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june 2014
Photo: Scott Fearing
number 479
Trans panel members with Jeanne Gainsburg and students.
Gay Alliance panel at St. John Fisher Pharmacy School educates about transgender issues Training may be only one in this country By Adam Young When Mallory Livingston, co-founder and co-president of the Syracuse Transgender Alliance, began going to a local pharmacy to pick up hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitioning, the response from the pharmaceutical staff was usually confused, even disrespectful at times. Despite how she presented herself at the counter, she was often referred to as “he,” given the male name that remained on her ID. Livingston also required a unique syringe and needle combination to take her HRT. However, at the time, the pharmacy staff was
adamant in reciting what was instructed in their file. “Because of who I am, they’re not taking me very seriously, and they’re rolling their eyes… they keep telling me what’s on their computer screen, and that’s what they have to do. The [staff] is not taking what I say as correct,” Livingston said. The lack of privacy at the pharmacy counter was also uncomfortable, particularly at busy times. “So if there are people in line… you’re basically spilling your guts to a bunch of strangers,” Livingston said. Jennifer Mathews and Amy Parkhill, Associate Professors of (Pharmacy continues page 3)
Toronto World Pride runs June 20-29.
Toronto hosts WorldPride 2014: Rise Up! By Susan Jordan A huge global Pride event is coming up June 20–29, only a few hours’ drive from Rochester. Up to two million LGBTQ people from around the world are expected to attend. WorldPride 2014 Toronto (WP14TO) is a 10-day international celebration incorporating activism, education, and the history and culture of glob-
Rochester City Council member Matt Haag with Mayor Lovely Warren. Over 500 guests attended ESPA’s 15th Annual Spring Dinner. Right: Evelyn Bailey receives Community Service Award from Bruce Gorman and Emily Jones. Photos: Ove Overmyer
Mayor Warren announces extended trans health benefits for city employees at Empire State Pride Agenda Spring Dinner By Ove Overmyer, Staff Reporter, Empty Closet Newspaper On May 17 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, The Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) celebrated its long-standing commitment to winning the fight for equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers by hosting its 15th Annual Spring Dinner.
At the dinner, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, alongside Rochester City Councilmember Matt Haag, announced that the city will extend transition-related healthcare coverage to transgender and gender non-conforming municipal employees. The benefits will go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2015 at
The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing partnership of businesses within our community who support our mission and vision. our Platinum level partners are:
(Partnerships continue on page 2)
which time the City of Rochester will add transgender healthcare benefits for employees and their family members who are enrolled in the City’s “enhanced” medical plan. Approved by the City’s Labor Management Healthcare Committee in April, the new coverage will pay for services related to gender reassignment surgery such as medical and psychological counseling, hormone therapy and cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. ESPA Executive Director Nathan M. Schaefer said, “We’re so proud that Mayor Warren, Council member Matt Haag and the City of Rochester shared this significant news at our Spring Dinner. The inclusion of transition-related care in municipal benefits will improve (ESPA continues page 6)
al LGBTQ communities. The WorldPride event, held in a different country each year, replaces the usual Toronto Pride celebration. The theme for WP14TO is “Rise Up!” as chosen by the community. Dozens of events will take place at various venues across the Greater Toronto area. The main festival footprint will be over 25 blocks and will include 10 openair free-to-attend stages. Melissa Etheridge, Deborah Cox, Martha Wash, Hercules and Love Affair, Crystal Waters, Neon Hitch, Chely Wright, Amanda Rheaume, Steve Grand, Mark Jacob and DJs David Morales and Quentin Harris are among the many international artists to perform. Pride in Toronto is one of the largest arts and culture festivals in North America. Welcoming more than 1.22 million guests in 2013, it is larger than Chicago’s
Interview, page 6
Lollapalooza and rivals Calgary’s Stampede for the title of Canada’s largest festival. This year WorldPride 2014 is expected to attract up to two million attendees, making Pride in Toronto officially Canada’s largest festival of any kind. Major partner organizations include the Toronto International Film Festival, Inside Out (presenter of the annual Toronto LGBT Film Festival), TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Art Gal( Toronto continues page 3)
Inside
Editorials....................................... 2 Local/State News........................ 3 National/International News..... 4 Interview: Ambush......................... 7 LGBTQ Living: Families..............17 Shoulders To Stand On ...........21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: Gay plays..........27 Gay Alliance: Youth picnic..........30 Calendar.....................................34 Classifieds..................................34 Comics................................ 34, 35 The Gay Alliance is publisher of The Empty Closet, New York State’s oldest LgbtQ newspaper.
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
Gay Alliance Board of Trustees
Perspectives The Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan
World Pride WorldPride 2014 is coming to Toronto this month, and for 10 days as many as two million LGBTQ people and allies will celebrate Pride with dozens of events. Toronto is only around four hours’ drive from Rochester, and hopefully many area residents will be able to get there. They will meet people from all over Canada, the U.S. and the world. A lot of Rochestarians travel to Toronto Pride every June, and this year it should be something special. (Send me your jpgs!) WorldPride, held in a different country each year, is “an international celebration incorporating activism, education, and the history and culture of global LGBTQ communities”. Of course, communities around the world have many different cultures and histories, not a single culture, and we know that enormous diversity, including race, religion, class hierarchies and ethnic traditions, exists within every LGBTQ community. Some nations, like the Netherlands, have relatively liberal histories, while others are intensely homophobic and gays there live in fear for their lives. A wave of violence against LGBTQ people is sweeping Africa, largely due to decades of hate-propaganda by Western evangelicals. They claim that their religious faith gives them the right to discriminate against, imprison and even kill people they disapprove of –
and they have convinced many in the Third World. But when faith denies justice, it ceases to be faith and becomes fanaticism. The U.S. looks like one of the most liberal countries on LGBTQ rights, but in spite of the growing acceptance of marriage equality and LGBTQ people in general, North American gays are still in constant danger of harassment, discrimination and deadly attack. If Teapublicans should take control of the Senate this fall, or of the White House in 2016, the rights we do have could be taken away and we can expect severe repression, as rightwing True Believers try to take our country back to 1950. Or was that 1850? WorldPride is not the only nearby Pride event coming up this summer. Buffalo’s Pride Parade is Sunday, June 1; Syracuse is Saturday, June 14. New York City’s Pride events run June 24-29. Rochester Pride is held in July. We will have a fabulous Carnival-themed event, July 19-20. See the Pride Guide supplements, published separately from this newspaper. Globally, LGBTQs are getting more visible all the time. Three million people or thereabouts attended the Brazil Pride Parade last month in Sao Paolo, the world’s largest Pride – although homophobic violence is rampant in that country. Courageous activists also march in African, Caribbean, Muslim and Eastern European countries, where they face a lot more than bullhorns blaring homophobic lies. Some gays can’t march at all. The European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights reports: “Following the Russian annexation of Crimea, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals are now subject to the Russian ‘anti-propaganda’ law. In application of the law, authorities in Sebastopol banned the Pride march, which was due to take place 22-23 April.” The Empty Closet honors our brave sisters and brothers around this country and the world. ■
Name
David Zona, President, Jessica Muratore, Vice-President, W. Bruce Gorman, Secretary, Peter Mohr, Treasurer, Jason Barnecut, Chris Hilderbrant, Emily Jones, Jeff Lambert, Jeff Markarian, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer, Chris Woodworth
Gay Alliance Board President David Zona
Thoughts at the Prom I remember my first meeting as a Board Member of the GAGV. I had been aware of the organization for some years and in enough of a capacity to be very much interested in becoming an active supporter. Upon joining the Board, I spent more time digging into the good work that the Agency had done spanning its then almost 40 years’ worth of history. Since that day almost 2.5 years ago, I have had the honor of participating in many events, in the capacity of Board Member as well as, more importantly, volunteer. I have attended the SpeakOUT training masterfully guided by our Executive Director, Scott Fearing, and Education Director, Jeanne Gainsburg. Here I learned many things about LGBTQ culture after making the misguided assumption that I already knew everything there was to know about such things. As a gay male, there couldn’t possibly be anything that I hadn’t been told or already experienced firsthand. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I couldn’t have become more enlightened. Recently, I volunteered at the “Big Gay Prom”. As had been the case with all of my prior experiences supporting the Agency, I found it to be a very enjoyable and personally fulfilling experience. 06/14
Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Gay Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100 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. Benefits: 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.
But this wasn’t just any other event. This was a chance to see the future. This was an opportunity for me to connect with a tomorrow so very different than what I’d experienced as a younger gay male. These were youth living in a very different time than what I recall from my own experiences. And it made me feel a strong sense of gratitude for the progress that has occurred over that period of roughly 20 years since my younger days – a relatively short period of time considering the slow pace of social change. As a high school kid, there was no way that it would’ve been acceptable for me to be an openly LGBTQ individual. And as such, I hid my identity from those with whom I rode the school bus and roamed the halls. I forced myself to do the things that I thought were appropriate for a young male to do, unwilling to admit the things that I enjoyed that seemed to depart from these expectations. I often found myself hoping that by acting the part, I would eventually find it an effortless and natural thing to do. This of course never happened. The youth at the Big Gay Prom were a very different youth – free to experience life authentically and with those around them not thinking twice about the normalcy of LGBTQ individuals and their lifestyles. For a short while, I found myself wishing I’d had a similar experience in my own time, but was quickly overtaken by an extreme feeling of joy and pride in the fact that these kids were experiencing a very different world. I also found myself feeling proud that the less than optimal experiences of kids like me were a factor in propelling the social change needed to make today and the thoughts of an ever brightening future, a continued reality. Watching these kids on dance floor was like experiencing the future unfolding right before my very eyes. These kids are the next generation. These kids are the face of tomorrow’s world and all of the positive changes that future will bring. These kids will teach in our schools, be the healthcare professionals to care for the aging and will find their place in society as friends and neighbors and as moms and dads. Through these influences and roles, these kids will leave a legacy more socially enlightened than the last and pave the way for continued social enlightenment into the future. I was extremely humbled to be a part of their evening, and by the feeling of peace and hopefulness that I experienced as a result. I humbly encourage each of you to consider volunteering at an upcoming GAGV event. These are more than just events. These are the shaping moments in our life and culture. ■
Gay Alliance partnerships continued from page 1
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champion Level Mass Mutual of Buffalo Park Avenue Merchants Association Pride @Work Third Presbyterian Church The Woolbright Group HCR Home Care
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
page one ( Toronto from page 1) lery of Ontario, Ryerson Image Centre, OCAD University, the Gardiner Museum and Buddies In Bad Times Theatre. Partial calendar of events (most will be free to the public): June 20: Media launch party at the Hilton (before opening ceremony). Spectacular Opening Ceremony and flag raising (concert and fireworks) at Nathan Phillips Square, 7 p.m. Headliners: Melissa Etheridge, Deborah Cox, Steve Grand. June 20 – 29: WorldPride 2014 Arts and Culture Festival (Art, Film, Theatre, Dance, Burlesque, Comedy, Drag, Music, Family and Youth Programming, and much more for all ages). June 24: AIDS Vigil in Cawthra Square Park. June 25: WorldPride Gala and Awards. June 25-27: WorldPride Human Rights Conference at University College, University of Toronto (there will be a public keynote speaker each day). June 26: International Grand Marshal and Human Rights Reception at U. of T. June 27: Trans March (and festival stages). June 27-29: Streetfair and 10 free-to-attend open air festival stages begin: Headliners include Martha Wash, Hercules and Love Affair, Carly Rae Jepsen, Neon Hitch, Crystal Waters, Chely Wright, Amanda Rheaume, just to name a few. June 28: Dyke March, Stonewall 45th Anniversary (and festival stages). June 29: WorldPride Parade (and festival stages). June 29: WorldPride Closing Ceremony, including handover to Madrid (Headliners: Tegan and Sara and more). Connect: WP14TO.com / facebook.com/WP14TO / twitter.com/WP14TO ■ (Pharmacy from page 1) Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, are educating their students to be culturally sensitive, phasing out the initial apprehension students may feel in determining a transgender person’s unique medicinal needs at the pharmacy counter. Each year, they team up with the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley to present a twohour panel discussion to their first-year pharmacy students on transgender sensitivity. “When we’ve looked, there are no pharmacy schools that have a big focus on [LGBT education] yet,” Professor Parkhill said. According to their study, A Transgender Health Care Panel Discussion in a Required Diversity Course, published in the May issue of the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, the panel consists of two male-to-female individuals and two female-to-male individuals. The panelists describe their backgrounds and their experiences at the pharmacy, and students are free to ask them general or pharmacy-specific questions. “Some of these small communities that we’re drawing students from, it’s not a conversation they’re having… we could stand up there all day and teach
them about transgender health, and it wouldn’t make a fraction of the impact that the panel does,” said Professor Mathews. Mathews and Parkhill hope that the personal touch of the panel discussion will leave a lasting impact on their pharmacy students who can then knowledgably interact with transgender patients. In their study, they note that transgender individuals have a high rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, mental health issues, and suicide. Additionally, there are no physicians in Rochester who specialize in transgender care. Since revealing that one is transgender is medically necessary to receive proper care, knowledge of how to appropriately interact with transgender people is critical. Professor Parkhill noted the importance of open dialogue taking place with a pharmacist, as lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking may interact with the hormone therapy that may be taken during transition. According to their study, Mathews and Parkhill found that following the discussion, 91 percent of their students reported they could describe methods for showing respect to a transgender patient, and that 91 percent of the students rated the usefulness of the panel discussion as “very good” or “excellent.” Professor Mathews reflected that several students are very moved by the stories of the panelists. Even several students who have strong religious faith feel concerned with the health needs of the panelists, and are more comfortable separating their religious beliefs from their obligations as health care professionals. “Doing the training here gives the students a safe environment,” Mathews said. “They can ask the questions. They can be curious. They can think about things they haven’t thought about. I think most of our students leave that panel session and highlight it as one of the best things while they’re here.” Professor Parkhill added that many currently practicing pharmacists also come to listen to the panel, and many transgender stereotypes are dissipated. Afterward, many attendees feel the need to inform their co-workers at the pharmacy of the discussion, Parkhill said. Mallory Livingston, through her work with the Transgender Alliance, is sometimes asked for the names of “transgender-friendly” pharmacists in her area. However, she notes that a pharmacy that is well versed in the needs of transgender individuals is not exactly well advertised. While Livingston is appreciative of the strides the staff at her local pharmacy has made in understanding transgender care, she noted the constant pedagogy was tiring. “The things that my pharmacist learned over time, it would be nice if they knew that coming out of school. I’m a customer, not a teacher,” Livingston said. Both Livingston and Professor Mathews recommend keeping up-to-date notes in a patient’s file as a simple way to keep all pharmaceutical staff members informed, so the patient does not have to repeat their background and needs each time they stop by the pharmacy. (Pharmacy continues page 6)
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NewsFronts Local and State
Entercom fires 98.9 radio hosts for abusive mockery of trans people Mayor Lovely Warren announced at the Empire State Pride Agenda dinner May 17 that the city would be adding transgender health benefits for employees and their families in the city medical plan (see page 1). The Democrat & Chronicle reported: “Under the new coverage, effective Jan. 1, city employees will be eligible to receive services related to gender reassignment surgery, such as medical and psychological counseling, hormone therapy and cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.” That news caught the eye of 98.9 Breakfast Buzz morning radio hosts Kimberly and Beck who took the opportunity to unleash a torrent of mockery upon trans people during a sarcastic 12-minute segment in which they cackled about genitalia and insulted a caller who dialed in to tell them how offensive they were. Some of the choice quotes: “Transgender or gender nonconforming. What the hell does that mean? Like you’re not a woman or a man?? “The dude can look like a lady and the city is going to pay for it!” (cue “Dude Looks Like a Lady” music) “Does that mean then if women want a boob job they’ll pay for a boob job because that’s only right.” “The services that will be paid for under the new coverage - gender reassignment surgery, PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING, because you’re probably a NUTJOB to begin with!” “It’s a slippery slope. Then if some woman can go to a doctor and it’d be proven that she’s got mental issues because her rack’s not big enough then you know what? she deserves a boob job, right Kimberly? Or she deserves liposuction.” “Right, IF YOU CAN PROVE YOU’RE A NUT, I guess.” Kimberly and Beck then go
on to discuss female trans athletes, including one at a local school, and how they should definitely not be able to play sports... “When he steps up to the plate, doesn’t he have two bats?” Finally, a woman calls in to tell them “it’s incredibly disrespectful towards transgender people. Please don’t spread any misinformation especially when you’re joking about it.” One of the hosts replies: “Thank you, SIR” as the others laugh. (Towleroad.com) Thousands contacted the station to protest the abusive statements and a Change.org petition got over 4,000 signatures in 24 hours. Members of the trans community and Scott Fearing were interviewed on TV news. On May 22, Entercom, owner of the radio station, issued a statement: “This morning Entercom fired Kimberly and Beck effective immediately. Their hateful comments against the transgender community do not represent our station or our company. We deeply apologize to the transgender community, the community of Rochester, and anyone else who was offended by their hateful comments. We are proud of our past work on behalf of the local LGBT community and we remain committed to that partnership. -Sue Munn Vice-President/General Manager Entercom Rochester.” Kimberly said May 21 in a tweet (Twitter account since deleted) responding to the controversy, “freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend others.” She and Beck issued an apology on May 23. GLAAD stated, “These comments were insulting and ignore statements from the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association affirming that treatments for transgender people are safe, effective, and medically necessary.” Nathan Schaefer, ED of the Empire State Pride Agenda, said, “The ignorant and transphobic segment that recently aired on Rochester’s radio show, The Breakfast Buzz with Kimberly & Beck, is highly offensive to
New York’s LGBT community. The segment, aired in response to Rochester’s announcement at our Spring Dinner on Saturday that municipal employees will have access to transition-related healthcare, contains sound bite after sound bite of misinformation and hate speech. “Not only did the hosts conflate sexual orientation and gender identity and make the ill-informed leap from medically-necessary care to elective surgery, they also degraded LGBT identities more generally, including the outrageous contention that transgender people are ‘nut jobs.’ “Transgender individuals face disproportionate disparities when it comes to their health and well-being, including this type of harassment as we’ve seen on The Breakfast Buzz. The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and many other organizations agree that transition-related health care is medically necessary and should be covered under public insurance plans. Providing transgender New Yorkers with medically necessary health care is actually a cost-saving measure. Taxpayers will likely see savings related to mental health, suicide attempts, HIV, substance abuse and other costs that occur when transgender people cannot get their transition-related health care needs met. “Rochester’s announcement that city employees will be covered is positive news that should not be misguided by the ignorance of radio hosts looking for ratings. This offensive segment underscores the need for increased education and for the passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), so that all New Yorkers know it’s not acceptable to discriminate against someone just because of who they are.”
the Want acts on f real gender? t r ans
See the premiere of “Just Gender” 7pm on June 5 at the Little Theater. (More on page 27)
Bianca Del Rio comes to Buffalo Pride on June 1 A vibrant celebration of the entire LGBTQ community, Buffalo and WNY’s Pride Parade, on Sunday, June 1, features RuPaul winner Bianca Del Rio, floats, performances, and participants from over 100 organizations. This year the parade will step off at 1 p.m. at Elmwood Avenue and Forest Avenue and travel south on Elmwood to Allen Street. Now in its 23rd year, the Buffalo & WNY Pride Festival, following the Parade on Canalside, features live entertainment, family activities, food and gift vendors, a bar, a Retro Dance tent and information tables from local organizations and businesses. This year, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio will emcee the Pride Festival at Canalside. She’ll be joined by musical headliners Dev and The Cliks as well as many (Buffalo continues page 6)
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
NewsFronts national and international
recent months. Judge Piazza held that there is no good reason for discriminating against couples and their loved ones just because they are gay. With nearly 70 marriage cases now making their way through the courts, and five federal appellate courts now hearing arguments and soon to rule, today’s decision out of Arkansas underscores that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry.” A record-high 59% of Americans support marriage for same-sex couples. 50% of Southerners support marriage, with only 42% opposed. RELATED: Inevitably, Teabagger State Sen. Rappert is calling for impeachment of the judge.
