Sister Joan (Missi Pyle), another transfer, whose father was a dj

and mother a lounge singer. She’s hip to all and only wants her students to be happy. Pyle gets to do a number, “Don’t Tie Up The Request Line,” involving the whole cast, that shows off her acting, comic and dance abilities.

“Bare” is a contemporary rock musical with a totally outstanding and harmonious cast as well as an ultra talented creative team. The drama of the gay issue comes through with music, dance and lots of comedy. It’s a sort of gay version of “Spring Awakening” and that’s good.

My only disappointment is that it’s “OffBroadway”. I give it two thumbs up and a big toe!

“Forever Dusty,” the story of singer Dusty Springfield, well portrayed by Kristen Holly Smith, is at a different stage.

The show opens in the year 1968 at a recording studio in Memphis, as Dusty is trying to record “Son of a Preacher Man” for her album “Dusty In Memphis”.

Along with the band is her producer Jerry Wexler (Benim Foster). The recording session is not working well and we are soon transported to Dusty’s life as a teenager at a Catholic School in post-war London.

Her name is Mary O’Brien and on a dare she sings “Wishin’ and Hopin’.”

TV op: Dusty sings “I Only Want to Be With You,” which lets her wear her famous long eyelashes and black eyeliner to go with the big hair. She soon meets Claire (Christina Sajous), an American writer who is black. Dusty sings, “The Look of Love,” leading into a love relationship with Claire. But Dusty has no intention of coming out of the closet. Drugs, alcohol and breast cancer. Show is great! ■

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Gay alliance news for February 2013

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

Wanda Martinez does a Speakers Bureau presentation.

Educating in the wake of marriage equality

By Jeanne Gainsburg, Gay Alliance Outreach Coordinator This fall will mark my tenth year working for the Gay Alliance. I have fielded questions from participants at Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau presentations since 2003 and, for the most part, I can’t honestly say that I have noticed any drastic changes within that time.

“How did your parents react when you came out?” continues to be one of the most frequently asked questions. “What do lesbians do in bed?” thankfully continues to be extremely uncommon.

It is only recently that there has been a very obvious shift in focus. Ever since marriage equality passed in New York State there has been confusion in the air. We now frequently get this question: “Rochester is a pretty gay friendly place, right? What’s left to do?”

Well… Rochester is a pretty gay friendly place, relatively. Does that mean our work is done? Should we close down the Education Program at the Gay Alliance, high fives all around for a job well done? Well, high fives all around, for sure, for the brave and giving Gay Alliance volunteer Speakers Bureau members and all the activists for helping to bring about this wonderful change, but it is most definitely not time to close up shop.

I know what is left to do and I suspect since you are reading The Empty Closet, you do too. If we are LGBT we are daily experiencing what is left to be done. If we are straight, cisgender allies, breezing through our day with access to safe, comfortable restrooms, holding our partners hands in public without fear, and checking off the “M” or “F” box with ease at the

BROCK SOCKS ROCK: Logan Rath and Allison Wright spearheaded an effort by a group of Brockport students to do a service learning event that raised $600 for the Gay Alliance by selling rainbow-colored tie-dyed socks. The youth program plans to send the leftover socks to the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youth in Manhattan. Photo: Susan Jordan

4 of the Genesee Valley

Empowering pride for 40 years

doctor’s office, we are hopefully, rather than enjoying our privileges, storing up these inequalities in our minds, armed and ready for the next time a friend says, “So what’s left to do?”

The Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau is as necessary and relevant today as it ever was. We are also more active than ever before! In the last two years the Gay Alliance Education Program has done 350 presentations and spoken to over 8,000 participants! As Speakers Bureau members we learn how to use our personal stories to promote questions and spark conversations which lead to learning, growth and change.

We are always seeking new qualified people to be part of our Speakers Bureau.

If you have ever thought that this might be the volunteer job for you, there is no better time to join us than right now!

Our SpeakOUT Training is open to anyone wanting to learn how to effectively educate on LGBT issues and is also the first step in becoming a trained Speakers Bureau member.

The next training will take place on Friday, March 22 from 6-9 p.m. and all day Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration in now open at: http:// www.gayalliance.org/speakout.html.

