Empty Closet Aug 2011, Sec A

The Empty Closet

Section A New York State’s Oldest Lgbt Publication

number 448 a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley august 2011

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

Platinum:

Youth meet the President at White House reception Youth advocates from GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, attended the June 29 White House LGBT Pride Month reception at the invitation of the Obama administration.

Five high school students, including Dontaee Williamson of the Gay Alliance Youth

Gold:

Marriage Equality activists at the Pride Parade on July 16. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Silver:

Dontaee Williamson and Jess Cohen at the White House.

Bronze:

Champion:

Friend:

Group, were given a rare opportunity to share their personal experiences with anti-LGBT bullying with top officials in the Federal government, including the President. The GLSEN youth advocated for continued protections of LGBT students, including the federal Safe Schools Improvement Act now being considered by both houses on Congress.

Dontaee’s experience Dontaee Williamson has been a part of the GLSEN JumpStart National Student Leadership team since 2010. This fall, he will begin his senior year as a dance/acting major at School of the Arts. Through his participation in GLSEN and the Gay Alliance, Dontaee has overcome multiple barriers related to coming out as gay and now works to empower his peers to improve school climate for local LGBTQ students and families.

Dontaee told The Empty Closet, “It was really fun and exciting meeting the president.

I got to talk to him for a full minute. I thanked him for his support in making schools safe for all students. He responded by giving me a finger snap/point and saying, ‘That’s my job!’ He also gave me a handshake that went into a half hug. I was so happy!

“Being at the White House made me feel like I was very important. The food was good — fancy! I think the cupcakes were the best thing. There were some military officers and Jess and I got our picture taken with both a Marine and a naval officer. The Marine was cute! The President said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell would not be defended by his administration and it would be over soon!

“Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, is nice and down to earth and he is family. Yayy! Also, when we first walked into the White House in the morning for the policy briefing, an aide recognized me from my picture and came to say hello and tell me what good work I was doing for gay youth. We also heard from other openly LGBT White House staffers and got ( Youth continues page 7)

Rochester Pride Week 2011 was the best and biggest ever!

By Ove Overmyer and Susan Jordan The 2011 Rochester Pride celebration was one for the record books. Warm weather, huge crowds and “just a few hiccups” is the way Pride Week organizers describe the extraordinary series of events that were held over a 10-day period from July 8 to 17, all given extra energy by the historic passage of the Marriage Equality bill on June 24.

Attendance records were shattered for the 14 officially scheduled Pride events, especially at the Pride Parade and Festival on July 16. Gay Alliance officials estimated attendance figures that ranged near 15,000 revelers. Over 80 units took part in the parade, more than ever before.

City Hall Flag Raising A giant rainbow flag slowly descended over the marble balconies at City Hall on July 8, as Rochester recognized Gay Pride and, this year, the long-desired right to have LGBT marriages and families recognized as “real”.

City Council member Matt Haag told the audience of around 60 people, “We don’t need government sanction to be proud of our community.” He said that Mayor Richards had to be at a funeral that day, but joined City Council in offering congratulations to the LGBT community.

NYS Assembly member Harry Bronson said, “The Rainbow Flag has been the symbol since the 1970s of the LGBT community; of diversity, inclusion and respect. This year the flag raising is so much more meaningful because New York State has said for the first time that we are no longer second class citizens – we and our families are respected and celebrated.”

Pride co-chairs Carrie Vernon and Michael Hardy announced that the Honorary Grand Marshal for 2011 Pride is Pamela Barres. Barres, formerly of Lambda Kodak and the Rochester Transgender Group, former board president of Rainbow SAGE and Interim Executive

Director of the Gay Alliance, is now on the Executive Committee of the Empire State Pride Agenda Foundation board.

She said, “I love the Pride Parade. The first thing I ever did in the community was march in the Pride Parade… Being on the staff of the Gay Alliance and being Interim ED really got me out of my shell. I also learned about comfortable shoes…We need to celebrate the wonderful victory of marriage and the fact that DADT appears to be dead. So we have a lot to celebrate – and it better not rain on (Pride continues page 3)

NYCLU, NY Bar answer common marriage questions

* If we don’t live in New York, can we still get married in New York? * What kinds of benefits will we get from marriage? * What effect does the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) have on our marriage? * Can a church or member of the clergy refuse to marry me and my partner? * Can I be discriminated against for marrying someone of

the same sex?

The guide is currently available on the NYCLU’s website at www.nyclu.org/marriageFAQ. For more information, contact NYCLU at (212)607-3300; mgoodman@nyclu.org.

