Empty Closet, July 2013

The Empty Closet

Pride Guide 2013 is a magazine!

Available at many EC distribution sites and other fine places!

local, state and national news , newsmaker interviews , opinion, entertainment, columnists , event calendars , comics , and health resources

number 469

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a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley

AIDS Care is now Trillium Health

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Empowering pride for 40 years

of the Genesee Valley

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

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Photo: Susan Jordan

Look who’s Fab and 40: Tim Mains

By Susan Jordan Tim O. Mains, the first openly gay elected official in New York State, who won his first race for Rochester City Council in 1986 and served for 20 years, has been appointed by the Jamestown School Board as its next superintendent. The board vote was unanimous.

Tim Mains told The Empty Closet, “I was the first choice of all seven board members and all six constituencies. It was humbling and affirming to have such strong support across the board and to have it stated publicly at my installation on June 10.”

There have been no homophobic comments or complaints.

Tim will begin work Aug. 1.

He and his spouse David Gardner are house hunting in the Jamestown area.

For the past year, Tim, now 64, has served as Director of Internal School Operations for the Rochester City School District, reporting directly to one of the district’s deputy superintendents. Before that, he served for more than 10 years as principal of Helen Barrett Montgomery School 50, a 500-student elementary school where nine out of ten students live in poverty. His career as teacher, school counselor, staff developer and administrator has paralleled his political career. He has three masters degrees, including one from Columbia and is currently working on a doctorate there.

Tim told The Empty Closet, “I know that Chautauqua County is one of the poorest in NYS and Jamestown has a fairly high poverty level. That was part of

July 2013

Tim Mains

the reason I applied. I have long believed that a good education is a path out of poverty and I want to help underserved children.”

LGBT community members and allies may wish to honor Tim by contributing in his name to the Gay Alliance’s 40th anniversary fundraising drive, choosing 1986 as their favorite year.

Tim said, ““I would be honored if folks made donations to the GAGV in honor of 1986, the year I began my service on the Rochester City Council.”

A gay rights pioneer, Tim has been out since the 1970s, when he came to Rochester from Indiana. When he first ran for City Council, he said, “I got death (Mains continues page 3)

By Susan Jordan “We are on the move,” said Dr. Bill Valenti of AIDS Care, which is now transitioning to the name Trillium Health, offering individual-focused healthcare for a wide spectrum of people in the LGBT community. The official announcement was made July 1.

He hastened to add, “We still have a very powerful HIV program. No one is cast aside here.

We are still committed to HIV treatment and prevention, for a world without AIDS.” However, Trillium Health, in Dr. Valenti’s words, “would like to be an alternative option for people looking for friendly and affirming healthcare.”

He said that Trillium LGBT Health will offer primary care and access wraparound services, as much under one roof as possible. Dr. Valenti noted, “Primary care is directed to individual communities, including the trans communities and women’s health. We do gyn care now and refer mammograms, which is part of the coordination of care we do. We have a hired

Fatima Woods

Police make arrest in Fatima Woods murder

By Susan Jordan Fatima Shanay Woods, 53, a transwoman formerly known as Timothy Woods, was stabbed on Dewey Ave. at Glenwood St. in the early hours of May 30. On June 20 police arrested Vincent Walters, 16, and charged him with second-degree murder.

Early reports said that Fatima had gone to the aid of a friend who was being attacked.

A woman, 43, found by police at the scene was described as slightly injured. Some reports indicate that this was a separate, unrelated incident, however.

Fatima was found at the Sunoco station at 708 Dewey Ave. at the corner of Lexington, where she had collapsed. Some reports indicate that the stab-

bing may actually have taken place there. She was pronounced dead at Strong Hospital.

Community response On June 6, 18 people at the MOCHA Center and six people on the conference call line discussed the case and community response. A special thank you was extended to the family members attending: Fancy Vanhoose (Fatima’s sister) and Misery Patterson (Fatima’s gay daughter).

The Empire State Pride Agenda, NY ACLU, Equality Rochester, Pride@Work, Gay Alliance, Out & Equal, Third Presbyterian, Open Arms MCC, The MOCHA Center, Mental Health Association, AIDS Care, Office of Assembly Member Harry Bronson, Rochester Trans Group, and Unity Fellowship Church were represented.

Both Fancy and Misery shared their experiences and

nurse practitioner to lead our women’s health program.

“We have been trying to understand the LGBT communities – plural – and address sexual orientation and gender identity. We’ve gone away from the male-female binary because that doesn’t include everyone.

That’s part of cultural competence and breaking down the barriers.

“If people are satisfied with their healthcare, we say that’s good, but many experience stigma and lack of understanding.

We’re out to offer an alternative to people who want to make it better to come out to their provider and are looking for an affirmative, welcoming place.

We’d like them to think about Trillium.”

Part of Trillium’s planning is to pursue FQHC status. That stands for Federally Qualified Health Center, a designation which supports Trillium’s expansion to include all health needs and provides funding for the uninsured and underinsured. Dr. Valenti said, “A lot of people in our target audience

are very diverse, especially in financial and insurance needs.

We don’t expect this designation until 2014, but have been accepting new patients by word of mouth. Since July 2012 we have enrolled about 60 HIV negative people. As of July 1 we are open for business -- and advertising the fact. People can call 585 545 7200, push 1 for clinic and ask for a new patient appointment.”

Sue Cowell, former executive director of the Gay Alliance and a founder of the original AIDS Rochester, has come on board as project manager for ( Trillium continues page 3)

challenges with the loss of Fatima. Several issues were raised, including the lack of communication with the family by the Police Department, the inability of her mother to identify Fatima’s body, concerns regarding delayed medical attention by the first responders, lack of information on the progress of the case, the insensitivity around identifying Fatima as transgender and male at the same time, and fear that this may be a hate crime.

Scott Fearing (GAGV), Kelly Clark (GAGV), The Reverend Tom Decker (Open Arms MCC), and Bruce Smail (The MOCHA Center) represented the community at a June 6 meeting with Chief of Police James Sheppard.

The key issues summarized above were addressed with Chief Sheppard and two of his staff members (Kim Rasbeck and Pat Piano).

Regarding lack of communication with the Police Department: Chief Sheppard has provided his personal cell phone

number for the family of Fatima Woods.

Inability of the family to see or to identify the body: Chief Sheppard informed us that it is standard policy in any murder. Once a person is dead, the police do not allow family at the hospital or medical examiner’s office. They use forensic evidence to identify the body.

If they allowed family to see the body before that time, critical evidence could be jeopardized.

Delayed response of the paramedics: Chief Sheppard will rereview the tapes to see who was on the scene and the timing. He also indicated that if the victim was deceased, the police or ambulance would not touch the body because it could contaminate the evidence.

Lack of information on the case: As a policy, the Chief indicated that he does not provide media with updates of a case.

Instead, once an arrest is made, the media would be notified.

Insensitivity around Fatima’s (Fatima continues page 3)

Dr. William Valenti

Contents

Eastman House features gender images... Page 27

Editorials: .................................... 2 Local/State News........................ 3 National/International News..... 4 Interview: Maurice Tomlinson......... 7 Making the Scene: Prom...........10 Shoulders To Stand On ...........21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: Gender images.27 Gay Alliance News.....................30 Rainbow SAGE News................31 Calendar: Pride events................34 Classifieds..................................34 Proud Publisher of New York State’s Oldest Lgbt Newspaper

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

Perspectives The Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan

Proud but not complacent “The hate is still out there and the haters are getting more desperate. Our worst enemies right now are complacency and the seductive message that we’ve ‘arrived.’” - Michelangelo Signorile, responding to New York City’s anti-gay hate crime spree in an essay for the Huffington Post, May 20.

Pride is here again and a weekend of exciting events is coming up. We have a lot to be proud of, but as commentator Michelangelo Signorile pointed out, we can’t afford to get complacent.

Our hard-won civil rights are still under siege, and our lives are still in danger whenever some loser decides to prove he is superior to the queers.

The professional bigots pretend that they are innocent of these hate crimes. They whine that they are the real victims, because their “religious freedom” to dehumanize and oppress the people they hate is threatened.

But as gays know too well, the professional bigots are not innocent. Their irresponsible rhetoric incites violence here and around the world and their money supports global hate groups.

In May seven attacks on gay men took place in NYC; one man, Mark Carson, was killed. The June report from the National Coalition of Anti

Violence Projects revealed that there were 25 anti-LGBTQ homicides in the U.S. in 2012.

This is the fourth highest yearly total recorded by NCAVP. Fortunately, we also have real cause for pride and satisfaction. Marriage equality is on the rise and kneejerk homophobia is increasingly discredited, especially by the younger generation -- including college-age Republicans.

The NY Times editorialized in favor of GENDA on June 13 (although Republicans again refused to let the Senate vote.)

Visit the History Pavilion at the Pride Festival on July 20 and see for yourself the proud history (and her-story) that we have here in Rochester. If we can go out dancing with our partners without being arrested, we owe that to Gay Alliance activism in 1974.

If New Yorkers became free to marry in 2011, it was because we refused to accept discrimination. If we work in safe, accepting workplaces; if our medical caregivers understand our needs; if our churches and families accept us; if firing us because we’re gay is illegal – all that is due to local and state efforts and our national movement.

But LGBT people still get harassed at work, attacked on the street, rejected by family, kicked out of their churches, simply for being themselves.

Transgender New Yorkers still have no anti-discrimination protections and trans people of color are especially at risk of violence. LGBT youth still experience brutal harassment.

Youth are not complacent; they know that plenty of work remains for their generation to do, but after four decades of visibility, most of today’s youth also know -- unlike the youth of 40 years ago -- that they are not alone.

We are not alone. We stand together. That may be the most important message that Rochester Pride will be sending on July 19-21. See you there! ■

The Gay Alliance: Forty years of advocating for the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Join us for forty more!

Gay Alliance Board of Trustees W. Bruce Gorman, Co-President and Secretary Emily Jones, Co-President, David Zona, Treasurer, John Altieri, Chris Hilderbrant, Jeff Markarian, Peter Mohr, Jessica Muratore, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer

Gay Alliance Executive Director Scott Fearing

There is NO place like Pride Click your heels and repeat three times.

Whether you just came out of the closet, or did so decades ago; whether you identify as LGBT or ally, intersex, twospirit or any number of identities, this is your special time of the year. Pride is in the air.

At the Gay Alliance, we work to create a world where complete cultural, social and legal equality is a reality for everyone. The Gay Alliance has been leading this effort in Rochester and throughout western New York for 40 years.

Our staff, our work, our volunteers and our supporters make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people each year.

While we are very excited about the mix of social changes that we have seen and experienced in recent years, we understand that the work continues. There are still hearts and minds that must be reached with the message of inclusion, equity, honesty and authenticity.

Recently Interpride, the International Pride organizers network, released the following statement about Pride, “We live in strange times... we watch proudly as legislation is overturned to support marriage equality in some states in the USA, and yet on the other side of the world, we see the

Name

death penalty being imposed for LGBTI people in Uganda, and homophobic laws passed in Moscow. We find ourselves all over the spectrum of acceptance throughout the world...

With persistence and commitment, change will come.

We ask you to join us as we stand strong and united, and fight for one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”

When most people think of Pride they think about having a fun time with their big LGBT family. Like every family reunion, it is true that we may not all get along, but, at Pride, we are called upon to rise above petty judgment and find the place in our hearts to celebrate all identities and our shared history, present and exciting future.

LGBT or ally, you make a difference just by showing up at Pride. Your participation sends a message of hope to those who live in countries with no legal protections or the death penalty. You send a message to the person fearful of living an honest life in Western New York. They learn that they are not alone, and that one does not need to run away in order to be out. Together we will march for those who cannot, we will speak for those who are silenced and we will fight on, even as we celebrate.

As Harvey Milk said, “we want to recruit you”. We want YOU to be on the right side of history, vote, sign petitions, donate, volunteer in your community and make your voice heard for equal rights. The route to LGBT global victory begins here, with you. I look forward to greeting you at the exciting 2013 Pride Events. ■ SCOTUS ruling on DOMA/Prop 8: See page 4 and gayalliance.org - Click on Empty Closet News See July Calendar (Page 34) for Pride event details and watch for the Pride Guide magazine

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Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100-999 Champion ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall ❏ Check enclosed 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 news (age 50 & over).

Benefits include: 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 St., Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Home delivery of the Empty Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance.

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

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City of Rochester Absolut/Malibu

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Barefoot Wine Hedonist Artisan Chocolate John’s Tex Mex

Bronze Level Ameriprise Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Corning Inc. Equal Grounds Coffee House & Gift House Harter Secrest and Emery LLP ImageOut Jaegermeister Kittleberger Florist and Gifts Labor Federation Macy’s New York Life Out and Equal NY Finger Lakes Outlandish Sky Vodka St. John Fisher Tompkins Enterprises Victory Alliance Wegmans Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Champion Level Mass Mutual of Buffalo Park Avenue Merchants Association Pride @Work Third Presbyterian Church The Woolbright Group HCR Home Care

page one (AIDS Care from page 1) FQHC. “She is navigating us through the minefield of federal bureaucracy,” Dr. Valenti said.

“She is also helping our inside people reach out to women. For instance, in June the women’s group LORA hosted a meeting for membership to learn what members need in health care.

We need to translate individual experiences into programs.

We’re trying to address sexual and reproductive health for same sex couples and single women, partnering with CNY Fertility and fertility groups around town to accept referrals.”

Trillium also wants to address older women’s health issues, including primary care, mammograms and gyn care.

“Mammograms are not on-site yet,” he said, “but ultimately that is part of the plan – FQHC subsidies will allow us to do that and also add a dental program.”

Trillium also plans to expand their healthcare for MSM. “We are open to gay men and men who do not identify as gay but have sex with men, in order to address STD screening and treatment.”

PrEP, or pre-exposure prevention for HIV negative people, is also part of Trillium’s programs. “We do biomedical intervention,” Dr. Valenti said. “One pill a day for high risk people, in addition to the usual strategies, like condoms, testing and lowering risk. We are also enrolling people for regular primary care across the age spectrum, including some LGBT seniors, in partnership with HCR Home Care’s LGBT senior homecare program. We refer patients to them as a culturally sensitive program.” Future plans also include targeted LGBT senior housing.

Dr. Valenti added, “We can create synergy by hooking up with other agencies through networking. We are also expanding our mental health and substance abuse counseling and therapy on-site. We’re offering plain old therapy and counseling for LGBT people. Now what we have in place is counseling and therapy for MSM and trans persons. We will add a therapist as the program expands. You could come here for therapy even if you are not a primary care patient.”

About 20 transgender and gender variant people are already patients, and Trillium will expand services to include more HIV negative trans persons.

“We do hormone therapy,” Dr. Valenti said, “and want to be a safe and medically sound option for trans people who need that.

Bill Schaefer is Physician Assistant and is leading the effort, with Ashley Zupelli, our clinical pharmacist on-site. We have in-house pro bono legal service for trans people with legal issues and we also evaluate people for individual gender reassignment surgery referrals.

“The idea is individual care, and trans people bring up a different set of issues, as do bisexual people. And many of the individuals overlap from one category to another – such as bi trans people.”

All of these changes mark the beginning of the commu-

nity health center expansion. Dr. Valenti said, “All of these activities are designed to fit under FQHC. This would ultimately include enhanced federal Medicaid reimbursement, and a block grant to subsidize care and beef up the program.”

The climate is favorable in New York State for projects like this, because under the Affordable Care Act, NYS has signed on to Medicaid expansion, which will enable Trillium to enroll people on Medicaid, depending on income, or make use of the insurance exchanges that are set up in New York under the ACA, allowing uninsured people to purchase affordable health insurance.

“So it’s a federal/state combination of access to care, and we’d like to be here for people,” Dr. Valenti said.

Key health areas for LGBT communities Lesbian Women: Mammography, Gynecological screening, Diet/ exercise/ fitness, Depression/Anxiety, Tobacco, Alcohol, Substance Use, Intimate Partner Violence, HPV vaccination/ sexual/ reproductive health.

Gay men: HIV testing, Safe Sex, Pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP), Hepatitis Screening/Immunization, Diet/ exercise/ fitness, Substance Use/ Alcohol, Depression/Anxiety, STI screening, diagnosis and point-of-care treatment, Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancer screening, Tobacco, Human papillomavirus vaccination/anal cancer screening.

Bisexual men and women: Come Out to Your Healthcare Provider, HIV/AIDS, Safe Sex, Hepatitis Screening/Immunization, Diet/ exercise/ fitness, Substance Use/Alcohol, Depression/ Anxiety, STI screening, diagnosis and point-of-care treatment, Prostate, Testicular, Breast, Cervical and Colon Cancer, Tobacco, Human papillomavirus vaccination/ anal cancer screening.

Transgender individuals: Access to Healthcare, Health History, Hormone therapy, Cardiovascular Health, Health screenings appropriate to birth sex, HIV/Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Safe Sex, Alcohol and Tobacco, Depression, Cosmetic surgery evaluation and its safety, Diet/ exercise/ fitness, On-site legal services for name change, birth certificate and driver’s license change.

The new web address is www.trilliumhealthny.org. ■

(Mains from page 1) threats, I was spit on, one guy pointed a rifle at me when I went door to door. Someone sicced their dog on me and I had to go to the hospital for treatment. An off-duty sheriff volunteered to be my security detail, essentially a bodyguard. After I was in office, Gordie Urlacher (Rochester Chief of Police) suggested I get a bulletproof vest. I wore it once or twice and gave it up.”

After 40 years of activism and observation of the LGBT movement’s progress, Tim says, “One of the things that has changed is the ease with which people are visible and comfortable with being out, even at an early age. I remember in the early ‘80s there was a national march in Washington with a half a million people (the Park

Service underestimated the crowd count). Afterwards Congress started passing repressive legislation…. So national leaders met and resolved that people should be encouraged to come out, and we launched National Coming Out Day. Now you’ve got people visible in the media – TV characters, newscasters and commentators like Anderson Cooper and Rachel Maddow.

“I still believe visibility is our strongest tool; it causes people to see us for who we really are.

Visibility has made all the difference.”

Tim grew up in the conservative Midwest and as a young teacher he expected to remain closeted. “I just assumed the professional thing to do was to be discreet,” he said. “I also remembered how painful it was growing up and believing I was the only one like that. So I decided, how could I remain invisible to my students?”

