Empty Closet, July 2018

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Have a Safe and Happy Pride! is a proud member of:

E M P T Y

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 3

FEATURES 7

ROWAN COLLINS Editor rowanc@outalliance.org T_ 585-244-9030

ROC PRIDE MARSHALS

DAVE KYLE Advertising davek@outalliance.org T_585-244-9030

Meet the three Grand and Honorary Marshals for this year’s Pride and learn about the amazing work they do in our community every day

ALAN ALTMAN Graphic Design www.A3-Design.com

Issue printed by:

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#NBFeels by Justin is back with a brand new panel and an anonymous contributor reminds us why Pride means authenticity

THE OUT ALLIANCE 100 College Avenue Rochester New York 14607 Monday & Friday 9am–5pm Tuesday–Thursday 9am­–8pm T_

585. 244. 8640 585. 244. 8246 E_ info@outalliance.org www.outalliance.org F_

18

OUT IN PRINT

When They Call You a Terrorist

RIDE FOR PRIDE

ROC PRIDE EVENTS

Check out the full calendar of official ROC Pride events, some tips to make the most of it, and other community events this month

REGULARS

The Out Alliance works to be champions for LGBTQ+ life and culture. We strive to ensure that all members of the LGBTQ+ communities, at all stages of their lives, are free to be fully participating citizens, living lives in which they are safe, stable and fully respected.

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COMMUNITY OUTLOOK

4 10 12 16 17 17 32 36 38

The annual ride brings in an amazing $53,000. Some “thank yous” are in order.

FROM THE EDITOR ALLIANCE NEWS COM M UNITY PROFILE SAGE NEWS GNAW ROCS OUT AND ABOUT CALENDAR THE SCENE KYLES B&B

4 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It feels like

there’s never quite as much pressure to put some meaningful, important words to paper than during Pride.

Every year when Pride rolls around I deal with a groundswell of emotions. Lots of them are good, and some feel downright horrible. It’s the existential battle I would wager to guess many in the LGBTQ+ community grapple with on a daily basis: undoing lifetimes of internalized homophobia and transphobia from a society that tells us time and again to be quiet, sit down, and blend in coupled with the inescapable need to sing out to the world that you exist, and you are worthy.

I am a natural introvert, and situational extrovert at best. Large crowds, loud noises, and hot sticky weather sound, at all other times, like my waking nightmare. I attended my very first Pride celebration, during my eighth-grade year in Albany, under a sense of (self-inflicted) duress. I had come out (for the first time) and felt it part of my duty to the community to show up. I remember dreading that someone would notice me being quiet and tell me I wasn’t celebrating enough, or being prodded to hoot and holler along the parade route.

It all melted away when I saw the faces of my fellow participants. Sheer joy, freedom, and some tears swept across them as they took in the parade, visited vendors, and simply existed in Washington Park; free to hold hands, kiss, run amok with friends, listen to music, and be.

674 SOUTH AVE, ROCHESTER 10am-9pm DAILY ∙ HEDONISTCHOCOLATES.COM

Pride celebrations of all types remain an important undertaking for LGBTQ people. Some people focus on the parties and dances, some on the political and social justice activism. Some still watch from afar, afraid to identify and be out. Stonewall stands as a turning point to many within our community. It was a direct response to the tireless harassment and brutalization of the LGBTQ community by police. For many in our community it still echoes a daily reality.

Stepping outside, walking, marching, sitting, reveling, protesting, or simply existing at a Pride event is a continued act of rebellion. It is a constant reminder of our past – of those who came before us to secure the liberty we know today – a statement of endurance, and encouragement for the work still to come.

Let us remember the millions across the world who do not have a Pride celebration, or LGBTQ organizations to give them support or life-saving resources. Let us hold up those who do not have the recognition of their existence and endure active efforts to eliminate them.

Pride is the passion and energy of those who laid the initial path that we are still building towards full equality.

Pride is the strength and spirit of activists as we call on the government to recognize our existence, to answer the AIDS epidemic, to recognize love and families, demand civil rights, an end to discrimination, and the right to live without violence.

Pride is celebration; despite all that is against us we are resilient, and we persist. Pride denies attempts to erase us, or to put us in the shadows. Pride says that we are here.

CONTRIBUTORS

FIONA JONES is a rising senior at the University of Rochester majoring in computer science and studio art with a concentration in linguistics. She is the Communications Intern with the Out Alliance this summer and currently runs the social media accounts.

JUSTIN HUBBELL is a professional

LAWRENCE LAM is a Jack of all trades.

He writes for newspapers, paints in oil on canvas, sings in his showers, dances on stage. He recently promoted himself to be prima ballerina in comedy ballets.

His ambition is to write a book about the stories of his parents during WWII in China.

JAVI MASON is a self-published author,

blogger, podcaster, and poet. They are the creator of “Black Girl with Glasses”, author of “The One Taken from the Sea of Stars”, “The Wrong One”, & “Don’t Look at Me Like That”, and host of “The Bonfire Talks on WAYO 104.3FM

REILLY HIRST foodie from age 7 (when she sautéed zucchini in butter and dill), has lived in many good places to eat: Cape Cod, San Diego, the Bay Area, Portland.

Now in Rochester, she believes that what you taste now is the beginning of a renewed integrated Rochester revolution.

MERLE EXIT a long-time comedian, singer, and actress, writes for several publications as well as hosting an internet radio show, Whirl With Merle, on blogtalkradio.com.

Merle has traveled to more than ¾ of the United States focusing on entertainment and food.

transgender (they/their) nonbinary cartoonist and artist behind #NBFeels comics. They are an LGBT+ educator, advocate, and speaker.

TO READ THE DIGITAL VERSION AND SO MUCH MORE, VISIT WWW.OUTALLIANCE.ORG/EMPTYCLOSET

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

COLLEEN RAIMOND President CHLOE CORCORAN Vice President JEFF LAMBERT Secretary MARTIN MURPHY Treasurer JASON BARNECUT-KEARNS SADY FISCHER MILO PRIMEAUX LUIS ROSARIO-MCCABE DAVID ZONA

JEFFREY MYERS Interim Executive Director JOSHUA STAPF Development Director JEANNIE GAINSBURG Education Director ROWAN COLLINS Communications Director KAYDEN MILLER Education Coordinator OLIVIA PAGE LGBTQ Academy Educator LORI CRAMER Administrative Assistant ERIDAN MAEDER SAGE Program Coordinator ANNE TISCHER Outreach Coordinator EVELYN BAILEY Historian KAT WIGGALL Database Administrator

6 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

GR AN D

2018

PETE R “This is about our legac

y,

MARSHAL

8 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

By: ROWAN COLLINS

Peter Mohr photo by: FIONA JONES

Arlisha & Carlos photo courtesy of Carlos Merriweather

If

you’ve stepped foot in the Bachelor Forum on University Avenue in the last 19 years, you know Peter Mohr. Now the owner of the Forum, Mohr began as a bartender there in the late 90s after tenures at The Avenue Pub, Muther’s, and Marcella. When founding owner, Arnie Pegish, passed away in 2008, Mohr purchased the bar from the estate to keep it running and the community cornerstone it continues to be.