The NY Bar Association has also compiled a Frequently Asked Questions brochure for couples -- and lawyers. It can be downloaded at www.nysba.org/ MarriageEqualityFAQ. ■

Thirty-nine couples applied for marriage licences on July 24 at Rochester City Hall. The NYCLU and NY Bar have compiled guides to informally answer frequently asked questions about marriage.

The “Know Your Rights” guide, written by NYCLU attorneys, is a brief but comprehensive Q&A about the new marriage law, which took effect on July 24. It is available online at www.nyclu.org/marriageFAQ. “Getting married is hectic enough without being confused about your rights,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “Our guide will fully inform couples about the rights, benefits and protections they are entitled to under the Marriage Equality Act.” The guide answers questions such as: * How do we get married?

What do we need to do?

L.A. Bound... B 1

Thomas Warfield, Grand Marshals Bess Watts and Anne Tischer, and Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy at the Parade. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Inside

Section A Newsfronts..................................... 4 Interview: Susan Kramarsky........... 6 Rochester Pride....................... 9-11 Opinion: More on marriage...........17 Making The Scene.......................18

Section B Entertainment: Pandora Boxx’s farewell.......................................... 1 Columnists..................................... 5 GAGV News: wedding providers...10 Groups .........................................13 Ongoing Calendar.......................14 Calendar.......................................15 Classifieds....................................15

2 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

Perspectives From the Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan

who conquered Normandy in France and who, a few centuries later in 1066, invaded England and created the “Establishment.”

Bigot was originally “by God” – apparently the Norman aristocrats swore a lot as they bashed the Anglo Saxon serfs. Four centuries later, English invaders were known to the French of Joan of Arc’s time as “bigods,” for their violent intolerance and proficiency in swearing.

Today’s politicized “Christianists” are sure their prejudices are mandated “by God.” They blindly follow the p.c. conservative party line, ignoring both scientific fact and compassion, in their campaign to replace our democracy with their theocracy.

Professional homophobes seem guilty of the sin of pride – not the hard-won self-respect of Gay Pride, but the cold, arrogant pride of the powerful, selfrighteous Pharisee -- the kind of pride that has traditionally been defined in Christian belief as a sin.

The term “bigot” doesn’t apply to the humble Christian believer who tries to follow the orders of the church hierarchy, while also sincerely trying to follow the injunctions of Jesus about love and compassion. Rather, “bigot” best fits those who get votes, tithes and paychecks for spewing anti-gay rhetoric, and those who demonize gays and loudly advocate for discrimination. Gay bashers are obviously bigots, but so are those whose violence is verbal, and who would never consider that they could be wrong, unfair or sinfully proud.

Bigotry leads to hypocrisy.

Christianists claim that “all” gays are sexual criminals, but never mention the fact that most sexual crimes are committed by heterosexual men against women and girls. They scream about sexually predatory gays in the military, but never mention that rape of female personnel by heterosexual males in the military is completely out of control.

When will we hear a Christian conservative call for those issues to be addressed? ■

Defining bigotry LGBT New Yorkers have won a great victory. But homophobia isn’t going away. Recently, conservative extremists have been expressing indignation at being labeled “bigots” just because they insist that all LGBT people are “filthy, disease-ridden animals” who don’t deserve equal rights -- and do deserve discrimination.

They claim that they are expressing their religious beliefs and that allowing gay Americans to have rights, and families, would violate those beliefs.

Homophobia is hardly a central tenet of Christianity. Jesus Christ never said anything about homosexuality, but rather dined with the prostitute and the publican, and said, “As ye have done unto the least of these, so have ye done unto me.”

But homosexuality gets forbidden (along with eating pork and wearing two kinds of fabric) in Leviticus, the Bronze Age Taboo section of the Old Testament -- so that makes homophobic hatred “morality”. (Was there pepperoni on that Palin/Trump pizza? Does Bachmann wear cotton-polyester blend? Immorality!)

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “bigotry” as “intolerance; prejudice,” and “bigot” is defined as “a person who holds blindly and intolerantly to a particular creed, opinion, etc.; a narrow-minded, prejudiced person.” Sound familiar?

The word “bigot” comes from Norman French, the language of the descendants of Vikings

Many things

From the Executive Director Sue Cowell

Marriage Equality Arrives!

The long anticipated day has arrived in New York State.

Thanks to a host of activists and organizations. The City of Rochester, The Downtown United Presbyterian Church and the town of Brighton went all out to make Sunday, July 24 an historic and celebratory day.

Special thanks go to EROC (Equality Rochester), MENY (Marriage Equality NY), the Empire State Pride Agenda and all of the local activists who wear many hats in their work that brought this day to a reality.