Tim was part of the group that founded the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. “I was on the board in the early ‘70s and was president for a cycle. I also wrote the preamble to the original GAGV constitution.”

Tim was even editor of The Empty Closet for a while. At one point his office was in the cellar under the dance floor of Jim’s, an early Rochester gay bar.

Tim summed up, “I’ve had a great run in Rochester and I feel truly blessed. I have formed some of my deepest friendships in this city – I met and married the man of my dreams. This city has taught me all I know about my craft, and about both advocacy and politics – all of that I learned here. I take all of that with me to a new city. I can look back and say what I know and where I learned it, and I deeply appreciate the opportunities for service and leadership I’ve had here.”

To donate to the Gay Alliance in honor of Tim Mains, LGBT community members and allies are asked to go to this link: http://www.firstgiving. com/fundraiser/GayAllianceStaff/fabulous-40-challenge ■

(Fatima from page 1) gender identity: While the Police Department has a general policy to view individuals in the gender they present, Fatima’s situation was a little bit different.

There were many Dewey Ave. beat officers who knew Fatima and others who knew Timothy.

As the information was reported to the media, some media identified correctly and others did not.

Hate Crime: Chief Sheppard indicated that this was not a hate crime, based on the current investigation.

Bruce Smail stated, “We left the meeting with the following outcomes: Chief Sheppard provided direct access to the family; a press release was issued this afternoon; Chief Sheppard also wants to meet with the LGBT community. The GAGV coordinated with the Police Department to have a Town Hall Meeting.”

Additional resources were provided to Chief Sheppard by Rev. Decker, a former Toronto police officer, who works with police departments internationally to increase sensitivity on LGBT issues. A group of LGBT leaders will meet on an ongoing basis with Chief Sheppard.

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Photo: Susan Jordan

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

The Town Hall meeting took place on June 26 at the GAGV Center (after press time for this issue of The Empty Closet). For coverage, see www.gayalliance. org; click on Empty Closet News.

Chief Sheppard’s statement RPD Chief James Sheppard issued this statement on June 7: “Questions have been raised by those from the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community relative to the homicide investigation of Fatima Woods. Fatima Woods was known to many people in the LGBT community.

“Today I had the opportunity to meet with LGBT leaders, including Mr. Scott Fearing from the Gay Alliance and Mr. Bruce Smail of the MOCHA Center.

One issue that they raised was that the homicide is a hate crime due to Fatima’s transgender identity.

“This case remains a very active investigation. Presently, homicide investigators are following up several leads that prohibit me from disclosing too many details. However, I emphatically

express that at this point in the investigation there are no indications that the homicide was hate motivated. If the RPD develops evidence as the case progresses that the homicide was a result of hate or bias, then we will aggressively pursue this case as a hate crime.

“This crime is still under investigation and we are requesting that anyone who may have information should call 911. I encourage anyone who may have additional concerns to call the Chief’s Office at 585 428-7033 or our partners at the Gay Alliance, 585-244-8640 or the MOCHA Center, 585 420-1400.”

Media misreported transwoman as “male” The Democrat & Chronicle and local media reported on May 31 that the victim was “a man.”

RPD Chief James Sheppard said on May 31 that the police had told media that Fatima was a female, but the media reported her as a male. The Democrat & Chronicle, however, told The Empty Closet on May 31 that police had told them that the murder victim was male.

“A transwoman was violently murdered in Rochester the night before last, and all of the media sources I’m looking at still say ‘male’ as of this morning.

Regardless of how the mistake was made, it needs to be corrected,” said local activist Courtney Michie on May 31.

Chief Sheppard told The Empty Closet on May 31, “We’re confused as well…. Personally I go with how people choose to (Fatima continues page 12)

NewsFronts Local and State Trillium Health Red Ribbon Ride is Aug. 21-25 The AIDS Red Ribbon Ride is an annual five-day, 400-mile fundraising event throughout the nine-county Finger Lakes Region to benefit Trillium Health, formerly AIDS Care.

This year’s ride will begin Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 259 Monroe Ave. and the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Genesee Valley Park.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that The Bike Zone was able to sponsor this contest,” says MaryJo Weegar, community relations and event specialist.

Weegar says, “The Bike Zone has been a supporter of the AIDS Red Ribbon Ride for many years, providing technical assistance and leadership in addition to staff volunteering their time.

This is more than just a fundraiser – it’s also a chance for riders to bond and share their passion for this cause.”

Riders who wish to participate or those interested in supporting one of the cyclists can visit: www.firstgiving.com/ acrochester/AIDSredribbonride. Funds raised support Trillium Health’s comprehensive medical care, programs and services for those living with the many challenges of HIV. (Ride continues page 14)

Corrections for Interview with Michael Rosario-McCabe of HCR in May EC Michael Rosario-McCabe, RN, is Director of Nursing of Congregate and LHCSA Teams for Monroe County.

HCR is a privately owned company, started by Executive Board Chair Louise Woerner.

HCR team members plan to attend the Rainbow SAGE meetings at least monthly but Michael Rosario-McCabe is hoping to be present more frequently.

Dr. Dan Lewis, physical therapist, has done a presentation for the GAGV Youth Group and the LGBT team, along with Rochelle Allen, also did a presentation at the SAGE Health Fair.

HCR has several cultural competency programs, including those for Russian, Ukraine, Refugee, Hispanic and African American constituencies.

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

NewsFronts national and international

SCOTUS: DOMA is unconstitutional, Prop 8 has no standing The Supreme Court declared DOMA unconstitutional by a vote of 5-4 on June 26.

“DOMA is unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment.”

Here is the opinion: http:// www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/12pdf/12-307_g2bh.pdf “DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled to recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty,” the opinion said.

The standard the court used is “careful consideration”... not “heightened scrutiny,” but harkens back to Romer and Lawrence. Rational basis plus.

More excerpt: “The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others.”

On the Defense of Marriage Act, the court ruled that Edie Windsor will get her money back. The 83-year-old from New York was forced to pay more than $360,000 in estate taxes because the federal government did not recognize her marriage to her wife spouse, Thea Spyer.

And the ruling could have far-reaching

consequences for couples in a myriad of circumstances caused by DOMA’s ban on federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote, was joined by Justices Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan, writing the opinion striking down a key provision in the Defense of Marriage Act in the case of Windsor v. the United States, calling the law a “deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment,” according to SCOTUSblog.com.

Prop 8 The court also delivered a 5-4 ruling on Prop 8 -- proponents have no standing. Gay couples can marry in California!

The second gay marriage decision of the day struck down California’s Proposition 8 based on standing, vacating the 9th Circuit Court’s opinion, and upholding the U.S. District Court of California’s ruling, authored by Vaughn Walker.

“We have never before upheld the standing of a private party to defend the constitutionality of a state statute when state officials have chosen not to,” read the majority opinion in Hollingsworth v. Perry authored by Chief Justice John Roberts. “We decline to do so for the first time here.”

In the Hollingsworth opinion, Roberts was joined by Justices Scalia, Ginsberg, Breyer and Kagan. (-John Reese, The Washington Blade) Reactions GetEQUAL issued the following

statement: “We’re happy today because our community finally has secured the right to marry in 13 states and Washington, DC. But we know that partial freedom is not freedom -- we must not leave behind our sisters and brothers who are not fully equal at marriage counters across the country. Our work is far from over -- not simply in our struggle for marriage equality in all 50 states, but also in employment, immigration, housing, credit, public accommodations, and so many other ways. Today we celebrate, but we are getting right back to work.”

Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, issued the following statement: “The Supreme Court has issued two rulings for freedom and fairness today.

Striking down the heart of DOMA, the justices have affirmed that all married couples are equal, ending the ‘gay exception’ that relegated same-sex couples to second-class status for too long. Married couples – gay or non-gay – should be treated as what they are: married. And the ruling on Prop 8 ends marriage discrimination in California, meaning that nearly a third of Americans now live in a state with the freedom to marry.

“This is truly a day of celebration for loving and committed same-sex couples and their families – and for all of us who believe in the American journey to equality under the law and the pursuit of happiness, with liberty and justice for all. The Supreme Court’s mortal blow to DOMA puts the moral weight of the federal government on the side of all Americans who seek to share in the freedom to marry and all its protections and responsibilities.

“And with California now joining 12 other states as engines moving the country forward, Freedom to Marry will continue working our winning strategy: winning more states, fully overturning DOMA to end federal marriage discrimination, and continuing to grow the national majority for marriage. Before long we will be ready to go back before the Supreme Court and win the freedom to marry nationwide.”

58 percent of Californians now back marriage equality A new USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll reveals a massive shift in public attitudes toward same-sex marriage in California, the L.A. Times reports: The poll found that 58 percent of the state’s registered voters believe same-sex marriage should be legal, compared with 36 percent against, a margin of 22 points.

When the same pollsters asked that question three years ago, 52 percent favored gay marriage and 40 percent opposed it, a 12-point spread.

Most national polls this year have found majority support, but only one of those surveys reported it as high as 58 percent. The average was roughly 51 per-

cent in favor of gay marriage. As in the rest of the country, more women (63 percent) than men (52 percent) in California favor same-sex marriage.

Younger California voters also support gay marriage by larger margins than older voters, the poll found. Whereas 76 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 support legalizing the unions, only 52 percent of those ages 50 to 64 agree.

Still, the shifts among older voters are dramatic. Voters 65 and older are now almost evenly divided — 46 percent in favor, 47 percent against — compared with just three years ago, when seniors opposed gay marriage by 19 percentage points.

Says USC’s Dan Schnur: “I have never seen a matter of public policy, in all my years in politics and government and academia, I have never seen an issue on which public opinion has shifted so quickly and so dramatically, as public opinions on the subject of same-sex marriage.”

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2Vuc2HFdo

Greek police harass transgender people; church condemns Pride Via GR Reporter, anti-LGBT oppression in Greece against trans people: The police in Thessaloniki have been carrying out a series of ungrounded arrests of transgender persons as stated by the Greek Transgender Support Association.

“According to written complaints filed by our members who live in Thessaloniki, it is clear that from 30 May 2013 onwards, the police have been carrying out purges and arrests of transgender citizens on a daily basis. The same complaints state that those arrested are being taken to the police headquarters in Thessaloniki in Dimokratia Square, where the victims are waiting for at least three or four hours to be identified under the pretext that the authorities should establish whether the particular person was not a prostitute,” reads an address of the nongovernmental organization (NGO).

Church leader condemns Pride Parade Last month, Metropolitan of the Orthodox Christian Church Antimos openly urged the residents of the northern Greek city not to allow their children to participate in or to promote the gay parade. He described Thessaloniki Pride as an “unholy and unnatural event.”

Antimos announced that he had received a petition containing nineteen and a half thousand signatures of citizens of Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas, who “strongly and dynamically protest against the outspoken presentation of homosexuals in their city.” He said that he was for the repeal of the festival.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2VucJveUu

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Fire Island house becomes national and state historic site Fire Island’s Cherry Grove Community House will be placed on the New York and national registries of historic places in recognition of its role in creating “America’s first gay and lesbian town.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced June 11 that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service placed Cherry Grove Community House and Theater on the National Register of Historic Places. In May, Senator Gillibrand urged the Chief of the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program to designate the Fire Island site on the official list of the country’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Located on Fire Island, this historic site provided one of the first settings for collective gay identity to openly appear in our nation’s history. “This is great news.

The Cherry Grove Community House and Theater represents the first civic entity to integrate gay and lesbian interests into governance and social life,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am thrilled that this historic site, the first civil rights organization for the LGBT community, is finally acknowledged for their contributions.”

Newsday notes that the structure was built in 1945 across the bay in Sayville and floated on a barge to Fire Island.

More from their story: In the conservative climate of the mid-1940s, the community provided a rare sanctuary where “the integration and self-affirming presentation of homosexual men and lesbians in Cherry Grove’s social life” gave it “exceptional historic significance,” according to the application. The community house was built in Sayville because construction resources were tough to come by on Fire Island after World War II. The theater was added in 1948, and may be one of the oldest “continuously used gay theaters in the United States, and probably in the world.”

“Ex-gay” Exodus exits Exodus International, the most well known “ex-gay” ministry, has shut down after 37 years.

The message came on June 20, less than a day after Exodus released a statement apologizing (www.exodusinternational.org/apology) to the gay community for years of undue judgment by the organization and the Christian Church as a whole.

Chambers also issued his own apology “to the people within the LGBTQ community who have been hurt by the Church, Exodus International, and me” in which he writes, in part: “Please know that I am deeply sorry.

I am sorry for the pain and hurt many of you have experienced. I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents.

I am sorry that there were times I didn’t stand up to people publicly ‘on my side’ who called you names like sodomite — or worse. I am sorry that I, knowing some of you so well, failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him that I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart. I am sorry that I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine. …”

Exodus International for years advocated for and practiced dangerous socalled therapies to change people’s sexual orientation.

“We are encouraged that Exodus International has made the right decision to close down their doors and spare the next generation of the psychological and spiritual trauma they have caused to so many – particularly vulnerable young

people,” said Dr. Sharon Groves, director of the Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program. “This is a welcome first step in honestly addressing the harm the organization and its leaders have caused over the past 37 years. Now we need them to take the next step of leadership and persuade all other religiousbased institutions that they got it wrong.

This is the right kind of reparative work that is left for them to do.”

In Chambers’ apology statement, he says for years he wasn’t honest about the feelings of same-sex attraction that never left him and for being dishonest about the real ability to change one’s sexual orientation.

Rev. Cindi Love, Executive Director of Soulforce, stated, “I pray that Alan Chambers is truly remorseful about the damaged and lost lives as a result of Exodus interventions. Soulforce will never stop speaking up for our siblings who are vulnerable to the harm and spiritual violence caused by ‘ex-gay’ ministries. We are grateful for this development. God loves us exactly as we are -- we need no repair. Anyone who continues to try and ‘fix’ LGBT people makes a mockery of God’s love.”

5 the trials of SEAL training and the harrowing missions that followed, growing a burly beard as she fought on the front lines of American special operations.

The Atlantic reports that Beck decided to undergo hormonal therapy some time after retiring in early 2011, and came out to colleagues by posting a photo of herself on LinkedIn. Beck said her SEAL colleagues gave their full support: Soon, the responses from SEALs stationed all around the world suddenly started pouring in: “Brother, I am with you ... being a SEAL is hard, this looks harder. Peace” * “I can’t say I understand the decision but I respect the courage.

Peace and happiness be upon you... Jim” * “ ... I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you that Kris has all the support and respect from me that Chris had ... and quite possibly more. While I’m definitely surprised, I’m also in amazement at the strength you possess and the courage necessary to combat the strangers and ‘friends’ that I’m guessing have reared their ugly heads prior to and since your announcement. ...”

The book is expected to have an effect on military policy toward transgender servicemembers, who are banned from entering military service.

Just in May, the Department of Defense recognized for the first time officially that transgender veterans have served in a uniformed capacity when they reflected the gender identification of activist and veteran Autumn Sandeen.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/2013/06/former-elite-navy-sealcomes-out-as-transgender-in-new-book. html#ixzz2VG4PuHo6

German high court rules gay couples can have equal benefits Former Navy Seal speaks about her transition A former U.S. Navy Seal is speaking out about her transition to a woman in a new biography published June 1 called Warrior Princess.

Beck was a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, and served in the unit that killed Osama bin Laden, though she retired shortly before that raid.

ABC News reports: Kristin Beck, formerly Chris, served 20 years as a SEAL and fought on some of the most dangerous battlefields in the world, but after she left the service she realized she wasn’t living the life she wanted.

“Chris really wanted to be a girl and felt that she was a girl and consolidated that identity very early on in childhood,” said Anne Speckhard, co-author of Beck’s biography, Warrior Princess.

Speckhard told ABC News Beck suppressed that secret for decades, through

In what is being characterized as a setback to the administration of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany’s highest court has ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the same tax benefits granted to married straight couples.

The verdict requires a change in the law and is a red rag to some in Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and its traditionally Catholic Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), who worry that conservative values are being diluted by extending equal rights to gay families. The ruling was widely expected after the court in February overturned a ban on same-sex couples adopting a child already adopted by one of the partners.

“The provisions set out in the incometax law violate the general rule of equality,” wrote the Karlsruhe-based court, adding the law should be changed retroactively from August 2001. Same-sex partnerships have been legal in Germany since 2001 but do not enjoy the same tax benefits as married heterosexuals.

Openly gay Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle hailed the ruling, saying (German continued page 12)

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Interview Maurice Tomlinson of AIDS-Free World on gay rights vs. Jamaican TV networks

By Susan Jordan From AIDS-Free World, May 31: The historic case challenging Jamaican TV stations for censoring gay Jamaicans has begun. Due to its landmark importance, it was heard over five days from May 27-31 before a full panel of three judges. A decision is expected in September.

The major private stations in the country, TVJ and CVM, as well as the island’s public broadcaster, the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica, all refused to air an ad produced by AIDS-Free World that calls for respecting the human rights of LGBT Jamaicans. The ad and the case form part of a five-year engagement in the Caribbean to eliminate debilitating homophobia. This homophobia is driving gay Jamaicans underground and contributing to a vastly disproportionate HIV prevalence rate of 32.9 percent among men who have sex with men (MSM) as opposed to 1.6 percent in the general population.

AIDS-Free World’s legal advisor, Maurice Tomlinson, is a Jamaican and appears in the video. He is the claimant in this matter and is being represented by Lord Anthony Gifford, Q.C. as well as AIDSFree World’s Legal Analyst, Anika Gray.

Lord Gifford is a British lawyer who now lives and practices in Jamaica. He was also counsel on the landmark case in Northern Ireland that led to the repeal of that country’s anti-sodomy law.

In this case, Maurice is seeking a declaration that the TV stations violated his constitutional right to freedom of expression, as well as the new constitutional guarantee to legitimate access to the media. As this is a constitutional claim, the country’s Attorney-General was represented at the trial.

A lot is riding on this trial. Among other things, it is the first constitutional challenge to Jamaica’s systemic homophobia. The case will also address the extent of Jamaicans’ right to freedom of expression as well as the limits to editorial freedom granted to broadcasters on the island.

The outcome of this matter will also have very far-reaching implications for the enforcement of rights against private citizens. For the purpose of the Constitution, corporations -- in this instance, the TV stations -- are considered private citizens.