Federal judge says Utah must recognize legal marriages
Arkansas judge strikes down marriage ban; couples rush for licenses On May 9, Judge Chris Piazza of Arkansas upheld same-sex couples’ freedom to marry, striking down the state’s discriminatory constitutional amendment and becoming one of more than a dozen judges to rule in favor of the freedom to marry since last year’s Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Windsor. Hundreds of gay couples began filing into the Pulaski County Arkansas courthouse to be issued marriage licenses, fearing that a stay might be imposed (see below). The Associated Press reports: An Arkansas clerk issued the state’s first gay marriage license on Saturday, May 10, breaking a barrier that voters put in place with a constitutional amendment 10 years ago. Carroll County Deputy Clerk Jane Osborn issued a license Saturday morning to Kristin Seaton, 27, and Jennifer Rambo, 26, of Fort Smith. They had slept in a Ford Focus after arriving in Eureka Springs at 2 a.m. Saturday and were the first of about 10 couples to line up outside of the courthouse before it opened. When the license was issued, Rambo said, “Thank God.” Seaton and Rambo, who have been together four years, then held a marriage ceremony on the courthouse steps. A woman in a rainbow dress officiated. On May 14, the Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed the state’s appeal of
Judge Chris Piazza’s ruling striking down the state’s gay marriage ban because it wasn’t a final ruling. It also denied a request for an emergency stay of the ruling, the Arkansas Times reports: The court, however, seems to have returned the state to its old status quo — impossible for same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses — because it notes that Piazza’s ruling didn’t mention another statute that prohibits clerks from issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. Action will now shift to Piazza’s court to pursue final orders, injunctive relief and a cleanup on the omitted statute. Said Jack Wagoner, attorney for the plaintiffs: “We’ll fix that tomorrow and be back here again.... How can order find something unconstitutional but not affect a statute that would require the clerks to do something unconstitutional?” Justices Donald Corbin and Paul Danielson issued a separate concurrence that said they simply would have dismissed the appeal for lack of a final order and rejected the emergency stay request because the case is still before the trial court. Judge Chris Piazza struck down the secondary ban on May 16, and marriages resumed on May 17. Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement: “Today a state circuit judge in Arkansas ruled in favor of the freedom to marry, the latest in a unanimous wave of favorable rulings from more than a dozen state and federal judges across the country in
A federal judge ordered the state on May 19 to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples who were legally married in Utah after a federal court struck down a state ban, but before the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted additional marriages from taking place. Over 1,000 same-sex couples married in Utah during that time period. The couples are represented by American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Utah, and Strindberg & Scholnick, LLC, who sought the preliminary injunction for the marriages to be recognized while their lawsuit continues. “Our clients, like over 1,000 other same-sex couples, were legally married and those marriages cannot now be taken away from them,” said John Mejia, legal director of the ACLU of Utah. “While we await a permanent decision, we are relieved that our clients will receive the full recognition they deserve as lawfully married couples.” The preliminary injunction is not a permanent order, but it reflects the court’s determination that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on their legal claims and would suffer irreparable harm if their marriages were stripped of recognition. The order was given a 21-day stay to allow the state to respond. In his ruling, Judge Dale A. Kimball wrote: “The State has placed Plaintiffs and their families in a state of legal limbo with respect to adoptions, child care and custody, medical decisions, employment and health benefits, future tax implications, inheritance, and many other property and fundamental rights associated with marriage. These legal uncertainties and lost rights cause harm each day that the marriage is not recognized.” “We are grateful that the court has stepped in to prevent the state from stripping recognition from legally valid marriages that have already taken place,” said Joshua Block, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “The court’s decision allows these committed couples to move forward with their lives with the same protections and security as any other
married couples.” The lawsuit is separate from the original federal case challenging Utah’s marriage ban, which is on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. That case was brought by the law firm of Magleby & Greenwood on behalf of three other couples. The ACLU filed a friend-of-the-court brief in that case. For more information on this case, please visit: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/ evans-v-utah Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement: “More than 1,300 committed couples paid their fees, were issued marriage licenses, stood before family and friends, and got married – and the court was right to hold that they should be treated as what they are: married. Many others also want to take on that legal commitment and are being denied, and the litigation continues, as must our work in Utah and nationwide. The appeals courts and the Supreme Court should rule against marriage discrimination, just as the judge did today. America is ready for the freedom to marry.”
Maine Ethics Commission: NOM violated election law In the strongest governmental action taken to date against the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices staff on May 19 issued a report concluding that NOM intentionally violated Maine law by failing to register or report its activities despite playing a central role in co-managing and funding a $3 million marriage referendum campaign in 2009. “The staff views NOM’s failure to register and file financial reports as a significant violation of law,” the report states. “Maine people deserve to know who is funding political campaigns to influence their vote.” The report recommends civil penalties against NOM totaling $50,250 and that NOM be directed to register as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports reflecting its contributions and expenditures in support of the 2009 Maine referendum. The full Commission voted on the recommendation at its meeting on May 28, after EC press time. The report comes days after a federal district judge in Oregon rejected NOM’s request to intervene in a case challenging that state’s ban on same-sex marriage. NOM filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to stay marriages in anticipation of the court’s ruling in the case. “This detailed investigative report once and for all exposes NOM’s fundamental mission to secretly and illegally funnel contributions from a few large unnamed donors to its extreme political causes,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin. “NOM was formed to be an illegal pass-
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet through for a few secret donors to fund discrimination against LGBT Americans. Maine’s regulators have caught on and said enough is enough.” Over the past four years, following a complaint by Fred Karger, the Commission conducted the most detailed investigation of NOM’s activities to date. The investigation included deposing NOM’s head Brian Brown and subpoenaing documents, both of which were critical to uncovering the grand scheme to violate state disclosure requirements. The investigation was significantly delayed by a series of lawsuits initiated by NOM intended to stonewall the investigation. NOM appealed unsuccessfully all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in its effort to evade Maine’s public disclosure law. Among other findings, the 37-page investigative report found that NOM played the critical leadership role in the 2009 referendum campaign. Political consultants close to NOM had significant leadership positions within the campaign and NOM was by far the largest donor. The Commission determined that NOM failed to tell the truth when it stated that it made no expenditures to promote the referendum other than by monetary contributions. The 2009 Maine referendum was by far the most important project for NOM that year. NOM spent 32 percent of its total funds in 2009 on the Maine campaign. The report cites internal documents and depositions showing the strategic importance of Maine and the deep financial commitment NOM made to the campaign. NOM promised its donors anonymity if they gave directly to NOM. According to the report, “NOM intentionally set up its fundraising strategy to avoid donor disclosure laws.” NOM sent out a series of e-mails specifically soliciting contributions from Maine and received contributions sufficient to require it to register as a ballot question committee. NOM also qualified as a ballot question committee through contributions from major donors. The report noted that in 2009, NOM raised 75% of its revenue from 14 major donors. Contrary to NOM’s representations, the report found that “the basic elements of NOM’s communications are known, and they indicate that NOM told major donors in 2009 about NOM’s activities in support of the Maine referendum and NOM’s specific commitment to financially support the Maine referendum.” NOM failed to disclose these donors in accordance with state law. The report further explains that there are no mitigating circumstances that would warrant a lesser penalty. The investigation notes that NOM had experience in filing campaign finance reports, is a sophisticated political advocacy organization and had legal counsel. Instead, NOM made a “deliberate decision” not to register in order to hide its donors from public view. In fact, the report states, “NOM never intended to file financial reports with the Commission. After considering the information gathered in the investigation, the staff’s view is that harm to the public caused by NOM’s non-compliance in the 2009 election was too serious to warrant a waiver.”
Oregon judge rules against marriage ban On May 19 Judge Michael McShane struck down Oregon’s discriminatory state constitutional amendment that denies committed gay couples the freedom to marry, ruling that it violates the U.S. Constitution. The decision follows a last-minute attempt by the anti-gay group National Organization for Marriage (NOM) to intervene in Oregon’s marriage case, a motion denied by Judge McShane. Thalia Zepatos, director of public engagement at Freedom to Marry and a key adviser to Oregon United for Marriage, released the following statement:
“Today Judge McShane did the right thing for families, affirming that the denial of marriage to committed samesex couples in Oregon is unconstitutional. In recognition of the strong support for marriage among Oregonians, no one with legal standing, including our state Attorney General, wanted to go down in history as defending discrimination. Across the country, the courts agree: same-sex couples and their families need the protections of marriage, and anti-marriage laws are indefensible. With over 70 marriage cases now making their way through the courts, today’s decision in Oregon underscores that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry.” A poll by Oregon Public Broadcasting in late April found that 58% of Oregonians support the freedom to marry. The Oregon ruling is the latest in more than a dozen federal and state rulings in favor of the freedom to marry in recent months. “We are delighted that Judge Michael McShane has finally brought a decade of uncertainty to a close with his ruling. Thousands of LGBTQ couples will be celebrating today across Oregon and around the nation. We are another step closer to marriage equality everywhere for everyone. This victory would not have been possible without the leadership of Oregon United for Marriage who are: Basic Rights Oregon, Human Rights Campaign, Freedom to Marry, ACLU of OR, ACLU National, SEIU of OR, American Unity Fund, Gill Action, and countless other Task Force Action Fund staff and volunteers, “ said Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund. The lawsuit alleged that Oregon’s constitutional ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples—Measure 36—violates the U.S. Constitution. The consolidated case—Geiger v. Kitzhaber, filed on October 13, 2013, and Rummell v. Kitzhaber, filed on December 19, 2013—was argued on April 23, 2014. Attorneys Lake Perriguey (Law Works, LLC) and Lea Ann Easton (Dorsay & Easton, LLP), argued on behalf of plaintiff couples Deanna Geiger and Janine Nelson, and Robert Duehmig and William Griesar. Attorneys Rose Saxe and Amanda Goad (American Civil Liberties Union), Kevin Diaz (ACLU of Oregon), and volunteer counsel Misha Isaak and Tom Johnson (Perkins Coie, LLP), and Jennifer Middleton (Johnson, Johnson & Schaller, PC), argued on behalf of two additional couples — Paul Rummell and Ben West, and Chris Tanner and Lisa Chickadonz—and Basic Rights Education Fund. “The importance of Judge McShane’s decision cannot be overemphasized,” said David Fidanque, executive director of the ACLU of Oregon. “Our federal Constitution does not allow any state – or its voters – to deny same sex couples equal protection under the law simply because of who they are and who they love. This type of discrimination is wrong and it’s also unconstitutional.” “Our clients Deanna Geiger and Janine Nelson and Bob Duehig and Bill Griesar are grateful the Attorney General, Governor, Ms. Woodward and Mr. Walruff carefully considered their position and so clearly articulated Oregon’s position that it values our relationships and commitments to each other and our families,” said Lee Ann Easton, an attorney at Dorsay & Easton who, with co-counsel Lake Periguey, filed the Geiger case. “They are very pleased the District Court adopted their position along with the Rummell plaintiffs in his decision. With this advancement of civil rights, gay and lesbian Oregonians are now equal under the law.” “After years of working in every way possible way to bring the freedom to marry to Oregon, today is a historic day,” said Vanessa Usui, board chair of Basic Rights Education Fund. “Starting with a ballot measure, and ultimately with this court victory, we have finally ensured that all loving, committed same-sex couples (Oregon continues page 12)
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page one (Pharmacy from page 3) Dr. Bernard Lee, a Pharmacist at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., agrees that more education for the pharmaceutical profession is necessary. Noting that a majority of pharmacists are on the ambulatory side in the community, “The pharmacist is the most accessible of all health care providers,” Lee said. To avoid any awkward encounters, Lee recommends asking the patient up front how they would like to be addressed personally as much as the pharmacist would personalize their medication for them. “The pronoun game of he/she becomes very awkward. It sets the tone for [the transgender patient] already that someone is going to get this wrong,” Lee said. While the results of their assessment following the panel discussion at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy are positive, there was a low response rate when Mathews and Parkhill surveyed other pharmacy schools about the amount of time they spent teaching about LGBT sensitivity. While schools in coastal locations showed interest in adopting a similar panel discussion into their curriculums, the response rate from schools in other areas was negligible. Although the sluggish response from other pharmacy schools is discouraging, the panel discussion at the Wegmans School is heading into its eighth year. “I hope that we are creating students that will be leaders in the community. They’re going to feel empowered based on the information they’ve learned. They feel empowered to be advocates. They feel empowered to say if something is wrong and to make positive change,” Mathews said. ■
(ESPA from page 1) the health and well-being of transgender employees and also send a message to the rest of our state that we need to provide medically-necessary care to all transgender New Yorkers.” He added, “Rochester has long been a leader on LGBT civil rights and this is just one more example of how this great city sets a strong example for the rest of New York State.” “I would like to acknowledge and thank Councilmember Haag and the City’s Labor Management Healthcare Committee for helping to make Rochester’s healthcare policies relevant to all of our citizens,” said Mayor Warren at the event. “Eliminating barriers to health care is simply the right thing to do. The City was the first to support domestic partnerships and I am happy that we lead the effort to equalize benefits for all once again.” “For more than a year, I’ve worked with two administrations to ensure the Trans* community’s full participation in our city. I am so pleased that since the beginning of her administration, Mayor Warren has joined me in working to achieve this goal,” said Haag. “Together, we have worked to ensure that City of Rochester employees, their spouses, and dependents will have the fullest gender affirming benefits our insurer provides. I am pleased that Rochester is now stepping up to provide a Trans* inclusive health policy for all city employees.” The Spring Dinner in Rochester is one of the signature fundraising events for the statewide civil rights advocacy organization. Featuring a cocktail reception, a presentation of the Community Service Award and a live auction, the Spring Dinner raised more than $100,000 and drew over 500 guests to celebrate and show support for the Pride Agenda’s work. This year’s event boasted many celebrities and elected officials. They included host Stephen Wallem from Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie,” Keynote speaker NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, US Congresswoman Louise Slaughter,
the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014 NYS Senator Ted O’Brien, NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Rochester Mayor Warren, City Council members Haag and Elaine Spaull, and long-time local activist Evelyn Bailey, who received the Community Service Award. Evelyn Bailey wins Community Service Award Evelyn Bailey is an educator, political activist and historian. Her work to support the Shoulders To Stand On project under the auspices of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is becoming nationally recognized. Among her many accomplishments, Evelyn was Executive Producer of the landmark documentary film, “Shoulders To Stand On,” and is the director of the Roots Chronology Program that chronicled and digitized the 40-plus year publishing history of The Empty Closet newspaper. The “Shoulders To Stand On” documentary, co-produced and directed by Kevin Indovino, was screened last month at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters in Washington D.C., and will be aired on WXXI on June 3. “Through my activism and volunteerism, I have met so many incredibly courageous, passionate men and women fighting for their right to be free to be who they are -- whether they are gay, straight, gender variant, or allies,” said Bailey in her acceptance speech. “For each one the journey out of their own ‘closets’ was filled with fear -- fear of the consequences and rejection and at the same time a greater fear of remaining oppressed, unfree and unable to be who they are. The personal courage and risk taken by all of you to be out, to live your lives openly and honestly as allies, as LGBTQI men and women, has created a better environment of acceptance and freedom that is still desperately needed today.” Evelyn says working on the Shoulders to Stand On project was life-altering and she challenged the audience to get involved. She also explained that family and community connections, history and roots are extremely important to her. She concluded, “Being free to be who I am in all areas of my life has been a driving force of integration and growth. There are no words to express my gratitude to everyone for your time, dedication, energy and commitment to this extraordinary community archival and documentary project. The challenge for all of us is not to rest on our accomplishments. There is still much work to be done. So I challenge you to get involved, to become activists to make equality and justice for all a reality in your own lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters.” ■
local and state (Buffalo continued from page 3) more bands and performers. A suggested $5 donation is appreciated and will be accepted at the entrance gate. Visit www.BuffaloPrideFestival.com for additional event details and information.
Rev. Steve Price becomes pastor at Community Christian Church on June 8 After spending 19 years at Trillium Health (formerly AIDS Care), Rev. Steven Price didn’t think his future Sunday mornings would be spent in a pulpit, but he now finds himself there. Rev. Price is wrapping up his first few months at Community Christian Church, 2647 Chili Ave., and will officially be installed in a ceremony at the church on June 8 at 3 p.m. That day will be a dual celebration, since following the morning service the church will also be dedicating new handicap-accessible space, truly making the church open to all in the community. Steven received his Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School
Dr. Bill Valenti of Trillium accepts the check.
G.R.E.A.T. Bowling Tournament was a great success The bowlers look forward to this uniquely entertaining tournament every year. A dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly to organize the fun that has been helping to raise money for Trillium Health (formerly AIDS Rochester and AIDS Care) since 1988. In those 26 years, they have generated over $250K in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Held on the first weekend of May each year, this year’s tournament at Clover Lanes had a cowboy theme and needless to say everyone had fun dressing the part. Trillium says, “The care providers at Trillium Health are so very grateful for the wonderful community of support found in the greater Rochester area that we serve. All are committed to extending our sensitive, affirming approach to care, to everyone in our LGBTQ communities seeking better health.”
Norm Geil and Rev. Steven Price.
(now Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School) and began his career with a dual focus, concurrently serving as Pastor of the Pembroke Community Church in Genesee County and as Staff Chaplain at Strong Memorial Hospital. Steven felt called to work within the field of HIV, so he left those positions to join AIDS Rochester, where his most-recent full-time position was as Senior Director of Community Health Initiatives. In that capacity, his duties included administration of HIV community education and outreach programs throughout the Finger Lakes Region. The unexpected fork in the path that brought Steven to the church has actually been years in the making, though it only became apparent a few months ago. Over the past 15 years, Steven has served Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ/UCC) periodically as both a guest preacher and in an interim minister capacity. Each time he sensed the joyful spirit of a community that embraced diversity. He enjoyed the occasional Sunday spent preaching and had no plans to leave Trillium Health. But last summer, Steven hit a milestone birthday, turning 50, and as his husband Norm was turning 65, he found it to be a time of reflection and prioritizing. While he valued his work at Trillium Health, he felt he was being called back to a parish-based ministry, but it had to be the “right” congregation for him to make that move. He then learned that Community Christian’s pastor was leaving to take a position in Texas to be closer to her family. Steven knew this was the “right”
congregation – creative, progressive and trying to make a difference. Despite having launched a nationwide search, the church’s Search Committee was delighted to learn of Steven’s interest and to be able to find the perfect candidate right in its own backyard. He joined the church in November as it embarked on a building project intended to make it fully accessible and in compliance with ADA guidelines. The congregation was an early adopter of an “open to all” philosophy but its 1960s-era building with narrow doors, stairs and no ramps left members feeling they were coming up short with respect to handicap accessibility. Rev. Price says the project is not why he felt called to the church but rather it confirms what he felt about the membership: that they are willing to put their money where their mouths are. His intent for his first year is to respectfully observe the congregation and learn how it operates before formulating a formal Vision. The church’s structure is different from many in that it has a very active and consultative laity that is included in all major decisions. He wants to continue to pursue the social justice conversation that is at the core of the church’s identity. Steven admits with a smile that the vision he thought would guide the church is already going in a direction different from what he had expected. But what is not unexpected is the way the church embraces everyone “What I love is that right now we have two pregnant women in the congregation. One is a straight woman while the other is a lesbian. Both are embraced with love and joyful expectation. There’s no difference. Straight couples, gay couples, seniors, youth – everyone is valued and respected in God’s eyes and in the practices of Community Christian Church.” The community is invited to visit the church’s website – www.cccopentoall.org - or to stop by for Sunday service (11 a.m. through the end of June; 10 a.m. summer hours). The church is fully handicapaccessible.
Assemblymember Bronson introduces bill to help trans people seeking name change By Susan Jordan Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced on May 14 that he is introducing legislation to protect the personal safety and privacy of victims of domestic violence as well as transgender individu-
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet als (A.9409). “Acts of domestic violence and discrimination have no place in our society,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “We must protect victims of domestic violence and transgender individuals who may be at risk of such deplorable acts. The protections afforded in this bill are vital to ensuring the personal safety of many of our fellow New Yorkers.” The bill authored by Assemblymember Bronson would limit or waive the information that is required to be published when individuals choose to legally change their names in order to avoid acts of violence or discrimination, or to conform with their gender identity or gender expression. Specifically, the bill would make this waiver available to individuals attempting to avoid potential or actual domestic violence, stalking, hate crimes or sexual assault.
In 2009, the Supreme Court of Westchester County ruled that the civil rights law authorizes the waiver of publication of a name change order if such publication would jeopardize the safety of the individual seeking the name change. Unfortunately, some courts require an actual showing of past violence to meet the “personal safety waiver” standard. Bringing state statute into accordance with the need for full personal safety is an important step toward ensuring these waiver protections are available to individuals who need them, noted Assemblymember Bronson. Roughly 450,000 incidents of domestic violence are reported in New York state each year, and in 2012, state courts issued over 300,000 orders of protection. At the same time, nearly 30 percent of transgender New Yorkers have experienced serious physical or sexual assault. Bronson told The Empty Closet, “The
Interview
At an Ambush Rochester event.