Help the Gay Alliance celebrate our 40 year anniversary by becoming part of our team! ■

Youth plan pancake breakfast, videos

By Susan Jordan The Gay Alliance Youth Group is full of plans for the winter and spring. Coming up this month is an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the GAGV Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. The breakfast is a fundraiser for the Ali Forney Youth Center in NYC, devastated by Hurricane Sandy last fall.

The youth themselves will be cooking pancakes, serving and completely organizing the event. Admission is $10. Tickets will be available at the Red Ball on Feb. 9, and by calling 244-8640 ext 19.

LGBT Health Month in March may also include a healthcare career college tour in March or April, which can inform youth about the many different healthcare careers offered by the University of Rochester.

The Out Loud Out Proud youth leadership group is producing a series of videos to be shown on YouTube. Their goal is to do outreach to closeted and questioning youth in Monroe County. The series will start with the topic of coming out; each video will be one to two minutes long.

The youth hope to also use the videos as messages to youth that they can find support and community at the Gay Alliance.

The youth themselves are writing the script for the video, which will give information on how to come out, the possible consequences in different situations, etc.

Intergenerational Program Director Kelly Clark says, “We got a Youth As Resources grant from the Monroe County Youth Bureau. The grant had to be written by the youth themselves, and Nick Cornish, 13, and Johnny Fullwood, 18, wrote a successful grant. The Youth Bureau has a board of area youth who give money to other youth to accomplish things. So that was really exciting.”

The Youth Group will be taking part with Rainbow SAGE in the Intergenerational Panel in March – details in

Gay Alliance Speaking Engagements 12/2 ������Practicing Your Personal Story at the Gay Alliance 12/4 �������Answering Questions With Purpose at the Gay Alliance 12/6 ������LGBT Issues in Schools at Webster-Schroeder High School Alternative Ed Program 12/10 �����Next Fall Show and Panel Presentation at the Geva Theater 12/14 �����Working with LGBT Clients and Coworkers at Americorps 12/16 �����Practicing Your Personal Story at the Gay Alliance 12/19 �����LGBT Inclusive Spaces at Coordinated Care Services, Inc 12/19 �����LGBT Issues in Mental Health at the Mental Health Association 12/19 �����Bullying and LGBT Youth Issues at the Rose and Joseph Denaro Interfaith Center 1/10 �������SafeZone Training at St. John Fisher College RA Training 1/14 �������LGBT Campus Issues at the University of Rochester RA Training 1/15 �������Safe Schools at the Rochester Central School District Support Center 1/19 �������LGBT 101 at Real World Geneseo Program 1/23 ������LGBT 101/Ally Workshop at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College 1/30 ������Transgender Panel at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College Feedback for Dec.-Jan.: “Comprehensive, welcoming, engaging, personal, inspiring! A life-changing experience. Thank you for this. I feel inspired to get more involved.”

“You guys are amazing! So inspired!!”

“Extremely engaging, very charismatic, WONDERFUL presentation!”

“Open, honest and welcoming. I LOVE the Gay Alliance!”

the March EC. Day of Silence (April 19) planning got underway on Jan. 25.

Anyone interested in participating in the planning process should email youth@ gayalliance.org.

Finally, the Gay Alliance Youth Program is recruiting volunteers for Prom 2013, which will be held in mid-May or early June – hopefully June 1. Kelly Clark said, “We’re seeking people to be on the Prom Committee. The first Prom planning meeting will be held early this month and we need a theme, etc. The Parents Booster Club is raising money for the Prom. Youth interested in joining the Committee should email youth@gayalliance.org.” ■

Gay Alliance Volunteer-of-the-Month: Kat Wiggall Congratulations to Kat Wiggall for being chosen as the Gay Alliance Volunteer-of-the-Month.

Kat was born and raised in Rochester and has been a volunteer in some capacity since she was a teenager. She first got involved with the Gay Alliance last January when she attended our SpeakOUT workshop and began her training as a Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau member. Since that time she has presented on several occasions. She especially enjoys the opportunities to train teachers and help create welcoming and inclusive schools.

In the spring Kat asked us what else she could do for the Gay Alliance and we set her up in the office assisting us with data entry. It quickly became apparent exactly how proficient Kat was at this work! Kat began working once a week in the office and the staff began to rely heavily on her technical skills.

This past summer, Kat was an active Pride volunteer and also trained to be a Youth Program volunteer. Since then she has been helping the Gay Alliance youth

Kat has tea at La Tea Dah.

by offering support and guidance and helping with youth events.