In 2011 Jamaica introduced a new Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, which, among other things, significantly enhanced citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. The Charter also created a novel right to media access. It also mentioned for the first time that private citizens (i.e., the TV stations), and not just the state, are bound to respect constitutional rights.

This case will also address the evolution of the media’s role in ensuring democratic governance in Jamaica. The media has long been determined to be critical to the effective functioning of a free and democratic society. This fact was confirmed in a 2010 report of the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

This document, “Inter-American Framework Regarding the Right to Freedom of Expression,” makes it clear that the right to media access is central to preserving democracy in the Americas.

Coverage of the case was and will continue to be intense and the decision will create significant legal precedent: it will be scrutinized by media and international legal scholars for some time to come. The trial will also clarify the extent to which Jamaicans who are marginalized can access the media to address negative and debilitating stereotypes, which often

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013 drive them underground and help to spread the HIV pandemic.

For example, the oddly named Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) published full-page anti-gay ads in the nation’s major daily on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2013. The ad was repeated in a major Jamaican tabloid on May 24, 2013.

This is the latest in a series of attacks on gays where data from the Lancet medical journal has been misused to vilify homosexuals and assert that homosexuality is the cause of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Many arguments have been marshaled by the TV stations for this case. In brief outline, along with our rebuttals, they are primarily as follows: 1) The Constitution cannot be applied against private citizens. For the purposes of the Constitution corporations like the TV stations are treated as private citizens. The TV stations are therefore arguing that they are exempt from constitutional review.

As mentioned above, the revised Charter contains a new clause, which explicitly states that private individuals have a responsibility to uphold the rights and freedoms of others. The AttorneyGeneral’s written submission in the case confirms that this new constitutional provision was deliberately meant to require private citizens to respect the rights and freedoms of others. Further, the stations carry out a quasi-governmental role that has been delegated to them by the government of Jamaica through licenses.

These operating licenses grant the stations powerful rights and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding freedom of expression of Jamaicans.

2) Maurice is a resident of Canada.

Therefore, to apply Jamaican constitutional protections to him would be to illegally extend the constitution’s application internationally.

Maurice is a resident but not a citizen of Canada. Maurice’s only citizenship is Jamaican and he therefore has every right to be protected by the constitution of Jamaica. Further, it was threats of homophobic violence that forced Maurice to temporarily flee Jamaica. It is therefore disingenuous for the stations to argue that Maurice has no right to seek to advocate for a greater recognition of his rights by citizens of his homeland.

3) Maurice works with an international NGO and he is being “used” to push a “ foreign” agenda of acceptance for gay Jamaicans.

To claim that because Maurice works with AIDS-Free World he has no legitimacy to speak against homophobia in Jamaica is spurious at best. Many successful Jamaican organizations have international connections, including most of the island’s churches. Maurice’s collaboration with AIDS-Free World has been driven by a domestic agenda.

For nearly two decades, Maurice has been associated with the LGBT and HIV and AIDS movement in Jamaica and the Caribbean. This was a result of his personal experience that homophobia is driving Jamaican MSM underground, away from effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support interventions. Jamaica’s Minister of Health has also called for greater tolerance of gay Jamaicans in order to combat the country’s HIV epidemic.

Therefore, Maurice’s appearance in this ad is not at all “foreign” in nature, and in fact fits with a national strategy of seeking greater tolerance for Jamaican LGBTs. 4) Homosexuality is illegal and by airing the ad the stations would be aiding and abetting an illegal act.

While certain acts associated with homosexuality are illegal in Jamaica, the mere fact of being homosexual is not.

Therefore, advocating for respect of the rights of gay Jamaicans is not supporting an illegal activity. Similarly, smoking marijuana, an illegal act, is associated with members of the island’s indigenous religion, Rastafarianism. However, Rastafarians are not illegal and advocating for their rights has never been declared

Maurice Tomlinson. Photo: Susan Jordan

illegal. Perhaps Jamaica’s most popular musician, Bob Marley, was known to have smoked marijuana and he publicly called for its legalization. However, his right to freely make this assertion was constitutionally guaranteed and recognized as being critical to the island’s functioning democracy.

5) Jamaican broadcasters must have editorial freedom to decide what to air, otherwise their right to freedom of expression will be infringed.

There was never an attempt made in this case to deny the right of broadcasters to select appropriate programs for airing. Jamaica’s broadcasting regulator, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, even provided written confirmation that the ad does not breach any of the country’s broadcasting laws and regulations.

The new Charter requires that in making a determination about whether to air ads the stations must act in accordance with what is “demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”

This phrase is taken from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that Charter provision has been interpreted to mean that in making a decision to deny someone a right, such as the right to access the media, the TV stations must act reasonably. In this case, we will argue that the TV stations have based theirs decision on unreasonable considerations.

6) The Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) is not legally allowed to accept payment to air ads.

There was no attempt to suggest a rate of payment to PBCJ in exchange for airing the ad. There was simply a request made of the station to air the video, and if so, at what rate? The station could have easily advised that they are not allowed to charge, in which case they would air the ad for free. At the same time, PBCJ’s license does require the broadcaster to give effect to the rights of vulnerable groups, which includes Jamaican homosexuals.

7) Forcing the stations to air the ad would breach their right to freedom of association, as they would then be forced to associate with homosexuals.

There is no attempt to force the stations to associate with homosexuals like Maurice. They are simply being asked to give effect to Maurice’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and to access to the media. However, if the stations wanted to ensure that their viewers understood that this ad is not one they support, they could simply add a disclaimer before or after each airing. This is regularly done in the case of political ads.

8) Airing the ad will cause financial harm to the broadcasters and so they are justified in not airing it.

The two private stations have admitted to airing extended programs, which explored the issue of homosexuality in Jamaica. These programs have featured the head of the major LGBT organization in Jamaica, J-FLAG, as well as other LGBT activists. In fact, J-FLAG’s Executive Director appeared on one such program within the last three weeks and

Maurice himself has appeared on both stations to discuss the human rights of gay Jamaicans. It is therefore untenable to claim that the airing of a 30 second video will lead to serious financial and physical harm to the stations.

Television is by far the most powerful broadcast medium in Jamaica. Therefore, any attempt to change the hearts and minds of the vast majority of Jamaicans who self-identified as homophobic in a recent study sponsored by AIDSFree World, must include access to the airwaves. The airwaves are also a finite resource, which is heavily regulated by the government of Jamaica. Holders of broadcast licenses therefore have a greater responsibility to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression of Jamaicans, especially as is the case with the two private stations that hold a virtual duopoly on television transmissions in the island.

Maurice Tomlinson comments Maurice Tomlinson told The Empty Closet in June, “I think the judges are going to deliver a very conservative judgment, because of the far-reaching implications regarding the right to privacy, the right to freedom of expression and of religion, and the TV stations’ right to property. The judges will have to balance all these rights.

“They will be very conservative because this has never been tried before.

It will be hard to supervise which rights will trump which other rights. The decision will be very narrow and I don’t think we will prevail. All of the judges’ questions during the trial were about the stations’ rights. We would be ‘forcing’ them to adopt our message of tolerance and ‘promote homosexuality.’ The media is accepting ads from the religious right that make us out to be disease vectors. Our ad is trying to promote us as human – the humanity of homosexuals.”

Maurice found the clueless and often cruel statements of the opposition difficult to listen to. “It was painful because these were people who I thought were educated and intelligent. But the reasoning was so mixed and bigoted. These are people who travel to the U.S. and Europe happily and even send their kids to be educated there. But recognizing gay rights in Jamaica would lead to some kind of Armageddon. Their judgment is very subjective on this issue – guided by emotion.”

Maurice said there are also economic motives for maintaining the status quo. “The powerful people in society are affected by fundamentalist theology and the churches will pressure their congregations to pull ads from the TV stations in retaliation. The stations have also raised the issue of attacks against their facilities.”

If the judges surprise everyone and find in favor of AIDS-Free World, what effect will that have on the lives of ordinary LGBT Jamaicans? Maurice said, “The immediate effect would be recognition of our right to be a part of society. That has tremendous psychological benefits – now we feel we have to remain (Tomlinson continues page 12)

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

Making the Scene

BUFFALO PRIDE: MOCHA Center’s Gabe W., Program Assistant, and DeMarkis B., Prevention Programs and Services Manager (Arianna Dumont, Miss Gay NYS 2013) took part in Buffalo’s fabulous Pride Parade on June 2. Photo: John Bosa

BIG GAY PROM: Over 200 students attended the Gay Alliance’s Prom at the Center on June 1. Theme: “Alice in Wonderland.” Photos: Evan Ortiz

The MOCHA Center contingent in Buffalo Pride: L-R: DeMarkis B., Gabe W., Andrea L., Sheila F., Bruce S., Julie R., Anthonie K., Yaritza P., Jevon C. and Barbara T.

Peter Mohr at the Forum. Photo: Susan Jordan

It’s a bird, it’s a plane - it’s Peter!

My Own Private Rochester: Peter Mohr

people include “my longtime drag queens – Darienne, Aggy, Pandora and Kasha.”

Of course Peter’s favorite bar is the Forum, but he also goes to the Avenue Pub (“my second-favorite”). His favorite restaurants are Tony D in Corn Hill, where he likes the coal fired pizza oven and Karen the hostess, Char at the Strathallan (“great steak and seafood”) and Rocco’s, where he loves the wood-fired pizza with thin, crispy crust. “They give you scissors to cut it,” he says. “I don’t like doughy!”

For recreation, Peter once tried skydiving. More often, he enjoys walking his dog in Corn Hill along the Genesee River, and also in Ellison Park. The Corn Hill Festival is his favorite Rochester event – “We have a big party and it’s amazing.”

His other favorite thing is “relaxing at home with a nice glass of wine – in front of the fireplace in winter and on the patio in summer.”

He adds, “And of course I enjoy vis-

By Susan Jordan Peter Mohr is owner of the Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave., the oldest gay bar in Rochester. The ‘60s bar Fernand’s became the Bachelor Forum in 1973. Originally located on East Main St., the bar was razed to make room for the railroad line, and the Forum moved to University Ave. Peter Mohr bought the bar in 2008, having worked there for the previous owner, the late Arnie Pegish, since September 1999. The bar was once a threestory Victorian house with gables and a turret, but by the time Arnie bought it, it was a one-story building. Last year Peter had it completely remodeled, with large windows and three faux gables.

He said, “I personally think (the remodeling) is wonderful. Some of the old

timers didn’t like it at first, but they grew to like it and realized change was good.”

The old bar had a few tiny windows high up in the wall, a relic of the days when gay bars were fortress-like hideouts raided every weekend by police. Now the windows let light stream in and the message is that gay bars are like like any other business.

Also, the Forum of several decades ago was a male hangout where women were generally not very welcome. All that has changed too. Peter said, “That’s part of the changes. We are looking to the future.

The bar is for the community and everyone is welcome.”

Peter lives with his partner Rob and their Yorkie Trevor in Corn Hill. He is on the boards of the Corn Hill Homeowners Association and the Gay Alliance.

His favorite Rochester groups include the GAGV and the Rochester Rams (the Forum is their home bar) and his favorite

iting the parents in Newark. They have owned their house for 61 years – they bought it when they were married.” Peter’s father and grandfather owned a florist shop in Newark, Wayne County, and he grew up there. “I’m a country boy at heart,” he says.

If out of town friends come for a visit, Peter takes them to the Corn Hill Festival, the Forum, the George Eastman House and exploring the Lake Ontario shoreline, especially Chimney Bluffs, east of Sodus Point, where he used to go fishing.

Peter reflected that the Forum is one of only four gay bars left in Rochester, along with the Pub, 140 Alex and Tilt.

He said, “You go back 10 years ago and we had a very thriving bar business; there used to be eight or nine bars in town. Now there are only four, maybe because of the Internet…. You don’t have to go out to socialize anymore – which is sad.” ■

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UNHappy Hour supports passage of GENDA

By Cooper Townsend Equality Rochester’s UNHappy Hour took place on June 7 at 140 Alex Bar & Grill and was largely a success.

The amount of support shown at the event was indicative of the community’s desire and need to see the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) passed.

There was a mix of organizations represented through official sponsorship, with a total of eight co-sponsors for the event. Sponsorship ranged from LGBT organizations to trans* specific groups to allies.

Community leaders from various organizations rallied the crowd with cries for “GENDA NOW!” while slam poets graced the stage with unbridled emotion through lyric. A mother spoke of her ever-evolving support for her transgendered daughter.

The event was not just to show support for GENDA or to list all of the reasons why GENDA is the right thing to do for New York. The UNHappy Hour was a feeling, a desire. It was the deepest sigh and the loudest cry. It was the embrace of a community around those who have been pushed away.

GENDA is vital to the lives of New Yorkers. The UNHappy Hour reminded us that there is still work to be done.

We need to call and write our State Senators and Majority Coalition Leader Dean Skelos.

Our representatives need to know that there is support for GENDA and that we demand to get GENDA to the Senate floor for a vote. We have waited long enough to see GENDA made a reality and we cannot wait any longer. We need to continue the fight for GENDA because everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, deserves equal protection under law. ■

Pam Barres speaking about GENDA on June 7. On June 21 Senate Republicans again kept the bill from the floor for a vote – where it would probably have passed. The Pride Agenda and the GENDA Coalition are meeting to discuss the situation and plan future strategies. Pam Barres told The Empty Closet, “I am very ashamed of the leadership of the state senate and the governor for not bringing the bill to the floor for a vote. I’m confident if a vote had been taken it would have passed.”

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page one (Fatima from page 3) identify themselves. That’s something we need to figure out – how to communicate with the media about transgender issues.”

In 2012 Chief Sheppard made a point of stating that the RPD has a policy of respecting transgendered citizens and their chosen identities. RPD Media Officer Justin Collins told the Empty Closet, “Chief Sheppard feels very strongly that transgendered people should have the right to identify themselves.”

D&C reporter Victoria Freile told The EC on May 31 that the newspaper was in the process of correcting the article. The corrected article was published on June 1 and identified Fatima as transgender.

Candlelight vigil on June 3 A candlelight vigil organized by the Families and Friends of Murder Victims was held at the corner of Dewey and Lexington on June 3. Around 75 people gathered to remember and mourn Fatima. Prayers and hymns were offered and family and friends shared memories.

Fatima’s young niece recalled the fun she and her siblings had at “Uncle” Fatima’s, where they were allowed to experiment with her clothes, wigs and makeup.

Fatima’s sister Fancy Vanhoose said, “Fatima loved me to no end and I loved her too. Fatima was such an artist… We had some good times. I am so grateful that we had those moments. Fatima had a good heart and helped others.”

Barbara Turner of The MOCHA Center said, “Fatima was a leader and mentored a lot of people who came through our doors, and taught them to stand up for themselves. She is a great loss to our community.”

Bishop Willie Davis led the group in prayer and said, “It is very disturbing to us that in the middle of our neighborhoods, people are being gunned down.

Too many mothers expect their child will die before them.”

The group chanted, “Stop the killing, stop the violence.”

Fatima’s funeral took place on June 7 at Miracle Valley Church, 1713 Lyell Ave., and her obituary appeared in the Democrat & Chronicle for June 4. Her death is the 12th Rochester murder in 2013. ■

local and state (Ride continued from page 3) For more information on the ride, contact Trillium Health’s development office at (585) 210-4150 or visit www.

AIDSRedRibbonRide.org. For additional media information, contact Stacey Rowe, associate director of marketing at (585) 210-4217.

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

Out & Equal hosts panel of senior executives Out & Equal hosts a panel of senior executives on Wednesday, July 17, at Nixon Peabody 1300 Clinton Square, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided.

Celebrate Rochester Pride with a panel discussion of Senior Executives sharing their experiences of bringing their “Out” authentic selves to work, from the challenges to achieving more than they dreamed possible.

Panelists include Selisse Berry, Founder and CEO, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates; Mike Feldman, Senior Vice President - Global Document Outsourcing Services, Xerox and Lori Fox, President and Founder, Lori Fox Diversity & Business Consulting. The moderator is John Heery, Quality Manager, Corning Incorporated and Council Chair, Out & Equal NY Finger Lakes. ■

interview (Tomlinson continued from page 6) invisible.

“We do anticipate some backlash, but we are prepared – there’s not much worse that can happen to us! That will also help our allies, since the more moderate churches would start speaking out more for our rights. And a major impediment to HIV response in Jamaica has been that people are afraid to be visible, to get tested, to buy condoms, etc.

“This is the first constitutional challenge since the Charter of Rights was revised in 2011. So the case has significance not only for gay people, but for all marginalized groups in society, including women and the disabled. The precedent set by this case will help other groups attain their rights.”

Cases across the Caribbean Maurice said that AIDS-Free World is challenging laws across the Caribbean that criminalize any form of gender identity and expression. “We are doing this en masse because for too long we’ve let the religious right drive the agenda. We are engaging them in the only forum we have – the courts. We will lose every case, but on appeal we will be going outside the territory and hopefully international norms are more enlightened.”

Belize: There is a case challenging the country’s anti-sodomy laws, and in a second case, Maurice himself is challenging the law that prohibits gay people from entering the country (he initiated this when barred from attending his 12-yearold son’s spelling bee).

He said, “I am a member of Caricom (Caribbean Community), which guarantees my freedom of movement. So Belize’s law is in contravention. This will be held before the Caribbean Court of Justice, with judges drawn from several different Caribbean countries, and one from

Scotland (Commonwealth countries are included). If the court decides in my favor and Belize refuses to let me in, economic sanctions are possible.”

Guyana: On June 4 a case was heard which was a constitutional challenge to the country’s cross-dressing ban. It failed.

“The judge told the plaintiffs they should go to church because they need Jesus.”

The Guyana constitution, like that of Jamaica, guarantees freedom of expression.

Trinidad: A court case is challenging the ban on gay people’s right to enter the country. Maurice noted, “They tried to ban Elton John from entering the country to perform. Churches said going to his concert would turn people gay. He got a special waiver from the government to enter the country and performed his concert, and no one turned gay!”

Jamaica #2: On June 25 a case challenging Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law had its first hearing. “The fundamentalist coalition Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society has asked to be part of the case, since they claim if gay men get the right to privacy the churches won’t be able to preach that homosexuality is obscene and they will have to perform gay weddings and this will lead to more HIV!” Jamaica #3 and #4: One case challenging Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law – the constitutional challenge -- is being tried in Jamaica, while the other two cases are before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which enforces the American Convention on Human Rights (Jamaica has signed). If the Commission rules against Jamaica, and Jamaica refuses to comply, the Commission has no real way of enforcing their decision.