Rochester City Hall and the Town of Brighton were busy issuing licenses, performing weddings and celebrating with our community. It was a day to be remembered. Tears of joy were shed as many couples experienced the love and support of friends, family, and the staff at City Hall and the Town of Brighton.

As City Council member Carolee Conklin told me, she had not ever seen so many people in City Hall who were so happy. Special thanks to Dr. Dan Karin, Rochester City Clerk, and his staff. A photographer volunteer took wedding pictures at no cost to the married couples and all the trimmings, including flowers, were present. So many people came to City Hall to share the experience and celebrate. Yes, there

were protesters condemning us to hell. It that was hell it was a great place to be.

The Downtown United Presbyterian opened their doors and held a community reception for newly wedded couples and clergy and judges performed wedding ceremonies and renewal of vows.

At the Town of Brighton, under the leadership of Town Clerk Susan Kramarsky, her staff made the process easy and affirming. Only licenses were issued on Sunday. Weddings began on Monday. A spontaneous act of kindness occurred as a mother and daughter arrived with homemade corsages from their garden for each couple.

Some of the couples then came to City Hall downtown to be part of the festivities. One couple came from Ohio to be married. They previously lived in Rochester and now plan to move back to New York State because of Marriage Equality.

There were so many activists who traveled to Albany, wrote letters, called their Senators and continued the local organizing of a community wide campaign. At the risk of leaving someone out, I personally want to thank Todd Plank, Anne Tischer, Bess Watts, and Jo and Christine Meleca Voigt. These community members were 100 percent committed and worked tirelessly for this cause.

I know there were so many more who helped, and on behalf of the community I want to personally thank them and all of the activists who helped to secure Marriage Equality.

This was a proud day to remember. ■ Tell the world!

Have your wedding announcement and photo published in the Empty Closet.

Only $15!

(The equivalent in the D&C would be $75!)

Send queries to: susanj@gayalliance.org.

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

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

8/11

to Many people

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2011, All rights reserved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet from page 0ne

(Pride from page 1) my parade! After the celebration we need to get back to work and pass GENDA!” The choir from Unity Fellowship Church provided a rousing hymn to close the ceremony.

Tea Party at ONE draws hundreds Absolut was the sponsor of the 2011 Pride Tea Party at One Restaurant, 1 Ryan Alley, held on July 10. Anne Tischer and Bess Watts were formally introduced as the Pride 2011 Grand Marshals. DJ Henry and DJ Jon Herbert provided the sounds, and KeKe Velasquez-Lord (Miss Gay Pride) and Samantha Vega performed.

The profits of the event will go to programs and services provided by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley.

The well-respected Anne and Bess have been longtime leaders in the successful struggle for marriage equality – Anne with Equality Rochester and Bess with the Rochester and Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride at Work, AFL-CIO and CSEA. They were the first couple to apply for a Rochester marriage license.

Memorial Art Gallery hosts Pride Family Day If your kids (or you) wanted to make your own pinwheel or colorful visor for the upcoming parade, the place to be at noon on July 16 was the Memorial Art

Jessica laPonte & Ashley Ciccarelli. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Gallery on University Ave. Well over 40 families (125 people) attended the event. The program included free museum tours, a karate class, a giant bubble garden and face painting activities, plus storytelling and puppet-making.

Parents Channyn Quinn and Denise Buscemi think that programs like this one go a long way toward teaching their children all the right messages. Between the two of them, they have nine children in their blended family. “Having the MAG host this program is telling the greater Rochester community that we truly are a welcoming city,” said Quinn. “We try to teach our children to be their authentic selves and to be kind to others.”

Buscemi added, “It’s nice to know we can get together with other families like ours and just have fun. This is really appreciated.”

Pride Parade draws record crowd Giant white wedding cakes and rainbow floats rolled down Park Avenue on July 16 and were met with loud applause from many who were counting the days till they could legally marry in New York.

This was the 22nd consecutive year for the parade, which started on Park Avenue near Brunswick St. and wound down Goodman St. to the Auditorium Theatre, where the Festival took place. In all, over 80 units marched in this year’s parade and city officials estimated that (Pride continues page 7)

NewsFronts LOCAL AND STATE

HRC names AIDS Care a healthcare equality leader AIDS Care, the comprehensive “one-stop-shop” and medical center of excellence for those living with HIV/AIDS, announced June 30 that it has been named a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality in the Healthcare Equality Index 2011 report.

The report, published by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, details the results of this year’s Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey administered by the HRC Foundation. AIDS Care earned top marks for its policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and their families. AIDS Care joined a total of 87 survey respondents, representing 375 facilities rated in the report.