“We’re the oldest gay bar in Rochester and that’s something we’re really proud of,” he told the Empty Closet.

Mohr lives in Corn Hill with his husband Rob and their dog “son” Trevor. Outside of the Bachelor Forum, Mohr is heavily involved in community organizations and events, partnering and working with ImageOut, Trillium Health, and the Out Alliance. He gives back at any chance and opens the Forum’s doors to any event at the drop of a hat.

Immediately following 2016’s Pulse Nightclub shooting, Mohr opened the Forum for a community vigil and rally which drew over 700 people in pain, anger, love, and action.

Upon learning about his designation as 2018 ROC Pride Grand Marshal, Mohr said he was incredibly honored, but that he wanted to be sure it was less about him and more about the Forum and its history.

“It should be more about the bar and Arnie and Rich [The Bachelor Forum’s original owners] and their legacy. I’m part of it, I’m helping continue it.”

Most important to Mohr is making sure that everyone feels welcome and “at home” at the Forum.

“I want it to be somewhere people have a good time. We don’t have dancing or drag like some of the other bars in Rochester and I want people to feel like it’s a good place to be. We do events like Gayme Night, Ru Paul’s Drag Race watch parties with Wednesday Westwood, and karaoke. The name carries some stigma as an all-male bar, but it still has pull and we are welcoming to all! We want to keep that legacy alive and honor our history.”

Mohr says he is looking forward to the 2018 ROC Pride week of events and that his favorite part of Pride is the parade.

“Being able to feel the love of the community, which we [at the Forum] try to give people every day, feeling that come back to you during the parade is amazing. I love having my staff on our float and letting them receive that love and support from the crowd. My employees are the soul of the Forum and I want to focus on them. We definitely get an adrenaline rush and we’re so excited to get to the Festival afterwards.”

You can find Mohr leading the 2018 ROC Pride Parade as Grand Marshal on Saturday, July 21. Step off is at 1:00pm sharp.

Keep up with the Bachelor Forum at bachelor4m.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @bachelor4m

E M P T Y

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 9

H O N O R A R Y M A R S H A LS

&

M E R R IW E ATH E R

Arlisha and Carlos are advocates who give voice to people of color who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and the religious barriers that can impact their use of LGBTQ+ resources. Arlisha is recognized for his early work with AIDS Rochester and the Men of Color Health Awareness Project (MOCHA), providing outreach, health resources, and helping find housing for men of color affected

by HIV/AIDS. Carlos, a self-proclaimed “Rochester Social Butterfly” works with Sojourner House Seedlings Children’s Program, which helps children participate in structured after-school tutoring and mentoring. He also does a mean Frederick Douglas impersonation.

Their passion for community, especially marginalized communities, bring them to the forefront as leaders in Rochester. Arlisha and Carlos are partners in life. As Carlos says, “we got each other’s back for life!”

10 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

ALLIANCE NEWS Renowned collab. duo LARSON SHINDELMAN bring YOUTH CAMP to OUT ALLIANCE and EASTMAN MUSEUM

Larson Shindelman, known separately as artists Nate Larson and Marni Shindelman, will be working with a group of youth 13+ through the Out Alliance Youth Program and GSA Consortium to discuss issues around social media – particularly the way we represent ourselves and how we use social media for protest.

Their goal is to introduce students to different locations in Rochester, to be able to research, and learn more as part of the social media world.

The camp will culminate in the creation of a book of photography created by the campers that would be theirs to own. This group will meet at locations near the Out Alliance twice a week throughout July, including participation in the Neighborhood of the Arts and Rochester Pride. The only real requirements, according to Larson Shindelman? Be able to be committed to the timeframe and to be passionate about trying something new. As Shindeman says: “this is not the photography you’re thinking of!”

Their goal is to push students to different locations, increase research abilities, boost their confidence as creators and artists, and learn more as part of the social media world.

The photography will be exhibited in Gallery Q in February of 2019, along with Larson Shindelman’s Geolocation display in the George Eastman Museum’s Project Gallery 1/25-5/26, 2019. These new works will utilize hashtags relating to the most popular topics in the Rochester, New York area, including one’s used for social protests.

GALLERY Q:

Strange Hidden Shadows

Strange Hidden Shadows opens First Friday, July 6. The opening will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Gallery Q, located at 100 College Avenue. The exhibit is a first: it will highlight the cover art of works from the Out Alliance Library and Archives’ extensive collection of LGBT pulp novels. July’s opening will include a talk about the collection and the historical importance of this genre by Out Alliance Library and Archives volunteer Bruce Woolley, starting at 6:30.

Another talk will be given on August 3 by Out Alliance Library and Archives volunteer Gerry Szymanski.

Both Woolley and Szymanski will share their depth of knowledge about this genre. The show will be displayed through August.

The exhibit features covers from 22 books that have been blown up as well as a handful more of physical books. The cover reproductions will also be available for purchase, ranging in price from $10 to $50, depending on the size.

E M P T Y

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 11

CALL TO ACTION TRANSGENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP RIGHT NOW!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recently issued an emergency regulation, effective May 8, 2018, that explains the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming public school students under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This is a HUGE step toward equality and justice for these students, who otherwise are not protected under the New York State Human Rights Law and whose federal rights are threatened by the current administration. The catch: an emergency reg is only temporary – so NYSED needs feedback from the community before it can make it a final permanent reg.

WHAT DOES THIS REGULATION DO?

It spells out specific situations when a DASA report must be filed and investigation conducted because of the way a transgender or gendernonconforming student is mistreated or bullied. The full language of the proposed regulation here: http://bit. ly/NYSED_TransRegs.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

Email N YS E D at regcomments@nysed.gov by Monday, July 23 stating your support!

To learn more about this issue, access a template letter you can copy and paste, please visit: www.miloprimeaux.com/calls-to-action

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: L.O.R.A. Coffee Meetup at Equal Grounds

L.O.R.A. (Lesbians of Rochester & Allies) is living through a revival period as they grow their weekly meetings at Equal Grounds Coffee House. L.O.R.A. is a grassroots women’s organization that was founded by Cathie and Sue Timian in 2011 and became a program of the Out Alliance in 2017.

L.O.R.A’s primary goal is to provide information about resources, groups, activities, and events for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning women who reside in Rochester and surrounding areas. All women and their allies are welcomed to join this group and L.O.R.A is a trans-positive/friendly space.