Maurice commented, “Since we have filed these cases, the churches have become even more desperate. One church leader said that he and other pastors are willing to die to prevent gay people from getting civil rights. He said ‘We may get to the point where we have to take up arms against the gays to preserve freedom of religion.’ This kind of rhetoric is forcing the government to get involved. They will have a parliamentary conscience vote on the anti-sodomy law by the end of this year. We don’t expect to win, but at least we will get the matter before Parliament for the first time.”

Maurice finds it incredible that so many countries which suffered from slavery and colonial rule in the past are now upholding the prejudices of European and North American conservative extremists, throughout history the proponents of racism, colonialism and slavery.

national and international (German continued from page 5) that the time has come “for German tax law to be as modern as its society.”

A spokesman for the Christian Social Union party denounced the news as an attack on the “sanctity of marriage.”

Hate violence rose in 2012; black trans women at highest risk The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), in a national audio press conference on June 4, released its annual report documenting the high level of hate violence experienced by LGBTQ and HIV-affected persons in the United States in 2012.

The report, “Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2012,” is the most comprehensive report on this violence in the United States. It draws on data collected from 15 anti-violence programs in 16 states (with one organization reporting about two states) across the country.

States reporting were: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Vermont.

General Findings The 2012 report documents 2,016 incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence in 2012 (a slight four percent decrease from 2011), and highlights a number of disturbing multi-year trends of severe antiLGBTQ violence.

LGBTQ people of color were 1.82 times as likely to experience physical violence, compared to white LGBTQ people, and gay men were 1.56 times as likely to require medical attention compared to other survivors reporting.

The report also found that transgender people were 1.67 times as likely to experience threats and intimidation compared to LGBTQ non-transgender survivors and victims.

“Though the recent spate of hate violence incidents in New York City has captured the media’s attention, this report demonstrates that severe acts of violence against gay men, transgender people and LGBTQ people of color are, unfortunately, not unique to Manhattan nor to the past month, but rather part of a troubling trend in the United States,” said Chai Jindasurat, NCAVP Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

Homicide rates remain disturbingly high In 2012, NCAVP documented 25 anti-LGBTQ homicides in the United States. This continues a multi-year trend in high anti-LGBTQ homicide rates nationally (30 were reported in 2011, the highest ever) and is the fourth highest yearly total ever recorded by NCAVP. Lisa Gilmore from Center on Halsted Anti-Violence Project in Chicago, Illinois cautions that the number of homicides may be even higher: “Over the last several years, not only have we seen consistently high rates of anti-LGBTQ homicides, but we also know there are many more homicides of LGBTQ people, especially transgender people and people of color, which go unreported. Twenty-five LGBTQ hate (Hate continues page 14)

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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national and international (Hate from page 12) violence homicides is an alarming number – and we know it could just be the tip of the iceberg.”

The 2012 report found that 73.1 percent of all anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were people of color. Of the 25 known homicide victims in 2012 whose race/ethnicity was disclosed, 54 percent were Black/African American, 15 percent Latin@, 12 percent White and four percent Native American.

The report also found that 53.8 percent of anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were transgender women. This is a considerable increase from 2011 (40 percent) and continues a three-year trend toward disproportionate and severe violence experienced by transgender women.

“For a third year in a row, NCAVP’s findings reflect a disproportionate impact of severe and deadly violence on people of color,” said Maria Carolina Morales from Community United Against Violence in San Francisco, California. “This is also true for transgender women victims, all of whom were people of color, and continues a multi-year trend that transgender women of color are targeted for deadly violence.”

Reports of police violence and misconduct increased considerably The 2012 report also documents a number of troubling findings related to the interaction of LGBTQ survivors of violence with police. Of survivors reporting violence to the police, 48 percent reported incidents of police misconduct, a considerable increase from 2011 (32 percent). Of those survivors who interacted with the police, 26.8 percent reported that the police attitudes were hostile, an 18 percentincrease from 2011. Additionally, reports of police violence and misconduct mirrored the larger trend of the dispropor-

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013 tionate targeting of people of color and transgender people.

The report found that Transgender people were 3.32 times as likely to experience police violence compared to nontransgender people; Transgender people of color were 2.46 times as likely to experience physical violence by the police compared to white non-transgender people; Transgender women were 2.90 times as likely to experience police violence compared to overall people reporting violence and Transgender women were 2.71 times as likely to experience physical violence by the police compared to overall people reporting violence.

“Around the country, NCAVP members are organizing and mobilizing to address the pervasive experiences of discriminatory policing that decrease trust, reporting and access to safety for LGBTQ safety,” said Ejeris Dixon, Deputy Director in charge of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “This year’s statistics are particularly alarming and shed light to the long-term experiences of LGBTQ communities.”

Milan Nicole, a survivor of hate violence and police violence who now works as the Youth Organizer at BreakOUT! in New Orleans, Louisiana, stated: “LGBTQ people experience violence at the hands of the police every day. Transgender people need access to housing, education, jobs and other assistance because without it, they are forced into non-traditional forms of employment like sex work and targeted by police. It’s all connected.”

NCAVP’s report makes it unequivocally clear that more must be done to stop this hate violence. “NCAVP’s report findings are a wakeup call that LGBTQ and HIV-affected people are facing extremely high levels of violence that need to be addressed as a priority in the United States,” said Chai Jindasurat. “We call on policymakers, advocates, and community members to be a part of the solutions that NCAVP recommends in the 2012 report.”

The report’s specific policy recommendations include: End law enforcement violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected people through holding police officers accountable for homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic violence, prohibiting profiling based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and training law enforcement on LGBTQ communities experiences of violence.

End the root causes of anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence through addressing anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected institutional, cultural, and interpersonal discrimination.

Decrease risk of severe violence and homicide through ending poverty and homelessness in LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities, through things like access to jobs programs, housing and safe schools.

Collect data and expand research on LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities’ experiences of violence on a local, state and federal level.

Increase funding for LGBTQ and HIV-affected anti-violence support and prevention programs.

NCAVP is coordinated by the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

Puerto Rico gets LGBT civil rights measures Paul Schindler wrote in Gay City News on May 29 that Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro García Padilla had signed into law civil rights measures that give LGBT people on the Caribbean island nondiscrimination protections and also incorporate same-sex couples into its domestic violence law.

The measure cleared the Puerto House of Representatives in a 29-22 vote, and the Senate by a 15-11 margin.

After final legislative action, Pedro Julio Serrano, a longtime activist in the US commonwealth who works for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,

said, “A decade ago, LGBT Puerto Ricans were criminals under the sodomy law, today we’re second-class citizens, and when this bill is signed into law we will be closer to achieving the first-class citizenship that we deserve. Equality is inevitable. Puerto Rico will be for all.”

According to the Task Force, there have been 40 murders of LGBT people in Puerto Rico, which has a population of roughly 3.7 million.

According to ABC News, Garcia Padilla cited his Christian faith in explaining the obligation he had to sign the legislation.

SSA change makes updating transgender records easier The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) applauds the Social Security Administration (SSA) for its decision on June 14 to change a policy protecting the privacy of transgender people.

The SSA has made it clearer and easier for transgender people to update the gender designation in Social Security records. The SSA joins other federal agencies like the U.S. State Department and the Veterans Health Administration in recognizing the realities of transgender lives and replacing outdated policies.

“Most people may not see this as a big deal, but transgender people know that this seemingly small technical change will protect their privacy and give them more control over their own lives” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

In light of the updated policy, NCTE has a released a guide to understanding the modernized policy called Transgender People and the Social Security Administration. The new resource (SSA continues page 16)

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Opinion Prostate cancer in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region

By Patrick Fisher As a survivor of prostate cancer, I encourage every man to discuss prostate health with a medical provider, especially Viet Nam veterans, men over the age of 50, men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men, all of whom are at even greater risk for developing prostate cancer in their lifetime.

It is also important for men who take or receive testosterone treatments as a means of sexual enhancement -- or to increase their energy level -- to discuss the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer cells with a trusted medical provider.

Men at greater risk for prostate cancer have the right to know the status of their prostate health and may request a blood test that measures the level of prostatespecific-antigen in the blood stream (PSA test). If your primary care provider does not address your concerns, seek a second opinion from an urologist or surgeon who has experience diagnosing prostate cancer.

When researching information online, use reliable Internet websites that reflect current trends in treatment options.

While a rising PSA may not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, for men a rising PSA level is a true medical concern that deserves attention. It is also important to note that where prostate cancer cells are present, the male hormone “Testosterone” may advance the disease. For this reason, use of drugs or treatments that increase testosterone are typically discouraged upon diagnosis or until prostate cancer is eliminated as the cause for a rising PSA. In spite of recent controversy regarding blood tests for prostate cancer the bottom line is this: the digital rectal exam, the PSA blood test, “watchful waiting” and a prostate biopsy are some of the most affordable means of detecting when prostate cancer cells exist and learning when an aggressive type of cancer may benefit by treatment.

Here are a few facts: Prostate cancer may be “curable,” but only if detected early.

In the U.S., prostate cancer will affect one in six men in their lifetime. However, not all prostate cancers require aggressive treatment.

Men have a 35 percent greater chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than women have of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Viet Nam Veterans, men over age 50, men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men are at even greater risk.

Some men with prostate cancer have no symptoms; some even have a “normal”

Patrick Fisher

PSA. Once a man develops symptoms, it may be too late for “cure,” but treatments exist that allow them to live a long and productive life.

Side effects from treatment or surgery may vary from one individual to the next, but new research has resulted in multiple options.

Prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate.

Everyone born male needs to pay attention to their prostate health.

Anyone interested in learning more about this topic may benefit by attending meetings with a local prostate cancer support group. In Rochester, meetings are conducted by the following groups: Manto-Man: [sponsored by the American Cancer Society] Phone (585) 224-4902; Gilda’s Club: Phone (585) 423-9700; Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital: Phone (585) 275-5823; Lipson Cancer Center at Rochester General Hospital: Phone (585) 922-4020; Cancer Care Center at Unity Health: Phone (585) 368-359, and Us TOO Rochester NY [sponsored by Us TOO International, Inc.]: Phone (585) 709-9971.

All these groups can provide helpful information on the topic. They may also be able to connect you with trusted urologists or surgeons and other survivors.

Us TOO Rochester NY is a not-forprofit support group dedicated solely to men surviving prostate cancer and those who love or care for us. Their monthly meetings are educational as well as social.

The group assembles 7-9 p.m. on the second Thursday evening of each month at the Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester 14618. Lifepartners, friends, family and medical providers are encouraged to attend.

For more information about Us TOO Rochester NY, visit their website at: www. sites.google.com/site/ustoorochesterny or call (585) 709-9971 and ask for Patrick.

Patrick Fisher is a survivor of prostate cancer living in Penfield and is Chapter Leader for the support group Us TOO Rochester NY.

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national and international (Puerto from page 13) answers commonly asked questions about the updated policy. It also provides stepby-step information for how account holders can change the gender designation in their Social Security record.

The new policy allows transgender people to change the gender designation on their Social Security Records by submitting either government-issued documentation reflecting a change, or certification from a physician confirming that they have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition. This policy replaces SSA’s outdated policy, which required documentation of specific surgeries.

The U.S. Military are the last remaining federal agencies to rely on the outdated requirements to change gender. Old policies remain for the military’s discharge papers as well as several other records systems, forcing veterans and retirees to meet extremely burdensome and unreasonable requirements to update their pension and service records.

NCTE Director of Policy Harper Jean Tobin said, “The new policy gets rid of old, arbitrary requirements for specific medical treatments to update SSA records, even though these may not be available or appropriate for every person.

The SSA’s revised policy is one of the last remaining major federal agency policies to drop these outdated requirements.

“Prior to this policy update, trans people risked being unsafely outed to front line Social Security staff and to health care providers, or faced losing health care coverage already available to beneficiaries because of a bureaucratic hiccup,” said Tobin.

Keisling added, “Importantly, Social Security records are gateways to so many other kinds of identity documents, from driver’s licenses to employment records; all of us depend on it in one way or another. This seemingly minor technical improvement touches every aspect of our lives and will have a profound impact on changing the way transgender people live and work.”

NCTE worked for seven years in collaboration with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Lesbian Rights and will continue working to ensure that transgender people have access to identity records and documents that match their gender identity.

Freedom to Work sues Exxon Mobil for discrimination Posted by Ari Ezra Waldman on Towleroad.com, June 5 Two applicants apply for the same job -- Marketing Associate for EnormoCorp. The applicants, Alice and Barbara, are identical in some ways: same college, same gender, even the same hometown.

But Alice is consistently superior in the relevant qualifications: Alice has a 3.8 GPA to Barbara’s 3.2; Alice has been a Marketing Assistant for five years, Barbara for only two; Alice’s skills in Excel and other computer programs, all of which are listed in the job description as necessary for the job, are “excellent,” but Barbara can only boast of “proficient” skills. Alice’s resume also notes that she is the treasurer of her local chapter of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. Barbara does volunteer campaign work for Emily’s List, the organization that helps elect women candidates.

If you ran human resources for EnormoCorp, you’d at least want to interview Alice first. She’s the more qualified of the two applicants.

ExxonMobil does things a little differently. It discriminates against the LGBT applicant because it can.

In December of last year, the gay

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013 rights organization Freedom to Work and its founder, Tico Almeida, wanted to expose incidents of Exxon’s antigay discrimination. Mr. Almeida tested the company with two ghost applicants just like Alice and Barbara, and Exxon went for Barbara. In fact, Exxon didn’t just opt for the non-gay candidate; when she never responded to their several calls to come in for an interview, Exxon never even contacted the gay applicant as a back up!

Along with Peter Romer-Friedman, an attorney at Cohen Milstein Sellers and Toll PLLC, Mr. Almeida is suing Exxon for violating Illinois’s nondiscrimination laws. And they’re going to win.

The most remarkable thing about this case is not that it highlights the need for a federal LGBT nondiscrimination act.

Nor is it that this kind of discrimination happens every day. Those facts are, in fact, quite unremarkable.

Rather, what’s amazing is that even though the technique of sending in “testers” like Alice and Barbara has been outrageously successful in identifying and stopping discrimination against African Americans, Hispanics, the disabled, and other protected groups, this is the first time it has been used to advance the cause of gay rights. http://www.towleroad.com/2013/06/ exxonmobil-on-trial-for-anti-gaydiscrimination-2.html more Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2VMxqJavV

Bar Association opposes “gay panic” legal defense for bashers On June 3 the National LGBT Bar Association applauded the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section for taking up a resolution to protect victims of so called gay and trans “panic” legal defenses.

The resolution supports the LGBT community by no longer allowing defense attorneys to use victims’ identities or their sexual orientation against them in court.

“This resolution puts an end to a longstanding injustice in our legal system and gives a voice to countless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of violence, one we never hear because they are no longer here to speak for themselves,” said D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the LGBT Bar. Gay and trans “panic” defense tactics ask a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the defendant’s excessively violent reaction.

The perpetrator claims that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity not only explains but excuses their loss of selfcontrol and subsequent assault of an LGBT individual. By fully or partially acquitting the perpetrators of crimes against LGBT victims, these defenses imply that LGBT lives are worth less than others and that LGBT people deserve death.

The 15th anniversary is approaching of the murder of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student who was beaten to death by two men. The men attempted to use the gay panic defense to excuse their actions. Despite widespread public protest, the defense is still being used today; most recently in connection with the February murder of Mississippi mayoral candidate Marco McMillian. McMillian was the state’s first openly gay candidate for office.

Lawrence Reed, the man who admitted to killing McMillian, has made comments to the press indicating that he might use the gay panic defense to mitigate the charges against him.

“We have been fighting against gay and trans panic defenses for more than 15 years,” said Kemnitz. “We must protect the LGBT community by refusing to allow defendants to use a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity to justify their heinous crimes.”

The National LGBT Bar Association developed the resolution, calling for jury instruction and providing for training for judges, attorneys and juries geared toward

supporting victims by minimizing the use of the gay and trans “panic” legal defenses.

The ABA House of Delegates must pass the resolution at the 2013 ABA Annual Meeting this August for the recommendations to become official ABA policy.

well as The New York Times, The Washington Post, 37 U.S. Senators and 110 U.S. Representatives.

Gays protest for ENDA at Boehner’s office Eight LGBT workers from states without employment protections based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity were arrested on June 13 outside Speaker of the House John Boehner’s Congressional office.

The LGBT workers were calling on Speaker Boehner to immediately support and move forward the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) for a vote after the legislation has languished in Congress for nearly 40 years.

The LGBT workers are affiliated with GetEQUAL, a national social justice organization fighting for the full equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, that last month confronted DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and First Lady Michelle Obama at a fundraiser over an Executive Order longpromised by the Obama Administration, which would bar any company that contracts with the federal government from sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination.

“It’s clear that Speaker Boehner has absolutely zero intention of supporting or moving forward the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Sean Watkins, a gay Iraq War veteran and constituent of Speaker John Boehner. “In the face of Republican obstructionism, the only hope the LGBT community has of garnering any degree of workplace protections this year is for President Obama to make good on his promise to sign the federal contractor Executive Order sitting on his desk.

Such an order would protect a quarter of America’s workforce from discrimination.”

While running for office in 2008, then-candidate Obama promised to sign such an Executive Order if elected, but has yet to take any action to fulfill this promise to the LGBT community. A federal contractor Executive Order would protect approximately 22 percent of the American workforce from LGBT workplace discrimination, and has support from the LGBT advocacy community, as

Brad Taylor and Dylan Meehan

Yearbook’s “cutest couple” goes to the prom on June 3 Brad Taylor and Dylan Meehan, the gay Carmel, NY teenage couple who have become a viral internet sensation, talked to USA Today as they headed to prom on Monday June 3.

Their best friend Chelsea Blaney is responsible for their Internet fame. After she posted a yearbook picture May 31 of the two on her Tumblr blog, saying they won cutest couple, she went from 15 likes to 7,000 in minutes, she recalled.

Her blog and Taylor and Meehan’s picture have since been shared online more than 100,000 times. Taylor said he soon got a message from his cousin in Pennsylvania saying they were “Tumblr famous.” Other messages have poured in from around the world.