Jay Rudman, president and CEO of AIDS Care, stated, “We currently provide primary and specialty care, case management, client services and an on-site pharmacy to a large number of LGBT patients. This is not limited to HIV/AIDS patients; we also serve some of their partners who may not be HIV positive.

AIDS Care is delighted that we are one of the 2011 Leaders featured in the Healthcare Equality Index, and the only Leader listed in New York State outside of New York City.”

AIDS Care’s commitment to LGBT issues is not limited to its community involvement but is extended to its Human Resources practices. “Our policies are centered around a philosophy of inclusion that understands and embraces the benefits that are associated with attracting and retaining talent within the LGBT workforce,” says Rudman. “Generous benefit packages that are extended to LGBT families and agency wide annual trainings on LGBT issues are just a few examples of AIDS Care’s commitment to an inclusive and LGBT-friendly work environment.”

AIDS Care’s Associate Director of LGBT and Rural Services, Erik Libey, mentions in his HEI testimonial, “AIDS Care has long endeavored to ensure that not only are we sensitive to the needs of this population, but that we also help to build the capacity of other service providers in our region to serve them as well.” AIDS Care’s LGBT Health program presents health and wellness education to consumers and cultural and clinical competence to providers throughout Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

The program also includes a website, www.everybodysgood. com, where the LGBT community can access comprehensive and inclusive information.

The HEI focuses on key policies and practices that lay the foundation for a welcoming environment for LGBT patients and families. These policies include patient and employment non-discrimination, visitation

and cultural competency training for staff.

AIDS Care’s efforts in ensuring healthcare equality for LGBT patients and their families earned it the distinction of being among the 27 survey respondents to meet all applicable criteria.

For more information on the Healthcare Equality Index 2011, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

Nassau Co. DA: Clerks may not refuse licenses Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, in a letter sent to town and city clerks in her jurisdiction in mid-July, warned that town and city clerks in New York are not entitled to deny same sex couples marriage certificates.

A clerk in Volney has announced that she will not issue such marriage licenses. If she does refuse, she faces criminal prosecution. A county clerk in Broome County has submitted her resignation, saying she won’t perform same-sex marriages because it conflicts with her religious beliefs, the Journal News reported July 12. Another clerk resigned later in July.

Rice wrote, “Recently, a local clerk in upstate New York made headlines when she said she would not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The Marriage Equality Act provides that an application for a marriage license cannot be denied on the grounds that the applicant parties are of the same sex and the law affords no discretion to public officials charged with granting marriage licenses.

Therefore, any such refusal may be subject to criminal prosecution.

“The religious exemptions in the Marriage Equality Act are inapplicable to town and city clerks serving in their licensegranting roles, and a public official’s intentional refusal to issue marriage licenses to qualified same-sex couples may constitute Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor defined in section 195.00 of the New York State Penal Law.”

Bronson backs bill to add oral chemotherapy to insurance-covered treatments Assembly member Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/ Riga/Rush/Wheatland) joins his colleagues in passing legislation to add orally administered chemotherapy treatment to the list of treatments covered by insurance companies (A.6233-B).

“Every day medical advances happen in our community and country,” said Assembly member Bronson. “One of these advancements has been the development of an oral chemotherapy treatment. With this treatment, a patient is able to undergo chemotherapy by taking a pill in the comfort of their own home,

Bess Watts named to national Pride at Work board

By Ove Overmyer In an email sent to constituents on July 11, Pride At Work national executive director Peggy Shorey named Bess Watts and Stephen Dinion to serve on the national executive board representing small chapters.

Shorey stated, “On behalf of co-presidents Donna Cartwright and Stan Kiino, this email is to let you know the mid-term vacancy election for Small Chapter Representatives has been concluded. The small chapters in good standing unanimously elected Hawai’i Chapter President Stephen Dinion and Rochester, N.Y. Chapter President Bess Watts as their representatives. Please join us in welcoming them to the NEB.” Bess Watts is a community leader in Rochester and involved with many progressive organizations. She is employed at Monroe Community College at the Brighton Campus, serving student’s needs at the Leroy V. Good Library as an interlibrary

reducing the burdens on the patient and their family members associated with traveling to and from hospitals.”

Oral chemotherapy is a significant medical advancement.

However, due to a classification by insurance companies, many patients cannot reap the benefits of this advance. As this chemotherapy treatment comes in the form of a pill, it is classified as a prescription treatment by insurance companies and is subject to higher co-pays with limited coverage.

Most patients must pay outof-pocket in the highest drug price category leading to the majority of patients paying tens of thousands of dollars or putting it out of reach altogether.

This means that many patients have to go to the hospital for the traditional intravenous or injectable form of chemotherapy usually covered under most medical benefits.