Congratulations go out to Kat as her position at the Gay Alliance has recently changed to part-time employee. Kat, the staff and board at the Gay Alliance are thrilled to welcome you as a staff member and we thank you for all of the volunteer hours you gave us! ■

Gay Alliance Youth say Thank You….

On Dec. 13 the Gay Alliance Youth Parent Boosters held a wine tasting at Wine Sense on Park Ave. The event raised over $300, which will be used for the Big Gay Prom. We give a big Thank You to Mike Dejong, the owner of Wine Sense, for his donation.

Save the date: We will hold another tasting on Saturday, April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wine Sense. Join us then to enjoy wine for the spring season! ■

The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (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. 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Web: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: Info@gayalliance.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Board Co-Presidents: Emily Jones, Bruce Gorman Education and Outreach Director: Scott Fearing Business Manager: Joanne Giuffrida Director of Intergenerational Programs: Kelly Clark Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson E-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org Phone: (585) 244-9030 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Gay alliance news for February 2013

on

D GAR The Gay Alliance On-Line Resource Directory (GARD)

SAGE PAGE

Hearing Loss and Aging

The online community tool providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at: www.GayAlliance.org

SAGE members make rice socks on Jan. 15.

The Gay Alliance Library & Archives has internet access available during library hours: Tuesday 1-3pm and Wednesday: 6-8pm.

The computers are part of our David Bohnett Cyber Center.

Youth 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 and have fun!

Wed./Thurs.: 3:30-7:30pm Fridays: 7-9pm 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) Gay Alliance Community Center Auditorium Theater Bldg, 875 E. Main Street, 1st Floor Rochester, New York 14605 Phone: 585 244-8640 Check out our weekly programs descriptions and special events: www.gayalliance.org/events/youth

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Happiest of New Years to You and Yours!

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ― Oprah Winfrey As the holiday season wraps up and we begin the journey into 2013 there are many things to look forward to at The Center!

Themed days such as the upcoming Casino Royale Day and presentations aimed to inform and promote healthy lifestyles, as well as meet-ups in the community. We value each and every one of you and hope you join us on Tuesdays.

Log onto www.gayalliance.org/ events/sage-events or check us out on Facebook to update yourself on all the activities happening at The Center!

Casino Royale

Are you feeling lucky? Come to Fantasy Casino Royale on Tuesday, Feb 26, hosted by L.O.R.A. and Open Arms MCC. Play poker, blackjack, craps and slots for fun and prizes. Hot lunch is served at noon with games to follow. All are welcome -- bring a friend or family member. There is no fee to participate... except your smile. :)

Fun Valentine’s Day Facts to Tickle You Pink

More than 36 million heartshaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day each year.

About eight billion candy hearts will be produced this year; that’s enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again.

About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged in US each

year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine’s Day each year.

Women purchase 85 percent of all valentines.

73 percent of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future husband.

These fun facts are brought to you courtesy of www.stvalentinesday.org.

Many of you know Dr. Paul D. Allen, research assistant professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, from his “evening job” as Chair of the Image Out Film Festival Board. Did you know that on his day job, Paul studies changes with age and hearing loss that occur in our ability to process the temporal structure of sound and comprehend speech?

Well neither did we! And to tell you the truth, we still aren’t exactly sure what that is, so we’ve invited him to join us on Tuesday, Feb. 12 to explain it to us in layman’s terms.

Please join us at The Center, 875 E. Main St, Auditorium Theater, First Floor at 1 pm to learn more about hearing loss, aging and how you might be able to help Dr. Allen and his colleagues learn more about it by becoming a research subject.

Calling All Book Lovers!

Book clubs are undergoing a renaissance. Maybe it was Oprah’s Book Club or the Harry Potter craze, but whatever the reason, book club membership seems to be at an all time high. There are thought to be more than five million adults in book clubs and that doesn’t include those who participate in clubs via online discussions.

Rainbow SAGE at The Center would like to start a book club for all you book lovers out there. The Gay Alliance Library is open every Tuesday at 1 pm and is the perfect place for book lovers to meet, wouldn’t you say? So on Tuesday, Feb. 19 we will have a book club meeting for all those interested in coming together to share good company and good books! Bring what you are currently reading whether hard cover, paperback or e-reader! ■

Rainbow SAGE at The Center

February Calendar

The Center is open for adults 50+ Tuesdays 11:30am-3pm.