Weekly meetings are a consistent event in the L.O.R.A. community, and they’ve recently added new initiatives like the Women’s Lunch & Hidden Herstory (first Thursday of every month, 11:30am at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center) that focuses on current issues and women’s history.

Maria Monacelli has been a consistent member of the L.O.R.A meetups since moving back to Rochester in December.

She said that L.O.R.A was a way of not only reconnecting with people, but building a community through socialization, motivation, and supporting one another. In this safe setting, she has been able to meet new people, find people to engage in activities, as well as finding solace in the small setting.

As L.O.R.A. continues to grow, she said that you can “find us at the back table of Equal Grounds”, as they’ve expanded to take over more space in the coffee shop. There is a diverse range of women who meet every week, anywhere from 19-81 years of age. “There’s nothing ever bad to say, they’re a great group!”

L.O.R.A.’s weekly coffee meetup is a great way to meet new people and connect outside of a bar. Maria emphasized how important it is that more people learn and come to these events, as it makes for a great way to grow a community. Find out more about L.O.R.A.’s new and recurring events at www.meetup.com/L-O-R-ALesbians-of-Rochester-and-Allies/

Jul 2018

We never skip our summer vacation!

We offer a full spectrum of senior services from independent living to skilled nursing.

Most importantly, we have designed communities to help you embrace living your way.

Call 585-760-1300 to schedule a tour or go to stjohnsliving.org/tec.

Our life. Our way.

SJ TEC 2018 - All.indd 4

3/16/18 10:35 AM

E M P T Y

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 13

HIV/AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL & WALK

On the evening of July 17th, researchers, community leaders, and friends will gather at the AIDS Memorial Garden in Highland Park for a candlelight vigil and walk, organized by the HIV/ AIDS Community Advisory Board of the University of Rochester.

The event will consist of a remembrance vigil, followed by a candlelight walk in honor of “the journey we’ve made and the path ahead to put an end to HIV/AIDS around the world.”

The 1.2-mile walk will take participants from the AIDS Memorial Garden to the steps of URMC’s Clinical Research Center at Whipple Circle where leaders in Rochester’s search for a vaccine to stop HIV’s spread will share insight and words of hope.

Bruce Whitmore, Community Advisory Board member for the Rochester Victory Alliance, spoke to the Empty Closet about the need for the event and its importance in the legacy of our community’s history.

“I have a passion to make sure [those who died of AIDS] are not forgotten. I realized how many people don’t even know about the AIDS Memorial Garden.”

After living in L.A. for much of his adult life, Bruce returned to his hometown about a year and a half ago. Recalling a time into our not-so-distant past when AIDS was an immediate death sentence, he

wants our community across all ages and identities to remember its impact and never forget what it took to achieve what advancements exist today.

When grappling with a personal loss, Bruce started to search out the different memorial gardens around the Rochester area. When he found the AIDS Memorial Garden, he worked to find someone to commit to make an HIV/AIDS memorial walk happen.

He currently assists Rochester Victory Alliance with their work in HIV vaccine trials and community education and proposed the idea there.

With the board’s support of his vigil, Bruce organized the event itself -- including location, route and program. He hopes his dedication to his community members, past, present, and future, will show in this commemoration.

“My biggest fear is that all of this will be forgotten and left behind. I know the impact this had, and I want to make sure everyone understands and remembers.”

The HIV/AIDS Candelight Vigil and Walk will take place from 7:30-9pm on Tuesday, July 17 starting in the AIDS Memorial Garden in Highland Park. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

By: JAVI MASON

BEING

HUNTER How the Drag King Community Changed One Man’s Life

When hearing the word “drag,” the thoughts that will most likely surface feature RuPaul or his popular series Drag Race. In fact, RuPaul is one of the reasons why drag culture has become mainstream. While female impersonators continue to dominate the drag community, they also share the spotlight with an emerging demographic of performers — drag kings.

RDOWN

Drag kings have initially been defined as female performers who wear masculine drag and personify male gender stereotypes. But due to the expansive understanding of gender identity and expression, the drag king community has opened its doors to transmen, genderfluid individuals, and even cis male performers.

Rochester native Hunter Sacko is part of the new generation of non-traditional drag kings.

The 28-year-old trans* man, better known on stage as Hunter Down, started performing after attending his first show in 2013.

“I always saw drag as such a cool outlet for creativity and to take on a persona outside your own,” Sacko explained when recalling his first experience. “I knew I wanted to try it! I never felt I would ever have the guts or confidence to do it, as just the thought of going on stage scared me. One of my friends did a fundraiser show for another friend of ours and he basically made me do it! I never looked back afterwards.”

For four years, Sacko would perform as Hunter Down at venues such as Tilt Nightclub, Firehouse Saloon, and 140 Alex Bar and Grill. During every show, he enjoyed the energy from the crowd, which he considered a “huge driver” while on stage.

Regardless of how nervous he was prior to stepping into the spotlight, his anxiety immediately dissipated when country music played from the loud speakers.

Being a drag king did more than increase Sacko’s confidence. The drag king community and becoming Hunter Down helped him discover his identity as a trans* man.

“It [the community] really was there for me on my journey of becoming my authentic self,” he pointed out. “Drag was there for me when I needed it most. It allowed me to not think, or fear, or dwell on the negative. For three minutes, it is just me on stage having fun with the audience and nothing else in the world matters at that time. It is not about trying to be a man. It’s about the fun and joy from impersonating a male character or alter ego and having fun!!”

Because to some significant life changes (namely, getting married), Sacko recently retired from doing drag extensively, though he is still doing live performances occasionally. He expressed gratitude for the confidence, support and fan following being Hunter Down has granted him.

Most importantly, the Rochester drag king community helped Sacko discover his trans* identity; and thus the freedom to be his authentic self.

16 | June 2018 | E M P T Y

SAGE PROFILE

C L O S E T

WEEKLY EVENT REMINDERS

Thomas Somerville

TUESDAYS By: FIONA JONES

If you haven’t met Thomas Somerville, he wants you to know his name is spelled “S-o-m-e.

There’s no u’s and no- not two m. Everyone likes to spell it like it’s Summerville- ”. Tom believes that “a good teacher finds that for everybody” and a good teacher is exactly what Tom is. Five years ago, Tom was invited to teach yoga for the SAGE program and has been a staple ever since. Currently, he is a yoga instructor that partners with the Out Alliance, specializing in work with seniors, people with disabilities, and those with multiple sclerosis. He enjoys teaching yoga, seeing the progress as well as loving the people in his fun classes.

If you don’t know him from these programs, you can probably recognize his enthusiasm, smile and energy. Tom was born and has lived in Rochester all his life (“pretty boring!”) He spent time as a student-athlete in San Diego before receiving an MS in cross-disciplinary studies, MS in art education and becoming an artist. He is a Visual AIDS Artist, is part of the Frank Moore archive, has had work in “like three museums…I’m like ‘museum quality’, right? Suitable for framing, right?”