“I am proud to sponsor this legislation that will allow more patients to receive this breakthrough treatment,” Bronson continued. “In addition to being able to do the treatment in their own home, the patients don’t suffer from the debilitating side effects of hair loss and nausea.

Patients can also sleep through the treatment as the pill is taken at bedtime. Oral chemotherapy treatment will allow so many patients to start living their lives again.”

This amendment to the New York State Insurance Law that

A3 loan specialist.

She has served as president since the creation of the Rochester-Finger Lakes Pride At Work chapter in 2007. In 2009 she was elected President of Civil Service Employees Association Local 828, representing 3,500 Monroe County workers in 21 bargaining units.

Bess is a delegate to the Rochester Labor Council. Her dedication to the labor and LGBT movements was recognized by the council in 2008, when Rochester-Finger Lakes Pride at Work was awarded the Community Solidarity Award. In her workplace, she was instrumental in the “Safe Zone Project” for which her employer awarded Bess and her co-workers the League of Innovation in 2011.

Under Bess’s leadership, the Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride At Work has built unprecedented support for LGBT issues in the labor community. The chapter has led rallies for equal marriage, drawn attention to unfair taxation of same-sex couples at Tax Day protests, and made award-winning Labor Day parade floats.

The chapter participated in One Nation Working Together rallies in Washington, D.C. and Rochester. Bess frequently speaks on behalf of labor and LGBT persons to the Rochester media and volunteers for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley’s Speakers Bureau program.

Bess married Anne Tischer in 2004; they were the first same sex couple to apply for a marriage license in Rochester (they were refused). Having finally won marriage equality in New York, they are planning a honeymoon and considering how to overturn DOMA. ■

corrects the discrepancy in chemotherapy treatment payment passed both the Senate and Assembly and will be sent to the Governor for his signature.

NYC restores funds for homeless youth The New York City Council has restored $7,170,000 of the funds for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs in the budget agreement with the Mayor reached the first week in July.

Following a cut of $7.3 million proposed by Mayor Bloomberg, the restoration negotiated by the City Council has prevented the loss of numerous beds and support services. LGBT youth, who make up 40 percent of New York City’s homeless youth population, would have been disproportionately harmed had these restorations not been achieved.

Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center, said: “The budget proposed by the Mayor, following a 50 percent cut in state support, would have devastated the meager infrastructure of support for our youth. Hundreds of shelter beds would have been lost, and countless young lives would have been endangered. I am deeply grateful to City Council Youth Services Chair Lew Fidler for his determined and passionate advocacy for homeless youth, and to Speaker Christine Quinn for her steadfast support. In the context of a very difficult bud(Homeless continue page 8)

4 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

NewsFronts national and international Gays, allies react to NYS marriage victory The Family Equality Council: “On behalf of the one million LGBT parents raising two million children in our country today, I want to thank Governor Cuomo, the Senate and Assembly, and the people of New York,” said Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of the Family Equality Council.

“New York alone is home to 7,200 of those same-sex couples and 14,000 of their children. Those children need the legal security afforded by marriage. They want to know that both their parents can visit them in the hospital if they’re sick; provide for them in a will; pick them up for school; register them for summer camp; apply for their passport or do any of the thousands of other things that parents do to protect and provide for their kids.

“Marriage also sends a strong message to children that their parents have publicly demonstrated their love and commitment to one other and that their families are recognized and valued by society. Our children understand the most fundamental meaning of the word marriage -- that marriage defines family in a way that no other word can. Today, we join New Yorkers in celebrating their victory for marriage equality and look forward to the day when all Americans can enjoy the same rights, benefits and protections.”

Freedom to Marry “Winning the freedom to marry in New York truly is a transformative moment for committed couples and for our country, a triumph for love and equality under the law,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “Now that we’ve made it here, we’ll make it everywhere -- and as Americans’ hearts open and minds continue to change in favor of the freedom to marry, the momentum coming from New York’s giant step forward brings a nationwide end to marriage discrimination closer than ever.”

AFER Chad Griffin, Co-Founder and Board President of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), noted the broader significance of the vote: “New Yorkers have plenty to celebrate this Pride Month. There’s no doubt that today will be revered as a major turning point in civil rights history. A bipartisan group of legislators have affirmed that equal rights for every citizen is not a partisan issue, but an American value.

“Yet for millions of Americans who do not live in New York, Washington DC, or the five other states that have recog-

nized the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian Americans, they are still suffering the injustice of discrimination every day.

“The freedom to marry is a constitutional liberty and the birthright of every American. Constitutional rights belong to every individual, regardless of the state you inhabit. This has recently been affirmed within the past year by federal courts in our nation’s most prominent civil rights cases.