Ambush Rochester By Susan Jordan The concept of lesbians and queer women “ambushing” a straight bar is not new. But Christina, T. and Dana were the first to do it in Rochester. The basic idea of Ambush Buffalo and Ambush Rochester is to create a space for queer women to congregate once a month at a venue that is traditionally straight. “One of the reasons Ambush is so successful is because it attracts a diverse crowd. It’s also very low maintenance. Some people pop in after work for the happy hour fun and others stay all night. There’s always a great energy, amazing music and LOTS of dancing,” say organizers Sady
Fischer and Susanna Speed. Sady Fischer says, “The first time we encountered Ambush was a little over a year ago in Buffalo. There had been rumblings on Facebook about it here and there and we were curious so we checked out the Facebook page. Once we saw from the pictures how many queer women were attending the event, we obviously wanted to hop onboard! Knowing there wasn’t a (strictly) lesbian bar in Rochester, we realized that we wanted to start the party here too. We started spreading the word to local community organizations and friends about Ambush Rochester, and together we worked with Christina, T. and Dana to get things rolling here. The
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bill came to my attention because of a trans person I represented who wanted to change his name to match his gender. Under current NYS law you have the right to apply to the court for a name change as long as you aren’t trying to avoid creditors or criminal charges. It’s a relatively simple process. “But the application, and the applicant’s address, must be published in a newspaper, so any creditors can see it. The court has the option to waive that requirement if publication would jeopardize the personal safety of an applicant. This comes into play in two scenarios: domestic violence and if an applicant’s personal safety has been threatened. “The statute doesn’t require proof of that, but some courts have required proof of domestic abuse or threats – that’s under the current law. “The new bill would allow a sealed
application if there is a threat – actual or potential – and this would lower the burden on the applicant to get a waiver in the application publication requirement. Anyone trying to find out this sealed information would have to get a court order. California passed such a law, which became effective in January. New York would be the second state to have such a law.” Bronson explained, “The way we developed the bill is if the petition for name change is to avoid potential or actual hate crimes, stalking, domestic violence or sexual assault – OR if the applicant is filing to seek name change in cases involving gender identity or expression. “Even though we want to pass GENDA at the state level, to offer protection to trans or gender-non-conforming people, this bill is another step to offer protection (Bronson continues page 12)
Whether you’re happily coupled, single and looking, new to the scene or just someone who wants that connection to the community, Ambush makes you feel like you’ve come home. rest is history.” So far the group has had five Rochester events. Sady said, “For us, we have a special place in our hearts for our first event at One Nightclub. We weren’t sure how successful it was going to be, especially since there had been a snowstorm the night before. As the night picked up, we counted over 100 people. Several women approached us and told us how amazing it felt for them to be a part of such a queer-friendly event. That night has been the standard for us, and we work hard every month to make the experience great. We want to make sure that all the women and allies coming to Ambush feel welcome, a part of the community.” The next Rochester Ambush event will be Friday, June 6, at Captain’s Attic, 37 Charlotte St., from 5:30-10 p.m. Sady said, “We’re especially excited about our Pride Ambush Rochester on July 11, 5:3010 p.m., at Tilt Nightclub! Not only will we have special Pride events going on, but we’ll also have drag king performances. We’re expecting a BIG turnout!” Women can get involved in many ways. Sady notes, “We’d love to have someone regularly take pictures for us at the monthly Ambush. We’re currently working with Cathie Timian to create a logo for Ambush Rochester and we’re really excited about her ideas. Another way people can help is by getting Rochester bars and nightclubs on board. Our event generates a lot of revenue for Rochester venues and we want to really collaborate with and support all the local hot spots.” When asked what makes Ambush worthwhile to her, Sady replied, “For us, Ambush is worthwhile because there’s
Susanna Speed and Sady Fischer.
nothing else like it. Whether you’re happily coupled, single and looking, new to the scene or just someone who wants that connection to the community, Ambush makes you feel like you’ve come home. It’s an opportunity to connect with old friends, meet new people, support local venues and become a part of the growing Ambush Rochester energy. Plus, the dancing is so much fun!” Sady and fellow organizers want to encourage queer-identified women and allies to check out the Ambush events. “We have a Facebook page with our information and we are always here to answer questions about the events. If you’re looking for a low-key lesbian/bi/queer-friendly space to go in Rochester, Ambush Rochester is a great option!”■
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
Making the Scene
Thomas Warfield performs in the revue.
Rochester fans followed Darienne’s adventures last month on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”.
BIG GAY PROM: The Gay Alliance Youth Group held the ’80s Zombie Prom on May 3 at Diplomat Party House. Around 130 youth attended. At right, the zombie make-up booth at the Prom. More photos page 30.
Tom Somerville at Equal=Grounds. Photo: Susan Jordan
My Own Private Rochester: Tom Somerville By Susan Jordan Tom Somerville, artist and yoga instructor, is a Rochester native, although he has lived in NYC, San Diego, St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) and elsewhere. He has lived for 15 years now in the South Wedge neighborhood area, and currently shares his home with a cat, a dog, a parrot, a cockatiel, a rabbit and an affectionate rat. As Tom puts it, “I am a painter – starving artist – so I supplement my income as a yoga instructor – the two things I love.” Tom also teaches art, includ-
ing a Friday art class at the MOCHA Center, for people with HIV. One yoga class that means a lot to him is the Rainbow SAGE class, which takes
MORE THAN US: The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus hosted a fundraiser dinner and musical revue on May 10 at Zeppa Auditorium. The inimitable Darienne Lake was M.C. Photos: Jill Frier
place several days a week at Open Arms MCC, under the auspices of the Gay Alliance (see page 31). He said, “I hope more people will start coming. Right now we have anywhere from five to a dozen people per class. It’s been popular and I feel we’ve helped people with illnesses. It’s important that older people exercise, as well as having a social connection. You can do it on a chair or on the floor – it’s actually geared to ‘yoga in a chair’. “It’s really for everybody. We even have a few non-gays. We talk and laugh and have fun.” Another of Tom’s favorite local organizations/events is Image Out. “I’m very proud of ImageOut,” he said. “It has become a nationally recognized festival.” About his favorite people, he commented, “I want to give credit to Jeffery Young, the yoga teacher who helped me when I broke my back. I was barely walking when I got to Jeffery. He was key to me walking again.” Tom’s favorite places include Equal=Grounds (he loves the salads) and he adds, “I also love Highland Park, an amazing resource.” As a film buff, Tom says, “I go to the Cinema every Sunday night for their senior double feature. A bunch of us sit together. And I like Marshall Street Grill on Monroe for their turkey club! I’m on the fringe of being a vegetarian, but when people ask I say I’m ‘an opportunistic scavenger’!”
Tom confesses, “I love going to the movies. I would see a movie every day of the week if I could. So on an ideal Saturday night I’d be at the Cinema, Movies 10, the Dryden or the
Little, which I love.” When asked where he would take out-of-town friends, Tom said, “I’d take them to Wegmans – I like the Food Court. And also the museums: the Eastman Museum of Photography, Artisan Works, the Strong Museum – they are unique to Rochester. Also we’d go to the Planetarium – which I think is one of the oldest in the country.” Tom says he left California to return to Rochester for what he thought would be just enough time to get his degree. “But it’s been 20 years now! The only thing I don’t like is the weather.” ■
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ESPA SPRING DINNER: Over 500 guests attended the Empire State Pride Agenda’s 15th Annual Spring Dinner at the Riverside Convention Center on May 17. L-R: ESPA ED Nathan Schaefer, Evelyn Bailey and Jonathan Lang. Story on p. 1.Photo: Ove Overmyer
Bess Watts, Rep. Louise Slaughter, Ove Overmyer. Photo: Anne Tischer
NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson and NYS Senator Ted O’Brien. Photo: Ove Overmyer
Christopher Alonzo, City Council member Elaine Spaull and Quentin Roach. Photo: Ove Overmyer
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local and state (Bronson continued from page 3) to trans individuals, so they don’t have to fear because their name change and address were published and someone who doesn’t like trans people could come to their home to do them harm.” Bronson feels that the bill might have a better chance of passage than GENDA (which Republicans refuse to let on the floor for a vote.) He said, “It’s a procedural change that addresses specific protection under existing law and will correct a procedural hurdle that individuals face when name change is based on gender identity or expression. “It would help prevent bodily attack, harassment and gossip – things none of us should be subjected to because of who we are. Such acts have no place in our society. I just introduced the bill in May and we’re working to get it on the Judiciary committee agenda. “Locally I was successful in the case I had, and there’s one reported case in Westchester County court, which found that there didn’t have to be an actual showing of threat or abuse – just fear that a hate crime might occur. This law would require all NYS courts to do the right thing. There would be no question that trans people who are vulnerable to hate crimes would be included specifically; they are mentioned under subdivision two. “One important aspect of identifying with the gender you truly are is to have a name that corresponds to your gender. We should make this as readily available as possible so transgender people will have emotional protection from the understandable fear that their gender expression may be the stimulus for a hate crime or harassment.” The Advocate has already picked up the story.
the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
MassMutual ranks #3 on Top Companies for LGBT Employees list DiversityInc. announced on April 22 that Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has been named to its “25 Noteworthy Companies” list for the fourth year in a row. This year, the company also was named to the list of “Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees” for the first time, ranking number three. MassMutual was recognized as a 2014 “25 Noteworthy Company” for strong performance in the four areas measured: Talent Pipeline, Equitable Talent Development, CEO and Leadership Commitment, and Supplier Diversity. In particular, the company was recognized for its representation of women at all levels, even when compared to companies on DiversityInc.’s “Top 50 Companies” list. “We are honored that DiversityInc. continues to recognize MassMutual’s ongoing progress toward creating a diverse and inclusive company and culture, said Lorie Valle-Yañez, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at MassMutual. “We are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, which we continually demonstrate within MassMutual’s walls and in communities across the U.S.” The company also was ranked as number three on the “Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees” list for 2014. DiversityInc. cited such accomplishments as MassMutual’s LGBT marketfocused webpages, its PRIDE employee resource group (ERG), the company’s first responder status to advocate for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), its 100 percent Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) Rating, and corporate support of several national LGBT organizations. “MassMutual is in business to help all Americans secure their futures and protect the ones they love, which is why it
is so critically important that we strive to keep pace with the evolving U.S. population,” said Mike Fanning, Executive Vice President, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual, and executive sponsor of the company’s PRIDE ERG. “I am grateful for and give a tremendous amount of credit to the members of our PRIDE ERG for their tireless efforts in building a strong inclusive culture at MassMutual and for cultivating relationships nationally and locally to help us be the best in serving the needs of our many customers.” Additionally, MassMutual has been recognized for the past several years for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion by the National Association of Female Executives, Working Mother, Uptown Professional and LatinaStyle. MassMutual’s recognition as a top company for LGBT employees underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion and to delivering on the company’s purpose. Specifically, MassMutual worked on and was one of the first to join the historic “friend of the court” brief for the repeal of DOMA, is a member of the HRC Business Coalitions for Benefits Tax Equity and for Repealing DOMA and was one of the companies in Arizona to sign the Unity Pledge against the controversial bill allowing business owners the right to refuse service to customers who do not practice their own religious beliefs. Nationally, MassMutual sponsors the NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chambers of Commerce), Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), and Gay Games IX in Cleveland in August. Locally, sponsors the Northampton, Mass. “NoHo” Pride Parade, the Western Massachusetts AIDS Foundation, the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, and the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Internally, MassMutualestablished its thriving PRIDE ERG, in addition to seven other ERGs with employees from traditionally underrepresented groups
David Piscitello
and allies. David Piscitello of MassMutual told The Empty Closet, “This distinction is important to me, both personally and professionally. As someone who directs our LGBT outreach efforts in the Rochester and Buffalo areas, it means that I am proud of the company that I work for. This shows that MassMutual is a company dedicated to fairness, equality, diversity, inclusion, and caring. MassMutual has a history of supporting the LGBT community, in its forward-thinking employment practices, but also in its support of LGBT legislative initiatives on the national level and of LGBT community organizations.
Tuxill House A quiet B&B in a small town Perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony Accommodates 8 overnight guests Ordained Minister available 5 Tuxill Square, Auburn www.tuxillhouse.com 315/252–0055 Innkeepers, Susan & Audrey welcome you www.tourcayuga.com
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet “This ranking from DiversityInc. is significant and the acknowledgement is wonderful, but the reality is, MassMutual has always been there for the LGBT community. In Buffalo, for example, MassMutual has long supported the Buffalo Pride Center and its events and has funded college scholarships for LGBT youth. As a gay man, I feel proud that I am part of a group of people that is being recognized and supported as a whole.” MassMutual is also known for its inclusion of women at all levels, and for its commitment to diversity in general. Piscitello commented, “Both the MassMutual corporate headquarters and MassMutual Buffalo have worked to actively diversify its workforce at all levels because it’s the right thing to do and because it makes good business sense. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans and members of the LGBT community seek out employers such as MassMutual that have proven they embrace diversity and inclusion. At MassMutual, employees know they are valued for who they are, how they think, and what they bring to the table. By having a diverse workforce, we are better able to relate to a varied customer base and provide culturally sensitive and client-specific services. Embracing diversity gives us a competitive advantage.” Piscitello said that there has been no negative response locally to the DiversityInc. ranking as a Top 10 Company for LGBT employees in the U.S. He concluded, “As further proof of the support that the MassMutual corporate office provides to the LGBT community, it is proud to be a major sponsor of the upcoming Gay Games IX in Cleveland this August. The Company’s sponsorship of this important athletic and cultural event is just another example of our strong commitment to the LGBT community.”
national and international (Oregon from page 5) are free to marry in Oregon.” “Today’s ruling acknowledges that Oregon same-sex couples are entitled to equal dignity under our Constitution,” said Misha Isaak, who argued on behalf of the Rummell plaintiffs at the April 23 hearing and serves on Basic Rights Oregon’s legal advisory group. “We are parents, siblings, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, just like our fellow Oregonians, and we have the same constitutional rights as our fellow Oregonians. Our loving, committed relationships are worthy of the state’s equal recognition. Finally, they will get it.” “Today Oregon joins the increasing number of states in embracing the freedom to marry for all,” said Rose Saxe, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “This decision brings us one step closer to ensuring that all loving and committed couples will be able to take care of each other and their loved ones with the protections and dignity that only come through marriage.” The anti-marriage equality group National Organization for Marriage (NOM) attempted to intervene in the case just before the April 23 hearing. On May 14, Judge McShane denied their motion. NOM filed an appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on May 19, and also requested an emergency stay of Judge McShane’s ruling. The request for a stay was denied, but the appeal is still pending. RELATED: NOM has just been accused of violating election law, according to a report from the Maine Ethics Commission. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin issued the following statement: “Today’s ruling from Judge McShane affirms what a majority of Oregonians already knew: discrimination has no place in our society, much less the state constitution. The plaintiffs and their tremendous attorneys Lake James Perriguey, Lea Ann Easton, Perkins Coie LLP, the
ACLU of Oregon and the ACLU, should be incredibly proud of their historic victory. Thanks to their willingness to fight and the decades of work done by groups like Basic Rights Oregon and countless others, America is now one giant step closer to full equality nationwide.”
Report: Most big companies ban sexual orientation, gender identity discrimination UCLA’s Williams Institute reports that 98 percent of the country’s largest companies now prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and nearly 85 percent prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, according to a new study. The study also finds that 86 percent of the top 50 federal contractors prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and over 60 percent prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Combined, these contractors represent 48 percent of all contracting dollars awarded by the federal government — over $218 billion in spending. “The percentages of top companies and federal contractors with both sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination policies have increased since we started tracking these data in 2011,” said Christy Mallory, co-author and Williams Institute Senior Counsel. A 2011 Williams Institute study, based on 2010 data, found that 44 percent of the top 50 federal contractors and 70 percent of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies prohibited discrimination based on gender identity. In 2013 those numbers increased to 67 percent of the top 50 federal contractors and 88 percent of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies respectively. The 2011 study found that 81 percent of the top 50 federal contractors and 96 percent of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. Those percentages increased in 2013 to 93 percent and 98 percent, respectively. This year’s percentages are somewhat lower due to the change in companies that ranked in the top 50 on each list from 2011 to 2013, and not to companies rescinding policies. “Comparing the 2011 study to the current study, we see a sustained increase in the number of top U.S. companies with gender identity and sexual orientation non-discrimination policies,” explained Brad Sears, Executive Director and Roberta A. Conroy Scholar of Law & Policy at the Williams Institute. The top ten Fortune 500 companies with gender identity and sexual orientation non-discrimination polices are WalMart, Chevron, Apple, General Motors, General Electric, Ford Motor, AT&T, Fannie Mae, CVS Caremark, and McKesson. The top federal contractors include, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, L-3 Communications Holdings, United Technologies, BAE Systems, McKesson, Humana, and Computer Sciences Corporation.
Prosecutors drop charges against bullied California trans teen who fought back By Greg Hernandez on gaystarnews.com Battery charges against transgender high school student Jewlyes Gutierrez -- filed after she fought with three classmates she said had bullied her for days -- have been officially dropped by prosecutors. The student at Hercules High in Hercules, Calif. had been charged with misdemeanor battery after a fight between her and several other students last November was captured on video. Gutierrez said she was only defending herself after being the target of persistent harassment and intimidation at school. She claimed school staff did not intervene
or show support prior to the fight. There was widespread outrage when the teen was charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The Transgender Law Center had urged the DA’s office to instead work with the families and students involved to find an alternative means of resolving their conflict. The office dropped the charges last month after Gutierrez completed a restorative justice program conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency per an agreement she had reached with the DA. The teen had strong family support including an older sister who launched a Change.org petition demanding that the charges be dropped. It had been signed by more than 200,000 people. - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. com/article/prosecutors-drop-batterycharges-against-bullied-trans-teencalifornia070514#sthash.hYAuIsTl.dpuf
Clare Byarugaba
Colby College names Ugandan activist as 2014 Oak Human Rights Fellow; “saved my life” Clare Byarugaba, an award-winning Ugandan human rights defender who works for gay and lesbian rights in a country that recently criminalized homosexuality and the “aiding and abetting of homosexuality,” has been named the 2014 Oak human rights fellow at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Byarugaba is co-coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, which was founded in 2009 to fight homophobia in Uganda and act on behalf of the LGBTI community. Byarugaba helped organize Uganda’s first gay pride event, lobbied against the country’s anti-homosexuality bill, and now pushes for its repeal despite the threats that work imposes. “When I called to tell her that she had been chosen as our 2014 Oak human rights fellow, Clare started sobbing and whispered into the phone, ‘You just saved my life,’” said Walter Hatch, director of the Oak Institute for the Study of International Human Rights at Colby and professor of government. Byarugaba has received countless threats and has been forced to move several times. Recently a popular tabloid identified her as a “gay recruiter.” In 2011 another openly gay Ugandan human rights activist was murdered shortly after a tabloid listed his name with the words, “Hang Them.” “Clare has survived a terrible ordeal. She has been rejected by her family, subjected routinely to threats of violence, and now criminalized as both a lesbian and as a human rights activist. We are glad that we can give her a safe space to think, write, rest, and recharge,” said Hatch. Byarugaba will be at Colby and will teach during the 2014 fall semester. The Oak Institute for the Study of
13 International Human Rights at Colby College was established in 1998 by a grant from the Oak Foundation. Each year, an Oak human rights fellow teaches at Colby and conducts research. The institute organizes lectures and other events centered around the fellow’s area of expertise. Oak human rights fellows have included activists from Myanmar, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Kosovo, Sudan, and Cambodia, all of whom have risked their lives exposing and combating humanrights abuses in their countries. For more information about the Oak Institute and Byarugaba’s appointment, please visit colby.edu/oak.