Internet access, Billiards. Library open 1-3pm.

February February February February

5................ Valentine’s Day Wall/Door Hanging Craft 12.............. Hearing & Aging Presentation 19.............. Book Club and Movie Showing 26.............. Casino Royale Game Day

Tuesday Lunch at the Center Full Hot Meal Served at Noon • Just $3 suggested donation Join us for good food and conversation.

Activities are subject to change.

Gay Alliance Community Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor (585) 244-8640

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

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 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 Rochester Gay Moms’ Group Support group for lesbian mommies and wannabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding areas. Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and Primary Care.

Provides Medical Case Management, Mental Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Testing (using rapid testing) Hepatitis C rapid testing and services, Educational Presentations, and access to other Jordan Services. Prevention and Primary Care is a walk-in program; no appointment necessary. Office Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (585) 423-2872; fax (585) 423-2876. Website www.jordanhealth.org. For more information, call the Program Manager Charlie Lytle,(585) 423-2872.

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.

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

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Ongoing Calendar Monday

L.O.R.A. – Late Bloomers Group For women who are just coming out! 4th Monday of the Month. 6:30pm – 9:30pm. FREE. Open Arms MCC – 740 Marshall Rd. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.l-o-r-a. com

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.

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. Equality Rochester 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds.

426-0862; annetischer1@gmail.com

Tuesday

L.O.R.A. – Knitters Group Everyone Welcome! 3rd Tuesday of the Month.

7pm – 10pm. FREE. Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a. com; Website: www.l-o-r-a.com

Just Us Guys Gay men of all ages. 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 223-2629 Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Tuesday. 1-3pm; First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640.

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 L.O.R.A. – Poker, Cards & Gaymes!

Everyone Welcome! 3rd Wednesdays of the Month. 6:30pm – 9:30pm. FREE. Open Arms MCC – 740 Marshall Rd. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.l-o-r-a.com

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. Identity Group The Identity Group is for LGBT identified individuals who have a developmental disability diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton-

Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623). The goal of the group is to provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, share personal experiences and increase self-esteem. The group is facilitated

by Delaina Fico. LMSW. For more information, please contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmonroe.org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552.

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.

Coming Out Being Out Youth Support Group 6:30-7:30pm; ages 13-18 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 Genesee Valley Gender Variants 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV GenderVariants@yahoogroups.com

FRIDAY

L.O.R.A. – Foodies Group 2nd Friday Potluck Social. 2nd Friday of the Month. 6:30–9:30pm. FREE – Bring a dish to pass! Open Arms MCC – 740 Marshall Rd. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.l-o-r-a. com

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.

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 GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. 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

L.O.R.A. GLBT Sunday Brunch Everyone Welcome! 1st & 3rd Sundays of the Month. 11:30am – 2pm. $11.95 per person.

Golden Ponds Restaurant – 500 Long Pond Rd. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.lo-r-a.com

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 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

33

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.

34

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013

February 2013 FRIDAY 1

Candlemas (Imbolc). Ancient Celtic fire feast of the return of light. Sacred tree: rowan. Also Feb. 2.

Khoury Humphrey “unframed” opening reception, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave., 6-9 pm.

MONDAY 2

ROMANS nude volleyball and swim. http://www.wnyromans.com or E-mail:wnyromans@yahoo.com, message line at 585-281-4964; write ROMANS, PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

SUNDAY 3

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

SATURDAY 9

Ruby Masqueerade. Celebrating community, love and friendship, and the 40th anniversary of the Gay Alliance.

7-11 pm, Cathedral Ballroom, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. Beer/wine lounge, complimentary refreshments.

Masks made by Youth Group $3 or bring your own – prizes for best masks, outfits.

DJ Chuck Argento. Tickets $10 advance, $15 at door. www.gayalliance.org

SUNDAY 10

Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic Liturgy of Word, with music. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 12

Mardi Gras SAGE speaker. Dr. Paul D. Allen of UR discusses hearing loss and aging.

SAGE at The Center, 1 pm, GAGV Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor. SAGE 11 am-3 pm; hot lunch served at noon; $3 suggested donation.

WEDNESDAY 13

Susan B. Anthony House Annual Birthday Luncheon. Noon-1:30 pm, Riverside Convention Center. Featured speaker: Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, US Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom. 279-7490 x 12.

Rochester Rams general meeting.