“I got comments from ‘They’re cute’ to ‘This has inspired me to come out to my parents,” said Blaney, 18. “It’s mindblowing.”

The couple is headed to NYU in the fall, to the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where they expect to study theater, business and the sciences. Both have 4.0 grade point averages and scholarships, according to USA Today.

Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz2VG456gKC ■

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

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Shoulders to Stand On

Pride

By Evelyn Bailey PRIDE. Pronunciation:\`prīd\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pryde, from prūd proud 1: the quality or state of being proud: as a: inordinate self-esteem b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride> This definition captures the feeling the Rochester LGBT Community has grown into over the past 40 years. Our growing sense of who we are individually and as a community has moved us to be more visible and proud. We take great pride in our community’s accomplishments in our struggle for equality and the freedom to be who we are. Our focus for this article

will be the year 1973, the year that the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley began, and the accomplishments of that year by the Rochester LGBT community.

1973 – A Year of Pride In February, “Green Thursday,” the first gay radio show, begins on WCMF at 12 a.m. Later it will alternate with “Lesbian Nation”. Also in February, the first anniversary of GROW (Gay Revolution of Women) was celebrated. They met at the “Women’s Center” at 185 East Avenue.

In April, a co-ordinating council, consisting of the chairpersons of the several Gay Liberation Front committees, meets and recommends to move all non-student operations off the University of Rochester Campus. Reorganization to become effective July 1, 1973.

In May, the name “Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley” is the new name for this non-student group, and its new location will be 812 Brown St., donated by Mark Hull. Also in May, GROW calls a meeting at the “Women’s Center” on rape, which leads to the founding of the much-needed Rape Crisis Center, which still helps women who have been raped.

In July, the first offices of the Gay Alliance open at 812 Brown St. Whitey LeBlanc is elected the first president. GAGV holds its first meeting. Also in July the University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front transfers publication of The Empty Closet to the Gay Alliance at Brown Street.

In August, GROW sponsors the first dance held at new GAGV center at 812 Brown St. In September, GAGV membership opens at a cost of $3.50 with the requirement that a member attend three meetings within a five-week period. The Gay Alli-

ance held its first Open House.

In October, the GAGV hosts the first New York State Coalition of Gay Organizations conference at the Universalist Church at 150 Clinton Avenue at Court St. The “Dykes Unite” newspaper is born at the NYSCGO conference in Rochester.

Later the name is changed to the “New Women’s Times.”

In November, GROW opens an office at the Co-op, 713 Monroe Avenue, second floor In December, the GAGV becomes incorporated and in April of the following year moves to the Co-op on Monroe Avenue to share space with GROW. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association declassifies homosexuality as a mental disorder.

In 1973, Midge Costanza (later to come out) is elected to city council, and becomes vice mayor.

In the ensuing years there were many more firsts. The struggle for equality and individual freedom to be yourself anywhere, at any time, with any one continues today for our brothers and sisters who are just coming out and for many who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex. This is also true for our allies who voice their support for the LGBT community. The passage of SONDA and Marriage Equality provide some but not all with protection and rights. GENDA has yet to be passed.

On July 20, the History Pavilion at Manhattan Square Park will present an overview of historically significant events over the past 40 years of Rochester LGBT history. Shoulders To Stand On hopes that you will visit the History Pavilion and become better acquainted with our early pioneers and our community’s roots.

Shoulders To Stand On is PROUD of our history and all those who have in any way contributed to it. YOU will create and live our history as individuals and as part of a community. PRIDE is our hallmark and our legacy. Shoulders To Stand On invites each and every single person who is LGBT, an ally or a member of the Greater Rochester community to stand tall and be PROUD of who we are and of those whose shoulders we stand on today.

Happy Pride! See YOU at the History Pavilion at Manhattan Square Park!

History Corner A monthly newsletter of the University of Rochester Gay Liberation Front: July, 1973 SUN 1 JULY: “GAY INDEPENDENCE DAY” View the new community center. Election of new officers. Refreshments 812 Brown Street. 7:30 p.m. See map below.

WED 4 JULY: “PICNIC” Churchville park. Details from GA office, and at meetings.

SUN 8 JULY: “GAY ALLIANCE PROGRAM FOR SERVICE” What can and should the new group do? GA Center 812 Brown Street 7:30 p.m.

SUN 13 JULY:”MICKEY/MINNIE MOUSE COFFEE HOUSE” Animal crackers, crafts, conveniality. A sociable social. 812 Brown Street 7:3O pm.

SUN 22 JULY: “COMING OUT, YES -- BUT WHEN, WHAT?” How does the liberated gay solve family problems? GA Center, 812 Brown Street. 7:30 p.m.

SUN 29 JULY: “VICTIMLESS CRIMES” A discussion by Robert Sheldon, candidate for sheriff. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 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 Avalanche

By Eric Bellmann My computer isn’t accepting my password! This makes no sense to me. This is not unusual. Nothing technological ever makes sense to me. Maybe if I just wander away and try again later, kind of like sneaking up, it will forget its attitude of rejection and welcome me.

I go into the basement, can’t remember why. In retrospect most of this morning is blurry, but there I stood slack jawed staring at the air conditioner. It’s covered in condensation. I gaze upward towards one on the rectangular funnels leading away from it and it, too, is covered in condensation. Then I notice the puddles on the floor. Not good.

Saturday has been hot; it’s evening now and still hot. Figuring it’s wise to give the AC folks a call, I get an answering service, no surprise. Twenty minutes later someone calls back. A service guy actually can come on Sunday at no extra charge. I experience something akin to relief.

Back to the computer. Now no blinking lights. Not one. Dead as a door nail.

Might as well call Frontier. I’m on hold.

What have I expected? Lately when I talk on the phone I often find myself asking whoever to speak more clearly, louder. On hold the repeating announcements and occasional music are so faint it dawns on me to pop in my hearing aids. I really only use them situationally, in small discussion groups, never at the movies where the volume is well, deafening.

Thirty minutes pass and a voice asks me all the information I have already punched into the phone. Oh well. After a pleasant discussion, the service tech says he can’t tell what my computer problem is until I get power, so a new modem is required. One day delivery, he tells me.

Except that it is late Saturday and it won’t be shipped until Monday and will arrive on Tuesday. That’s three days. I will die without my computer.

I need solace. Reach out, that’s the trick. Hmm, my cell phone seems not to be working. What’s going on in my life? I call a friend on my land line, ask him to call me on my cell. I snatch it on the first ring. There is a not very coherent attempt to list my woes, my fears, my needs. Did I mention I have shingles?

A year ago I showed a small annoying rash to my doctor. I thought maybe spider bites or ingrown hairs; it was really a minor annoyance. He shrieked with joy.

Not only did I have shingles but, so it seemed, my really terrific immune system had already kicked in and done whatever it is supposed to do and my shingles were on the way out. I love making my doctor happy.

Now one year later my shingles have returned and with a vengeance. Let me tell you, you want to scratch. You do not scratch. You also do not listen to anyone’s horror stories about shingles where they linger on and on and on. Doc has put me on antiviral meds even though I have consulted him after the 24 to 48 hour window in which they are recommended.

I sit staring at the dead computer, cell phone in my hand, trying not think about scratching my backside.

Back to the phone. In no time at all I realize my one success with the cell has been a fluke. And, worse, every number I

want to call to wail my miseries is a long distance number. No one to reach out to.

I stare out the window for a long time.

At least the damn toilet isn’t backed up.

Guess what happens next? Right. You can’t make up this stuff. Unplugging I know how to do. Find the plunger. One problem solved. A small sigh of relief.

But what to do, what to do? Is there a Life Line number for situations like this?

I want a drink. No, I want many drinks.

I can’t do that. I don’t do that anymore.

Not an option. Sugar remains an option.

Little Debbie to the recue. Night falls.

Sunday the AC man comes. He’s a wizard. An hour and a half and $106. plus change later, the hum is on and the water is evaporating.

Time lapse.

Monday the Verizon man waves his magic wand or does some such hocus pocus and the cell returns to life. “What was wrong?” I inquire. “Sometimes there are glitches.” I think that means he has no idea. What the heck. It works.

Tuesday I sit in the yard waiting for Mr. UPS. Noon and he arrives. I want to hug and kiss him and he isn’t really my type at all. I tear open the package.

What the hell? The pleasant Frontier man said it would a snap to install. One plug here, another there. Inside the UPS box is a strange looking object, a rectangle.

My old modem was square, another color.

Panic returns.

A fast call on the now functional cell to techno savvy Sherri and several sentences after screaming “help,” I beg for her assistance. Some young people are wonderful. (The rest of you know who you are, hang your heads in shame.) Sherri comes. I hide in the kitchen as far from my office as I can get. I think if the computer knows I am near, it will mess with me. It likes Sherri. Twenty minutes later she hollers, “all is well”. I can get back on line. 157 emails piled up in the inbox.

Was ever a sight so welcome?

In order to write this you will realize I lived. I did not drink. I only ate a few packages of Little Debbie. Life goes on.

Email: elbcad@rit.edu

Faith Matters Black Pride: Distinct and Emblematic

By Rev. Irene Monroe Black Pride reaffirms our identity. And it dances to a different beat.

What started out in Washington D.C. in 1990 as the only Black Gay Pride event in the country has grown to over 35 gatherings nationwide. Each year celebrations start in April and continue to October. Over 300,000 LGBTQ people of African descent rev up for a weekend of social and cultural events celebrating their queer uniqueness. In 2007 alone over 350,000 attended Black Gay Pride events throughout the U.S. The largest events are held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Atlanta, and smaller Black Pride events (like Boston’s) provide an important sense of identity and cultural heritage.

Sunday gospel brunches, Saturday night poetry slams, Friday evening fashion shows, bid whist tournaments, house parties, the smell of soul food and Caribbean cuisine and the beautiful display of African art and clothing are just a few

of the cultural markers that make Black Pride distinct from the dominant queer culture.

Just like in the mainstream of American society, cultural acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ communities of color in larger Pride events is hard to come by.

Many can experience social exclusion and invisibility in the big events. Segments of our population will attend separate Black, Asian, and Latino Gay Pride events in search of the unity that is the hallmark of Pride.

The themes and focus of Black, Asian, and Latino Pride events are different from the larger Pride events. Prides of communities of color focus on issues not solely pertaining to the LGBTQ community, but rather on social, economic, and health issues impacting their entire community.

The growing distance between our larger and white LGBTQ community and these LGBTQ communities of color is shown by how, for an example, a health issue like HIV/AIDS that was once an entire LGBTQ community problem is now predominately a challenge for communities of color.

Also, with advances such as hate crime laws, the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the legalization of samesex marriage in many states, and with homophobia viewed as a national concern, the LGBTQ movement has come a long way since the first Pride marches four plus decades ago. Many note the perceived distance the LGBTQ community has traveled in such a short historic time — from a disenfranchised group on the fringe of America’s mainstream to a community now on the verge of equality. But not all members of our community have crossed the finish line. Some are waving the cautionary finger that within our community to note that not all are equal.

Pride events can be public displays of those disparities.

Mainstream Prides have themes focused on marriage equality for the larger community where Prides organized by and for LGBTQ people of African descent have focused not only on HIV/AIDS but also unemployment, housing, gang violence, and LGBTQ youth homelessness.

After decades of Pride events where many LGBTQ people of African descent asked to be included and weren’t, Boston Black Pride was born. Boston Black Pride this year will neither be a formal gathering of folks nor will there be a display of scheduled festivities. But it will groove on as it always has for the community, with more individual and impromptu events.

By 1999 Black Pride events have grown into the International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. (IFBP). The IFBP is a coalition of twenty-nine Black Pride organizations across the country. It formed to promote an African diasporic multicultural and multinational network of LGBTQ/ Same Gender Loving Pride events and community based organizations dedicated to building solidarity, health, and wellness and promoting unity throughout our communities.

Also in understanding the need to network and build coalitions beyond its immediate communities, IFBP created the formation of the Black/Brown Coalition.

Black Pride is an invitation for community. Like the larger Pride events that go on during the month of June throughout the country, Black Pride need not be viewed as either a political statement or a senseless non-stop orgy of drinking, drugging and sex. Such an “either-or” viewpoint creates a dichotomy, which lessens our understanding of the integral connection of political action and celebratory acts of songs and dance for our fight for our civil rights.

While Pride events are still fraught with divisions, they, nonetheless, bind us to a common struggle for LGBTQ equality.

Black Pride contributes to that struggle for equality, demonstrating an African diasporic aspect of joy and celebration that symbolizes not only our uniqueness, but it also affirms our commonality as an

expression of LGBTQ life in America.

Happy Pride!

A Few Bricks Short Who’s To Blame?

By David Hull With all the excitement about marriage equality and the possible repeal of DOMA, a lot of anti-gay people are still insisting that homosexuality is a choice. C’mon, folks, the 1960s are over. We now know that being gay is no more a choice than eye color or height – it’s just the way a person is born.

However, even though the 1960s are indeed over, my own discovery of homosexuality can be traced back to that decade, although I must admit I was very, very, very young at the time. You got that – I was young in the 1960s!

My gay awakening wasn’t due to nature or nurture or child-rearing practices of my parents. Television was to blame.

Yes, that’s right, television. TV. The boob tube. The idiot box. The electronic babysitter. The telly.

You’d think that I would have known that I was gay when I felt that stomach churning excitement on Christmas morning when my sister unwrapped her neon pink Barbie Dream House. You’d think I’d of had a clue on the evening of my birthday when, unlike my brother on his birthday who went to bed with his new baseball glove, I was thrilled to snuggle under the sheets with my new G.I. Joe action figure with life-like hair and kungfu grip.

But none of that made me understand I was gay. No, instead it was those handsome men on TV that awoke within me “the love that dare not speak its name.”

That’s either homosexuality or the evil villain from the Harry Potter books, I’m not sure.

Anyway, here is a list of the characters from classic 1960 TV shows that made me realize that I prefer my sandwich with a pickle, if you know what I mean.

Captain Kirk on Star Trek (1966-69).

Now this was real Star Trek, folks. They made the shows with a production budget of about $3.75 per episode and it was awesome. Captain Kirk was so handsome and smart and heroic. My favorite episodes were always the ones where his shirt got ripped off – that always caused me to arm my photon torpedo!

Those three brothers on The Big Valley (1965-69): Jared, Brock and Heath Barkley played by Richard Long, Peter Breck and Lee Majors. Jared was smart.

Brock was strong. Heath was sensitive.

And any one of those fine-looking devils could come and rescue me anytime they wanted.

However, those Barkley brothers weren’t the only cowboys in town. I’d never miss an episode of Wild, Wild West (1965-69) starring Robert Conrad as bold, daring special agent James West. James was so good-looking and those pants of his were so tight. And every time the bad guys caught him they took off his shirt and tied him up. It didn’t really make sense, but I didn’t care.

The Green Hornet (1966-67) was portrayed by Van Williams. I could never make up my mind who I liked better, gorgeous publisher Britt Ried or his sexy, mysterious, superhero alter ego, the Green Hornet. It was then that I could sympathize with how Lois Lane must have always felt with her inner conflict over Clark Kent or Superman.

I was always willing to help handsome Mark Goddard who played handsome Major Don West (no relation to handsome special agent James West) find his way home on Lost in Space (1965-68). I could never understand why Will Robinson and Dr. Smith didn’t take strong, fearless Major West along on their adventures rather than that clunky robot who never managed to protect them and always

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet squawked: “Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!” when it was already too late.

But it wasn’t just those hotties on the adventure shows that made me sit up and take notice (so to speak). It happened right in downtown, Mom & Pop shop, Middle America, USA too.

Wally Cleaver, Robbie Douglas and Greg Brady all made me wish I had a big brother like on Leave it to Beaver (195763) or My Three Sons (1960-72) or The Brady Bunch (1969-74). Tony Dow, Don Grady and Barry Williams were the most handsome and groovy big brothers ever!

And I can never forget my favorite small town hunk of all, crop duster Steve Elliot from little old Petticoat Junction (1963-70). His real name was Steve Minor, but he was a major as far as I was concerned. And sometimes Steve would even sing – yes, sing – with full orchestra accompaniment, even though at the Shady Rest Hotel they only had an upright piano in the corner of the parlor.

Regardless, I always felt like he was singing to me.

And my sexuality wasn’t assaulted just during prime time – I was bombarded on Saturday morning television too! Race Bannon was the attractive hero of Jonny Quest (1964-65) and I adored him from the cartoon cleft in his chin to his awesome animated abdominals. He could rescue me from man-eating Komodo dragons or vengeance-seeking mummies anytime he wanted, too. And what about Freddy on Scooby-Doo, Where are You? (1969-86)? He was tall, blond and muscular, wore a neckerchief and drove the Mystery Machine! Jinkies – how could I not have a crush on him?

And now years later – Richard Long, Peter Breck and Don Grady have unfortunately passed away – they’re still all a bunch of hunks in my book.

So, the next time the anti-gay crusaders are looking for someone to blame for my sexual orientation, don’t try pinning it on parenting or personal choice or even Satan. We all know who to really blame.

It’s big, it’s bright and it’s sitting in your living room. And while you’re at it, turn on CNN – Anderson Cooper is hot!

Contact David at davidhull59@aol.com

Cleaning My Closet YES

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger My Brain is a weirdly wired mess.

There are days when Brain frantically surfs channels.

Hours when it lolls around, refusing to hook up with any organ or body part. Most astonishing is when Brain willfully goes on autopilot.

Or goes to hell in a basket.

My Autopilot is responsible for Uncontrollable YES Saying. Like “yes I will eat lunch with the jocks.” I was thirty-four and of sound mind and hot body. Transferred to a different high school, I was a virtual stranger, hoping to find a place to eat lunch. Day two I was invited, by my hall duty partner, to join him for lunch in the coaches’ conference room. “YES,” said Autopilot. So I and my brown-bagged peanut butter and pickle sandwich dined with men.

“Culture shock” is an understatement.

I was totally unable to join their conversations about teams, stats, trades, RBIs, TD wonders, or unimaginable signing bonuses. When raucous banter surfaced, I matched their wit. Before my seventh bite, bawdy jokes made it clear to me that I and my bleached-blond hair had accepted a Date Interview. Oops.

I knew they were good guys whose attention to me was not mean-spirited. It was biology. For me, it was a lesson about packaging. I was dressing like Date Bait, systematically obscuring my identity as a radical feminist. With a brain.