Uganda atrocities increase tenfold after passage of hate bill By Joe Morgan on gaystarnews.com Gay and lesbians are the targets of a “hunt” in Uganda since the passing of a homophobic law, a report has said. The research compiled by Sexual Minorities Uganda has found the number of recorded incidents have increased tenfold. These include kidnappings, torture, attempted lynchings, mob violence, homes burned down, blackmail, lost jobs, arrests, evictions and suicides. At least 25 people are reported to have fled from Uganda, seeking asylum in countries such as Kenya and Rwanda. The gay rights activists have noted following the Red Pepper listing the “top 200 homosexuals” after the bill was made law, several men and women were disowned by their family or assaulted in the street. Several are facing prosecution. One report references the suicide of a 17-year-old gay teen, who overdosed on pills and swallowed rat poison, because he felt he had nothing to live for. He was the son of Muslim parents who consider homosexuals to be “proof of sin itself” and “not people”. The Anti-Homosexuality Act, made law in late February, punishes homosexuality with a life sentence in prison. It also imposes strict bans on the “promotion of homosexuality,” which carries a five-year sentence, “aiding and abetting homosexuality,” with a sentence of seven years, and a gay couple living together, for which you can spend life in jail. “The passing of AHA has given permission to a culture of extreme and violent homophobia whereby both state and non-state actors are free to persecute Uganda’s LGBTI people with impunity,” the report stated. The survey recorded 162 incidents since the legislation was passed by parliament last December. By comparison, Sexual Minorities Uganda recorded eight incidents in 2013 and 19 in 2012. “[This] represents an increase of between 750 percent and 1,900 percent on previous years,” the report noted, “an increase which can only be explained by the passage of the AHA and the virulently homophobic atmosphere this has engendered.” Pepe Julian Onziema, a LGBTI rights activist in Uganda, told Gay Star News the “hunt” is well and truly on. On mobs, he said, “They call their bill ‘theirs’. It is not. They don’t understand it. The law doesn’t allow you to go attack people. It’s a badge of violent ignorance.” Onziema called on Ugandan LGBTIs to keep safe and to seek help on social media if needed. “It makes me sad that my community is unsafe. It’s intentionally put at risk,” he said. “It’s like standing by the roadside and being pushed in front of a speeding car. That is what the president has done to us.” - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. com/article/kidnaps-torture-andhouse-burning-new-shock-reports-gayuganda120514#sthash.HNUlsN7q.dpuf (NewsFronts continue page 14)
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national and international (NewsFronts from page 13)
Defense Secretary says rules on trans people serving in military “need continual review” In response to a question asked by Martha Raddatz on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that medical regulations barring transgender people from serving in the military “continually should be reviewed.” “We appreciate that Secretary Hagel recognizes that these medical regulations are over thirty years old, are inconsistent with current medical practice, and negatively impact military readiness. They harm our service members and weaken our military,” said SPART*A Policy Director, former Army Captain Allyson Robinson. “An estimated fifteen thousand transgender service members currently serve in constant fear and stress: people like Petty Officer Landon Wilson, just back from Afghanistan, who served with distinction until being drummed out simply because of who he is. We have heard story after story of commanders who question these policies because their transgender troops are valued by their units and contribute to their readiness.” SPART*A, an LGBT military organization, includes several hundred transgender members currently serving in uniform. “We look forward to a prompt and comprehensive medical review of these regulations, which is long overdue,” said Robinson. “Many of our allies, including the UK, Australia, and Israel, allow transgender people to serve with pride and honor in their armed forces. It’s time for the U.S. to join them.” About SPART*A: “SPART*A is an
the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014 association of LGBT people who currently serve or have served in the military, along with our families and our veteran and uniformed allies. We are a membership organization, built by, for and with members from all parts of the LGBT military community. SPART*A’s mission is to advocate for and support our actively serving LGBT military members and veterans, and their families.” “The name originated from the acronym Servicemembers, Partners, and Allies for Respect and Tolerance for All. The asterisk represents a special recognition of transgender members, who continue to serve in silence.”
Nate Berkus, fiancé make history at NY Public Library By Greg Hernandez on gaystarnews.com With Oprah Winfrey among the celebrity guests, home decorating guru and TV host Nate Berkus married his fiance of one year, Jeremiah Brent, over the weekend of May 3. And the couple made a little bit of history while doing so by becoming the first same-sex couple to be married at the New York Public Library. Winfrey, the woman who launched Berkus’ television career, later sent out this tweet: Just left @NateBerkus wedding to his partner Jeremiah. I felt the shift. #anewdayhascome Other celebrity guests included talk and cooking show host Rachael Ray and actress Busy Phillips of Cougar Town fame, according to People.com. Berkus, 42, gained fame as a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He then went on to host his own syndicated daytime talk show for two years and is now host of NBC’s American Dream Builders. Brent, 29, currently appears on the Bravo television series The Rachel Zoe Project.
- See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. com/article/oprah-looking-nateberkus-and-husband-make-historynew-york-public-library050514#sthash. QH3yEwhc.dpuf
Rams draft Michael Sam; pick came late in the process On May 10, openly gay college football star Michael Sam was drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Rams. USA Today reports: President Obama is honoring Michael Sam, who on Saturday became the first openly gay player to be drafted by a pro football team after the St. Louis Rams picked him in the seventh round. “The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward in our Nation’s journey,” said a White House statement. “From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are,” said the White House of Sam, an award-winning defense end who played at the University of Missouri. However, Jarrett Bell wrote in USA Today on May 11, “…the former Missouri defensive end wasn’t chosen until the 249th pick overall… Was this because Sam is gay? It sure seems that way, no matter what we’ve heard about the NFL culture being progressive enough… to tolerate a player without regard to his sexual orientation.” Dolphins player apologizes for offensive remark Miami Dolphins defensive back Don Jones, who tweeted “OMG” and “Horrible” in reaction to Michael Sam kissing his boyfriend after being drafted by the St. Louis Rams, apologized to Sam and the Dolphins on May 11, and was suspended and fined by the team, CBS Sports reports.
Said Jones in a statement: “I want to apologize to Michael Sam for the inappropriate comments that I made last night on social media. I take full responsibility for them and I regret that these tweets took away from his draft moment. I remember last year when I was drafted in the seventh round and all of the emotions and happiness I felt when I received the call that gave me an opportunity to play for an NFL team and I wish him all the best in his NFL career... I sincerely apologize to Mr. Ross, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for these tweets. I am committed to represent the values of the Miami Dolphins organization and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to do so going forward.” Coach Joe Philbin called Jones’ statements “inappropriate and unacceptable,” adding, “We met with Don today about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program.” Jones must undergo sensitivity training before he will be allowed to rejoin team activities. Now that there is a gay player in the league, the homophobic nonsense is over. Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz31VVjFgnm GLAAD statement “Without a doubt, this is a game changer,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Today, Michael Sam has redefined what it takes to be a champion. He’s tackled stereotypes and joins the ranks of athletic trailblazers like Jason Collins and Brittney Griner in showing Americans that there’s no place for homophobia on the field. As support for equality continues to surge, it’s clear that sports fans are ready, football is ready, and America is ready for its first openly gay NFL player.” Human Rights Campaign statement
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Other high-profile figures and organizations boycotting the hotel chain in London and worldwide are Sir Richard Branson, actor Stephen Fry, designers Peter Som and Brian Atwood, Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon Osbourne, director William Friedkin, and the Outgiving conference. Read more: http://www.towleroad. com/#ixzz30wNPNIfU RELATED: A protest has also taken place in London at the Sultan’s hotel there. Branson’s Virgin Airlines is now boycotting Brunei-owned hotels.
“We congratulate Michael Sam and the St. Louis Rams on their terrific decision to draft him. Today, LGBT young people can look to Sam as proof that being open and proud of who you are doesn’t keep you from achieving your dreams. Gay people are our neighbors and friends. They’re our United States Senators and, starting today, they’re our professional football stars.”
Trans seatbelt safety campaign goes viral online in India By Andrew Potts on gaystarnews.com A seat belt safety campaign in India has become an online hit after it enlisted the help of India’s transgender community to remind people to buckle up while driving. Almost two million people have watched the campaign video on YouTube and other platforms in which the transgender women, known traditionally in India as Hijras, step out into stopped traffic to remind drivers to use their seat belts. Despite being marginalized Hijras have traditionally been believed to confer blessings and are often asked to bless births and other auspicious events. (India recently recognized Hijra as the third gender.) In the campaign the Hijras bless drivers who buckle up and deny blessings upon those who refuse to drive safely. “If you wear your seat belt, we will bless you,” the Hijras say in the video, while reminding they are not airline pilots and that they do not have oxygen masks and safety vests to protect them in an emergency – but they do have seat belts. - See more at: http://www. gaystarnews.com/article/transgender-seat-belt-safety-campaign-goesviral-india080514#sthash.0UzGEj0F.dpuf
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Chelsea Manning may be allowed gender treatment in prison
Millions attend world’s largest Pride in Brazil
The world’s largest gay pride parade, involving several million people, took place in Sao Paulo on May 4. President Dilma Rousseff, who is seeking another term in October elections, gave a message of support via Twitter. “People from around the country are in Sao Paulo today to participate in #paradalgbt,” Rousseff tweeted, reminding her followers there is a hotline people can call in Brazil if they are attacked because of their sexuality. Mainly young, beer-swigging marchers were dressed as anything from angels to devils and police officers. “We attended mass in a church near here and then came to the march,” said Cassia Maria, 53. “I am Catholic -- apostolic and Roman. But I stick my fingers up against discrimination,” she smiled as her husband viewed on his cell phone
footage of examples of physical abuse meted out to gay people in Brazil. Organizers of the parade claimed three million attendees last year, but local police have contested that number, saying it is impossible to accurately judge the “floating population” of such events. -Joe MyGod.com
Jay Leno joins major protest at Brunei’s Beverly Hills Hotel A major protest was held on May 5 outside the Beverly Hills Hotel in support of what has become a very large boycott against Dorchester Hotels, which are owned by the Sultan of Brunei, over his implementation of an anti-gay law which punishes homosexual acts with death by stoning. Jay Leno was among the celebrities attending the demonstration, Variety reports: “What year is this? 1814? Come on people, it’s 2014,” said Jay Leno, standing before some four dozen protesters with banners directed at the Sultan, including one that read, “Seriously, dude?” “Evil flourishes when good people do nothing, and that is pretty much what this is,” Leno said at the rally, adding that the issue should hardly be divisive but was a matter of “common sense.” The paper adds: At the rally speakers that condemned the Sultan included Leno, wife Mavis, the Feminist Majority’s Kathy Spiller and Eleanor Smeal, labor activist Dolores Huerta and Lorri Jean of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The event was held at Will Rogers Park, just across the street from the hotel, with speakers set up before a bank of a dozen news cameras and with the hotel’s iconic logo as a backdrop. Jean denounced religion as a justification for violence abroad and here in the U.S.
By Joe Morgan on gaystarnews.com Chelsea Manning could finally be allowed to begin gender treatment, according to reports. The Pentagon is reportedly considering transferring the US soldier jailed for 35 years for leaking classified documents to a civilian prison to allow her to take hormones. Since after she came out as trans in August last year following her sentencing, she has been banned from gender treatment. Officials in the Defense Department have told the Associated Press they do not offer such treatment and Manning cannot be discharged while serving her 35-year sentence – even though transgender people are now allowed to serve in the US military. But if they were to keep her in a military prison and forced her to live as a man, the treatment could be deemed cruel and unusual, officials have said privately. It is a similar fear shared by human rights groups, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, who have demanded prison officials provide hormone therapy for transgender inmates. Last month, they sent a letter to Georgia’s Department for Corrections demanding 36-year-old inmate Ashley Diamond receive gender treatment. “Her voice has deepened. Her facial hair has begun to grow and her body fat has redistributed. Her identity is being erased,” the SPLC stated. In the SPLC news release, Diamond says: “No one would deny a diabetic prisoner insulin. No one would sentence a person to a gender change. But because I am transgender, I am denied basic medical care and forced to change gender. Nobody should be sentenced to torture like this.” Judges have routinely agreed with inmates, citing the “cruel and unusual” clause of the Eight Amendment as a justification for striking down bans on hormone therapy. When Manning revealed she is transgender, she released an open letter to the world. “I want everyone to know the real me.’ (Chelsea continues on page 16)
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national and international (Chelsea from page 15) Manning said. ‘I am Chelsea Manning, I am a female. Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible.” - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. com/article/chelsea-manning-could-finally-be-allowed-transition140514#sthash. yfXnPkg2.dpuf
Judge rules Pa. marriage ban unconstitutional; Pa. becomes 19th state with marriage equality On May 20 U.S. District Judge John E. Jones, III ruled that Pennsylvania’s law banning marriage equality is unconstitutional. Pennsylvania becomes the 10th state where a federal judge has struck down a marriage ban since the U.S. Supreme Court issued their two marriage-related rulings last year. Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania announced that he will not appeal, so Pennsylvania is now the 19th state to adopt marriage equality, and couples have already started marrying. On May 19 a federal judge in Oregon struck down that state’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. Given the state’s decision not to appeal the ruling, Oregon became the eighteenth state where committed and loving gay and lesbian couples can legally marry. “We applaud the governor for letting the constitutional principles of freedom and equality ring throughout Pennsylvania by allowing loving same-sex couples to marry. As the judge noted, we are a better people than the marriage ban
and the Governor’s historic decision not to appeal will be an enduring legacy,” said Witold Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Mark Aronchick of Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller. “This is a milestone for our movement. It reinforces the reality that this isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about fundamental fairness and dignity for all people, including lesbians and gay men,” commented James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement: “Governor Corbett’s decision not to waste taxpayers’ money defending the indefensible denial of the freedom to marry even one day longer is the right decision for Pennsylvania, for families, and for the country -- and one more big step forward to celebrate. Pennsylvania is showing the country that when gay couples share in the freedom to marry, it’s joy, love, security, and happiness and a stronger community for everyone, and no one loses. And this latest decision by a Republican governor not to try to keep gay couples from marrying is additional proof that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry.” In response to the news out of Pennsylvania, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin issued the following statement: “Today a federal judge appointed by President George W. Bush became the latest to uphold the most sacred ideals of this nation and our Constitution – that justice and equality matter above all else. It seems that every passing day brings LGBT Americans a new victory in our unwavering march toward justice. ■
Conchita Wurst wins Eurovision; Russian homophobes make a fuss, Austrians make sausage Austrian gender-fuck artist Conchita Wurst won Eurovision 2014 last month after a stunning performance at the finals held in Copenhagen. The audience was clearly on Conchita’s side during the vote tally and as each nation reported points for Austria, the screaming was crazy. Conchita Wurst: “This night belongs to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. We are unity and we are unstoppable.” -JoeMyGod.com Russian authorities reacted with predictable rage and homophobia. Nonetheless, Conchita Wurst’s winning Eurovision entry was #1 on May 13 on Russia’s iTunes chart. The track is from the official Eurovision album released after the contest. At #4 on Russia’s chart is the original version of Rise Like A Phoenix, which was released last month. Russia’s own Eurovision entry is at #8. Pictured: for sale in Wurst’s native Austria…
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
LGBTQ Living
Jerry Mahoney and Drew Tappon with their twins, Bennett and Sutton, 4½.
Parenting: Our families are REAL By Susan Jordan When marriage equality became NYS law in 2011, life became easier for same sex couples raising children. Society, at least in 19 states, now accepts that our loving, committed marriages, relationships and families are as “real” as those of heterosexuals. But do our families still face obstacles? Nathan Schaefer of the Empire State Pride Agenda feels that they do. He writes, “New York has one of the worst state laws on the books when it comes to family creation. That’s why we’re supporting the Child-Parent Security Act, which would remove some of the most invasive and expensive hurdles around the second parent adoption process. We’re also advocating to overturn the decades old ban on surrogacy to make regulated gestational carrier contracts legal so that parents-to-be can use their own doctors and lawyers and create their families here at home. It would be model legislation for the country.” In this issue the EC talks to three couples raising children. What does marriage equality mean to them? Have they or their children encountered discrimination and prejudice? Do they feel their families are secure? Jerry Mahoney, author of “Mommy Man,” and Drew Tappon Jerry told The Empty Closet, “We feel very fortunate that our kids (four and a half-year-old twins Bennett and Sutton) were born in California, because both my partner (who’s now my husband) and I were able to be on the birth certificate. Of course, we weren’t able to marry because they were born right after Prop 8 passed. So it wasn’t until we moved to New York that we could get married. “Ironically, our LGBT friends in NY were in the opposite situation. They could get married but had to go through a second-parent adoption to ensure they both had legal rights to their kids. It’ll be nice when the laws finally catch up with the realities of LGBT relationships and families, and everything is equal across the country. “The bright side of our delayed wedding is that when we finally did marry, our kids were old enough to participate. It was great being able to include them in the ceremony and having them there to appreciate and share our special day. “The biggest surprise to me about life as a gay parent is how much of a nonissue it is with the people we meet. We haven’t encountered any overt resistance or prejudice. We keep bracing ourselves for it, but for the most part, everyone has been extremely welcoming toward us, from neighbors to other parents to school personnel.” Jerry will read from his book “Mommy Man” at Barnes & Noble on July 18 at 7 p. m., and will also be helping with Family Time at Pride July 19. See the July EC and see Jerry’s blog at jerry-mahoney.com.
Wanda Martinez and Dawn Johncox they vacation, and their New York marriage Wanda Martinez has two children: should be accepted in Virginia. In fact, that Maxwell, aged 11 and Mariadeliz, aged 8. state is currently going through a lawsuit She and her partner Dawn Johncox live in which could make marriage equality a realCanandaigua, where Wanda works at the ity in Virginia; as this issue goes to press a VA. They plan to marry next year. judge is hearing arguments in the case. Dawn told The Empty Closet, “MarThe children have been in the same riage will offer us more stability as a famschool district all their lives, and have ily unit.” Wanda added, “Health insurance experienced some bullying for having two will affect us – we can get a family insurmothers. CD said, “My oldest daughter, ance plan.” when she was 15, had a bad experience The two have not experienced any when a group of girls took a picture off her obstacles as a same sex couple. Wanda said, MySpace photo page and photo-shopped it “We live in Canandaigua, a small town, so into a caricature of female genitalia. Then that’s good. I keep educating other parents they harassed her through endless texts and physically threatened her at school. We and teachers about our family. Every year reported this to the school authorities, but we educate a new teacher. Reactions have because the girls were under 16 no charges been really good.” could be placed. The athletic director did She and Dawn agree that the children call them in – they were all on the cheersee their family as being like every other leading squad – and told them they were family. Dawn said, “Wanda has brought up supposed to be representing the school, and the kids to be very open.” if the harassment didn’t stop they would be Wanda commented, “We are like any taken off the squad. The girls did end the other family. But every time we meet new harassment and police also talked to their parents, like when their or our kids stay parents. overnight, I have to explain that we’re a “We talked to the mother of one of same sex couple; they all feel comfortable. the girls, and she had never even heard They say things like, ‘Thanks for telling us what was happening, because the police that – my brother is gay!’ And they also can talked only to the stepfather – who did then talk to their kids about families with two moms or daddies.” She adds, “I’m lucky to be living in New York State, even though there’s a lot more to be done. I went to Equality and Justice Day this year and learned a lot about GENDA. It was my first time in Albany, but there were so many people – the bus from Rochester was full and four other people I know drove to Albany. I would do it again next year.” CD Baginski and Amanda Kelley CD Baginski, an assistant manager in retail, and her partner Amanda Kelly, a paramedic, live in Palmyra and have been together for 11 years. They had a commitment ceremony in 2008 and plan to marry next summer. Between them the two have four children. They both have volunteered for the Gay Alliance Youth Group, and CD interned at the Gay Alliance in 2010-2011. CD has two daughters and a son. The Baginskis and Kelleys: L-R, front: Sarah, 20, has lived with her father for Sarah, Leah, Amanda, CD and Samantha; Evan at back. the past year and a half, while Leah, 16 and Evan, 11, and Amanda’s daughter Samantha, also 16, live with their two moms. CD and Amanda feel that they have benefitted from the legalization of same sex marriage in that when they marry, they will be able to get a family insurance plan. Also, when the youngest has graduated from high school they plan to move to Vir- Wanda and Dawn take Maxwell and Mariadeliz on a tour of the ginia Beach, where docks during their latest trip to Puerto Rico.