Tom is perhaps best known for his paintings of Buddhas and his paintings of social commentary on subjects such as the AIDS epidemic and homophobia.

How Tom came to his relationship and subsequent career with yoga was through a broken back in 1998. He was tutoring refugees in college years earlier and caught an offshoot of tuberculosis, which had manifested in someone in the program, called POTS disease. Back in Rochester in the later ‘90s, Tom came down with a backache and high fever, becoming the second case of POTS to come through Strong Hospital. He lost three vertebrae “going from 5’11” to 5’9” “, not knowing if he would ever walk again.

While working through physical therapy in the rehab ward, Tom has realized that what he was learning in therapy was “yoga! And [the PT] said ‘there’s a reason why it’s 5,000 years old.”

With his insurance coverage for physical therapy running out (“I was like an old gremlin… your car gets old and you’re not going to put money in it at a certain point.,”) Tom began taking yoga classes.

He would fantasize about teaching the class and began working toward a certification, all while teaching himself to walk again.

Tom believes that anyone can do yoga, at any level of skill. He tries to keep tailoring yoga to who has come into the room and their capabilities. He will always adjust and change routine based on who is there.

He appreciates the personal connections that he has made in the last few years and that the community “check up on each other. We check up on each other.

If somebody’s not in, they’ll call and find out if they’re okay.”

SENIOR YOGA WITH TOM 10:30–11:30am, $5

LUNCH & LEARN 11:30am–1:30pm, $3, catered lunch & speaker

THURSDAYS

SENIOR YOGA WITH TOM 10:30–11:30am, $5

1ST & 3RD THURSDAYS

SENIORS IN SERVICE 11:30am–1:30pm, light lunch and volunteer activities

2 ND & 4 TH WEDNESDAYS

50+ MEN’S GROUP 6:30–8pm, Topical discussions

2 ND THURSDAYS

BREAKFAST CLUB @Jefferson Rd. Denny’s, 9:00–10:30am, RSVP Gerry 585. 730. 8772

3 RD FRIDAYS

PRIDE IN AGING 2:30–4pm, speakers and resources to help you “age in place”

LAST FRIDAYS Tom runs a weekly Senior Yoga program for SAGE members from 10:30 – 11:30am on Tuesday & Thursdays, and Multi-level Mat Yoga to the entire community Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm. You can always join us for his sessions at the LGBTQA Resource Center on 100 College Ave.

FABULOUS FISH FRY! 5:30pm, location varies, RSVP: Audet 585. 287. 2958 or aprice002@aol.com

HISTORY CORNER:

By: EVELYN BAILEY

The First Visible Explosion of LGBT RESISTANCE: Stonewall

I

n the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police roughly hauled employees and patrons out of the bar, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar, in neighboring streets, and in nearby Christopher Park. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

The resistance exhibited by patrons to being arrested, harassed, and pushed around by police on that warm June evening grew out of months and years of discrimination, debasement, dismissal, unfair treatment in housing, employment, health care, and everyday services.

Police raids of gay bars were common in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s including in our own Rochester, NY. Tim Mains, the first publicly elected gay official in NYS, and Gary Sweet, first owner of the Avenue Pub, describe the relationship between the Rochester LGBTQ community and Rochester Police in the Shoulders To Stand On documentary. You can hear their full interviews at bit.ly/ROCLGBT

In the years leading up to Stonewall, there was the women’s liberation movement -- a political alignment of women and feminist intellectualism that emerged in the late ‘60s, and continued to the ‘80s -- which demonstrated resistance to a patriarchy asserting control over women’s lives economically, socially and politically. In 1964, the passage of the Civil Rights Act after decades of AfricanAmerican resistance to white supremacists, the KKK, and systemic governmental discrimination. Protests to end the unwinnable Vietnam War raged, and Students For A Democratic Society (SDS), who criticized the US political system for failing to achieve international peace, the threat of nuclear war, and domestically criticized racial discrimination, economic inequality, big businesses, trade unions and political parties, were growing in numbers and effectiveness.

In the ‘60’s, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy, and other leaders of the political movement resisting selfcenteredness, inequality, bigotry, and injustice were assassinated.

The hope for a brighter, just, and more equal society were greatly threatened. In 1968, these three icons of social change were immortalized in this song Abraham, Martin, and John (youtu.be/ yZfRyWPZAII). Another emotional blow to the gay community happened on June 22, 1969 with the death of Judy Garland. Sylvia

Rivera, Stonewall patron and central rebellion figure, remembered that there were Garland fans who had come from the very emotional funeral to drink and mourn at the Stonewall bar that night. “I guess Judy Garland’s death just really helped us hit the fan.”

Gay culture of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, as a persecuted group who understand suffering, identified with Judy Garland’s life. She had been through the fire and lived. In “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Garland-as-Dorothy sang about wanting more than the life she has and asks: “If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow why, oh, why can’t I?” What was thought to be a song of a young girl dreaming for a bigger life became an anthem for an entire community

looking for someone to guide them out of the shadows. Gay men everywhere identified with not only the song, but Dorothy herself, calling themselves “Friends of Dorothy.”

Whether or not there was a connection between Judy Garland and the explosion of Stonewall, the gay community became more visible and more resistant to accepting their “lot in life”. The RESISTANCE to discrimination, and rejection by society of the Constitutional guarantees that “all are created equal … with certain unalienable Rights, … Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” became more organized and moved up a few notches because of Stonewall.

In August STSO will look at two other major resistance movements: the Daughters of Bilitus and the Mattachine Society that contributed to the explosion of Stonewall.

Happy Pride 2018!

18 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

OUT IN PRINT:

photos by

by

C L O S E T

michael hnatov & curtis moore

patrisse khan-cullors & asha bandele

when they call you a terrorist:

foreword by

a black lives matter memoir $ 24.99

| $ 32.50 Canada /

angela davis

© 2017,

St. Martin’s Press / 257 pages

you can’t look any longer.

Whatever it is, it’s just too painful, too scary, so you hide your eyes and pretend that nothing’s happening. You can’t look any longer, so you don’t… but after awhile, you notice it again. That’s when you realize that you saw all along. That’s when, as in the new book “When They Call You a Terrorist” by Patrisse Khan-Cullors & asha bandele, you realize that you never really could look away.

Growing up as the third child in a family of four, Patrisse Khan-Cullors lived with her mother and siblings in a “multiracial” neighborhood near Sherman Oaks, California. The two places were “less than a mile” apart but, due to social, financial, and racial divides, they were separated by oceans, in Khan-Cullors’ mind.