Shortly thereafter, autopilot again

declared YES, hijacked my body, forced my hand to register my name. For scuba diving classes. Instructor Ron’s hand-written note said “sign here.” So I did.

Seems not amazing, on the surface.

Unless I factor in my basic poor swimming skills, my underwater claustrophobia, my slight fear of drowning, and absolutely no interest in the art of underwater survival.

First poolside class, I nonchalantly greeted a social studies teacher now a fellow-student. Bravely acknowledged his presence even though I knew that he knew that he had been my tenth grade student, and now he knew that I knew that I was wearing a bathing suit and pubic hair. YES insisted: continue.

Lesson six: dive with the oxygen mask in hand, not on my nose. NO NO NO screamed a tiny sensible brain cell. Kind instructor Ron held my hand as YES and I jumped in. I survived yet another autopilot move.

Lesson eight: dive in with a buddy, who has no dive tank, to practice emergency sharing of lifesaving oxygen. Tiny cell: NO, and I mean it. Autopilot noticed my buddy’s bulging, beseeching eyes. YES inquired: really? In the end, I passed all written tests and wet tests. Went on two dives. Total. Ever.

Turns out my gray matter stored those tales for several years. Then, while studying gyn/ecology and other gender issues, I finally connected those two autopilotmaneuvered events. I understood that YES had not selected scuba diving for me to enjoy wreck watching or coral cruising.

YES had started me on a journey to reclaim my body. A journey that helped me shed stereotypical bleached-blondness behaviors, helped me see my body as the workshop of my brain. Not just a pretty face with false eye lashes. Not just long legs sticking out of girly garments. Autopilot YES had precipitated a shrewd decision.

Recently, during Divorce Dementia, my mind would go to hell in a basket over

23 and over again. Stopping at the Cesspool of Stress, my mind was assaulted by Intrusive Thoughts. Mesmerized, I could not stop re-viewing events and conversations from my recently polluted life.

From the moment I heard the words “I need to end our marriage,” I have, with all my will power, struggled to cleanse my mind. As damnable memories surface, I shout POISON! POISON! POISON! Whenever tortuous realities emerge, I chant sage erasers: It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter, let it go, make it leave, let it fade.

With my therapist, I am learning to heal. When I falter, friends come to listen.

When I despair, Autopilot YES encourages me to carve affirmations on my mirrors, my palms, my heart.

Recently, I shared a meal with my long time (48 years) friend. Hesitantly he inquired, “Do you have anything on your agenda?” For more than a year, he has listened to me lament the heartbreaking truth that my “marriage had broken down irretrievably.” This time, I assured him, it was his turn to talk.

“Well, I have some news.” He smiled.

My Brain raced through possibilities.

New camera? More powerful telephoto lens? What thing... ?

“I’m going to Cuba.” Of course not a thing. An action. I should have suspected that this long time activist for social justice had found yet another way to continue improving the world. He had been accepted as a delegate with Witness for Peace. I was impressed that this eightyyear-old person was still giving his time and energy to help others.

My oh my, said I, that is wonderful for you. It sounds very fulfilling. “Well, you still have time to apply,” he offered.

Without hesitation, my Autopilot issued an Uncontrollable YES. Said and done. I am going to Cuba.

Seems not amazing, on the surface.

Unless I factor in my basic dislike of air travel, especially in a metal conveyance during hurricane season, my slight fear of

24

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

(Columnists continued from page 23) drowning in an ocean, and absolutely no interest in being away from home, Vegas Sebastian’s tail wagging, and my own bed.

In preparation for the trip, I immersed myself in histories of Cuba, the Cuban Revolution, and the lives of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Then I realized. YES had started me on a journey to reclaim my mind. Autopilot YES had offered me the opportunity to help others... the best path to heal a ravaged heart.

MeredithReiniger@gmail.com

What’s Bothering Brandon?

Bring Your Pride but Please Leave Your Prejudice

By Brandon W. Brooks The yearly venture into Pride is upon us, complete with colorful floats, flag-bearing and shouts of friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly)

praise.

I myself can often be seen during this annual festival overcome with glee, giddiness and even wrinkle-causing smiles.

But in the back of my mind, I am also meditating upon the LGBT population’s continued progress in the coming decades Many times I find myself wondering how LGBT Pride interacts with (and sometimes clashes with) societal assimilation, and how these two forces can either work together or against one another in regard to the LGBT population (it’s more than a community) finding actualized equality within the world.

In an effort to discuss these two ideas and/or practices without too many varying interpretations, I would first like to identify what I mean by both LGBT Pride and assimilation into society (straight society). Pride, in my mind and experience, is an identity that exists simultaneously at an individual level (“I am LGBT”), as well as on a large scale (“We are the LGBT population”). This identity exists in-and-of itself as a person or a group of people who have internalized and incorporated the cultural heritage, struggles and successes, the joys and the laments of the LGBT population.

The LGBT identity is also defined by what it is not; straight. That’s where the pride comes into play. Many LGBT persons come to the realization that they are indeed LGBT because they do not feel the same as their straight counterparts, who are the majority and are thus the norm. We are the other as so many gender theorists and feminists would say (All Hail Butler and de Beauvoir), and a portion of our identity (both personal and cultural) is formed based upon that.

LGBT Pride works to cast out the darkness and insincerity of shame and guilt, while brightening and enhancing our sense of heritage, strength and perseverance.

But how does LGBT Pride interact with the LGBT population’s continued success in the future, especially when one considers the power of societal assimilation? LGBT Pride certainly acts as a unifying force for the LGBT population, but can it not also work against us, as certain aspects of LGBT Pride rely upon (and are indeed defined by) the idea that we are in fact not the same?

LGBT individuals are skilled social assimilators. Whether social assimilation has been undertaken in order to blend, in order to achieve “realness”, in order to go undetected for issues of safety, ease of passage or job security, we LGBT persons are talented in this arena. We have all been in situations where we have had to monitor our gender displays, silence our opinions or unique points of view, and certainly fail to mention our sexual ori-

entations, all for one reason or another.

These situations are not pleasant or comfortable situations, and they are certainly not the most genuine of moments in our lives. This version of social assimilation, where one subordinate minority (LGBT people) must conform to and essentially emulate a dominant group (heteronormative society) is not my idea of actualized equality. In fact I see it more as a forfeit of humanity’s diversity, an act of appeasement for the widespread homosexual-panic that still lurks in every corner of society and the world.

It would reinforce the idea that it is OK to be LGBT, just not noticeably LGBT. It is a game of self-denial and self-hatred, something that in this current environment can manifest only too easily for many LGBT individuals.

The thought of a future like this, where LGBT persons fail to embrace their uniqueness and richness out of the very real practicality of blending in, scares me. It scares me because I feel, as many of you would agree, that this is a very real possibility. The likelihood of this happening makes LGBT Pride even more important for the LGBT populations of the world.

LGBT Pride, and indeed holding pride and affection towards all of humanity’s riches, is one of the many tools that will make actualized equality take place. It is important that I include “all of humanity’s riches” in this idea of pride, because it is not just LGBT persons who need a sense of pride to remain united, dignified and represented in the world. If we were to embrace all variations of humanity, their differences and similarities, and hold pride in our connection with these people, I feel actualized equality may take place much faster.

I suppose the underlying question here is, if LGBT and straight persons alike were to concentrate more on their similarities, would the fight for equality be hastened? One has only to try to find the answer. Maybe here assimilation would be more of a waltz between many different dancers, all with their own style of dance. Instead of obsessing over why the dance will not go on, why the styles of dances will clash, and why one style is superior to the other, we should find ways to incorporate all of our dances into one.

We should continue to take pride in ourselves, our communities and heritages, but most importantly we should take pride in how we can all fit together happily. This may be more difficult for some over others, but we must dance nonetheless. If you stop moving, you’re only delaying the inevitable. We all got the invite, so you might as well try. And besides, everyone loves a ball.

Questions, comments or critique?

Please feel free to e-mail the author at brandonbrooks@mail.adelphi.edu

Confessions of a Serial Blonde …AND HE LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

By Robbie Morris Well, hello there. I know it’s been a minute since you’ve seen my words fill up these pages. Actually, it’s been a few years, but who’s counting?

As it turns out, some of you have been! I’m always taken aback when someone approaches me or I receive a message with someone asking, “Robby, when are you going to write another column?” or saying, “I could always count on you to make me laugh and smile.” Though it’s been a while since I’ve shared my views with readers, it warms my heart that some of you remember and still care. For that I will always be thankful.

I began writing Confessions of a Serial Blonde when I was twenty-seven

years old. It was a response to what I was and wasn’t hearing in the collective voices our community has to offer.

The younger generations were sharing their coming out stories and more seasoned folks were offering stories of reflection and what they have encountered throughout the years. Both of these ends of the spectrum are important pieces to what will become LGBT history.

Others wrote about their love lives, health and the social issues of the day.

All unique voices that added to the tapestry of who we are as a community. I loved each and every one of those writers (even if I sometimes disagreed with them!) and it was they who inspired me to add my voice to the mix, albeit in an unconventional way. I was too old to be the ingénue (it had been years since anything in my life felt fresh or new!), yet not quite old enough to have my own “Back In My Day” stories taken seriously.

But I could and did write about the in-between years, that part of your life when adulthood is setting in and you’re equally exhilarated and terrified by the mundane act of living and all of its trappings. I wanted to see those stories in print. And to my delight, so did others. My readers, so I’ve been told, grew to enjoy my humorous ramblings about whatever I was on a tear about. Family, friends, gay issues that were amusing or irritating the hell out of me, my hair color. Those were my tales. Good, bad and indifferent. I presented a different slice of life and learned a lot about myself and about our community in the process.

In the eight years since I began writing my column, I’ve seen the world change. In some cases it has changed for the better, in others not so much.

There is still much more to do in making more progress in LGBT equality globally. On a more personal level, as I’ve matured, my social views have

become less self-focused and more about the larger picture.

With that, after much careful consideration, it’s time for me to officially bid adieu to Serial Blonde. That persona, and the opportunity to write for the pages of The Empty Closet, helped me find my voice and grow up exactly when I needed it. The simple act of writing about my queer life began my foray into social activism. It has always been my dream that doing so would encourage others to do the same. I hope it has. Writing will always remain my first love, but in recent years I’ve found new opportunities to express myself and speak out on issues that affect the community I care for and the people I love.

I will always look back on my column with pride (and occasional embarrassment at my oversharing!). I’d like to thank my small but devoted following for allowing me to entertain them with my off the wall adventures and musings. I will always be grateful to my best friend, Aaron, who helped me become a better writer and, though he’d deny having anything to do with it, a better person. Everyone should experience that kind of friendship. I will always be indebted to the brilliance that is The Empty Closet’s Editor-In-Chief, Susan Jordan, not only for giving my stories a home, but more importantly, for being an exemplary model of how well-crafted prose can start a revolution.

And lastly, to anyone out there who feels their thoughts or ideas are insignificant, let me remind you, you matter. Change does not occur from remaining silent or still. Each of us has something we can contribute to making the world a better place to live. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate PRIDE. P.S. I shall always be and remain… blonde. ■

july 2013 • number 469 • 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 month of July 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 Dinner!

Our Potluck theme for July is “Belly Up to the Bar”. This one requires a bit of explanation. Some of us wanted to have an ice cream social and others wanted to have something more substantial than just dessert for dinner.

Result? Two “bars”—a salad bar and an ice cream bar! There should be something for everyone at this potluck! No time to cook? Just ask a friend or two and join us for food and fun!

You can call the Hotline at 585-2345092 or check our website for updates on services and activities.

EMPIRE BEARS June was fun. We had a few good weekends. The RGMC gave a great 30th anniversary concert and party.

Rainy weather is good for staying in, playing games, catching up on movies.

The BEARS get together for movies,

games, dinner, and camping in the summer. You can find us every Wednesday night at The Wintonaire at 6. Except July 3. They’re closed, so we’ll try the Golden Corral. Come join us.

There are some great weekends planned at Jones Pond. Quite a few members of the Bears spend time there in the summer. Hillside is also a fun gay campground to visit. Weeknights you might find us at The Cinema, watching a double feature and enjoying popcorn served by a fat bald guy.

No potlucks this summer, maybe some impromptu picnics. Join us and get on our mailing list to know what’s happening. Have a great summer. Keep cool.

Flower City Pride Band Celebrates 20 Years!

Back in 1993 Tim Stallman thought Rochester needed a gay marching band, so he started one.

BA SSica lly TR EBLEma kers marched in Rochester Pride for many years under the guidance of Tim and his partner Gerry Mason. We owe both of them a debt of gratitude for their vision and years of service to the band.

Rochester’s GLBT band, now named Flower City Pride, will march this July for the 20th season.

Our members perform during the summer in Boston, Cleveland, and right here in town. Over the years we have hosted the national conference for

the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, and have had a number of their bands perform here for Pride. We have had many memorable performances here, and members of Flower City Pride have performed at many international events, including the 2009 Inaugural Parade for President Obama.

Flower City Pride welcomes all band friends, new and old, to join us for our 20th anniversary Pride parade on July 20. If you were a member during the early years, why not take one more stroll down Park Ave.? We rehearse on Wednesday evenings, and welcome musicians on any traditional band instrument or flags. Call Judy for more information at 415-9563.

LET’S MEET A new lesbian group will be forming July 12 and Aug. 16: “LET’S MEET” – “Lesbians Evolving Their Singleness (by) Mingling (and) Eating Enthusiastically Together.”

Our first date on 7/12 will be at the new Mexican restaurant at 93 Alexander St. at the corner of Clinton, called La Casa, at 6:30 p.m.

The Aug. 16 date night will be at Pane Vino at 175 North Water St. downtown, also 6:30 p.m.

This is a chance for single lesbians to gather and make new friends or possibly find a love! What could be better than a night out with women-loving women on a warm summer evening?

Try it out! Come out!

Please call me by Friday July 12 and/ or Friday Aug. 16 (by 4 p.m.) so I can make reservations, or just show up. Call Ramona at 585-490-1424.

Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church Open Arms is pleased to announce that we are moving from the suburbs back into the city. Please look for us at 707 E. Main St. in the fall.

Open Arms is a progressive Christian church, focused on the bible based concepts of Social Justice, activism and equality. We welcome all people, regardless of your faith journey or personal beliefs. Our table is open to all.

Currently, we are at 740 Marshall Road, Rochester 14624. Our worship service is at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Please join us for worship and fellowship.

Rochester Rams M.C.

PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 740 Marshall Road, Rochester, NY 14624 from 1 to 3pm. Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: pflag@gayalliance.org - Join us!

Strip down a layer for Undergear Night on Saturday, July 20. Remember this is barnight; leather, denim and boots never go out of style, but why don’t you join the party and wear some Undergear for once. All of our regular barnight features, like boot shine, coat check, and wall-to-wall hot men, will be available at this full-service event.

Applications for The Rams Run 2013 are now available. Battering Ram XL is coming Aug. 23-25, this will be our 40th anniversary run. Information and applications are available on our website www.rochesterrams.com.

The run fee is $150 before July 20 or $165 by August 14. Space is limited so apply early. This single run fee gains you entrance to the event and includes all meals and beverages, round-theclock snacks and sandwiches, a motorcycle tour of western NY’s beautiful lake country, clothing optional pool and campsite, fetish oriented parties and plenty of brotherhood and good times.

The Rochester Rams M.C. is Rochester New York’s foremost gay motorcycle and leather club, as well as being one of the oldest clubs of its type in the country.

Our home bar is the Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave., where we

25 hold Bar Nights on the third Saturday of each month. We hold general meetings (open to the public) the Wednesday before each Bar Night at 7:30 p.m. at the Forum. For more info, visit our website: www.rochesterrams.com.

United Church of Christ Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Never place a period where God has placed a comma.

Since 1957, the United Church of Christ (UCC) has been a church of firsts, weaving God’s message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace. Together, we live out our faith in ways that effect change in our communities.

The UCC’s many “firsts” mean that we have inherited a tradition of acting upon the demands of our faith: first African-American minister (1785), first woman minister (1853), first openlygay minister (1972), first to become Open and Affirming (1985), first to advocate marriage equality (2005).

The Genesee Valley Association of the UCC has several churches that have adopted Open and Affirming (ONA) declarations. But what does this mean?

This is what Andrea and Lorraine recently experienced at one of our ONA churches: “We grew up very involved in our respective churches (Catholic and Protestant). After college, our lives had changed and our churches felt different to us. When we became a couple, we started searching for a church. We wanted children and we wanted them to feel the same sense of community that we had experienced earlier in our lives.

“Friends told us about their church, Irondequoit UCC, which had become ONA in 2011. This meant the church had publicly and specifically declared that those of all “sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions” were welcome into its full life and ministry. We started attending, were always greeted with smiles, and it was never awkward.

“In 2012, we were excited to add a baby girl to our family, but she passed away shortly after bringing her home.

Pastor Michael Dack of Irondequoit UCC called us. Our grief was overwhelming and we did not want to hear ‘It’s God’s will.’ Pastor Michael said he didn’t believe in that explanation. We sat down with him to discuss what we were feeling. Even though we were not yet members, he offered to lead a service. We accepted, and, on that day, there were church volunteers helping to coordinate everything including a reception afterwards. They provided us with some peace and didn’t ask for anything in return.

“We’re now members of Irondequoit UCC and are becoming involved with church activities. Our soon-to-be adopted son attends with us and has been embraced as well. We enjoy being part of a church that’s not only ONA, but accepts all people. They opened the doors of the church to us when we needed them. Now they encourage us to go out those same doors and help others.”

Look for the ONA Task Force of UCC churches at the Pride Parade and Picnic. And we invite you to our churches. To find out more about our beliefs and locations, please visit http:// www.ucc.org/.

-ONA Task Force of the Genesee Valley Association The following UCC churches are Open and Affirming: Community Christian Church, Chili; Mountain Rise UCC, Fairport; Henrietta UCC; Honeoye UCC; Irondequoit UCC; Lakeville UCC; Webster UCC; West Bloomfield Congregational UCC. ■

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

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Arts & Entertainment Festival venues 45 minutes prior to show time. Customers may inquire about ticket availability by calling the JCC at 585-4612000. Additional information is available at www.rjff.org.