17 not inform the mother. So when she heard what her daughter had done, she took her phone away for a while.” CD’s other children have not experienced serious harassment – “as far as we know,” CD said. Amanda said that her daughter had been harassed by her own father and grandmother. The children themselves have not expressed anger or resentment at their moms. CD said, “I think they’re OK. Amanda and I have been together for 11 years, and the kids were pretty young. My kids’ father has been very involved and has handled it well.” Amanda’s daughter sent her a Mother’s Day greeting this year, which said, “Having two moms is the greatest.” CD’s daughter Sarah also sent her a loving message on Mother’s Day. CD said, “We’ve always put it to them that we are a chosen family – and regardless of any issues we may have at home, we need to back each other up if we see one of the family being harassed. “Our town is small and we’re volleyball moms and soccer moms; we go to all the games and are very visible in our community. What we’ve found through the years is that it took people time to adjust, but because we continue to participate in our community, they know we’re the same people we always were, with the same values, and we aren’t afraid to answer their questions.” Amanda noted, “We have a rainbow flag on our front porch – and we live in a Mormon town!” CD concluded, “We are so much like everybody else! We have such a normal family life; we’re doing what any straight family does.” ■
“This Day in June” celebrates Pride for children By Susan Jordan Magination Press in Washington D.C., run by the American Psychological Association, has published a picture book about Pride, written by Gayle E. Pittman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten (32 pages, hardbound $16.95; paperback $9.95). A copy is available at the Gay Alliance Library. The book is aimed at children ages 4-8 and includes facts about LGBTQ history and culture, and a Note To Parents and Caregivers about how to talk about sexual orientation and gender identity to small kids in a clear, non-threatening way, which answers their questions without patronizing or scaring them. The Right believes that merely letting children know that gay people exist will immediately transform them into queens and butch dykes. The reality is that the tension, anger and shame adults so often reveal when talking about gays, or any sexual matters, traumatize children and make them feel afraid and ashamed of their own bodies, whether they are queer, straight and/or trans. This book is not perfect. The colorful drawings depict a typical joyous, diverse Pride, the accompanying text consists of bad couplets – “Sidewalk shaking, bellies aching…Loving kisses/All delicious” etc. Pretty poor stuff. However, the book is attractive and the message it sends is one that children of same-sex parents, or who have gay relatives and family friends, need to hear. In fact all children could benefit from this positive, loving message about the world around them. ■
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
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june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
Pegasus Early Music Congratulates
Evelyn Bailey
on her Empire State Pride Agenda Community Service Award
Jason Klaum, Stylist 585.732.7676 90 Canal Street, Suite 308 Rochester 14608
PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 707 E. Main St., Rochester, NY 14605 from 1 to 3pm. Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: pflag@gayalliance.org Join us!
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
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Shoulders to Stand On Daughters of Bilitis By Evelyn Bailey We have looked at the three most influential events to shape American society’s attitudes toward homosexuality – the founding of the Mattachine Society, the Lavender Scare and the classification in the DSM-1 of homosexuality as a mental illness. The years after the end of World War II were some of the most socially repressive in US history. In 1950, the State Department identified homosexuals as security risks. Politically motivated police raids on gay bars took place all over the US and Canada. Laws were enacted prohibiting cross-dressing for men and women. Police harassment and brutality have been constant features of gay and lesbian life for decades. Indefinite detainments, beatings, and public humiliations are only the tip of the iceberg. Lesbian and male drag queens through the 1950s and 1960s suffered frequent rapes and sexual assaults committed by police officers, sometimes inside police precincts. Moreover, police were certainly no help when beatings, rapes, and lesser indignities were visited upon gay and lesbian people by civilians. In the mid-1950s, all of society’s major institutions and opinion-makers condemned homosexuality and persecuted gay men and women. Out of this oppressive environment grassroots homophile organizations began to spring up, so that by 1969, there were about fifty “homophile” organizations in the US. One of these was the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States, Daughters of Bilitis, founded in San Francisco in 1955. It was conceived as a social alternative to lesbian bars, which were subject to raids and police harassment. The story goes something like this. In 1955, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon had been together as lovers for three years when they complained to a gay male couple that they did not know any other lesbians. The gay couple introduced Del and Phyllis to another lesbian couple, one of whom suggested they create a social club. In September Del and Phyllis accepted an invitation to get together with three other female couples in San Francisco. The eight lesbians who gathered that Friday night at Noni and Mary’s hoped there would be other women in the Bay area who would want to enjoy parties and conversation in the privacy of one another’s homes. One of their priorities was to have a place to dance, as dancing with the same sex in a public place was illegal. Although unsure of how exactly to proceed with the group, they began to meet regularly, realized they should be organized, and quickly elected Del Martin as president. From the start they had a clear focus to educate other women about lesbians, and reduce their self-loathing brought on by the socially repressive times. The name of the newfound club was chosen in its second meeting. Bilitis is the name given to a fictional lesbian contemporary of Sappho, by the French poet Pierre Louÿs in his 1894 work The Songs of Bilitis in which Bilitis lived on the Isle of Lesbos alongside Sappho. The name was chosen for its obscurity; even Del and Phyllis did not know what it meant. “Daughters” was meant to evoke association with other American social associations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution. Early DOB members felt they had to follow two contradictory approaches: trying to recruit interested potential members and being secretive. While DOB started as a small, secret social club, by the early 1960s there were chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as San Francisco, and a well-regarded monthly magazine by and
TM
for lesbians, The Ladder. The DOB was many things to many women. First and foremost, it was where a gay or questioning woman could go to meet a new girlfriend, begin to heal a broken heart, or find validation for her life. It was a circle of friends to share good times and bad as well as a network of peer counselors who offered support and guidance. It was a resource center for questions about homosexuality and a nice place to go on Saturday night. DOB was a potent mix of counseling and social services, with a dash of grassroots organizing thrown in. Like its members, it grew and changed with the times. One of the first things DOB did was create living-room discussions of topics of concern to lesbians, but open to all women. Their sensitivity to the intense fear of the time — a fear that is hard for us to even imagine today—meant that one did not have to declare herself to be a lesbian to join the Daughters of Bilitis. Upon arrival at a meeting, attendees would be greeted at the door. In a show of good faith, the greeter would say, “I’m ---. Who are you? You don’t have to give me your real name, not even your real first name.” Soon after forming, the DOB wrote a mission statement that addressed the most significant problem Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon had faced as a couple: the complete lack of information about female homosexuality in what historian Martin Meeker termed, “the most fundamental journey a lesbian has to make.” When the club realized they were not allowed to advertise their meetings in the local newspaper, Del and Phyllis, who both had backgrounds in journalism, began to print a newsletter to distribute to as many women as the group knew. In October 1956 it became The Ladder, the first nationally distributed lesbian publication in the U.S. and one of the first to publish statistics on lesbians. Del Martin was the first president of DOB and Phyllis Lyon became the editor of The Ladder. The DOB advertised itself as “A Woman’s Organization for the purpose of Promoting the Integration of the Homosexual into Society.” The statement was composed of four parts that prioritized the purpose of the organization, and it was printed on the inside of the cover of every issue of The Ladder until 1970: “Education of the variant; Education of the public; Participation in research projects by duly authorized and responsible psychologists, sociologists, and other such experts directed towards further knowledge of the homosexual; Investigation of the penal code as it pertain to the homosexual, proposal of changes... and promotion of these changes through the due process of law in the state legislatures.” New York chapter president Barbara Gittings noted that the word “variant” was used instead of “lesbian” in the mission statement, because “lesbian” was a
word that had a very negative meaning in 1956. In 1953, The Daughters of Bilitis followed the Mattachine Society’s lead in thinking it more prudent and productive to convince heterosexual society at large that gays were not different from themselves, rather than agitate for change. The DOB encouraged its members to assimilate as much as possible into the prevailing heterosexual culture. There was much controversy over this direction as was reflected in ongoing debate over the propriety of butch and femme dress and role play among its members. As early as 1955 a rule was made that women who attended meetings, if wearing pants, should be wearing women’s slacks. However, many women remember it being a rule that went unfollowed as attendees at many meetings were wearing jeans, and the only jeans available in the 1950s were men’s. In 1960, the DOB held their first convention in San Francisco, which was so successful that they held one every two years until 1968. Two hundred women attended the conference, as did the San Francisco police, who came to check if any of the DOB members were wearing men’s clothes. Del Martin brought them inside to see all the women wearing dresses, stockings and heels. Two things happened in 1963 that changed the course of the organization. A windfall came to the group when an anonymous donor who refused her name to be recorded, known only to the DOB as “Pennsylvania,” began donating large sums of money to the DOB: $100,000 over five years. “Pennsylvania” wrote $3,000 checks to different DOB members, who in turn signed them over to the organization. And the editorship of The Ladder changed from Del Martin to Barbara Gittings. Because The Ladder was the primary method of communication from the leadership of the DOB to its individual chapters, the editor position was extremely influential in the group. Gittings made significant changes to the magazine, putting an emphasis on being more visible. In 1964, Martin and Lyon began to control less of the organization, saying, “We felt that if the organization had any validity at all it couldn’t be based on two people, it had to be able to stand and grow on its own. And it was never going to do it if we didn’t move out.” The Homophile Movement was influenced by the successful activism of the Civil Rights Movement, and in the mid1960s feminism became a much higher priority to many of the women in the organization. In 1966, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon joined the National Organization for Women, and urged readers of The Ladder to do the same. Changing times revealed younger members did not share the concerns with older members; they were more moved by revolutionary tactics. As a national organization, the Daughters of Bilitis folded in 1970, although some local chapters still continued. By 1972, The Ladder had run out of funds and it folded. Some DOB chapters—notably, New York and San Francisco—kept organizing throughout the 1970s and the DOB group in Boston was active until 1995. The small secret San Francisco social club had helped launch an international lesbian movement. The Daughters of Bilitis stands today as an important example of women’s organizing during oppressive times. Historian Lillian Faderman declared, “Its very establishment in the midst of witch-hunts and police harassment was an act of courage, since members always had to fear that they were under attack, not because of what they did, but merely because of who they were.” The impact of the fourteen-year run
of the DOB on the lives of women was described by historian Martin Meeker: “The DOB succeeded in linking hundreds of lesbians across the country with one another and gathering them into a distinctly modern communication network.” Through its leadership in the predominantly male homophile movement of the 1950s and 1960s, its unique publication The Ladder, and its network of local chapters, DOB played a crucial role in creating lesbian identity, visibility, institutions, and political strategies from 1955 to 1970. In addition, the Daughters helped to broaden the very definition of social change to include female sexuality. Shoulders To Stand On is proud to recognize the Daughters of Bilitis as the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States. Today, Shoulders challenges all of our sisters to become active participants in our continuing struggle to secure our civil liberties, political rights and a future where all are free to be who they are. Be active! Be visible! Be proud!
History Corner A Monthly Newspaper of The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 713 Monroe Avenue, Room 4, Rochester, N Y l4607, (716) 244-8640 JUNE 1974 NO. 40. IN THIS ISSUE: GAGV Pres Talks with Head of Police Tact Unit pg. 1 Mugging of Gays pg. 1 Barbara Gittings to Speak at People’s Banquet pg. 1 Rochestarian Selected to coordinate Gay Lobbying, pg. 1 Alfred Passes Gay Rights – First in NY State pg. 1 Christopher St. Liberation Day Parade pg. 2 Gay Parents and Adoption, pg. 3 Bribery Attempt Charged in Park Arrest, pg. 3 The Rathskellar Presents Goldfinger pg. 4 Bulletin Board pg. 5 Do you want to read this issue of the Empty Closet? Here is link: http://www.lib.rochester. edu/index.cfm?page=4800. On that page click on: Browse the Empty Closet issues; Go to 1974 – June HIGHLIGHTS FROM CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SUN 2 JUNE: BUSINESS MEETING/OPEN FORUM. The formal business agenda will be followed by an open forum where anyone can take the floor. MON 3 JUNE: COUNSELING WORKSHOP. For assigned office staff only. SUN 9 JUNE: CHRISTOPHER STREET LIBERATION DAY RALLY. POT-LUCK DINNER. SPEAKER: BARBARA GITTINGS, nationally known gay activist. SUN 16 JUNE: GAY FOLK DANCING/GAY COFFEE HOUSE. Featuring Mary Jane and Harlan Ketterllng in the Regular Restaurant. Voluntary participation for everyone. SUN 23 JUNE: A BRIEF SURVEY OF SO-CALLED SCIENTIFIC OPINIONS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY. With a Psychology doctoral student. OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST EVERY WEEK SUNDAYS: Worship at Christ Church United, 1074 Portland. Transportation for 10:45 service leaves Bachelor Forum, East Main at Goodman, at 10:15. WEDNESDAYS: Gay Radio Program, “GREEN THURSDAYS” WCMPPM, 96,5 MHz, Wednesday midnight. THURSDAYS: Gay Task Force meets, 2 Fuller place, 8pm ROCHESTER. NY GAY GROUPS INCLUDE: Gay Alliance Of The Genesee Valley, Inc (GAGV); University Of Rochester Gay Liberation Front (GLP); Gay Revolution Of Women (GROW); Rochester Gay Youth.
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
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 Mom, Better Late Than Never By Eric Bellmann I’m a committed homemaker, lol. I love to iron, clean, do laundry, weird as that seems. People often tell me that I’m welcome to come over and whip their homes into shape, an invitation that I ignore. I don’t understand how people can hire outside help. I have a collection of rags I use. Over time they have acquired a muddy color and splotches of resistant stains. I realized I could soak those rags for a considerable time before I switched the washing machine on to its cycle. How did I know to do that? My mother always soaked laundry before washing it. My mother was not an easy person and I’m pretty sure she thought the same of me. When she finally moved to New Mexico where the climate was better for her arthritis, I sarcastically observed that I was glad America was a big country. My yearly visits were agony, although I came to love the landscape there much as she did. Then she died. I kept returning to New Mexico, even visiting the forlorn town in the barren southwestern corner of the state where she lived, quite contentedly, the last 20 years of her life. At first I went every two years, then each year. Finally, I stopped. Too much had changed. All the mom and pop Mexican restaurants had been forced out of business by national franchises. The absolute great discovery, for me, has been what the passage of time has accomplished. Again, I’m afraid with sarcasm, I observed how much our relationship improved after her death. But that wasn’t really a joke. No more daily battles. Just memories. It’s taken me a while to consider her gifts to me. I know how to set a formal table, where the silverware goes and that the dinner plate should be placed a distance from the edge of the table that is the width of two fingers. Weekends my mother had a second job cooking for a well-to-do family. I’d come on Sunday after church and help her set their table, then eat in the kitchen while she did the dishes. She always worked two jobs. A bank clerk during the week, a maid/housekeeper on weekends. I always had two jobs, teaching in college and weekend art classes. Even after I retired from full time work, I kept selling work at Art fairs. I know the value of money. My sister, who also had a troubled relationship with our mother, perhaps out of guilt, each holiday would send her an extravagant gift, a good purse, a silk blouse. After her death, we found all these things still in their boxes, “saved for good”. That seemed so sad. I found a perfect leather jacket in Taos one year. It hangs in a closet, never worn. I suppose I’m “saving it for good”. My mother never had guests over. She valued her privacy. Perhaps also she was ashamed of how modestly she lived. I don’t know. She never said. I am more of a recluse than not. I have to make a considerable effort to let friends visit. And that’s odd because I’m often lonely. My mother was lonely, too. She didn’t want anyone to know her
politics, so thinking it unwise to register as either Republican or Democrat, she registered as Liberal, not understanding the significance of that choice. She disliked Jimmy Carter because his daughter had crooked teeth. Her favorite politician was Spiro Agnew because he came down hard on students during the turbulent ‘60s. Mom and I did not have a lot to talk about. Do I miss her? Not really. Our time together was what it was and then it was over, time for me to move along. I think she was relieved not to have to deal any longer with the child who had confounded her at almost every turn. She reinvented me. I became a man who liked to travel. She saved articles about Turkey for me. She found an old Turkish/English dictionary in a garage sale and bought it for me. We evolved into a greeting card relationship: “The sun is shining, the cat is sleeping in the window, etc.” It was a narrow channel, but it worked rather well for both of us. My mother was a survivor. She came to America at 19 only speaking German. She worked as a housekeeper, a cook, then found a career as a bank clerk. Abandoned by her husband, she raised two children and worried about all her relatives in her war torn homeland. She was a stoic. I wish we could have had a few more conversations. I know so little about her early struggles but I can imagine them, not really so unlike my own. I have found compassion for her, much to my relief and joy. Truth be told, I do miss her. Email: ericlbellmann @gmail.com
Cleaning My Closet Never a bridesmaid By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger Wedding bells and wedding belles. I have a Madame Alexander wedding doll. Kept in a closet since 1954. Her paper bouquet is crushed. One satin shoe is missing. The elastic has rotted on her white satin underpants. In my first wedding, I was an adorable, pudgy-bodied flower girl with giggling blonde ringlets. My fancy gownette was a replica of the bride’s luscious velvet and satin gown. I loved being fancy and frilly, a beaming beauty parading down a white runner, admired by an aahh and ooohhh crowd. At that magic moment, my six-yearold self knew that I too would be a bride, a real life princess adorned and adored. Of course, my gullible little girl could not have imagined that I would be playing that role, not once, not twice, but four times. For my second wedding, I was the maid of honor for my big sister’s first wedding, December 1956. It was a candle light ceremony... until developed film revealed that she had an unlit candles ceremony. I was twelve. She was grown up, I thought. Our parents thought her nineteen years still left her in childhood. Our father was dismayed (actually really angry) that his college sophomore, firstborn daughter was jeopardizing the possibility of graduating from college. (A time in history when persons graduated FROM college. Not graduated college. Ah me, oh my, the good old days.)