“A federal court ruled Proposition 8, California’s ban on marriage for gay and lesbian citizens, unconstitutional, stating that “...Because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

“The U.S. Department of Justice and the federal courts found the ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ unconstitutional because it unfairly discriminates against gay and lesbian marriages.

“Now, Prop. 8 is hanging by a thread and marriage equality in California is closer than ever, guaranteeing permanent and full equality for all gay and lesbian Californians, and ultimately for all Americans.

“Simultaneously, public opinion has also been rapidly shifting. No less than six national polls have found that a clear majority of the American public now embraces the freedom to marry for all.

“We are beginning to see the dark walls of discrimination crumble.

“The American Foundation for Equal Rights will continue its work in the federal courts and will not stop until all Americans have the same rights, including the freedom to marry, as guaranteed by our Constitution.

“We would like to express our appreciation and admiration for the unrelenting efforts of the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition. They deserve enormous gratitude for their effective advocacy in the legislature, as do all New Yorkers who spoke up and lobbied their elected officials to take a stand against inequality and discrimination.”

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force “This is a profoundly moving and historic moment for New York. … This vote affirms our common humanity. It means same-sex couples will no longer have to cross state lines to marry. It means New York lives up to its reputation as a national leader. It honors New York’s unique history as being the place where the modern gay rights movement sprang to life,” stated Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

Human Rights Campaign “Soon, New Yorkers young and old will be able to marry whomever they choose. Loving, committed couples will be recognized by law. And the cause of equality will have advanced yet again, in one of our nation’s largest states. New York joins just five other states and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex couples to marry,” said Executive Director Joe Solmonese.

“But this isn’t just a victory for New Yorkers – it’s a victory for supporters of equality nationwide. It brings us closer to the day when fair treatment is not just a hope or an aspiration, but a reality.

“The truth is, you and I both know we won’t win every fight along the way.

But even the most heartbreaking losses are only temporary detours on the path to full equality. When we stand together, fight smart, and refuse to give up on a dream, we will get there in the end – just as we have in New York.”

Christine Quinn NYC City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said, “When I was a little girl and dreamed I would one day get married, I never imagined that it would take tonight’s Senate action to make that dream come true. Tonight’s historic Senate vote is a great moment for all New Yorkers. New York State’s recognition of marriage equality for same sex couples is an extraordinary step towards full equality for LGBT people. Tonight’s sweet victory in Albany will be felt all across America. At long last, the change we have fought for will be seen in the lives of families throughout our great state, including my own.

“Our community has come a long way from the pre-Stonewall days where people had to deny their own existence and fear recognition from others. This successful vote was made possible by the hard work of many, many New Yorkers. We organized, rallied, called, wrote, emailed, and tweeted, demanding equal rights. Not only LGBT New Yorkers, but our parents and friends, neighbors and co-workers.

This is a victory for LGBT families, but really it is a victory for all New Yorkers.

“Our thanks go to Governor Cuomo, who made this one of his top priorities and never wavered. He is a true hero to our community. Majority Leader Skelos, Minority Leader Sampson and Senator Duane put in tremendous work to pass this bill and deserve our deep gratitude. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell have been relentless champions of our cause. Tonight would never have happened without the tireless sweat and work of all the members of the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition and the countless supporters whose belief and persistence gave Senate the loud and clear message to extend marriage equality to all New Yorkers. Thanks to my Council colleagues and Mayor Bloomberg for their eloquent calls for equality…. Today true equality is closer than ever.”

Richard Gottfried

Richard N. Gottfried, the original sponsor of the Assembly bill in 2003, stated, “This is a great day for New York.

Legislators in both houses from both parties followed their moral compasses to point the way to extend this fundamental human right -- marriage -- to same sex couples.

“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s activism for same-sex marriage was critical to the bill’s success. He recognizes that discrimination against same-sex families is profoundly wrong.

“For years I have said that same-sex couples should have the same right as others to the legal and social protections, responsibilities, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable families help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and fairness to all New Yorkers, this bill says that the love, commitment, and families of same-sex couples are entitled to the same recognition the law gives to any couple.”

GetEQUAL “Today, New York has agreed with the majority of this country’s population that supports equal marriage rights for all,” said Robin McGehee, director of GetEQUAL, a national LGBT civil rights organization emphasizing direct action and nonviolent civil disobedience. “Though we were disappointed by the President’s lip service to our community yesterday, we’re thrilled that New York legislators understand the vital importance of recognizing the fundamental humanity of LGBT Americans.