This year’s collection of films includes the award winning “Life in Stills” (Israeli Oscar winner for Best Documentary), with Director and award winning Filmmaker Tamar Tal appearing from Israel for Opening night. Also visiting for a post film panel discussion is filmmaker and award winning Director Lisa Gossels, of “My So Called Enemy”.

Included in this year’s lineup is the six

Eastman House show explores gender portrayals since 1900s From “Melting Away”

JCC presents 13th annual film festival July 21-29 at three venues

From “Invisible Men”

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester has announced the schedule for the 13th annual JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival, underwritten by the William and Sheila Konar Foundation. Two of the films have LGBT themes (see below).

The Festival is scheduled from Sunday, July 21 to Monday, July 29. This year’s line-up includes an unprecedented number of films: 26 Jewish-themed films from 10 countries (11 feature-length narratives, 14 feature-length documentaries, one short narrative film), Opening night, and closing night parties will take place at the George Eastman House. Festival venues include The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave.; The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House, 900 East Ave.; and the JCC Hart Theatre, 1200 Edgewood Ave. in Brighton.

Ticket prices range from $7-$20 (discounts apply for JCC members). All Festival Passes (allowing early entry to all films) may be purchased for $150/$165 and are on sale now. Tickets are available and may be purchased in person at the JCC in Brighton (1200 Edgewood Ave.), by phone at 585-461-2000, or online at www.rjff. org. (A small convenience fee applies to online ticket purchases.)

Due to frequent sell-outs, advance purchase of tickets is encouraged. Walk-ins may be purchased, as per availability, at all

time Oscar nominated “Fill the Void”.

“This is our 13th Film Festival -- it’s our Bar Mitzvah year!” said Lori M. Harter, Festival Director. “To celebrate this important milestone and year of growth, we are offering 26 films, two visiting filmmakers, a traveling photo exhibit from Israel which will be on display at the George Eastman House both Opening and Closing nights, and we are offering a new ‘matinee pass’.

“For Opening night – an elegant dessert reception with live music, and on closing night – a grand Bar Mitzvah party with live music! The quality of available films we were able to select this year has been outstanding, and this Festival just keeps growing which is so wonderful and exciting! We expect almost 6,000 film lovers to attend.”

See www.rjff.org 6/1/13 for complete film details and trailers.

OPENING NIGHT: Sunday, July 21, 7:30pm, Dryden Theatre, $15/$20. LIFE IN STILLS: With special guest award winning Israeli filmmaker Tamar Tal. Director: Tamar Tal, Producer: Barak Heymann, Israel, 2012, 58 min. Hebrew with subtitles, Documentary. The story of Miriam Weissenstein and her grandson Ben, who embark on an exciting, funny and touching journey to save her late hus(JCC continues page 28)

The George Eastman House’s exhibition The Gender Show will explore how photographs, from the mid-19th century to today, have portrayed gender -- from archetypal to non-traditional to subversive representations -- with a special emphasis on the performances that the act of photographing or being photographed can encourage or capture.

The Gender Show, presenting over 200 works, draws primarily from the Eastman House collection, which spans more than 170 years, and also features contemporary art photographs and videos on loan from artists and private collectors. The exhibition will be on view from June 15 through Oct. 13.

The Gender Show is the first major Eastman House exhibition organized under the direction of Dr. Bruce Barnes, who assumed the role of Ron and Donna Fielding Director last October.

“This exhibition is an extraordinary survey of how photographers and their subjects have presented gender over the course of more than 150 years,” said Barnes. “George Eastman House is uniquely able to review the ever-changing cultural and social landscape through depictions of gender ranging from innocent assertion to elaborate masquerade.”

From the Eastman House collection are photographs by many of the biggest names in the history of the medium, including Julia Margaret Cameron, August Sander, Edward Steichen, Nickolas Muray, Brassaï, Robert Frank, Andy Warhol, Barbara Norfleet, Mary Ellen Mark, Cindy Sherman, and Chuck Samuels, as well as rarely seen vernacular photographs, in the form

Blackfriars presents “Rent” in the round Rent, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning landmark rock opera from creator Jonathon Larson, makes its Blackfriars Theatre premier in a radically reinterpreted production, beginning July 19 and running through July 28.

Being presented much closer to its initial concept off-off Broadway, the show will be staged in the round and will transform the Blackfriars thrust stage to a complete 360 degree circle with portions of the existing seating removed, making this production a must see event.

Larson’s tale of free-spirited artists and street people in the gritty AIDSplagued East Village of the early 1990s was inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side in the heydays of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of AIDS. Despite its bold setting and adult themes, Rent offers a universal message of hope, love, survival and living for today. It has become one of

RGMC concert marks 30 years of music and pride

Janine Mercandetti as Joanne Jefferson (left) and Kaitlyn Baldwin as Maureen Johnson (right). Photo: Dan Howell

the most decorated and popular musicals of our time.

Sadly, Larson never lived to see his triumph: He died at age 35 of an aortic aneurysm after its final dress rehearsal in ( Blackfriars continues page 28)

By Darren W. Plunkett The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus (RGMC) held its 30th anniversary concert, “The Rainbow Connection,” on June 15 at Hochstein School of Music.

This concert commemorated the RGMC’s 80th performance and the 30th anniversary of the first concert, held in 1983. Three of the 18 chorus members from the original concert contributed to the festivities of the night. David C. Knoll, Larry Mancine and David Skinner have dedicated the last 30 years to the RGMC and the Rochester community.

In recognition and appreciation for

of cabinet cards depicting early vaudeville and music-hall stars.

The exhibition will also present works by contemporary artists, including photographs by Janine Antoni, Rineke Dijkstra, Debbie Grossman, Catherine Opie, and Gillian Wearing, and videos by artists Jen DeNike, Kalup Linzy and Martha Rosler.

“Since before Duchamp photographed Rrose Sélavy, his female alter-ego, artists have used photography to explore issues of identity, sex and gender,” said Barnes.

“In recent decades, the artist’s identity and gender have been an increasingly prominent theme within photography. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see works by leading contemporary artists in the context of photographs from our world-class collection.”

Included in The Gender Show are tintypes and daguerreotypes by unknown artists; advertising images; self-portraits by artists, sometimes in disguise and portraits of celebrities who in their time were a paragon of their own gender or of androgyny. Subjects include Sarah Bernhardt, Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Additional famous subjects presented in the show include Frida Kahlo, Auguste Rodin, Franklin Roosevelt with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin, and Andy Warhol.

The Gender Show is curated by Dr. Alison Nordström, senior curator of photographs at Eastman House, and Jessica Johnston, assistant curator of photographs. Contemporary photographs and videos from outside the collection were selected by Barnes.

The Gender Show is included with museum admission. For more information, please visit eastmanhouse.org or call (585) 271-3361. ■

all of its contributions to the City of Rochester, Councilmembers Matt Haag and Elaine Spaull presented the RGMC with a certificate naming June 15, 2013 as Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Day. As the councilmembers read the declaration, the 80 program covers projected onto the big screen.

In addition to the RGMC, special guests the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, Syracuse Gay and Lesbian Chorus and ( RGMC continues page 28)

ImageOut, Third Presbyterian to screen films for Pride ImageOut will screen “I Do” by Glenn Gaylord on July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Little Theatre 2, 240 East Ave. Admission is $8 at the door. (www.imageout.org) Third Presbyterian Church will screen “God Loves Uganda” (Rochester premiere) on July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. at East Ave. A free-will offering will benefit the Gay Alliance. (www.thirdpresbyterian.org)

28 (JCC continued from page 27) band’s legendary “Photo House” shop and its nearly one million negatives that document Israel’s defining moments.

A special Photo Exhibit will be on display in the George Eastman House: “Your Fortunate Eyes”: Photographs by Rudi Weissenstein.

Two of the films have LGBT themes: Wednesday, July 24, 9 p.m. Little Theatre (2) $9/$11: THE INVISIBLE MEN, Director: Yariv Mozer, Israel/Netherlands/ Palestine,2012, 68 min. Arabic, English, Hebrew, with subtitles, documentary.

“The Invisible Men” is the powerful untold story of persecuted gay Palestinians who have run away from their families, and are now hiding illegally in Tel Aviv.

Their stories are told through the film’s heroes: Louie, 32 years old, who has been hiding in Tel Aviv for the past eight years; Abdu, 24 years old, who was exposed as gay in Ramallah and then accused of espionage and tortured by Palestinian security

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013 forces; Faris, 23 years old, who escaped to Tel Aviv from the West Bank after his family tried to kill him. Their only chance for survival -- to seek asylum outside Israel and Palestine and leave their culture, heritage and homelands forever behind.

Thursday, July 25, 9 p.m., $9/$11, Little Theatre: MELTING AWAY. Director Doron Eran, Israel, 2011, 86 min. Hebrew with subtitles, narrative.

The heartfelt drama follows a family drawn into crisis. After the brutal attack at the Tel Aviv LGBT Youth Center in 2009, director Doron Eran, and his partner screenwriter Bili Ben Moshe were stunned to learn about parents who refused to visit their transgendered children in the hospital. With these reports as a catalyst, they created this wonderful award winning feature film about parents coping with a transgendered child, a first in the history of Israeli cinema. The film was shown last fall at ImageOut and favorably reviewed in The Empty Closet. ■

“Kinky Boots” wins six Tonys Kinky Boots took top honors at the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 9.

The gay-themed show won in six categories including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Leading Actor (the fabulous Billy Porter). Porter thanked his mother for accepting him for being who he is, even though her religious doctrine may not agree.

The co-producer thanked his husband from the stage, saying, “You make me a better person every day we’re together.”

The Harvey Fierstein-Cyndi Lauper collaboration took Best Musical. One of the many highlights of the Awards (in addition to Neil Patrick Harris’s opening number which got a standing ovation from the audience of show biz professionals) was watching a thrilled Cyndi Lauper bring home an award for her score for Kinky Boots. Lauper was the first woman ever to win in the category.

( Blackfriars continued from page 27) January 1996.

“Rent was nominated for 10 Tony awards and won four. It broke boundaries and conventions. We plan to do the same,” says the show’s co-director, J. Simmons. “We have a new format, and new ideas. This is Rent unplugged and in your face. The audience is literally on stage. That coupled with our amazingly talented cast makes this a not to be missed production!”

In addition to being the first adult production of the musical being produced in the area, this incarnation will honor the life of someone close to Blackfriars heart. “We dedicate this production to our Blackfriars’ family-friend, Ray Gust,” says Blackfriars Artistic Director and the production’s co-director, John Haldoupis. “Ray designed almost all of our logo and print promotional material for close to 30 years. He will forever be measured in our love. Godspeed.”

Rent is the must see and hear event of the summer and will be performed at Blackfriars’ Theatre (795 East Main Street, Rochester 14618). Performances are July 23 at 7:30 p.m., July 24 at 7:30 p.m., July 25 at 7:30 p.m., July 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., July 20 and 27 at 8 p.m., and July 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $33.50-$39.50 and available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www. blackfriars.org, or by calling 585-4541260.

If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance. Seating for this production is limited and unreserved. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, visit their website at www.blackfriars.org. ■ ( RGMC continued from page 27) Ithaca Gay Men’s Chorus entertained the audience with their vocal abilities. Dr. Rob Strauss, RGMC Artistic Director, explained that the RGMC influenced the development of each of these choruses.

“This concert is about accepting ourselves, being honest and proud,” Strauss said.

The opening number rallied the spirit of pride within the audience with the song “Rainbow Connection.” The next piece stunned the audience with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” performed by over 100 com-

bined chorus members and a four-hand piano ensemble.

Throughout the concert, the chorus brought the audience to their feet with the performances of “Lean on Me,” “Michael’s Letter to Mama,” and “Proud” during which the chorus reconfigured themselves on the risers so that their colored t-shirts created an actual rainbow.

“This was a pride concert that wasn’t a pride concert,” Strauss commented.

What RGMC show would be complete without a performance by the effervescent Rochettes? The song “It’s Raining Men” could not have been more appropriate.

The evening culminated with an anniversary party and reception held at the Rochester Plaza Hotel. This event was hosted by the RGMC for the chorus and all who attended the concert.

The Chorus will be opening the Rochester Pride Festival on July 20.

Next year’s program is nearing completion, with a holiday-themed show in December called “Come Wassail Away” and its traditional March show.

The RGMC continues to be a beacon of light within the Rochester community through its commitment to human rights and social justice. ■

Aug. 17 concert to benefit AIDS/HIV groups The benefit concert “Give to Live Rochester,” featuring an all-star cast, takes the stage Saturday, Aug. 17, with proceeds benefiting the fight against AIDS and HIV. Performances of pop and Broadway tunes will entertain and inspire, laced with comedy and including some never-before-heard arrangements of favorite songs. The concert’s proceeds will go directly to Trillium Health (formerly AIDS Care) in Rochester and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, based in New York City.

The concert will be hosted by two stage divas – Rochester actress Diane Chevron and “Celebrity Housewife” (and popular drag queen) Mrs. Kasha Davis.

The lineup of talent, hailing from the many stages of Rochester, is as follows: Jeff Clair, Danielle Colombo, Dresden Engle, Robyn Fazio-Lasser, Erin Koch, Brian Maxwell, Matthew Mayne, Lauren McDonough, Janine Mercandetti and Bethany Rahn, as well as Ciaccia and Marron.

The benefit concert will take place

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center’s Hart Theatre, which has been donated for the event by Ralph Meranto, artistic director at the JCC CenterStage.

The “Give to Live Rochester” activities begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and a silent auction, which will include gift packages from area businesses and Broadway memorabilia from Tony®-nominated shows.

“None of us could have imagined that HIV and AIDS would be with us 30 years after the initial cases were discovered,” said Steven Price, senior director of Community Health Initiatives at Trillium Health. “We are now able to offer messages of hope, however, because medical advances enable people engaged in HIV care to live long, productive lives. Events like ‘Give to Live Rochester’ keeps HIV/ AIDS visible in our community, reminding us of our history and compelling us to continue the battle against HIV.” Tickets: $15, available at the JCC box office (585-461-2000) or at www.jccrochester.org starting July 19.

Bread & Water holds bachelor/bachelorette auction for LGBTs A week before the Rochester Pride Parade on July 20, Bread & Water Theatre will produce a bachelor and bachelorette auction (on two separate nights) for Rochester’s GLBTIQ community.

BWT says, “We hope that this fun filled event will be an annual festivity to help usher in the summer and support our growing organization. It only costs $150 to sponsor this event. It’s a great way to connect your business or organization to the GLBTIQ community!

“Each winning bidder will not only get a night out on the town with a lucky bachelor or bachelorette, but will also receive a gift bag filled with Rochester products.

Donate goods or gift certificates to the cause. It’s a great way to promote your

brand and support your community!”

To support the auctions and for location, date and time info, contact J.R. Teeter at JR@BREADANDWATERTHEATRE.ORG or call 585.271.5523.

All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Contact your tax professional for deductibility purposes.

ImageArt seeks submissions for “I do?!”

ImageArt asks artists to submit works that respond to or address the issues surrounding marriage equality.

The fall exhibition, “I do?!,” aims to represent the diversity and weight behind the word “marriage,” addressing multiple points of view.

All artists working in any media are welcome to submit. Artists may submit up to three pieces for jury consideration.

The submission deadline is Aug. 10. Submission must include submission form, payment, artist’s statement and CD/DVD with images.

For submission forms and detailed information visit: www.imageout.org/ imageart.php

Paging Olympia LaPaige, Miss Gay Rochester

By Susan Jordan Miss Gay Rochester is Olympia LaPaige, who is actually from Syracuse. In her daily life she is better known as Curtis. She will be here for Pride, of course.

Empty Closet: How long have you been performing as Olympia LaPaige and how did you come up with her personality and style?

Olympia LaPaige: Six years. I was working the night audit shift at a hotel and I conducted some research on names that resonated with me and the persona that I wanted to portray/create.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Olympic Games. Olympia is a plain in

Elis, Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. It’s a female given name, from a Greek word meaning “of Olympus.”

Personality: The Artistic – Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict, and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful, extremely well-developed sense, and aesthetic appreciation for beauty.

And the Idealist – Quiet, reflective, and idealistic, Interested in serving humanity.

Well-developed value system which strives to live in accordance. Interested in understanding and helping people.

Style: high fashion – Haute couture consistent with the French last name of LaPaige.

EC: What makes your performances unique to you? What music do you prefer?

OLP: Polished, seasoned and entertaining. Eclectic with no preference. Some performances you feel like expressing yourself as an artist and other nights, you cater to the preference of the crowd.

EC: What have you been doing as Miss Gay Rochester? What does that role entail?

OLP: I’ve been organizing mini-charity events all over the city, as a matter of fact in September/October I’ll be hosting a very large black tie affair fundraiser to

29 benefit the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley – Rochester Pride InterPride International Association of Pride Organizers at the Cathedral in Rochester.

It’s a Miss Gay Rochester review show featuring all the former Miss Gay Rochesters. It will include dinner and drinks, a real classy event (still finalizing the details). I’ve been successful holding this kind of event before for both the titles of Miss Syracuse and Miss Gay Buffalo.

The role requires the winner to crown her successor at the Miss Gay Rochester pageant held every year at the Harro East ballroom on the second Sunday of November; appear at the Pride festival and/or Parade and serve as the symbol of excellence for the Rochester pageantry system. I’ve written several letters asking for donations and have been in negotiations on a few sponsorship deals that will help the promoters with the cost of putting on the pageant.

EC: What are your feelings about Pride?

OLP: Gay Pride or LGBT Pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to promote their selfaffirmation, dignity and equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance. Pride means as opposed to shame and social stigma.

EC: Anything to add?

OLP: The Miss Gay Rochester 2014 pageant will be held at the Harro East Ballroom in Rochester, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.

There is something that is heavy on my heart -- many of the Rochester show directors don’t return phone calls from out of town queens for bookings, let alone include the reigning titleholder in any of the regular bar shows and/or benefits.

I’m known for planning extravagant benefits and fundraisers for the communities that I’ve held titles in. I’m a polished and professional individual but most importantly I’m kind, humble and respectful. ■

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Gay alliance news for july 2013

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

SHIFT HAPPENS! RIDE FOR PRIDE 4 GAY ALLIANCE BIKE RIDE FUNDRAISER $22,000 RAISED!!!