For my big sister’s married-duringsemester-break wedding (no shot gun required) Mommy made my shiny satin, red, floor length dress. My Grandma Bea was so tiny that I could wear her stockings and her garter belt. Oh yes, I felt like a Big Girl. White chrysanthemums encircled my big-fat-ponytail hair pulled back, eye-ball popping tight. I carried a green wicker wreath... decked with balls of red, green holly leaves, and more white mums... in the sweaty grasp of my quaking fingers. Apparently sweat was the precursor of hysteria, because, after the recessional, my splashing tears set the Wedding Planner into rescue mode. She shoved a bottle of smelling salts under my nose. For my third wedding, I was the traditionally clad, heterosexual bride, given away by my father, a mere two weeks after my graduation from college. (Or as my therapist identified it, I made the Leap of Homophobic Hysteria into a life of I-amnot-a-lesbian... see I can prove it... I have a husband, have been branded with a new last name.) For this important themed event, my color scheme was girly-girly pink and white. My wedding gown was a tad too short but the price tag fit. My white satin slippers were short-heeled because my groom was short-legged. My sister was my maid of honor. (Now that I think of it, my sister stood up for me at three of my four weddings. A kind of recycling project.) Groom and I were married in a church. Neither of us were members. In my old days, lots of people rented quaint church buildings (embellished with stained glass windows, gilded paintings, and intricately carved pews) for rituals of tying and dying. Nowadays weddings are inventive expressions of a couple’s personalities, not old fashioned traditions. One elegant wedding I attended was on a Colorado mountain top with tuxedo-attired musicians playing string instruments as the bride, in soft billows of silk, began her promenade. The crystals on her long, lacy train sparkled. She glided down the satin runner escorted by both her father and her step-father. Another amazing wedding was in a park, next to a spectacular gorge exploding with fall colors. On either side of the rose petal path, pumpkins’ faces smiled, welcoming positive energy and good spirits. The outer side of the pumpkins had malevolent expressions to keep bad spirits at bay. (Powerful symbols for the bride, a self-proclaimed witch.) When our heads turned, a shimmering white vision appeared from the autumn woods, as the gowned bride, with her beaming father, joined her groom wearing his U.S. Cavalry uniform. The officiating Wiccan Priestess, wearing her long, flowing, red-velvet cape, offered sage advice to the witch and the warrior. This year, dear, young Halcyon Brooke’s wedding will be in Colorado, at the edge of the Arkansas River, in the town of Salida, 7,083 feet above sea level. Hally and her love have chosen to be surrounded by nature’s awesome beauty and nine attendants wearing yellow sundresses and cowboy boots. And dear out-of-this-world crazy-wild Kathryn Elizabeth’s wedding will be in New York, 406 feet above sea level, in the Strasenburgh Planetarium with the reception in her unique environment, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, a short stroll from the north-flowing Genesee River. And both brides, unlike dear old, used-to-be-conventional me, have invited each attendant to choose a dress to fit her own style preferences, body-type, and budget. Unlike my attendants (five decades ago when I was tradition-bound), who were subjected to my choice of never-to-be-worn-again, big-expense dresses. And silly flying saucer hats. I reprised my role as heterosexual bride at the fourth wedding. Performed, not in a romantic setting, but in a judge’s office. (Which might explain why my mother went casual: leopard skirt, pink sweater,
and knee-high black boots.) My maid-of-honor-again sister in a floral gown and I the bleached-blonde bride in an elegant turquoise, jacketed gown, and the groom in his tasteful, tailormade brown suit stood proudly. Unfortunately, we three happy campers were surrounded by psychological wolves. A coerced, disgruntled father, not in favor of his divorced daughter’s marriage, wore a scowl. An anxious mother in her strange costume frowned. The groom’s family, seriously disgruntled by awkward realities of second marriages, was absent. At my fifth wedding, overlooking Lake Ontario, we shared poetry and stories. I was one of the brides. I wore a layered black silk outfit with a flowing lavender robe and my friend’s amethyst necklace. Sixth wedding to report: And yes, once upon a time, I did participate in a marriage-equality event in a daisy-filled field on Cape Cod. I wore a just-picked Queen Anne’s Lace flower inside my Grandmother’s glass locket. I was the bride in the floppy brimmed straw hat. Ah, weddings. How different they are from weddings of yore. Of yours. Of mine. I like them so much that I am designing my bridal gown for my next wedding. I will be draped in rainbows, crowned with stars, and pretty little Disney bluebirds will carry my train of violets. Save the date. March 2044. MeredithElizabethReiniger@gmail.com
Faith Matters Military’s ban on nappy hair By Rev. Irene Monroe African American female service members comprise the highest percentage of women in the military. And with these sister servicewomen enlisting in the military at higher rates than their white, Asian and Latina sisters to serve and die for our country, the last thing the military should be squawking about is our hair. In March the Army released an updated policy on appearance and grooming, titled “AR 670-1,” limiting or banning hairstyles -- braids, twists, cornrows, and dreadlocks -- inimitable to African American women. The Congressional Black Caucus, outraged, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stating, “the Army policy’s language was ‘offensive’ and ‘biased.’” In 2007, Imus, who has always been an equal opportunity offender with his noholds-barred humor, assailed broad demographics of the American public, from heads of states to homeless citizens. When Imus ridiculed the Rutgers women’s basketball team he hurled a gender specific racial invective about black women’s hair that struck a raw nerve in the African American community. He ridiculed the Rutgers women’s basketball team by not only calling them “hos,” but by also calling them “nappy-headed” ones. The other n-word in the African American community. In 2010 Gabrielle Christina Victoria “Gabby” Douglas was one of that year’s Olympic darlings. As a member of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team, Gabby is the first African American gymnast and women of color, in Olympic history, to win gold medals in the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics. When she won the gold the blogosphere blew up expectedly with a torrent of congratulations. But the blogosphere blew up unexpectedly with a deluge of condemnations, too. Douglas’s hair had been the topic of a ton of e-chatter since she stepped onto the Olympic world stage. If Douglas wasn’t privy to what the condemnations was
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet about it, she quickly learned; and it lied at one of the roots of the universal denigration of black beauty -- our hair. This issue of black women’s hair texture is inescapable and continues to dog us women all throughout the African continent and African diaspora -- young and old. When a tsunami of criticisms poured in about Gabby’s over-gelled and undertamed ponytail, and -- yes, that very touchy subject for African American women -- her nappy edges, it dredged up and fostered the misperception of how could any put-together and accomplished black woman with fleecy wooly wild hair be happy being nappy. While many sisters today might use a hot comb on their hair, hot combs also called straightening combs were around in the 1880s, sold in Sears and Bloomingdales catalogs to a predominately white female clientele. Madam C.J. Walker, the first African American millionaire for her inventions of black hair products, didn’t invent the hot comb; she popularized its use by remedying the perceived “curse” of nappy hair with her hair-straightening products that continue to this day to bring comfort to many black women. While the etymology of the word “nappy” derives from Britain, meaning a baby’s cotton napkin or diaper, in America the word became racialized to mean unkempt, wild and wooly hair associated with people of African descent. And used to demean and to degrade African Americans. But even with good intentions the land mine can be detonated. In 1998 Ruth Ann Sherman, a white third grade teacher, who taught in a predominately African American and Latino elementary school in Brooklyn, learned that lesson when she read African American author Carolivia Herron’s award winning children’s book “Nappy Hair, ” a celebration of black hair. And let not forget, the Sesame Street controversial song “I Love My Hair,” a remix of “Whip My Hair” sung by Willow Smith, daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Intended to promote selfpride, the song received mixed reviews within the African American community with some critiquing it as a black accomodationist version of white girls flinging their tresses. Renowned African American feminist author Alice Walker spoke about the constraints of hair and beauty ideals in African American culture. In her address “Oppressed hair puts a ceiling on the brain,” Walker, at the all-women’s historically black college Spelman in Atlanta in April 1987, stated the following: “I am going to talk to you about hair. Don’t give a thought to the state of yours at the moment. This is not an appraisal.... it occurred to me that in my physical self there remained on last barrier to my spiritual liberation: my hair.... I realized I have never been given the opportunity to appreciate my hair for its true self... Eventually, I knew precisely what hair wanted:
it wanted to grow, to be itself... to be left alone by anyone, including me, who did not love it as it was.” While many African American women today wear their hair in afros, cornrows, locks, braids, Senegalese twists, wraps or bald, our hair -- both symbolically and literally -- continues to be a battlefield in this country’s politics of hair and beauty aesthetics within and outside of the African American community.
A Few Bricks Short Father’s Day By David Hull June is the month we celebrate our fathers, and although I’ve used this column to write about (complain about?) my mother, I realize I’ve written little about my Dad. So, before anyone accuses me of having any “daddy issues,” I figure this would be a good opportunity to write about him. Although my Dad now lives in assisted living and he’s not as young or mobile as he used to be, he’s still fairly healthy and happy. He’s made sensible plans for the future when he told my sister: “When I die, make sure you bury me in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. I want to be comfortable just in case I go to Hell.” When I was much younger and just starting out on my own, I was talking to my Dad about my finances, or my lack of them, and he told me the method that he and my mother used to deal with bill collectors when they were first married and short on cash. When the bill collectors called, Dad would tell them, “Now at the end of every month, we put all the bills we owe into a big jar, then we pull one out and that’s the bill we pay that month. If you keep calling me and bothering me – then we’re not going to put your bill in the jar anymore.” I’m not sure if that’s really true or not, but I do like that story. One time when I was a kid we were traveling somewhere in the family car; Dad, Mom, my brother, my sister and me. At an intersection the car trembled, sputtered and stopped. My father jumped out, lifted the hood and the engine released a billow of steam. My father did what he always did when the car broke down – he began swearing. I never actually saw him fix a car, but I do remember him swearing at vehicles a lot! While my father was leaning over the engine, still swearing, a car pulled up behind us and the driver began honking his horn. After a few honks, my father threw up his hands and stomped back to the car behind us. “I have an idea,” my Dad said to the man behind the wheel. “Why don’t you go up there and fix my car and I’ll sit here and honk your horn.”
It didn’t get the car repaired, but the man did stop honking his horn. I don’t think my father has ever had a very clear view of the future. I remember when he used to watch Star Trek on television with me every week. It was classic Star Trek with William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and about $14 per episode for special effects. Although Dad never understood why Spock’s ears were pointy or what the difference was between a Klingon and a Romulan, he did have one very strong complaint about the show. He just couldn’t accept the fact that in the farflung future there were no telephones. “You mean to tell me,” he’d grumble. “No one can get to a phone in the future. There’s no phone anywhere? Not even a pay phone? Everyone has to run around carrying their own phone with them? That doesn’t make any sense!” Now, 35 years later, everyone really is running around carrying their own phone with them. Oh well, that probably explains why Dad has never gotten rich investing in the stock market. “Apple? A whole company called Apple? Who the heck wants stock in apples? That’s as ridiculous as that other silly company the broker wanted me to invest in called Microsoft!” OK, so my Dad won’t be leaving me a fortune to inherit when he’s gone, but I like to think I’ve already inherited his sense of humor. Well, I guess a good sense of humor is worth a fortune, right? However, like my Dad always tells me, if you have a fortune, who the heck needs a sense of humor! Contact David at davidhull59@aol.com
Brian’s Views Who is not holding hands? By Brian McNaught We customarily hold hands with guests before starting dinner. Not long ago, one of the stars of the Miami Dolphins held hands with his younger brother, also well known for the sport, and with Ray. I held hands with the younger brother, and with a gay man to my left, who owns a local gay guesthouse. My gay friend held the hand of his spouse, who also held Ray’s hand. Holding hands and being quiet before a meal allows us to focus on the moment, with awareness of what we have, and of those not at our table who are hungry, lonely, and frightened. When I finished sharing my thoughts about our bounty, the need for gratitude, and about those who have so much less, the football celebrity said, “If you had told me a year ago that I’d be sitting here with you guys, I would have told you that you were crazy.” The next morning, in the produce section of the grocery store, I ran into one of
23 our gay dinner guests who said, “If you had told me that we would love having a meal with two straight jocks, I would have told you that you were nuts. But we had a great, great time.” “So did our neighbors,” I assured him. There are lessons to be learned from the unexpected joy we experience in what we imagine will be awkward and uncomfortable situations. One lesson that I’ve learned is that we human beings have an amazing capacity to find common ground with those not in our comfort zone, that regardless of our age, we have the ability to learn from our new experiences, and that we take delight in our own growth. Our gay male friends, and our straight, football-playing, next-door neighbors ended up talking at dinner, mostly about movies and TV shows, but also about the best places to eat, and to have your car washed in Ft. Lauderdale. We also talked about the inherent challenges of being famous, about whether openly gay Michael Sam would feel comfortable in the Dolphins’ locker room, and of the funny stories that come from operating a gay, male, clothing-optional guesthouse. They made each other laugh, and they felt like friends for the time we sat together. All of them commented later that they had imagined a much different experience, and they were happy it was so much fun. Another lesson that I take from this experience, and many others like it at our dinner table, is the awareness of how many people would love to join the circles of hand-holding that Ray and I, and many others, create. I’m not thinking here about just those who are starving, or who daily face horrific state or religion-sanctioned persecution because of their faith, sex, orientation, ethnicity, gender expression, or other factor. I’m thinking about all of the people who feel lonely, misunderstood, and powerless. When I join hands with people in Ray’s and my home, I want them to feel safe and valued. Those feelings don’t come easily for many people. Part of the reason some people feel so isolated is that our fears of encountering them help isolate them. Because so many people are outside of our comfort zone, it becomes less likely that we’ll take their hand at the dinner table. I’m thinking of the person who is homeless, “deformed,” has been convicted of a crime, is dying, or is a prostitute or a cross-dresser, among others. My experience is that when these people somehow get seated at the table, Ray and I get far more out of it than they do. The gift of holding the hand of someone who frightens you is that your mind and heart expand. It is no less a meaningful life experience than traveling to a foreign land, learning a new language, and tasting new food. Having someone scary “at your table” is all of that and more, because it is an experience in which you are not an observer, but rather a participant, a creator, and a game changer. A few weeks after their first encounter, our straight neighbors and our gay friends
24 were brought together again at our table. I noticed how easily conversations started as soon as they saw each other. Hands were held more readily. Laughter came more quickly. In my reflections on our bounty, the value of gratitude, and on those who feel alone and unwanted, I reminded them of the comments each made the last time about their shock and delight in meeting one other. They nodded, and then began debating which was the best of the movies inspired by Marvel comics.
Trans*missions Against Me! and Trans* Erasure By Laine DeLaney Recently a concert was held at the Water Street music Hall. The headlining act was Against Me!, a punk band that made a media splash a few years back when their lead singer came out as transgender. Although it was on the same day as a Trans* Alliance of Greater Rochester meeting, I wanted to go to the show to support the band. I hadn’t heard of them until Laura Jane Grace came out, but I was gratified to find a new punk band whose music I appreciated (I tend to prefer the sound of older punk when I’m in that sort of mood). Laura Jane’s bandmates and partner have been nothing but supportive of her transition, including the writing and performing of their latest album Transgender Dysphoria Blues. However, the very well-written band biography and discography that the Water Street Music Hall had on the page of their website for the show cut off chronologically right before the announcement of her trans* identity. Not only that, but it used the wrong name and pronouns for the lead singer! No mention was even made of the album that they were touring for. Emails were sent and contacts were made. I explained that no one was requesting that a big deal be made of the lead singer’s trans* status or that it even be mentioned. The request was simply that her proper (and legal) name and pronouns be used, and her full discography be shared, including the album that the band was touring to support. My words were met with deaf ears as I was told that
the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014 the Music Hall had nothing to do with their own website content and that the promoter was the party at fault. A quick web search showed that the majority of other sites had current information on the band; outdated information was actually hard to come by. I didn’t attend the event. I’ll buy albums to support the band, but I wasn’t going to give money to a venue that supported a blatant act of trans* erasure. Other Trans* and LGBT folks who might have been willing to attend that day did not either, and at this point I can’t imagine patronizing the venue in the future, and will discourage other LGBT folks and allies from doing so as well. They clearly do not care about their reputation among a community known for its appreciation and patronage of the arts. Why get so troubled by this? Trans* erasure is a real crime that occurs constantly both in public venues and on a private social level. Due to embarrassment, bigotry, fear of “queer by association”, or simple ignorance, trans* people are often referred to in media by names that they no longer use and identities that do not fit them. Their contributions after taking the brave and often dangerous step of coming out are written off, disregarded as the identities that they fight daily to maintain are ignored. Rather than deal with the fact that trans* people can and do make contributions to society, the person that they supposedly were before is given credit for the accomplishments that they forged and completed and deserve to be known for. The commendations go to a person who in many ways does not and has never truly existed. Erasure is a micro-aggression like so many others, one meant to keep trans* people and our identities out of public discourse. We experience it in day-to-day life when we encounter deliberate misgendering, use of inappropriate honorifics and titles, assumptions that appear to be merely inconsiderate but are obviously on some level calculated, confrontations about legal documentation, and more. Erasure, though, is a habit of those who are uncomfortable with our actual existence and want to write us out of it – like the Ancient Egyptians chipping away the names of criminals from their hieroglyphs. People who seek to erase us seek to deny us our hard-earned accomplishments and triumphs and assign them to figures that do not represent us. The only way to overcome this era-
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sure is to speak loudly, so loudly that they cannot avoid hearing us over their own speech and their own fingers in their ears. I hope that someday we will not need to fight for our identities, but until then we must raise our voices and insist on being treated and known, not as the people that others wish we were, but as the people that we are.
What’s Bothering Brandon? Question of Royalty By Brandon W. Brooks By this time the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6 will have been announced (here’s hoping it’s Adore Delano). However, as I write this, the winner has yet to be selected by Mama Ru, adding an element of welcome anticipation to my upcoming week. Throughout this anticipation, a thought came to me (or rather a question): could there ever be an equally successful show or spin-off about Drag Kings? A RuPaul’s Drag-King Race perhaps? RuPaul’s Drag Race has just been lauded by countless critiques, newspapers, magazines, and periodicals for its incredibly entertaining, heartwarming, heart-shattering and talented queens, and certainly its rich drama. It has brought the world of drag, Trans and gender-bending (sorry GLAAD) into the limelight of mainstream, heteronormative society. Grandmothers are using terms that, only a mere ten years ago, would have been uttered only by those privy to the LGBT lexicon. It has made celebrities of its already well-known queens, showcased and celebrated the transition of a few of its contestants post-finish line, and broached the subject of HIV/AIDS with grace and poise. It has also divided the entitled and often naïve LGBT youth generation, with its use of tongue-in-cheek humor and camp, most apparent in Drag Race’s recent removal of its “She-Mail” delivery from every episode henceforth. Instead of viewing this as a humorous (and respectful) acknowledgement of gender fluidity, some decided this was just too much to bear. I shan’t go any further into this subject in an attempt to avoid upsetting trans people who do not like those terms. Moving on to my original question… With RuPaul’s Drag Race being so successful itself, could there be an equally acclaimed drag King race? This question of mine brings up several issues within the realms of biological sex, gender identity and expression, and the valuing of certain gender performances and identities over others. In columns past, and indeed in “real life”, the message has been made clear that masculinity, over all other gender identities and expressions, is highly valued. We tend to be more comfortable with women behaving and dressing “as men” (pants are no longer an exclusively “male” garment), than with men behaving and dressing “as women.” I put both “as men” and “as women” in quotes in order to illustrate that these seemingly timeless truths of biological sex are more so constructs that we have maintained and cultivated, than absolute constants. The valuing of masculinity and maleness over femininity and femaleness goes back thousands of years sadly; indeed Venus was put on the back burner (and demonized) several millennia ago. So, why is a man in the traditional (albeit often purposefully exaggerated) trappings of femininity and femaleness more entertaining, more outrageous and ultimately more profitable than a woman in the traditional trappings of masculinity and maleness? One would think that with society valuing masculinity over femininity, a women wearing men’s clothing and presenting as a man would be lauded, cel-
ebrated and encouraged over a man in women’s clothing. Why in drag does it seem to be the reverse? I think in this discussion it is important to note that there is a distinction between how gender is evaluated in regard to drag performance and, for lack of a better term, the world at large. Women seem to be praised and indeed, appear to move up the social totem-pole, when they present as more masculine than feminine. We see women who dress in traditionally masculine attire as sober, free of their menstruation-related/foggy emotions, essentially reformed. Social psychologists and sociologists alike agree that in times of increased female empowerment, especially in the world of the workplace, women tend to dress more traditionally “masculine” than in times of uneventful or unsuccessful female empowerment. Gender-fashion analysts make note that the 1980s were an exceptional time to see this in effect (i.e. militant shoulder-pads and the invention of the pants suit). This is not the case for men, however. In fact, most gender-fashion analysts state that men’s fashion has all but hit a standstill over the past hundred or so years; the ubiquitous men’s suit has almost stayed the same. And God knows that we don’t see men wearing skirts and sweater-sets during times of increased male empowerment (which is, after all, always). In the world of drag performance, on the other hand, this valuing of gender presentation based on the performer seems flipped. Here, men who dress in the often exaggerated trappings of femininity and femaleness (drag queens) are celebrated, glamorized, revered, and perhaps most importantly, paid. They are seen as courageous, fierce (sickening no?) and often become iconic members of their surrounding LGBT community. Drag kings certainly exist, and frequently alongside drag queens, but more often with less hype and enthusiasm bestowed upon them. Why is this? Could it be that women-dressed-asmen are seen as committing less of a gender transgression than men dressed as women? Are we so used to seeing women dressed in traditional male garb (i.e. pants) that we no longer see this as a transgression in the first place? I think this may be part of a very complex, and conflicting, answer. Since femininity is clearly undervalued and demonized, the reason men-dressedas-women receive so much more attention may be due to the fact that, in some way, this is more of a spectacle than a woman dressed as a man. For a man to forfeit his masculinity, and by proxy his maleness, and proudly (and loudly) perform in exaggerated female trappings, a gender expression so “less than”, that is spectacle. Although I certainly lack the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent needed to be a successful drag queen performer, I do personally lament men’s resistance to incorporate more traditionally female aspects of fashion into the male wardrobe at large. Especially in spring, I really envy the fact that women can arrive in flowing, ventilating skirts and sun dresses. Men’s fashion, especially professional attire, is really boring and I agree it has hit a standstill considering its stagnancy over the past hundred years. Women at least have so many more options in terms of color, texture, fabric, cut and fitting. I suppose I could “man-up” (associating courage with maleness as we do) and put on a skirt, walk down the street with a “women’s-wear, don’t care” attitude, but I’d soon tire of having to explain myself to appease heteronormative comfort. Perhaps (or rather, certainly) this is one of the privileges of being cisgendered; I don’t have to explain myself as I internally identify easily and “naturally” with the sex into which I was born. I refuse to stop wearing my homemade, pushy-sleeved button-ups though; Anne of Green Gables eat your heart out. Questions, comments or critique? Please feel free to e-mail the author at: brandonb@ gayalliance.org
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
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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 Street, corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of June, 2014 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music. 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music. 3rd Sunday: Episcopal Mass. 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed by a Potluck Dinner! 5th Sunday: No service on June 29. June is Garage Sale time! We’ll be holding our annual sale on the last weekend of June, Friday to Sunday, June 27-29 at a home in Penfield. Watch for the address and times on Craigslist earlier in the week prior to the sale and stop by to shop for great bargains! Our fourth Sunday Potluck theme for June is “Summer Salads”. This is a tried and true favorite theme and since the weather has finally started to heat up, there should be some wonderful fare on our table. No time to cook or shop? 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 at www.dirochester.org/ for updates on services and activities.
nett, 585-463-2731, or Wanda Martinez/ Dawn Smith, 585-205-3360.