7:30 pm, Bachelor Forum, 6760 University Ave.

THURSDAY 14

Valentine’s Day Out & Equal Second Thursdays Networking. 5:30-7:30 pm, Legends Sports Bar & Grill at Rochester Radisson Riverside.

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, New York 14605.

Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. 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

UR researcher needs lesbian stories.

I am a graduate student at the University of Rochester in the Department of Public Health Sciences, conducting research in the area of lesbian health. I am asking local lesbian women about their experiences, stress, challenges related to their sexual orientation. Interested in learning about the ways lesbian women deal with these experiences, resources they use to develop coping strategies. Research will help to inform about ways to reduce negative impact of stress on sexual minorities.

If you self-identify as a lesbian or gay woman, I need you. Even if you think that you do not have anything to share, I want to hear your story. Will conduct in-depth individual interviews (about one hour) at mutually agreed upon location comfortable and convenient for you. All measures being taken to ensure your privacy is maintained. Contact Allison Marsh (858) 342-5447; Allison_marsh@ urmc.rochester.edu

MuCCC seeking actors for production of Torch Song Trilogy. Call Michael Arve, 585 234-1254 (vm ONLY) or e-mail michaelarve@yahoo.com. Needed: 4 male actors: male 25-35 to play a drag queen (Arthur); male: Ed is tall, handsome and lean mid 30s; male: Allan, 18–20, shamefully beautiful, a frightened child in hustler’s clothing; male: David, 15 going on 30. Play will be presented the last two weekends of June 2013 at MuCCC. Rehearsals will start in mid March 2013. Please call if interested.

Children’s Ministry thriving at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for vibrant, inclusive, progressive worship on Sundays at 10:30am. 740 Marshall Road off Chili Avenue. info@openarmsmcc. org (585) 271-8478

SERVICES

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.

Wedding Space and clergy services available. Celebrate your special day at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. info@openarmsmcc.org (585) 2718478 kitchen/laundry appliances, furnaces, water heaters, lawn equipment, snow blowers, metal fencing, pipes, PC towers or anything made of metal. Call Recycle Queen: 585-305-9602. ■

Prostate Cancer Support Group.

7-8:30 pm, Memorial Art Gallery Cutler Union, 500 University Ave.

SATURDAY 23

Empty Closet deadline for March.

585-244-9030; susanj@gayalliance.org.

SUNDAY 24

FRIDAY 15

SATURDAY 16

Dignity Integrity Winter Cabin Party. 4:30-9 pm. Call the Hotline at 585-234-5092.

ROMANS monthly meeting. http://www.wnyromans.com or E-mail:wnyromans@yahoo.com, message line at 585-281-4964; write ROMANS, PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

Rochester Rams bar night. 9 pm-2 am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave.

SUNDAY 17

Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Gay Alliance Youth Group pancake breakfast. Benefits Ali Forney shelter for homeless youth in NYC. 12:30-3 pm, GAGV Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor. Admission $10. Tickets available at Ruby Masqueerade on Feb. 9, and by calling 244-8640 ext 19.

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Casino fundraiser. 4-8 pm, 140 Alex Bar & Grill. Suggested donation: $15 advance, $20 at door. Includes gambling money, dinner, drink specials, prizes. Tickets at Outlandish, Equal Grounds, Parkleigh, thergmc.org.

Rochester Transgender Group meeting. 3-5:30 pm, GAGV Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor.

Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, followed by a potluck supper, “Soup and Bread”. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 26

SAGE Casino Royale. Hosted by L.O.R.A., Open Arms MCC. Play poker, blackjack, craps and slots for fun and prizes. Hot lunch is served at noon ($3 requested donation) with games to follow.

875 E. Main St., first floor. 244-8640.

THURSDAY 28

Melting Away by Doron Eran. ImageOut Best of the Fest screening, 6:30 pm, Little Theatre 1.

MARCH FRIDAY 1

URMC Transgender Healthcare conference. 7:30 am-4:15 pm, UR Saunders Research Building, 265 Crittenden Blvd. www.urmc.rochester.edu/cpe.

SATURDAY 2

Indigo Girls concert. Greentopia Festival. Hochstein School of Music, 50 N. Plymouth, 8 pm. Tickets $36.50.

february 2013 • number 464 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2013, All rights reserved.

Bed & Breakfast

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 gayrelated 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.

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

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 464 • february 2013