Thank you to our Ride For Pride Bikers: Paul Allen, John Braun, Reagan Burns, John Burns, Adrianne Chesser, Joseph Doty, Chuck Dye, Les Eisenberg, Micheal Faucher, Scott Fearing, Alicia Fioco, Brad Flower, Edward Freedman, Jeanne Gainsburg, Julie Gainsburg, Aaron Gorelick, Shimona Gorelick, Kala Gorelick, Bonnie Hallman-Dye, Kerry Hanratty, Dustin Hilton, Pete Horrocks, Karen Managan, Jesse McCarthy, Leann Michael, Terrance Nichols, Manuel Pena, Pamela Polashenski, Maya Polashenski, Ronald Pratt, Steve Santacroce, Deborah Szewczyk, Justin Waas, Noah Wagoner, Brigid Waterhouse, Kate Way, Jonathan Wetherbee, Bruce Wilbur, Owen Zacharias, and Sara Zacharias for taking the time to fundraise, train and ride! You guys rock!

Thank you also to our friends who fundraised for us, but did not ride: Kelsey Grievson, Bekka Lebowitz, John Lukach, Tony Perri, Craig Ronald and Kellie Ronald. You’re awesome!

Thank you to our amazing Ride For Pride support staff and crew: Party Central Crew: Craig Ronald, Kellie Ronald, Todd Gordon, Donna Nelligan-Barret, Josh Sullivan, Alan Metelsky and Deb Hartman Sag Hags: Ana Polashenski, Cynthia Marshall and Hayden Freedman Rest Stop Crew: Bruce Ingersoll, Deborah Monette, Heather Fields, Zach Monette, Walter Polashenski and Tallis Polashenski 40 Mile Cheering Squad: Kat Wiggall, Jeff Christensen, Ron Rosul, Jolene Case, Jess Russell, Martha Graves and Steve Graves Mapper: Emily Johnson Massage Therapist: Mike Kelly R4P Photographer: Owen Zacharias Thank you to our official Ride For Pride sponsors: Freewheelers Bicycle Shop, Mike Kelly Massage, Mark Groaning Studio, Crazy Dog T-Shirts and Amiel’s Original Submarines for sponsoring our ride at the $250 level and above!!! Your support is so appreciated!

Thank you to everyone who supported our riders through donations, including: Peter Mohr of the Bachelor Forum for donating five $20 gift cards!

Wegmans for donating the beautiful sheet cake with our Ride For Pride photo!

Scott Doody and Justin Waas for setting us up with some cold drinks at our after party!

Park Ave Bikeshop for donating a $50 gift card.

Special thanks to: Our “first page” top ten fundraisers: Pam Polashenski, Jeanne Gainsburg, Julie Gainsburg, Kellie & Craig Ronald, Ed Freedman, Scott Fearing, Michael Faucher, Aaron Gorelick, Jonathan Wetherbee and Terrance Nichols! * It’s not too late to donate! Rider’s pages will stay active until September 2013 at http://www.gayalliance.org/events/rideforpride. html

Youth Poem They can’t just throw a sexual orientation over their shoulder like a new Prada bag Without knowing the pain of being called a “dyke” or a “fag” They do it to be a “like,” they want to be “cool” But to the LGBT community you look like a fool You don’t wake up and decide, “Today I’ll be bisexual” You cannot pick what day you’ll be gay on a schedule Being bisexual isn’t a trend, real life isn’t a Twitter You don’t walk into a store and see what orientation will fit her While you joke and try to “fit in” We battle rebelling signs screaming “Being gay is a sin” Do you ever stop and think about what you portrayed Before you take on an identity and start to throw shade It’s not something you put on or just say It’s more an identity, a lifestyle, a way It’s not like “I wanna be smart, I’ll put on an Asian’s shoe It’s not a joke to us and it shouldn’t be to you.

-Kiera Grace

4 of the Genesee Valley

Empowering pride for 40 years

‘Twas the night before Ride For Pride

By Jeanne Gainsburg ‘Twas the night before Ride For Pride. I was a wreck There were cookies to bake; there were tires to check.

That night I slept poorly, my head full of worries Like flats and collisions and rain or snow flurries.

I tossed and I turned and I finally woke.

The sun shone down brightly! No raining — no joke!

I pulled on my bike shorts and sprinted outside I just couldn’t wait to be Riding For Pride!

Some came in costume to add to the fun, And help raise some money. Man, they raised a ton!

A “Chip and Dale” stud brought his cotton-tailed bunny.

My sister wore frills and she looked pretty funny.

Spiderman rode in his tights blue and red And I had my donors’ names inked toe to head And Pam swore she’d dye her hair platinum blond But our Ride for Pride shirts really helped the group bond.

The tandem got lost but they took it in stride Though Scott’s foot was injured, he finished the ride Alicia rode further than ever before While Les and Bruce could have done 50 miles more The riders returned. They had all done so well.

We rode 50 miles and we all looked like hell.

But Mike gave massages, in spite of our grime And we ate, drank and hot tubbed and had a great time!

“Support crew and riders,” I cried, “Raise your glasses!

A toast to your hard work, sore knees, and sore asses!

You wonderful folks, L, G, B, T and straight, Should know that today you all did something great!”

Then tired but happy, another ride done, I packed up my car and I thanked everyone But some heard me exclaim, as my car left the scene, “I’m planning for Ride For Pride Twenty-Fourteen!!!”

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 Acting Executive Director: Scott Fearing Director of Intergenerational Programs: Kelly Clark Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Book keeper: Christopher Hennelly 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

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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Gay alliance news for july 2013

SAGE PAGE Youth Program Partner

There’s Something for You at This Year’s Pride!

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

on

D GAR

The Gay Alliance On-Line Resource Directory (GARD)

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

The Gay Alliance Library & Archives Hours: Every Wednesday: 6-8pm Mondays & Tuesdays: 1-3pm 875 E. Main Street, First Floor 585-244-8640

“Times have changed for our community,” said newly appointed Acting Executive Director Scott Fearing. “Today, we are more aware of the needs of LGBT families with children as well as issues that impact LGBT seniors, so we’re working harder than ever to make this year’s Pride more inclusive and welcoming to all the members of our LGBT family. ” To past attendees, Rochester Pride 2013 will feel new in many ways and offers something for everyone, young, old and all those in between, singles, couples, families, and allies.

Rainbow SAGE members will not want to miss this year’s Pride Flag Raising ceremony, Friday, July 19 from 6-7 p.m. at Manhattan Square Park “Several years ago, the Gay Alliance was presented with a huge Pride Flag by the owners of Outlandish Gifts,” said 2013 Rochester Pride Planning Committee Co-Chair Michael Lill. “In fact, it is so big that open it covers four lanes of traffic! We have never been able to unfurl it, until now.”

The giant flag will be proudly displayed from the space frame installed above Manhattan Square Park. The ceremony will involve cyclists “bringing the colors” to the park from the Neighborhood of the Arts, Park Ave., South Wedge and Corn Hill neighborhoods. Our very own Pride color guard will take up the colors to open the ceremony. It will be an experience not to be missed!

Another first this year is the new extended Pride Festival hours, beginning at noon with the Pride Family Fest. There will be free admission to the festival with family and senior friendly activities including games, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and food and merchandise vendors until 3:30 p.m. Family Fest hours are also alcohol free.

SAGE members will not want to miss this year’s Feature Attraction at the Festival – the LGBT History Pavilion. Spanning the years from pre-Stonewall to current day Rochester and around the globe, the exhibit will be presented in panels, hands on displays, pictures, video clips, memorabilia and more. The exhibit is presented by the Tretter Collection from the University of Minnesota and the Gay Alliance Library and Archives.

SAGE members at the planning meeting on June 18. Photo: Scott Fearing

The Pride Parade, kicking off at 3 p.m. from Park Ave. and Argyle, and the annual Picnic on Sunday round out the weekend. We hope to see Rainbow SAGE members present at all events throughout the weekend because this year there truly is something for YOU at Rochester Pride!

Congratulations Roza Eisenman!

Thanks to everyone who dropped off their submissions for the monthly puzzle drawing! June’s puzzle was a little tricky (but hey would it be any fun if it wasn’t?), but our winner, Roza Eisenman, got all the answers and walked away with a gift bag filled with goodies! Keep the submissions coming and have fun trying to unlock the answer!

May baby day!

Words cannot begin to express the gratitude felt after Rainbow SAGE participants came together May 28 to throw me, Ashley (Rainbow SAGE Intern), a “Baby party” to celebrate the upcoming birth of my daughter.

Everyone who attended came together and supplied a wonderful-

ly tasty potluck lunch, decorations and a cake that totally hit the spot!

Fun was had by all and it was a day I will never forget, nor will I be able to put into words just how much it meant to me. You all ROCK and thank you for taking the time to put that together.

Farewell Rainbow SAGE Intern

All good things must come to an end. My internship here at the Gay Alliance has been incredible.

I have learned more then I could have in any classroom, I have met people who have touched me with empowering stories and insight and I have gained skills that I will carry with me for life.

Staff and SAGE participants made me feel so welcomed and for that I am grateful. Have no fear because I don’t go away that easy!

I’ll be sure to pop in to say hello!

With that said I leave you with a “See you later,” as I will see you all again!

Sincerely, Ashley (Rainbow Sage Intern 2/2012-6/2013) The Gay Alliance staff says THANK YOU, Ashley! We’ll miss you! ■

Rainbow SAGE at The Center

July Calendar

The Center is open for adults 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-3.

Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday 11-11:30. Hot Lunch $3 (suggested).

July 2 Wii bowling/balloon volleyball..................................................1pm July 4 Center closed – Happy 4th of July!

July 9 Arts & Crafts..........................................................................1pm July 11 Making Trail Mix.....................................................................1pm July 16 Movie Day..............................................................................1pm

Pride Potluck & Bingo, bring favorite dish to pass!.... 5:30 – 8:30pm July 18 Guest Speaker........................................................................1pm July 23 Couponing.............................................................................1pm July 25 Making Appetizers..................................................................1pm July 30 Book Club Discussion..............................................................1pm

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Resources Check our monthly and ongoing calendar as well as the community section for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance at 244-8640 or visit: www.gayalliance.org. And send us your information.

BISEXUALITY resources

AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisexuality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual Network; Bi Café; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health’s Bi Health Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network; The Bi Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource Center (email brc@biresource.net)

CULTURAL

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar).

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus www.thergmc.org

deaf services

Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASADVhope@gmail.com; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/ FAX : 585-232-2854.

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, information: rcoaster@rochester.rr.com Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance RIT/NTID student group. <SpectrumComment@groups.facebook.com

Elders

Gay Alliance Rainbow Sage Senior Center Mon/Tues 11am-3pm, 875 E. Main St. first floor, 244-8640; kellyc@ gayalliance.org

family

CNY Fertility Center Integrative Fertility Care. Support meetings, webinars, workshops. Information: cbriel@cnyfertility.com; www.cnyhealingarts.com 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:

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013 Volunteer Legal Services Project (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org. 1 West Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14614. Free legal services for low-income HIV positive clients. No criminal cases. Appointments are scheduled at area medical provider locations or by calling 295-5708.

Trillium Health Trillium Health 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.

Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium Health is also a leader in providing services and education to members of the LGBT community.

Contact Information: Website: www.trilliumhealthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-5457200, Health Services After Hours: 585-2583363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; 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 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-454-5556.

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.

Trillium Health See www.trilliumhealthny.org HCR Home Care 85 Metro Park, Rochester 14623. 585-2721930; (F) 585-272-7445.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory under “Health” for Gay Alliance referrals to physicians and service agencies.

CNY Depression Bi-Polar Support The Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance of Central New York Support Group Adult Group meets the third Thursday of every month from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at SAGE Upstate, 431 E. Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13202. The Youth Group meets the second Monday of every month from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Transitions Living Services, 420 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202.

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 Volunteer Legal Services Project (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14614. Free legal services for low-income clients seeking a name change. Other legal services for low-income clients include family law issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance hearings, wills and advance directive documents for clients with serious illnesses.

Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Gay Alliance Community Center, 875 E. Main St. 1st floor.

Ages 13-18. 244-8640 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.

july 2013 • number 469 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Ongoing Calendar Monday

L.O.R.A. – Late Bloomers Group Meets Weekly on Mondays 7pm – 9:30pm.

Coming out group for women of all ages and backgrounds. Meets weekly on Mondays at 7pm at private location!.Group Facilitators: Cathie Timian & Wanda Martinez. For more information and meeting location contact Cathie at ctimian@l-o-r-a-.com or call 585.313.3037 For more information on L.O.R.A. (Lesbians of Rochester & Allies) visit: www.l-o-r-a.com

Gay Alliance Library & Archives David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Mon./Wed. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640

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 Trillium Health, 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, Trillium Health 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 Rainbow SAGE Senior Center, 11am-3pm, Gay Alliance Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor.

Tuesday

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

7pm – 10pm. FREE. Cross Roads Coffeehouse, 752 South Goodman St. Contact Person: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email:ctimian @l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.l-o-r-a.com

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. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave.

Wednesday 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 BrightonHenrietta 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.

Trillium Health, 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 Mon./Wed. 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, Trillium Health, 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

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.

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

Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) Third Sundays, 1-3 pm, Community Center at the Gay Alliance, first floor, 857 E. Main St. 244-8460; pflag@gayalliance.org.

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. 8pm, 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

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Rochester AA/NA Meetings Every week there are four regularly scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive NA meetings in Rochester.

Tuesdays

Narcotics Anonymous 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS.

Wednesdays

New Freedom/New Happiness Group 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction and recovery – are fair game.

Fridays Gay Men’s 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • Handicapped accessible This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about meeting people or speaking up in a group, you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting because everyone gets their turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting often runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour.

Saturdays Saturday Night Special 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings.

Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton.

• Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight friendly” • Mixed men and women • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to basement Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

Sundays Step in the Right Direction 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each week features a reading from NA literature, followed by discussion.

Rochester Gay Men 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the County Office Building and walk south one block.

• Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • NOT handicapped accessible Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

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July 2013 SUNDAY 7

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

THURSDAY 11

Out & Equal Second Thursdays Networking. 5:30-7 pm, State St. Bar & Grill, 70 State St.

FRIDAY 12

Let’s Meet. “Lesbians Evolving Their Singleness (by) Mingling (and) Eating Enthusiastically Together.” La Casa Mexican restaurant, 93 Alexander St. at corner of Clinton, 6:30 pm. Call Ramona at 585490-1424.

SUNDAY 14

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

MONDAY 15

Empty Closet deadline for August issue. 244-9030; susanj@gayalliance.org.

TUESDAY 16

Third Presbyterian screening of “God Loves Uganda” at the church, 4 Meigs St. at East Ave. 6:30 pm. Free-will offering benefits GAGV.

WEDNESDAY 17

Out & Equal panel. Nixon Peabody, 1300 Clinton Square, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Senior executives share their experiences of bringing authentic selves to work.

THURSDAY 18

ImageOut screening of “I Do” at Little Theatre 2, 240 East Ave. 6:30 pm., $8.

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013

FRIDAY 19

Roc Pride Games. Ice hockey tournament, Bill Gray’s Iceplex, noon-8 pm, FREE. Roller Derby at Iceplex, 7-9 pm, $5-$20.

Rainbow Flag Raising. Manhattan Square Park, 6-7 pm, free. Pride Community Mixer, 7-10 pm. VIP and Sponsor Pre-Pride Reception, 7-9 pm. Ruby Pass holders and Pride Sponsors admitted to preview History Pavilion.

Rent opens at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E. Main St. Through July 28, 8 pm. 4541260. $33.50-$39.50.

SATURDAY 20

Roc Pride Games. Ice hockey tournament, Bill Gray’s Iceplex, 10 am-1 pm.

FREE. Roller Derby at Iceplex, 6-9 pm. $5-$20.

Pride Parade & Festival. Family time at Manhattan Square, noon-3:30 pm free.

Parade 2 pm line up at Park and Argyle.

March to Manhattan Square Park 3 pm for Festival, 3:30-9 pm.

Pride After-party at Tilt starring Pandora Boxx.

Rochester Rams Underwear Night.

Bachelor Forum, 9 pm, 670 University Ave.

SUNDAY 21

Roc Pride Games. Ice hockey tournament, Bill Gray’s Iceplex, 9 am-1 pm.

FREE. Pride Picnic. Genesee Valley Park, 1-7 pm. Admission $10 advance, $15 at gate.

Admission PLUS 3 beers, $15 advance, $25 at gate. Admission PLUS 3 beers PLUS food, $20 advance, $25 at gate.

Children under 12 free admission; kiddy plate $5.

Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

SUNDAY 28

Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, followed by a Potluck Dinner. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

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

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

PERSONALS

GWM into weightlifting, exercise videos, sunbathing wishes to meet others in Seneca Falls Waterloo Geneva area. Send inquiries to J.E. Knapp, 1749 Powderly Rd., Waterloo NY 13165.

Male partner wanted. I like chess, golf, zombie movies, horror movies. I am 34 years old, clean-shaven and handsome.

Serious replies only. Write to: Cedarwood Towers, 2052 E. Main St., Apt. 610, Rochester NY 14609.

SERVICES

Man to Man Rubdown. Relax with this experienced, fit, healthy. middle-aged, non-smoking GWM. Central location.

Private home. Incalls/outcalls. Reasonable rates. cell#585-773-2410 or home#585235-6688 or email:magichands@rochester.rr.com Ask questions. Established life coach opens your direction about goals, questions, issues using classic tarot symbology

and fascinating, confidential discussion. $65 hr. in your home/office. kivawyandotte@gmail.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) 271-8478 Handyman: Simple repairs or full renovations, no job is too large or small.

Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interior & Exterior. 35 years experience. Call Alan & Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304517-6832.

Hate to paint or clean gutters? I have tall ladders! Dale’s Pleasure Painting and Gutter Cleaning has very reasonable rates for painting year-round and gutter cleaning in the spring or fall. 585-576-5042.

Email dale.furlong@yahoo.com.

Martin Ippolito master electrician.

Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans.

585-266-6337.

FOR SALE

Saarinen Knoll tulip tables (2) 4’ round white Formica and 3’ marble top, $825 each. Burdick Herman Miller 10’ glass top & chrome 3-section conference table $2650. Authentic and original, excellent condition. 585 889 5280.

july 2013 • number 469 • 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.

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.

Bed & Breakfast

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 469 • july 2013