Despite that her mother worked all day and into the night, Khan-Cullors was reared in a loving atmosphere. The man who raised her wasn’t always around, but she adored him; after she learned, at age 12, that he wasn’t her biological father, her birthfather and his family became present on a regular basis. Absent an adult, Khan-Cullors’ eldest brother acted as “man” of the house.

This all complicated her young life, but she enjoyed this expanded, supportive family.

Khan-Cullors says that she was 12 years old, the first time she was arrested. By then, she’d witnessed her brothers being questioned by police for just hanging out with friends. She started truly noticing her surroundings.

Not long afterward, her father was imprisoned on drug charges, and she lost touch with much of his family. Then her older brother was imprisoned for attempted burglary and was diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and Khan-Cullors came to understand that she was Queer. She began to earnestly question things in her life.

At 16, she became an “organizer’ and an activist. She doubled down on it after her brother was arrested and called a “terrorist” for yelling at a woman. She was driven to act when, following the death of Trayvon Martin and the acquittal of George Zimmerman, she sent out a message to her friends. #BlackLivesMatter.

“I write,” she says, “I hope it impacts more than we can ever imagine.” And, of course, it did, and it will. Once you’re finished with “When They Call You a Terrorist,” you’ll want to stand up, too.

You’ll want to stand, even though author Patrisse KhanCullors (with asha bandele) doesn’t tell stories here that haven’t already been told before. Indeed, many authors have shared similar tales of poverty, affluent white friends, outrage, prison, and sadness.

The shelves are full of such books – but this one is different because Khan-Cullors gives her story an urgent hear-me-now outrage. That “done playing” feeling is what readers may come away with – a feeling that underscores Khan-Cullors’ activism.

And that’s what this book is about: it’s a rallying cry wrapped in a memoir tied in a call to legal action of whatever sort.

And so, if you’re ready, “When They Call You a Terrorist” is worth a longer look.

ENSURING A BRIGHTER FUTURE rochesterYMCA.org YMCA of Greater Rochester

AMAZING FOOD, WINE SLUSHIES, ROCKIN' CONCERTS, EYE-OPENING EXHIBITS AND RIDES GALORE. ALL AT THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR. THE FIRST STATE FAIR IN THE COUNTRY TO CELEBRATE PRIDE DAY.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

AUGUST 22 -- SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

BUY $6 ADVANCE-SALE TICKETS STARTING IN JULY AT NYSFAIR.NY.GOV/TICKETS

OUTLOOK:

PRIDE AS MY AUTHENTIC SELF A

s Pride comes closer and closer, it is a special time for many of us. Ten years ago, when I was 13, I came out to my friends and family as a gay guy. It was the first time of many.

Safe to say it didn’t turn out too well. I was sent to conversion therapy for every summer for three years. My parents did this to make themselves feel better, but it messed me up a lot. During these times I had a whole new community of people to help me and support me. I had the Gay Alliance, and some amazing friends and mentors there who mean the world to me to this day.

During my teen life I was out and proud but had a small community to rely on -- or at least I thought so. With the help and support of the Rochester gay community, and a lot of my new friends, I was able to come into my own. I helped organize and create my high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, I worked with GLSEN to help educate others, and started to give back to my community. It was a crucial part in my life, and without this support I don’t think I would have survived those years.

When I went away to college, I had to leave Rochester behind. My friends, my family, and others. During my time in college I got to explore myself more and came to terms with my identity. With help from other people in my college, I realized I was trans and had been suppressing it for a long time. It was during this time I first came out as trans.

College came and went, so I returned to Rochester. I struggled with my gender identity here for a while. I didn’t know many trans people here, and most of my supportive friends had moved away. I was alone again. No car. A few friends.

And a family who I know would never accept or love me for who I truly am.

E M P T Y

By mid-2016 I was fortunate to have a partner, let’s call them M. M was a great person, who I loved dearly and who helped me come out to myself and explore my trans identity.

Due to many factors, I eventually ended up in the hospital after a suicide attempt. My parents had disowned me by this point, and I had nowhere to go. It was at this point that I determinedly reconnected with the community here in Rochester.

Two years later, I am proud to say that I am in a much better place. I am happy to know that many in our community are like family for one another. We are always here for each other, and will love and protect each other until the end, no matter what. I have been giving back to the community as much as I can. I am going to have top surgery and bottom surgery soon enough, and it would not be possible without the love and support that everyone has offered me.

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 21

Without the Rochester LG BT+ community, the Out Alliance, Trillium, and may others I wouldn’t be here today. Pride means the world to me, and I am proud every day to be who I am.

Thank you for everything, and happy Pride. Let’s make it a good one!!!

By: ANONYMOUS

22 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

FEARLESS IS BEING PROUD We believe it is important for our workforce to reflect the communities we serve - it allows us to better serve our employees and members. Representation matters!

We are honored to join this year’s ROC Pride Parade.

Walk with PRIDE

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KavodRecovery.com | 585.546.5180

sassy in the

south wedge j

19

lux backyard party hosted by:

wednesday westwood &

the cast of what the frock Featuring: dj

lcat

youth dance ��

equal grounds good bad & the funny 6-9

pm

5-10

th

pm

thurs uly

-

south wedge pride party

sponsored by: highland hospital,print roc, out alliance, BASWA, hedonist artisan chocolates, lux

24 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

#NBFEELS By JUSTIN

YOUR AD HERE

The strength of our community is its greatest asset.

When people work together, anything is possible. It’s why we support organizations that bring people within our community closer. They reinforce the bonds we share and help us celebrate the traditions we hold dear. It’s just one part of our investment in our neighbors and the community.

KeyBank thanks 2018 ROC Pride for making a difference. #B#

#B#

Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2018 KeyCorp.

KeyBank is Member FDIC. 171005-170606 7940555 #B#

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25 | June 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

GNAW ROCS:

OUT AND ABOUT:

NERD & PROUD

YOU CAN A-SHAW YOURSELF OF A GREAT TIME

POPROC

By REILLY

HIRST

So sometimes there’s a coffee shop. I won’t say a hero, ‘cause what’s a hero? -- but sometimes there’s a coffee shop. A coffee shop which, well, it’s a coffee shop for its time ’n place: it fits right in there. It’s kind of a blend of a second wave and third wave coffee. It’s not really an espresso bar…no latte art, in fact, just drip.

The drip coffee is pretty good: Fifth Frame and then flavored custom blends like Wookie (Snickerdoodle) and Tom & Cherry from Canal Roasters, and in case you need it, or you just want to see god: Death Wish.

You get your usual choices of milk, but there’s also chocolate milk, almond milk, vanilla almond milk, and soy milk.

You can have cereal, and, well, cereal -- and maybe you could mix those cereals? I had Lucky Charms Unicorn cereal, plain, and chocolate mixed together on a recent visit. On another visit, I had Cookie Crisps mixed with Girl Scout Caramel Cookie.