ROMANS At last we are getting out of the long winter that has damaged a lot of our grape crop in the area. Slowly but surely, we will be able to get naked outdoors on some hot summer days. ROMANS’ first attempt at an outdoor gathering will be on June 21 at the Empire Haven Nudist Park in Moravia, New York. We have arranged with the park to provide ROMANS and Naturist Rochester members discounted entrance fee for the day from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Members can enjoy the swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna room, etc. at the campground for the day and meet members of other nude groups in the area. ROMANS members will also have a regular club meeting and BBQ at one of the campsites. We are keeping our fingers crossed for nice weather. In June, some ROMANS members will celebrate World Pride in Toronto and some will join Buffalo’s In-the-Buff nude group one weekend at Jones Pond Campground. It’s good to feel the warm sun again. Join us to enjoy the summer in naked outdoor fun. ROMANS is a social club for gay and gay-friendly male nudists over 21. For more information, please check out our website at www.wnyromans.com. You can also contact the ROMANS at message line 585-281-4964, by E-mail wnyromans@yahoo.com or via regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.
Trans* Alliance of Greater Rochester (T*AGR)
Gay Games 9, Cleveland Opening Ceremonies for Gay Games 9 begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and end with Closing Ceremonies on Saturday, Aug 16. There is still time to register as a participant in one of the 35 sports, or to buy tickets as a spectator. Bring your friends to spend a fun time only a four-hour drive from Rochester. Past Gay Games had 10,000 competing athletes. Team Rochester has several athletes competing in marathon, half marathon, track, bowling, volleyball and softball and will be marching into the stadium Olympic style (T-shirt above). For more information, check out gg9cle.com or contact thomaso510@mac. com.
LGBT Healthy Living (VA) Are you a veteran struggling with coming out? If you need perspective, support and connection with other LGBT individuals, the Canandaigua VA has a new group, LGBT Healthy Living. The group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 10-11 a.m., at the Canandaigua VA Building 9, Room 8 Library Conference Room. For information, contact Shirleen Ben-
Hello everybody! As you all know, the Trans* Alliance of Greater Rochester has been experiencing growth and maturation in both purpose and structure recently. First the Steering Group was dissolved, as we hadn’t found it to be an effective way to organize our meetings, and then the Planning Meetings were instituted with the hope that they would provide us with space to make decisions about content, time and location for the upcoming meetings as well as help members of our community coordinate personal projects and interests that intersect with the interests of the trans* community. So far, the Planning group has met three times, and it has successfully addressed content and location of upcoming meetings and given us good space to share our ideas about community related projects that we can get behind. At this most recent meeting, however, the subject of some form of legal incorporation was raised, and all present were in favor of us working toward this goal. We feel that it would be helpful in our quest for legitimacy and our goal to be a community organization that can participate on equal footing with other groups and organizations. Our standard support and education meetings on the last Saturday of every month from 3-5:30 p.m. will continue, now in the space of the MCC Open Arms Community Center (707 E. Main St.), a block away from our previous location at the Auditorium. It’s an excellent location with comfortable seating, easy access, air conditioning, a refrigerator and microwave, gender-neutral restrooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Our planning meetings will likewise continue as they have been on the second Saturday of the month. However, we’ve decided to elect and appoint positions within the group as a
necessary step toward pushing for our goal of incorporating. This will not change our standard meetings, but will provide us the structure that we need to continue to expand to serve a broader range of needs for the trans* community, through public projects and outreach to and support of other community organizations. As for the planning meeting, these are the positions to which we have elected members: President: Laine DeLaney; Vice President: Simon Grey; Treasurer: JoAnne Metzler. These positions have terms of one year, after which they will be voted on again.
Laine DeLaney has appointed the following members to the following positions: Archivist & Historian: JoAnne Metzler; Parliamentarian: JC Acosta. The Trans* Alliance of Greater Rochester meets twice a month, on the second Saturday for our Planning Meeting and on the last Saturday for our Support/Education meeting. Both meetings are held between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the MCC Open Arms Community Center at 707 Main Street, Rochester. It’s located across from the Delta Sonic and next to the RAPA building. People of all gender identities are welcome to come, including allies!
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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
The Avenue Pub 39 Year Landmark in the Gay Community
The Avenue Pub 522 Monroe Avenue 585-244-4960
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
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Arts & Entertainment
A talk with George Zuber, director of “Just Gender” By Susan Jordan “Just Gender,” a documentary film on trans issues, will screen here on June 5 at the Little Theatre, at 7 p.m. Excellus is Exclusive Sponsor and the Gay Alliance is the presenting organization, partnering with T*AGR, the Trans* Alliance of Greater Rochester. This screening is one of 18 premieres of the film that are taking place in June around the country. Producer/director George Zuber spoke with The Empty Closet about his film. Why did a gay man want to make a film about the trans community? “As an openly gay man, I thought that I should not only be empathetic to this significant segment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community, I should be knowledgeable,” Zuber said. “Even more so, as I had served a full six-year term on the Board of Lambda Legal, the pre-eminent nonprofit organization challenging through the courts discrimination against the LGBTQ community and people with HIV, I believed my understanding should be greater than average. Add to that my responsibilities as the Diversity Partner for the Financial Advisory Services component of Deloitte LLP, one of the largest worldwide accounting and consulting firms – well, I suspect you would ask – as I did – ‘How could I still know so little about the T portion of my LGBTQ siblings?’” Zuber interviewed many trans people for the documentary. “I had an opportunity to attend a portion of a weeklong gathering of a very diverse group of transgender people, frequently with their spouses or partners. I and the cameraman working with me were introduced at the start of the week, and the support for what we wanted to accomplish could not have been stronger. Almost immediately, several people offered to be interviewed, and they suggested
others we should reach out to as well. That support continued to expand across the country throughout the succeeding months of filming. “The film focuses primarily on the diversity of transgender experiences and the challenges facing transgender people, as well as dawning hope for greater acceptance. While ‘Just Gender’ includes some discussion of recent developments in further transgender rights and protections, it doesn’t attempt to predict what is next and how it will occur.” Why does Zuber think so many heterosexual and LGB cisgendered people feel threatened by trans people and reluctant to accept that they are human beings who should have equal rights? Is it fear of the unknown, brainwashing by the Right and by evangelicals, or a combination? “I believe that there are numerous reasons that people are uncomfortable (or worse) with people whose gender expression doesn’t conform to societal expectations,” he said. “Some of them are: People typically don’t like what they don’t understand, particularly when expression or behavior challenges their perception of normal. “Gender expression that crosses societal boundaries is frequently viewed as rebellious, especially by youth, and a rebellious nature is viewed by many as a personal decision or choice. “Religion is an important aspect of many people’s daily lives, For many people, transgender persons are not recognized or explained in religious teachings, and therefore their nature is assumed to be against God’s will. “People who don’t readily fit into a masculine or feminine perception of the world create an uncomfortable sense of disorder for some people. Such lack of clarity is -- for some people — threatening, sometimes to their own gender identity. “Gay men are no more likely to understand transgender people than any other cisgender people. Because historically
The cast of “The Madness of Lady Bright”.
$20 at the door. See blacksheeptheatre.org. Director Kristy AngevineFunderburk and actors David J. Byrne and Darlando Eanon talked to The Empty Closet about the plays. “The Madness of Lady Bright,” Darlando Eanon (who plays the central role) said, “is about an aging queen who is losing his mind on the hottest day of the year in a tiny apartment in New York City. Basically there are two aspects to his personality, male and female,” Darlando said. “It’s about the human expe-
Photo: Susan Jordan
George Zuber.
there was little or no distinction between gay and transgender, many gay men feel uncomfortable that straight people will presume that they are less masculine because they are attracted to other men. Indeed, many LGB people question why they are linked with T people, thus forgetting.” The film is distributed by New York City-based Kino Lorber EDU, the leading distributor of film to the education market, including universities. Zuber commented, “Kino Lorber is supporting the 18 city screenings in June (additional screenings are delayed until later in the year) by waiving any licensing fees. As we have raised moneys to pay for all of the theater rentals, all ticket proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations providing services to the transgender community.” What were the greatest challenges during filming, and the greatest reward? “The challenges were probably no more difficult than many filmmakers experience -- coordinating interview schedules, obtaining b-roll materials that augment narration and interview content, and editing to be interesting while being comprehensive in an educational context. The greatest reward has been the amazing people I met, particularly the real heroes: transgender people who became visible through participation in the film to their neighbors and work colleagues for the first time because they believed in the importance of helping others understand.”
David J. Byrne, Kristy Angevine-Funderburk and Darlando Eanon.
Black Sheep Theatre stages three plays from Caffe Cino in July By Susan Jordan Sixties Gay Pride drama is coming to town. As noted in May’s Empty Closet, in July Black Sheep Theatre will present three one-act plays by gay playwrights, originally produced at NYC’s Caffe Cino in the early ‘60s. The plays are two by Lanford Wilson (“The Madness of Lady Bright” and “Sex Is Between Two People”) and one by George Birimisca (“Daddy Violet”). The plays will open July 18, and will be staged at 8 p.m. on July 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26, and on Sunday July 20 at 2 p.m. The venue is the third floor at Village Gate on Goodman St. Advance tickets are $16, and admission is
rience – what if I had done this or done that.” Kristy Angevine-Funderburk added, “The actors also represent his memories and people he’s known. The play was one of the first to show the humanity of gay people – normal persons
going through normal things. In May 1964 that was a very radical thing.” The gay world of the Sixties was one in which bars and bathhouses were the only places where gay, lesbian and bi people could openly interact; transgender was not yet an identity that even trans people themselves recognized, except as “transsexual”. And most interactions in the bars and baths were impersonal, temporary hook-ups rather than meaningful long term relationships, which most gays believed were impossible for them. Darlando said, “Some of the references are dated, but the messages are still valid.” David Byrne commented, “The play is really about loneliness. Lady B is losing his youthful beauty and descends into madness because he’s in a world where he can’t connect with people for normal relationships.” Also appearing in this play are Kiefer Schank and Catie Faltisco. “Daddy Violet” dates to 1967 and stars David Byrne, France McClolkey and Louie Podlaski as apparently improvising actors. Kristy said, “It’s an exploration of themes of sexuality. You don’t know if the three characters are gay or straight – but there’s sexual tension between the three. There are also references to the Vietnam war.” “Sex Is Between Two People” stars Kiefer Schank, Gafei Szeto and Eric Ryan Swanson and (Continues page 28)
Bristol Valley Theatre presents gay-themed “Next Fall” opening June 26 By Susan Jordan Bristol Valley Theater, the Finger Lakes’ award-winning live professional theater, will present a gay-themed play, Next Fall, June 26-July 6 as part of its 2014 50th Anniversary Season. When Luke is injured in a car accident, his partner Adam must negotiate Luke’s family and reconcile the differences in their faiths. Timely and touching, the play exposes the fundamental truth that we love people both because of – and in spite of – who they are. This award-winning play was dubbed “the funniest heartbreaker in town” by the New York Times. Next Fall was written by Geoffrey Nauffts and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2010. It is sponsored by The Grain( Bristol Valley Theatre continues page 28)
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( Black Sheep continued from page 27) dates to 1965. Kristy noted, “It is and isn’t about sex. The gist of the story is that two men meet up in a bathhouse and you wonder how they can connect and have a conversation. They’re obviously looking for more than the hook-up they came for. As David said, they are looking for the social construct to form a relationship.” Darlando described his own incredulous reaction to the sexy behavior in dance clubs like the Limelight when he first came to NYC from LA. “I didn’t know what was going on! Those themes still resonate today.” Kristy concluded, “Overall the Caffe Cino project comes about because one of the playwrights from that era, Robert Patrick, is active in letting theatre groups around the country know that this is the 50th anniversary of gay theatre’s birth at Caffe Cino.” As she and David Byrne wrote in their May EC article, it all began when former dancer and entrepreneur Joe Cino opened his coffeehouse-theatre on Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village 50 years ago, and the new gay theatre movement was born. The world had started to change. ■
Harvey Fierstein’s “Casa Valentina” will drag on
Michael Radi, who plays Luke
Rick Apicella who plays Adam.
( Bristol from page 27) ery, Canandaigua Quick Print, and Lake Country Woodworkers. “The play presents many different points of view,” says BVT Associate Artistic Director David E. Shane, “and it does so with humor and without ever choosing sides. That’s a refreshing and realistic approach we don’t see very often.” He told The Empty Closet, “BVT has done other plays with gay characters, like last season’s boom, or Cabaret which we did in 2009, but to my knowledge this is the first time we’ve produced anything where the central relationship involves two people of the same sex. That said, the reason we chose this play is fairly simple: it’s a great script! One of the things I love about it is that the major conflict -- differing religious beliefs -- happens between the two gay men. It’s a reminder that the gay community isn’t of one mind, or one opinion on every issue. The dividing lines are not always drawn between gay and straight. I think that’s not only compelling drama, but also true to life, and I’m excited that we can present that on our stage. “We had one patron who wrote to say she would not be renewing her subscription this year because of our continual inclusion of ‘rainbow plays’ in the lineup. There have been others who have made it clear that they won’t be in attendance, though they are coming to other shows during the summer. I don’t agree with these patrons, but I respect their decisions. “The fact of the matter is, part of our mission is to present ‘life affirming theater’. To do that, we have to present a wide variety of plays that show many different aspects of life. Not every show will appeal to every patron, but we aim to present ‘something for everyone’. I truly hope and believe that for every person who misses this production because they find the subject matter objectionable, there will be other people who come out to see it because they want to see a modern play that truthfully reflects modern life. “As with all of our productions, we have a talk-back after the first Sunday matinee. That’s June 29 for Next Fall. However, we’re also hosting an event on Saturday, June 28 in conjunction with The LGBTQ Center of the Finger Lakes. Discount tickets are available and include a pre-show wine and cheese reception as well as a post-show discussion. Anyone interested in attending that event can call 585-374-9032 or email dshane@bvtnaples. org.” Performances run from June 26–July 6 at the theater at 151 S. Main St. in Naples.
Performance times are Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 (first week) and Wednesday at 2, Thursday at 2 and 8, Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2 (second week). Tickets are on sale now and prices range from $33 for adults to $12 for children, with senior, student and group discounts available. For reservations and further information, call the box office at 585 374-6318 or visit www.bvtnaples.org. Shane directs the play, which features a professional cast of six including Rick Apicella, Sara Fetgatter, Seth James, Mark Poppleton, and Honeoye Falls native Michael Radi. Rounding out the cast is BVT Artistic Director Karin Bowersock, who makes a rare onstage appearance as Luke’s eccentric mother Arlene. The play does contain some adult content and language and is recommended for teens and adults. “You can look at this as a play about gay rights, a play about coming out, about religious differences, about flawed families or how we cope in times of crisis,” says Bowersock, “but to me it’s really about how being in love can change you for the better.” The Bristol Valley Theater 2014 season opens on June 12 with Oh, Coward! and continues through September 1 with Next Fall, Deathtrap, Les Miserables, What the Butler Saw and 365: A Year in Revue.
Women’s Chorus presents June 7 concert at Harley School Do you love show tunes? Then the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus will surely delight you with an evening of song in their upcoming spring concert: “On with the Show – Songs of Stage and Screen,” Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at The Harley School (1981 Clover St. in Brighton). This year, as an added bonus, the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus will be joining RWCC for a few special numbers. After the concert, the RWCC hopes you’ll stick around to meet and mingle with chorus members over cookies and punch. Tickets can be purchased from any chorus member or at the door: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for kids, infants are free. For more information about this concert or about the chorus itself (including how to join), visit the RWCC website at http://www.therwcc.org/ or call (585) 234-4441. RWCC is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RochesterWomensCommunityChorus
By Brandon Voss on The Advocate Boys will be girls on Broadway for a bit longer than expected. Casa Valentina, Harvey Fierstein’s new play about husbands who identify as heterosexual but congregate in the Catskills to dress and act like housewives, has added two weeks of performances to its limited Broadway engagement. Directed by out two-time Tony winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Wicked), Casa Valentina opened April 23 at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Originally scheduled to close June 15, the world premiere will now run through June 29. “Back in 1962, most men went to the Catskill Mountains to escape the summer heat, but others took the two-hour drive to escape something else entirely: being men,” read press notes about the drama, which is inspired by actual events. Casa Valentina is Fierstein’s first play on Broadway since 1987. Celebrated for his landmark gay drama Torch Song Trilogy and his book for La Cage aux Folles, the fourtime Tony winner most recently wrote the books for the hit Broadway musicals Newsies and Kinky Boots. (The later comes to Rochester in May 2015.) Casa Valentina recently received four Tony nominations, including Best Play. The cast includes Reed Birney, John Cullum, Gabriel Ebert, Lisa Emery, Tom McGowan, Patrick Page, Larry Pine, Nick Westrate, and Mare Winningham. A film adaptation is “under discussion,” Deadline reports. For tickets and more information visit the play’s website.
Oprah Network postpones Michael Sam documentary series By Greg Hernandez on gaystarnews.com Saying it does not want to be a distraction, the Oprah Winfrey Network announced on May 16 that it is postponing its plans to make a documentary series on Michael Sam becoming the first openly gay player in NFL history. Last month, Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the final round of the draft. The decision to delay the series came after a meeting between the Rams and OWN. “After careful consideration and discussion with the St. Louis Rams, The Untitled Michael Sam Project has been postponed, allowing Michael the best opportunity to achieve his dream of making the team,” OWN President Erik Logan said in a statement. Logan added: “OWN is about elevating and empowering people to achieve their best. It’s clear that we, along with the world, recognize the important opportunity that Michael now has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a spot playing for the Rams.” The series had been announced 14 May, with Winfrey saying the series ‘”promises to spark valuable, important discussion on life in America today. Acceptance and illumination start here.” Sam had said in a statement this week that his focus was on making the team but added “if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.” The series was to be made for OWN by Pilgrim Studios and Amy Rice.
Justin Vivian Bond celebrates “Happy Tranniversary” Justin Vivian Bond, who hails from Hagerstown, Md., will celebrate two decades living in New York City in Happy Tranniversary! The show, featuring musical direction by Thomas Bartlett, takes place June 10 at (Le) Poisson Rouge in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. “Join Mx Justin Vivian Bond and friends in celebration of 20 of the most exuberant years of subversive glamour and performance this city has ever known,” reads an online invitation. “Expect extreme performance, shocking guests and a bit of ‘gentle persuasion’ — whatever that means!” Bond, a self-proclaimed “trans-fabulous performance-activist,” earned international acclaim as sloshed septuagenarian lounge singer Kiki Durane of the Tony-nominated duo Kiki & Herb.
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet The Shortbus star has also penned a memoir, Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels, and released a solo album, Dendrophile. The performer most recently appeared on stage in The Drift, an original piece based on The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, a 1950 novella by Tennessee Williams. For tickets and more information on Happy Tranniversary! visit lepoissonrouge.com.
ImageArt calls for artwork submissions ImageArt, a program of ImageOut Film Festival, has announced its 2014 Call for Art. This year’s exhibition is titled Personal Pronouns. The exhibition will be held at Visual Studies Workshop from September 5 to October 19, 2014.