“National concerns, such as transgender-inclusive employment non-discrimination, full and open access to public accommodations, safe schools, equal access to health care, and open military service remain key issues to the LGBT community, and GetEQUAL continues to advocate for the full federal equality of LGBT Americans while celebrating this win.”

PFLAG National (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) “We applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State legislature for their historic vote in favor of marriage equality. This step towards equal civil rights -- in one of the largest states in our nation -- affirms recent polls that most Americans are now in favor of marriage equality for our LGBT loved ones.

PFLAG mothers and fathers all over the state of New York will be celebrating with their sons and daughters, who can now legally marry the people they love in their hometowns,” said Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of PFLAG National.

“After years of actively fighting for marriage equality in New York State, I am elated that both of my sons -- gay and straight -- will now have the same basic civil right to marry the person they love in the state in which they were raised,” said Dale Bernstein, PFLAG National Board Member, PFLAG Mom, and lifelong New York resident.

Catholics for Equality Catholics for Equality, a national orga-

A5

AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet nization of Catholics who put their faith into ethical and effective political action on behalf of the LGBT community and their families, joined the overwhelming majority of Catholics across the country in applauding fellow Catholics, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Catholic state legislators of New York, for bringing marriage equality to their state. The group also voiced concerns over the mean-spirited response made by the Catholic bishops of New York.

“Governor Cuomo’s support for marriage equality represented not only the will of the majority of New Yorkers, but the will of the majority of Catholics throughout the state,” said Catholics for Equality Executive Director Phil Attey.

“Governor Cuomo follows the legacy of President John F. Kennedy in reaffirming that American Catholics can be trusted in our political system to be faithful Catholics, while being champions of the Constitution and the ideals upon which our nation was founded.”

An April 2011 Siena College Research Institute poll found that 59 percent of Catholics in New York, who make up 40 percent of the population, support civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

This statistic follows national polling this year showing supermajorities of American Catholics support civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Despite this overwhelming support within the Catholic community and wide reaching religious exemptions in the final version, the bishops of New York and the New York Catholic Conference mounted the largest campaign against the marriage equality bill. The immediate response of the bishops to the bill’s passage was a hostile letter forbidding any Catholic school in the state to allow pro-equality legislators to participate in school events.

“This not only harms Catholic youth by preventing them access to their elected officials, but more damagingly sends the message to them that there is no room for them to form their consciences on social issues,” says Catholics for Equality Foundation Director Joseph Palacios. Palacios, a professor of sociology, went on to say, “Primacy of Conscience has been a cornerstone of Catholicism for generations.

To teach our youth to be autobots on any issue betrays that tradition.”

AMA: denial of marriage is discriminatory With New York State now the sixth and largest state to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage, the American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a policy position declaring that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is “discriminatory” and reaffirming existing AMA policy to support relationship recognition of gay and lesbian couples as a means of addressing health disparities faced by those couples and their families.

“With this deliberate policy statement by the American Medical Association,

the nation’s doctors diagnose the pain and injury that exclusion from marriage inflicts on lesbian and gay couples, their children, and loved ones – and make clear that ending marriage discrimination is the cure,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “The AMA now joins every other mainstream public health organization in America in making the case for providing the freedom to marry – and the critical safetynet that comes with marriage – to loving, committed same-sex couples.”

Brazil approves first same sex marriage On June 27, a Brazilian state judge approved Brazil’s first same sex marriage.

Judge Fernando Henrique Pinto ruled that two gay men could convert their civil union into a full legal marriage.

In May, Brazil’s Supreme Court cleared the way for recognition of civil unions, but did not extend recognition to marriage. The court stated that Pinto made his decision based on the Brazilian top court’s civil unions ruling and on Brazil’s constitution, which gives guidelines on how civil unions can be converted to marriage. (AP)

Calif. school must revise its bullying policy The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on July 1 applauded a major settlement reached by the Departments of Justice and Education highlighting the importance of comprehensive policies, effective training and data-driven accountability to preventing bullying and harassment of LGBT students.

In 2010, 13-year-old Jacobsen Middle School student Seth Walsh committed suicide after he was the victim of severe harassment due to his nonconformity with gender stereotypes. An investigation found that despite being notified of the harassment, the Tehachapi Unified School District in Tehachapi, Calif. failed to adequately investigate or respond. Under the agreement announced July 1, the district is required to prevent and respond to gender-based harassment at its schools, and undertake district-wide efforts to eliminate the hostile environment resulting from the peer-on-peer harassment of any student.

“This settlement is a huge and melancholy victory in the on-going fight for safe, supportive schools for all students, and the first closure of any kind in the cases that rocked the nation last fall,” said GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard.