What if you really don’t like cereal (even 40 kinds)? They have donuts too. Less options, but with changing names and types. One recent options was the Incredible Hulk with matcha frosting from Misfit Donuts.

You should come to Pop Roc not for the reasons you go to Fuego or even Fifth Frame (well, a little Fifth Frame). It’s also only a little about the cereal, more what the cereal represents.

You want to come here for the other good vibes: the wall of comics, the 3 screens playing Ghostbuster cartoons, superhero movies, or Pokemon; or on May 4th, 3 screens of different Star War movies. You come for the collectibles on the walls, for the pop culture and things all around you for the cool nerd within.

Oh, and for the bathroom quotes.

“Do what I do. Hold tight and pretend it’s a plan!” “In 900 years in space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.”

“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.” “Always take a banana to a party, Rose. Bananas are good!” “Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff.”

“For some people, small, beautiful events are what life is all about.”

“Anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way or another.” “You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world!” “The universe is big. It’s vast and complicated and ridiculous.”

“Sometimes, very rarely, impossible things just happen, and we call them miracles.”

Because we’re all stories, in the end.

By MERLE EXIT

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is the site of the Shaw Festival, formerly specializing exclusively in plays by Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, along with plays about the period of Shaw’s life. They have added new plays and musicals to the list of pleasures for theatre goers. Running through the end of October the festival presents three stages with 14 plays.

The Festival Theatre stage, seating 857, is where the major works are performed that includes: a world premiere of C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew; Luther Davis’ Grand Hotel (musical); Stephen Frye’s trilogy, Mythos; and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskerville.

Royal George Theatre, originally built as a vaudeville-houseturned-cinema and now opera house -- are where four plays are being offered that includes the musical Oh What a Lovely War with the book written by Joan Littlewood. Stage Kiss is an original romantic comedy written by Sarah Ruhl. Bernard Shaw enters the picture with Of Marriage and Men along with another Shaw classic, O’Flaherty V.C.

Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre is presenting The Orchard (After Chekov); a Pygmalion inspired play The Baroness and the Pig by Michael Mackenzie; and a Shakespeare spin of Henry V.

Delve into a Shaw Symposium, Shaw Seminar or experience a Sherlock Holmes inspired mystery at an Escape Room.

Stroll the main street with lots of shops, restaurants and art galleries, such as King St. which features the works of Canadian artists. www.kingstgallery.com Go off and take advantage of this area’s wine country with a tour and tasting at Konzelmann Estate Winery, the only lakefront winery. www.konzelmann.ca

For an adventure and thrill portion, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operates out of NOTL. Here is the scenario: you and about 40 other passengers are on a jet boat that speeds to 55mph along the lake. The boat not only does a sudden 360 degrees, but slows up to enter the rapids and then excels as water gushes into the boat. Not a dry body in the audience. I had to keep reminding myself that the blast of water was temporary and that I would not drown. After several experiences I sat back and enjoyed it. I highly recommend it! www.whirlpooljet.com

Where to stay? Oban Inn spa and restaurant located on Front Street. Great view of the lake, fabulously decorated rooms, and the featured Shaw Café and Wine Bar. The inn is a true indulgence that is in walking distance of the festival and you’ll pay the price. www.oban.com

You can certainly explore other accommodations on www. shawfest.com where you can also purchase tickets.

CRAFTING A RECIPE FOR EQUALITY.

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For event details, reservations, maps & more, visit:

For event details, reservations, maps & more, visit: JonesPond.com 585.567.8100

JonesPond.com 585.567.8100

get creative

this summer

adult classes kids classes day camps SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 25TH! Registration for adult & kids summer classes starts May 15th.

Registration for day camps is ongoing.

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION.

500 UNIVERSITY AVE., ROCHESTER, NY | 585.276.8959 | MAG.ROCHESTER.EDU

28 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

COMMUNITY PROFILE: ROMANS

By: LAWRENCE LAM

A GAY NUDE CLUB IN ROCHESTER?

MY GOSH!

“What do they do when they meet? How do I survive if I join them? What should I wear?”

A fairy godmother appears and says, “Don’t be afraid, they are all gentlemen! They are only a group of gay and gay-friendly guys who enjoy nudism as a healthy lifestyle and get together to form some male bonding among like-minded individuals in a safe and private environment.”

Flash back to October 1991: a group of naturists in Rochester got together and formed a private social club called HUNG, which was the acronym for Hosting Upstate Nude Guys.

Their membership network included any liberal thinking male person over 21 who had an interest in social nudism. As interest in HUNG developed, its leadership became aware of the awkwardness of the club’s name. In 1996 the name of the club changed to ROchester MAle NaturistS (ROMANS). The club flourished by providing support to men who wanted to pursue their naturist interests; giving them the opportunities to enjoy clothes-free activities while networking with other male nudists in Western New York.

Back to the basics - why go naked? Because there’s nothing to hide. Body acceptance and tolerance of ourselves and others are the main philosophy that not only boost our self-confidence, but can make us a better person. Physically, imagine the sensuous pleasure when we get naked outdoors to let the sun and wind caress every inch of our body and how exhilarating it feels when swimming without confinement.

A long-time member of ROMANS shared his own experience: “Since everything is literally right out there in the open, I get to know other members on a deeper level. They are welcoming, and we have honest conversations. We look one another in the eyes rather than below the belt.”

ROMANS maintains an average membership of 30-40 men through the year. Regular monthly meetings are held year-round at members’ homes. Nudity is mandatory at all gatherings, but - to add to the fun - some of the meetings are theme nights where members use their imagination to create their own attire for the occasion. Sometimes we play games and quizzes. Sometimes there is a demonstration of wine making or shaving technique. Sometimes we have a massage table set up for members to give or receive massages. Some members’ homes have hot tubs for therapeutic soaks that are often complemented with good conversations. There is always a lot of mingling, jokes and laughter among the members at our gatherings.

“One soon learns that nudity does not have to equate with sex. With that realization comes a comfort level that many of us may not have known in other gay situations,” expressed another ROMANS member.

ROMANS members also network with other nude clubs in the area. We go to their functions, socialize with them at swims held in Rochester, and join them at gay camps for outdoor fun. There have also been clothed excursions to New York City Pride, Toronto Pride, Sandy Hook beach in New Jersey, and trips on luxury cruise ships.

Come to a ROMANS meeting. We promise that a fairy godmother, or fairy godfather for that matter, will walk you through your nude awakening one step at a time. It’s OK to be gay or bi or straight, it’s OK to be of any size or shape, and there is no reason to be conscious of your race or age. Just be your natural self and have 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 us at message line 585-354-8979, by email wnyromans@yahoo.com or via regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

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Join us the 2nd Thursday of every month. Locations vary.