ImageArt says, “The gender spectrum is experienced and played out not just as a component of our culture, but also as the very basic element of our own sense of identity. While this is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the LGBT community, even here there exist radically different degrees of acceptance and understanding of the ways gender is expressed. ImageArt is requesting submissions of work, in any media, that respond to or addresses the way that gender and/or gender identity have touched your life.” Submission deadline is Friday July, 11. Submissions must include submission form, payment, artist’s statement and a CD/DVD of images. For submission forms and more detailed information please visit: www.imageout.org/ imageart.php All artists working in any media are welcome to submit. ■
Travel
Kennett Square, The Mushroom Capital Of The World By Merle Exit Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley has a central town, Kennett Square, known as the Mushroom Capital of the World. A walk about town brings you to some fabulous boutique stores along State Street. Kennett Design – with a splash of wine. This art studio is a space for people who wish to learn how to paint. The classes seemed to focus on choosing a piece of art and having an artist give you lessons on how to reproduce it. The “splash of wine” aspect is that it is a byob. They don’t serve wine or have a liquor license. However, you are welcome to bring in your own wine. Where is the best place to buy it? Flickerwood Wine Cellars Tasting Room, located just across the street, that offers a discount to those attending a class. www.kennett-design.com Kathi Lafferty, known as the “mayor of the square,” is the owner of The Mushroom Cap, located a few doors down from Flickerwood and home to “Snack N Shrooms,” a very tasty mushroom snack chip. She dehydrates slices of white mushrooms and seasons them. Kathi has also assembled paraphernalia and artifacts from the mushroom industry housing an exhibit and short video. She works in cahoots with Phillips Mushroom Company GM Jim Angelucci. That means you can purchase fresh mushrooms as well. In case you want to grow your own shitake and oyster mushrooms, kits are available. I love the t-shirts that say “Shitake Happens”. www.themushroomcap.com
Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop is just around the corner from State Street. Although there was someone giving out tea samples to taste, it is not a place that serves tea. I looked for Rooibos tea to find over 20 varieties. The “in” thing these days is to combine the rooibos with other flavors but not “flavorings”. For instance I bought one called Carrot Cake. www. mrsrobinsonstea.com Eco Boutique at 103 W. State Street is owned by Doug Harris, whose aim is sharing a portion of your purchase with the proper charity, such as with a shoe company called Toms, with a program called “buy a shoe, give a shoe”. If you purchase a product from United By Blue, for every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. The boutique also sells a Bella Ryan line of bracelets that you can easily place on your wrist with the other hand as you can push it apart to open, slip on your wrist and close. www.ecoboutiqueksq. com Philter Coffee is just a few doors down, at 111 W. State Street. What makes this place different is their “poured over coffee” manual brewing process, involving a funnel system that allows water to drip or pour over coffee slowly to extract more flavor. Kind of a cross between a drip and French press. They offer four of these coffees each day as well as a line of espresso drinks. Philter has partnered with Ceremony Coffee Roasters from Maryland as the provider for the beans. You can get sandwiches and pastries as well. www.philtercoffee.com Portabello’s Restaurant and Flickerwood Tasting Room will be featured in next month’s article. ■
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Gay alliance news for JUNE 2014
the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
Mons Tue d We s r u h T us lo t u b Fa Sa Sun
Jeanne Gainsburg and BJ Scanlon go zombie. The Big Gay Prom took place May 3.
photo: susan jordan
Youth Update: Picnic
Intern Darya Nicol to coordinate Roc Pride volunteers for 2014 Welcome Darya Nicol! Darya joins us from the University of Rochester as an eight-week Rocxxy intern. The Rocxxy internship is a combined program with the Susan B. Anthony Institute, focusing on feminism and leadership. Darya will be a junior this fall, and she is majoring in Public Health. She loves music, art, reading, astrology and talking. Darya will be co-coordinating the volunteers for Roc Pride this year.
Riding For Pride! Still time to support a rider! Go to www.GayAlliance.org There’s still time to donate to a rider! On June 14, 40 riders will bike 50 miles to support the Gay Alliance. Our goal this year is $25,000! Please consider supporting our amazing riders who support our community! Simply go to: www. gayalliance.org/events/rideforpride and click on the name of a rider to donate on our secure site.
By Dawn Balsis School is almost out for the summer! Wondering what to do with all of that free time? I have the answer: Fabulous Fridays. Every Friday we meet at 707 E. Main St. (Open Arms MCC) from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Each week is something different, from learning about safe sex practices and healthy relationships, movie nights, game nights, etc. We always have a good time. On June 14 from 12 p.m.4 p.m., the Gay Alliance Youth Program will be hosting a picnic at Cobb’s Hill Park. The day will be filled with food, games and fun. For more information please check out our Facebook page (Facebook.com/GayAllianceYouth). The Gay Alliance Youth Program will also be putting on a youth leadership program on Wednesdays from July 23 to Aug. 6. Youth who participate will be rewarded with a fun field trip on Aug. 13. If you are interested in more information or attending please contact Dawn Balsis at dawnb@gayalliance.org.
Youth
Gay Alliance Youth Program Our 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!
Gay Alliance Youth (Ages 13-20) Fabulous Fridays, 7-9pm, Open Arms MCC 707 E. Main Street Rochester, NY 14605 Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group (Ages 13-20) Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm Gay Alliance Library (1st floor, off Prince St. lobby) 875 E. Main Street For more information: dawnb@gayalliance.org The Gay Alliance 875 E. Main St. 5th Floor (Auditorium Theater) Rochester, NY 14605 Phone: 585 244-8640
Volunteer for Roc Pride 2014 and Unmask Your True Colors What better way to enjoy Roc Pride 2014 than to be a part of it? We are seeking volunteers to help us with the Parade, the Festival and the Picnic on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. Come join the fun and get a free ticket into the event that you work and an official Roc Pride tee shirt! If you are already a Gay Alliance volunteer you do not need to register. You will get information on Roc Pride volunteer opportunities automatically. If you have never registered as a Gay Alliance or Pride volunteer, you can do so at this link: http://www.gayalliance. org/support/volunteer. Pride: We’re Full Of It!
Library & Archives Hours: Every Monday & Wednesday: 6-8pm 875 E. Main St. ,1st Floor (off Prince St. lobby) Phone: 585 244-8640
The Gay Alliance is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) people are safe, thriving, and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBTQ people to affirm their identities and create an atmosphere where the diversity can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. The Gay Alliance, 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 • Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Website: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: Info@gayalliance.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm • Board President: David Zona Board Vice President: Jessica Muratore Executive Director: Scott Fearing Education Director: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Youth Intern: Dawn Balsis Bookkeeper: Christopher Hennelly Office Administrator: Tristan Wright The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan E-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org Phone: (585) 244-9030 Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030 Ad Sales: Brandon W. Brooks E-mail: brandonb@gayalliance.org
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
Gay alliance news for JUNE 2014
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The Gay Alliance Speaking Engagements, May 2014
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Big Gay Prom a success! Volunteers: Elizabeth Doyle John Altieri Tim Haddix Sarah Keller Pietra Santacroce Jessica Moratore Katie Sharun Anne Wakeman Lizzy McPhee Mike Pretty Bruce Gorman CD Baginski Amanda Kelley JoJo Oberholtzer David Zona Pocho Roque Tristan Wright Darrell Killingsworth Todd Ranous Pam Cornish Nick Cornish Leslie Dittmar Elaine Spencer Tabitha Lauster BJ Scanlon Kerry Meagher Adrianne Chesher Sponsors & Vendors: Cheesy Eddies DJ Chuck Argento Hedonist Artisan Chocolates Macy’s Wegmans Diplomat Banquet Center Goodness Cakes Bakery Jimmy C’s Music Machine Trillium Health MOCHA Chances and Changes Safe Sex, Inc. Thanks to all who helped raise money for the Big Gay Prom: Todd Ranous • 140 Alex Bar & Grill Peter Mohr • The Bachelor Forum Equal Grounds Café And a very special thanks to all of the FABULOUS youth who attended the Big Gay Prom and made it a wonderful and fun night.
5/5.......Two courses on prejudice and bias at SUNY Brockport 5/5.......SafeZone training at In Control Peer Education Program 5/8.......Shoulders to Stand On film and discussion at the University of Rochester 5/9.......Understanding the Challenges: LGBTQ Cultural Competence Training for providers of services to older adults by the Gay Alliance at the Rochester Red Cross 5/21.....SafeZone Training at Alternatives for Battered Women 5/28.....LGBTQ 101 at Center for Dispute Settlement Quotes: “Encouraging, Educational, Personal, Awesome! The presenters really practiced what they preached. A wonderful day of learning – left feeling energized (huge accomplishment for a Friday afternoon!)” “Very informative –nice blend of activity and lecture. Engaging, welcoming, inclusive, funny, authentic.” “I hate giving such glowing reviews of anything-The Wizard of Oz was too much upbeat (LOL) but seriously, this was practically perfect in every way.” “I do not usually like workshops, but this one was great. It was all fantastic. The presenters were exceptional.”
SAGE members had fun at the Lilac Festival. Photo: Audet Price
JUNE SAGE calendar June 3 ����� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church, 11:45am-1:30pm. Meet at Crossroad’s Coffee House (752 South Goodman St., 585-244-6787) for lunch/social gathering with Roza as your hostess. June 5 ����� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church. June 10 ��� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church, 11:30am-12:30pm Lunch. 12:30-1:30pm chatting with Reba about “Budget Meals”. (Please feel free to bring a budget meal in and or share a budget meal recipe with Rainbow SAGE.) June 12 ��� (NO YOGA) 10:30am meet at Friendly’s Breakfast on 2425 West Henrietta Road. Movies 10 after breakfast. RSVP by June 10. June 15 ��� Happy Father’s Day from Rainbow SAGE. June 17 ��� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church, 11:45am-1:30pm Lunch at Equal=Grounds, social gathering with Jessie as your hostess. Celebrate May and June birthdays, talk about Pride events and play games. Talk about Pride Poem writing project. (Equal Grounds address is 750 South Ave., at Caroline St., 585-256-2362) June 19 ��� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church. June 24 ��� 10:30am Yoga with Tom at MCC church, 11:30am-12:30pm lunch, 12:30-1:30pm, Special Guest presentation at noon to 1pm while you have lunch. Please arrive promptly for guest speaker as we will start on time. Thank you. June 26 �� Yoga with Tom at MCC church. Noon-3pm Picnic at Ontario Beach Park. Look for rainbow flag and shelter to left of bathroom. Bring dish to pass; rain plan is MCC church. Rainbow SAGE is for adults 50 and over. Please note time and change of address for some events. Also there is no euchre in the month of June. Brown bag lunch unless it is stated otherwise. Thank you. Address for regular programming: Open Arms MCC, 707 East Main St., Rochester 14605. All programs are subject to change and it is the members’ responsibility to provide transportation to and from any program. Please LIKE our Rainbow SAGE Facebook page and look for updates, great articles and program changes.
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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. Gay Alliance Youth Group info: pages 30-31.
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 Many monthly get togethers, some at Open Arms MCC 707 E. Main St. 875-9428; SAGE@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. 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 • number 479 • june 2014 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. The MOCHA Center of Rochester Our mission is to improve health and wellness in communities of color. 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 1 800 962-5063. 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
Trillium Health See www.trilliumhealthny.org, www.everybodysgood.com
LGBT Healthy Living
Veterans support. Second, fourth Tuesdays, 10-11am Canandaigua VA, bldg. 9 room 8. 585 463-2731, 585 205-3360.
HCR Home Care
We provide a full multidisciplinary team consisting of nursing, social work, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as home health aides who have completed the eight-hour cultural competency program provided by the Gay Alliance. For more information, contact us at 585-272-1930 or visit us online at HCRhealth.com. 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
Trans*Alliance of Greater Rochester Social/educational group for gender variant people and friends. Last Saturday, 3-5pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St.
Empire Justice Center Julia A. Sáenz, Esq. Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellow, Empire Justice Center, LGBT Rights Project, Telesca Center for Justice, 1 West Main Street, Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14614. (585) 295-5721 Fax (585) 454-2518, jsaenz@empirejustice.org, www.empirejustice.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 Support Group Thursdays 5:30-6:30 GAGV Library, 1st floor, off Prince St. lobby 875 E. Main St., Ages 13-18. 244-8640 Genesee Valley Gender Variants Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. GVGenderVariants@yahoogroups.com Guys Night Out Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnightout@gmail.com
Women
lesbians of color www.oursistacircle.com. The first social networking site for lesbians of Black, Asian, African American, Latina, Native American, Pacific Islander, Chicano, Biracial & other lesbians of color, launched 2009. OurSistaCircle the first free social networking site to offer Skype mental health counseling. No nudity policy on member profiles. Currently 10,800 active members. 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. 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.
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • the empty closet
Ongoing Calendar Mondays
L.O.R.A. Coffee Social Weekly on Monday Nights, 7 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Rochester. Family, Friends & Allies Welcome! Contact Person: Cathie Timian. More info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/. Email: info@loragroup.org LORA Late Bloomers Coming Out Group for Women 2nd & 4th Mondays of the Month. 7 pm, Private Location. Call for info! Contact Person: Wanda Martinez. Email: sanlorenzena@yahoo. com. Phone: 585.414.9164. More info: www. loragroup.org. Events: https://www.facebook. com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/
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. 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.
Tuesdays
The Social Grind 10am-12noon and again 7:30-9pm at Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Email: DHutch457@ aol.com for information Coffee Chat and Game Night Catch up with the week’s happenings and enjoy some games and good conversations! 6:30pm -8:00pm Equal Grounds 750 South Ave. Sponsored by Open Arms MCC & Community Center. 271-8478
LGBT Healthy Living
Veterans support. Second, fourth Tuesdays, 10-11am Canandaigua VA, bldg. 9, room 8, Library conference room. 585 463-2731, 585 205-3360.
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. LORA Knitters Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the Month. 7pm-9:30pm, Crossroads Coffee House, 752 S. Goodman St. Rochester. Contact Person: Kerry Cater Email: dressyfemme@aol.com. More Info: www.loragroup.org Events: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/L.O.R.A.14464/
Wednesdays 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, woody14619@yahoo.com. Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. 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
Thursdays
Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group Thursdays, 5:30-6:30, GAGV Library, 1st floor, off Prince St. lobby. 875 E. Main St. Ages 13-18. 244-8640. Pride at Work First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 1354 Buffalo Road, Rochester 14624, 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 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 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 LORA - Buffalo Women’s Coffee Social Weekly on Thursday Nights, 6pm. Spot Coffee, 765 Elmwood, Buffalo. Contact Person: Barb Henderson Email: Morningstar5588@yahoo. com More Info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buffaloles/
FRIDAYs
Gay Men's AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Gay Alliance Youth Fridays, 7-9pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St., 244-8640 GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. RochesterGLBTIQbikers@yahoo.com; 4676456; bmdaniels@frontiernet.net. LORA GaYmes Night Meets 4th Friday of the Month, 7-10pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. Rochester. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly. Email: irishfemmerochester@yahoo.com. Phone: 585.943.1320. More Info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ L.O.R.A.14464/
SATURDAYs
Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 LGBT Family Pride Rochester Meets 2nd Saturday of the Month. 1-3 pm. Crossroads Coffee House, 752 S. Goodman St. Rochester. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly. Email: irishfemmerochester@yahoo.com. Phone: 585.943.1320. More info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https://www.facebook. com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/
Rochesternygrrlz. Cross dressers social/support group. 4-6 pm, third Saturdays, at Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main St., fifth floor. https://groups.yahoo. com/group/rochesternygrrls/
Trans*Alliance of Greater Rochester Social/educational group for gender-variant people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, GAGV fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. rochesterfrontrunners.org. Empire Bears Potluck 2nd Saturdays, GAGV, 875 E. Main, 5th floor, 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/
Sundays
Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) For location: 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 707 E. Main St. Rochester, 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. LORA Sunday Brunch 1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month, 11:30am 1:30pm. Jays Diner, 2612 W. Henrietta Rd., Rochester. Contact Person: Cathie Timian. More info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/. Email: info@loragroup.org Gutter Gals - Bowling 2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Bowl A Roll, 1560 Jefferson Rd. $5.70 for 2 games & $2.50 for shoes. For more info: http://www. facebook.com/groups/guttergals/Contact Person: Cathie: Email: ctimian@l-o-r-a.com; Phone: 585.313.3037
The Gay Alliance On-Line Resource Directory (GARD) The online community tool providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at: www.GayAlliance.org
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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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the empty closet • the gay alliance • number 479 • june 2014
June SUNDAY 1
Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092; website at www.di-rochester.org/ Buffalo Pride Parade, Steps off 1 pm, Elmwood and Forest Ave., south on Elmwood to Allen St. Festival at Canalside. www.BuffaloPrideFestival.com
TUESDAY 3
Shoulders To Stand On documentary. 8 pm, WXXI.
THURSDAY 5
“Just Gender.” Rochester premiere of film on trans issues, 7 pm, Little Theatre. Producer/director George Zuber will be present. Sponsored by Excellus, Gay Alliance, T*AGR.
FRIDAY 6
Ambush. Women’s social event, 5:3010 pm, Captain’s Attic, 37 Charlotte St.
SATURDAY 7
Rochester Women’s Community Chorus concert, “On With the Show: Songs of Stage and Screen.” 7:30 pm at The Harley School (1981 Clover St. in Brighton). Tickets can be purchased from chorus members or at door: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for kids, infants are free. RWCC website at http://www.therwcc.org/ or call (585) 234-4441. Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RochesterWomensCommunityChorus
MONDAY 23 SUNDAY 8
Rev. Steven Price installation as pastor at Community Christian Church, 2647 Chili Ave. 3 pm. 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. Hotline at 585-234-5092; website at www.di-rochester.org/
THURSDAY 12
Out & Equal Second Thursdays Networking. 5:30-8:30 pm, Constellation Brands, 207 High Point Drive, Building 100, Victor. Open bar, BBQ. Raffle to benefit Gay Alliance.
FRIDAY 13
Empty Closet deadline for July issue. 244-9030; susanj@gayalliance.org.
SATURDAY 14
Ride for Pride. Syracuse Pride Parade. Gay Alliance Youth Picnic, noon4 pm, Cobb’s Hill Park. Facebook.com/ GayAllianceYouth.
SUNDAY 15
Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-2345092; website at www.di-rochester.org/ Noah Wagoner, Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau Member, will be speaking at the TEDx Flour City at Kilbourne Hall at the Eastman School of Music. Free to attend: apply at this link: http://tedxflourcity.com/?q=event/tedxflourcity-2014
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
SERVICES
Rochester’s Best Man to Man Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV negative. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction. Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home) or e-mail me at: magichands@rochester.rr.com. Wedding Space and clergy services available. Celebrate your special day at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. info@openarmsmcc.org (585) 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. Martin Ippolito master electrician. Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. 585-266-6337. 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 spring or fall. 585-576-5042. Email dale.furlong@yahoo.com.
FOR SALE
Pool table for sale: 8x4’, slate top, all accessories, 7 cues, over table light. $250 or BO. Treadmill, digital $100 or BO. 585.544.2633
FRIDAY 20
“The New Black.” Screening of film at The Little, 7 pm. Panel and group discussion afterwards. WXXI’s Community Cinema series. Free.
Summer solstice World Pride Toronto. Global event featuring concerts, art, Parade, human rights conference, much more. Through June 29. WP14TO.com / facebook.com/ WP14TO / twitter.com/WP14TO
TUESDAY 24
LORA Third Annual Dyke Picnic and Women’s Festival. Noon-8:30 pm, Roundhouse Shelter, Genesee Valley Park. Potluck – bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs, hamburgers by Hoggin It BBQ for sale. Free admission. Live music, drag kings, vendors, Reiki healers, Tarot readers, belly dancers, raffles and more. www.dykepicnic.org ROMANS at Empire Haven Nudist Park, Moravia; members discounted entrance fee, noon-5 pm.
THURSDAY 26
SATURDAY 21
SUNDAY 22
Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, followed by potluck dinner – “Summer Salads.” 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092; website at www.di-rochester.org/
“Tying the Knot.” Film by Jim de Seve on third anniversary of NYS marriage equality; 10th anniversary of Massachusetts marriage. Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St., 7 pm. NYC Pride events. Through June 29. Bristol Valley Playhouse opening of “Next Fall”. Runs through July 6. 151 S. Main St. in Naples. Thursday–Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 (first week); Wednesday at 2, Thursday at 2 and 8, Friday, Saturday at 8, Sunday at 2 (second week). Tickets $33 for adults to $12 for children; senior, student and group discounts available. For reservations, information, call box office at 585 374-6318 or visit www.bvtnaples.org. Rainbow SAGE picnic. Ontario beach park, Noon-3pm. Look for rainbow flag. Bring dish to pass.
FRIDAY 27
Dignity Integrity Garage Sale. Penfield, through June 29. Address, times on Craigslist.
Glenn Zermeño, LCSW Individual, Couple & Group Psychotherapy LGBTQ Concerns, Youth & Adolescents, HIV/AIDS, Relationships, Dealing with Conflict, Effective Communication, Anxiety, Depression, Body Image, Self-Esteem 25 Canterbury Road, Suite 311 • Rochester, New York 14607 Phone: 917-309-7508 • Email: glenn.zermeno@gmail.com
june 2014 • number 479 • the gay alliance • 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 © 2014, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Ad Sales: Brandon Brooks (brandonb@gayalliance.org 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. 244-9030, susanj@gayalliance.org 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 • number 479 • june 2014