EMAIL HRCSecondThursday@gmail.com or follow us on FB @HRCSecondThursday for details on upcoming events.

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30 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

An Out Alliance Event

Visit rochesterpride.com for more information.

Saturday, July 14th

Tuesday, July 17th

NEW Q-Day at Seabreeze* Location: Seabreeze Amusement Park Time: 12:00pm-6:00pm Cost: $34 – Ticket includes all-you-can-eat buffet lunch

Euchre Tournament: [Dealt] in Color* 21+ Only Location: Out Alliance Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm Cost: $30

Sunday, July 15

th

Roc Pride 5K* Location: Cobbs Hill Park – School #1/Monroe County Water Authority Time: Race starts at 8:30am.

Registration begins at 7:30am Cost: $25 Pride Kick-off Beach Party Picnic Location: Ontario Beach Park Time: 12:00pm-6:00pm Cost: Free Roc Pride Games Volleyball & NEW Kan Jam Tournaments* Location: Ontario Beach Park Time: Volleyball 9:00am-6:00pm (or until tournament wraps up) Kan Jam – Timing to be announced

Monday, July 16th Opening Ceremonies: (KICKOFF) in Color Location: City Hall Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm Cost: Free NEW

Fabulous Lives: (DRAG) in Color Location: Equal Grounds Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm Cost: Free

Gayme Nite Location: Swillburger Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm (or until tournament wraps up) Cost: $5

Gayme Nite 21+ Only Location: Bachelor Forum Time: 8:00pm-2:00am Cost: Free

Friday, July 20th NEW Pride Pep Rally: (Celebrate) in Color Location: Cobbs Hill Park – Youth Village Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Cost: Free

Pride Party SIlent Disco: (Celebrate) in Color* Location: Cobbs Hill Park Time: 8:00pm-10:00pm Cost: $10

NEW

Saturday, July 21st

Wednesday, July 18th

Roc Pride Parade Location: Park Avenue Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm Cost: Free

Euchre Tournament: [Dealt] in Color* 21+ Only Location: Out Alliance Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm Cost: $30

Roc pride fest

Stand Out on The Town 21+ Only Location: Avenue Pub, 140 Alex, Lux Lounge and Bachelor Forum Time: 6:00pm Cost: Free entry into bars, drinks sold separately

Saturday, July 21 & Sunday, July 22 Location: Cobbs Hill Park Saturday: 1:00pm-9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm Tickets online at rochesterpride.com

Thursday, July 19th

* This event requires pre-registration

NEW

Sassy in the South Wedge Location: South Wedge Time: 5:00pm-10:00pm Cost: Free NEW LGBTQ+ History Tour: [Walk] in Color Location: City Hall, Federal Building, Two Saints Church Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm Cost: Free

An Out Alliance Celebration

thank you to our sponsors ROC

E M P T Y

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

C L O S E T | June 2018 | 33

Got an event next month? Submit it to rowanc@outalliance.org before July10th for inclusion in Aug’s calendar.

EVERY SATURDAY

Thursday, July 19

THE REPAIR SHOP 5:30–6:30pm, Out Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center. An open AA meeting in a safe space for all, meeting has an evolving weekly format. Open to all - LGBTQ and allies.

CELEBRATE PRIDE DETOUR - 6-7pm, Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, Rochester NY 14607. On this MAGsocial DeTOUR uncover LGBTQ+ artists, “explore sexual identity and the human desire to belong along with Europe’s impact on queer culture. Discover which artist belonged to a clandestine gay bohemian circle, who can rock a bomb pair of heels, and what’s up with horses in queer representation.” $12 tickets include museum admission

Tuesday, July 3 AFTY (Adult Families of Trans Youth) – 5:30-6:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E Main St, Rochester NY 14605. Facilitated discussion and social group to provide the families of trans* adolescents with a safe forum, shared network of support, and central hub of knowledge and resources.

NEW GROUND POETRY NIGHT – 7:30pm, Equal Grounds Coffee Shop. Bring a friend or four! Drink coffee and be surrounded by amazing people. The lineup is first come, first on stage. Each poet has five minutes (or three poems, whichever comes first.)

Saturday, July 7 BOYZ NIGHT OUT: DRAG KING REVUE – 10pm-2am, Firehouse Saloon, 814 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester NY 14620.

Hosted by: Miss Deelicious and featuring amazing local talent. First show at 10, second at 11:30. 21+, $5 Cover.

All proceeds are donated back to the LGBTQ community. @ BoyzNightOut on Facebook for details

Thursday, July 12

Friday, July 20 BLACK PRIDE PROM: ATLANTIS – 7-11pm, The Penthouse at One East Avenue. “Join us for an evening of music, elegance, fashion, and fabulousness as we give you prom night our way!”

Enjoy a live DJ, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and dance the night away. Crown Rochester Black Pride royalty. Tickets $30-50 at http://bit.ly/RBQPT2018

Saturday, July 21 MEMORIAL ART GALLERY PRIDE CELEBRATION – 10am-12:30pm, 500 University Avenue, Rochester NY 14607. Hands-on art activities, music and dance demonstrations, storytelling, and more! Get in some fun before the parade! Suggested donation $5 per family.

Sunday, July 22

M/BODYBARRE-TO-BAR: “Pride” – 5:30-6:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Avenue, Rochester NY 14607. Join in on this donation-based outdoor M/BodyBarre class on the patio at Bachelor Forum to celebrate national Pride Month and benefit Trillium Health. 40-minute outdoor class with giveaways, fun music, and amazing instructors and energy. Drink specials and rumored karaoke contest to follow.

OFFICIAL PRIDE AFTER-PARTY - 4pm-2am. Brought to you by Peter Mohr and The Bachelor Forum. DJ Citizen Jane will spin again after her stint at ROC Pride 2018 along with local DJ’s. See http://bit.ly/DJCJROCPride for event info. $20 pre-sale $25 at the door.

Friday, July 13:

DIGNITY/INTEGRITY Sundays, 5pm, 17 South Fitzhugh Street JULY 1: Episcopal Eucharist with healing service JULY 8, 15 & 17: Catholic Liturgy JULY 22: Prayers to start and the week and potluck supper

AMBUSH ROCHESTER (“the hottest event for LGBTQ+ women in Rochester”) Takeover #54 – 6-9pm, Picnic at Genesee Valley Park, Hawthorne Lodge. @AmbushRochester for details.

Tuesday, July 17 HIV/AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL WALK – 7:30-9pm, Highland Park AIDS Memorial Garden. Join researchers, community leaders, and friends for a remembrance vigil followed by a 1.2 mile candlelight walk in honor of the journey we’ve made and the path ahead to put an end to HIV/AIDS around the world. All are welcome. Electric candles will be available, along with giveaways, refreshments, and information from the Rochester Victory Alliance.

SERVICES

OPEN ARMS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH Sundays, 10:30am, 707 E Main St JULY 21: Marching in Rochester Pride Parade July 29: Stewardship Pillar meeting, prior to service THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sundays, 9:15am Invitation to Prayer in the Chapel & 10am Worship in the Sanctuary, 4 Meigs Street No worship service in the Chapel during summer

All events listed are provided by groups and organizations outside of the Out Alliance and are accurate to the best of our ability.

34 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

Out Alliance Bike Ride Fundraiser

RIDE

FO R

PR I D E

0 0 0 , 3 $5 A I R

THANK YOU TO OUR RIDE FOR PRIDE BIKERS!

Caroline Atti, Benoit Biteau, Linda Bloch, AJ Blythe, John Braun, Farran Briggs, Anita Bruckers, Al Carver-Kubik, Marcus Cox, Nick Dennie, Steve Dewhurst, Bob DeWitte, Les Eisenberg, Scott Fearing, Pamm Ferguson, Cindy Fleischer, Phyllis Fleischman, Bradley Flower, Ed Freedman, Jeannie Gainsburg, Jan Gawrys, Dustin Hilton, Chelsea Hoover, Joan Hoover, Chad Hulbert, Carolyn John, Leslie Johnson, Cailin Kowalewski, Matt Krueger, Chris Kukenberger, Michael Kutny, Josh Layfield, Karen Managan, Kate Marchetti, Martin Murphy, Debra Ortiz-Pardi, Carolyn Paddock, Cindy Penharlow , Allan Phoenix, Anastasia Polashenski, Pamela Polashenski, Maya Polashenski, Elizabeth Preslar, Colleen Raimond, Craig Ronald, Lisa Rosica, Steve Sanow, Michael Shuter, Ali Smith, Sarah Studwell, David Tobin, Consuelo Valdes, Jonathan Wetherbee, Charmaine Wheatley, Alex Wirth, Alastair Zacharias and Owen Zacharias.

THANK YOU ALSO TO THOSE WHO DID NOT RIDE, BUT WHO FUNDRAISED! Jamie Allen, Paul Allen, Tatiana Clader, Chuck Dye, Bonnie Hallman-Dye, Bruce Ingersoll, Eridan Maeder, Kayden Miller, Manuel Peña, Joe Reed, Paige Reed, Adrianna Rodriguez, Kellie Ronald, Jennifer Schultze, Sara Zacharias

E M P T Y

! !

D E S THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SUPPORT CREW!

HOME BASE/PARTY CENTRAL: Kellie and Craig Ronald Party Central Assistants: Jamie Allen, Sam Brett, Anthony George, Patty George, Heather Shannon, Christopher Hennelly, Amelia Moriarty, John Burns, Tina Burns, and Joe Doty.

SAG HAGS: Joe Yokajty, Tallis Polashenksi and Jordan Putnam BREAKFAST REST STOP: Walter Polashenski, Tallis Polashenksi and Jordan Putnam LUNCH STOP: Bruce Ingersoll and Adam Edwards ROAD PAINTERS: Ed Freedman, Owen Zacharias and Maya Polashenski PHOTOGRAPHERS: Manuel Peña, Joe Yokajty, Sara Zacharias, Paige Reed SWEEP RIDERS: Jeannie Gainsburg, Anastasia Polashenski and Alex Wirth SPONSORSHIPS: Jeannie Gainsburg, Josh Stapf, Jamie Allen and Al Carver-Kubik TEE DESIGN: Heidi Szczepaniak CHEERLEADER: Crackerjack, Bob Savage, Stacy Belair, Karen Bradbury and Ryan Bradbury MASSAGES: Mikelly Massage and Bodywork (Kathleen and Shannon) The Morning After Clean Up Crew: Kellie and Craig Ronald, Sam Brett, Anthony George, Crackerjack, Amelia Moriarty and Carolyn John

C L O S E T | July 2018 | 35

THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL RIDE FOR PRIDE SPONSORS Yellow Haus Bicycles Bachelor Forum MassMutual ImageOUT Amiel’s Original Submarine Guerilla Tees MiKelly Massage and Body Work Long Acre Farms Tryon Bike George Eastman Museum Barilla Pasta Hot Shots Volleyball Club PrintRoc Lento Restaurant LeChase Construction Harris Corporation Freewheelers Bicycle Shop

THANK YOU TO THE OVER 1,000 PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORTED OUR RIDERS THROUGH DONATIONS AND USE OF SPACE, INCLUDING: Kellie & Craig Ronald, Pam & Walter Polashenski, Jeannie Gainsburg & Ed Freedman, Bruce Ingersoll, Sara Zacharias, Karen Managan, Century Liquor and Wines, Wegmans, Mellow Madness Tattoo Parlor, Young Sommer Winery, Polite Ink Sketch & Improv, Red Fern Restaurant, Full Moon Vista Bike and Sport, Mason’s on Alexander, Parkway Wine & Liquor and Bill Riddell at Casey Park

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TOP 12 FUNDRAISERS Jeannie Gainsburg, Stephen Dewhurst, Scott Fearing, Kellie Ronald, Chelsea Hoover, Al Carver-Kubik, Colleen Raimond, Jonathan Wetherbee, Matt Krueger, Bruce Ingersoll, Anastasia Polashenski, and AJ Blythe * It’s not too late to donate! Rider’s pages will stay active until September 2018 at www.outalliance.org/ride-for-pride SHIFT HAPPENS!

36 | May 2018 | E M P T Y

THE SCENE : A

@OUTALLIANCEROC

C

A

C

B

C

C L O S E T

C

A Big Queer Prom B LGBTQ Academy SafeZone “Train-the-Trainer” C Ride for Pride Fundraiser

E M P T Y

D

D

D

D

C L O S E T | May 2018 | 37

F

E

F

D Trillium Health White Party E Trillium Innovation Symposium - The Beginning & The End of AIDS F King Sized Thursdays Scene photos courtesy: Out Alliance Youth Program, King Sized at 140, Manuel PeĂąa, Katharina Jackson, Gerry Szymansky, Cody Gardner

38 | July 2018 | E M P T Y

C L O S E T

SON! R E P N I D N A LY! LIVE N O T H G I N E ON

1 2 .

T P E S , y a d i Fr

EATRE H T N A M T S A HALl AT E K A D O K T A 7PM

TICKETS

NOW ON SALE

ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM

OR CALl BOX OFfICE 585-274-3000 the Eastman Theatre

FRINGE RETURNS FOR 11 DAYS: SEPTEMBER 12-22

THANKs TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS! *Registered riders train for FREE at M/Body leading up to the Ride!

Excludes M/F 5:30 am, M/T 5:30 pm, Sat 10 am