“My heart goes out to the Walsh family and our thoughts are with them today, as this step forward for the students of Tehachapi has come at an unimaginable cost.”

As a result of this landmark ruling, the school district will revise its policies related to sexual or gender-based harassment and will provide mandatory trainings on

these types of harassment for all students, teachers, administrators and staff.

The district will also form an advisory committee made up of administrators, students and parents to advise the district on sex-based harassment. Other requirements include filing compliance reports, assessing the school’s harassment climate, continually monitoring for harassment and holding mandatory community and parent meetings.

Hate violence report: people of color, trans people most targeted The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), in a national audio press conference on July 12, released its report Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2010.

NCAVP collected data concerning hate violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIVaffected people, from 17 anti-violence programs in 15 states across the country including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin.

In 2010, NCAVP documented 27 anti-LGBTQ murders, the second highest yearly total ever recorded by the coalition.

This is a 23 percent increase from the 22 people murdered in 2009.

Seventy percent of the 27 reported hate murder victims in 2010 were LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color, which represented 44 percent of total survivors and victims. This reflects a disproportionate targeting of people of color for severe and deadly violence. As well, people of color were less likely to receive medical attention when they needed it and less likely to receive appropriate responses from the police.

Transgender women made up 44 percent of the 27 reported hate murders in 2010, while representing only 11 percent of total survivors and victims. As well, transgender people were more likely to have injuries as a result of attacks and less likely to receive medical care.

“This increase in murders signals a pattern of severe, ongoing violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities,” said Jake Finney from L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles, California.

“Transgender individuals and people of color face multiple forms of discrimination on the basis of race, gender identity and other factors, which can make them more vulnerable to severe violence,” said Maria Carolina Morales from Community United Against Violence in San Francisco, California. “Additionally, the general public, law enforcement, and the media may be less inclined to address, prevent and respond to violence against these communities, making this violence seem invisible and ignored.”

NCAVP documented a 13 percent increase in hate violence incidents from 2009 to 2010, as well as a much greater increase in the severity of violence. “The findings of this report are troubling and reveal a need for the serious commitment of organizations, institutions, funders and policymakers towards research and the prevention of violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected individuals,” said Sandhya Luther from the Colorado AntiViolence Program in Denver, Colorado.

“Our recommendations represent crucial steps for ending violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected people in this country.”

The report’s specific recommendations include calling for the following changes: Fund critically needed research and data collection on hate violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities, their access to services, and violence prevention initiatives.

Gather data about sexual orientation and gender identity in all federal, state and local government forms.

Create new public and private funding streams and target the use of existing funds to increase access to anti-violence services for LGBTQ and HIV-affected individuals, particularly for those disproportionately affected by hate violence—i.e. transgender people and people of color.

Create programs and campaigns to reduce anti-LGBTQ hate violence. Prioritize the leadership of those most impacted by severe hate violence within these programs.

Stop the culture of hate through policymakers and public figures denouncing anti-LGBTQ violence.

This year’s report also includes reallife stories from LGBTQ survivors of hate violence to call immediate and necessary attention to the need to end the culture violence in which these incidents of hate violence occur.

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

California passes gay history education bill The Advocate reported in early July, “Sponsored by gay senator Mark Leno, the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act ‘ensures that the historical contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are accurately and fairly portrayed in instructional materials by adding LGBT people to the existing list of under-represented cultural and ethnic groups already included in the state’s inclusionary education requirements,’ according to Leno’s office.

“The bill passed the California Assembly by a vote of 49-25; it passed the Senate in April and was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in July.”

Anti-gay groups have been especially inventive with their lies about what Leno’s bill will really mean for schoolchildren, according to Towleroad.com.

(NewsFronts continues page 8)

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6 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

Interview Susan Kramarsky

By Susan Jordan Susan Kramarsky has been Brighton Town Clerk for 11 years. Seven years ago she promised same sex couples who applied for marriage licenses that she would keep their names on file and contact them when marriage equality became a reality. Now that time has come.

Kramarsky told The Empty Closet, “I started this in 2004 when we thought passage was imminent. Without sufficient forethought, I said I’d keep a list so when the law passed (I thought in five or 10 minutes) I’d get in touch with people.

Who knew it would take so long!”

Kramarsky feels she underestimated the extent of homophobia in society and the conservative determination to exploit that prejudice in order to win votes.

“There was something in a New York paper recently about a conservative saying that ‘no civilization has been able to survive after recognizing homosexuality.’ I

mean, come on! I think we will look back on this and wonder what the fuss was all about. We’ll think of statements like that as we now think of the attitude ‘If Jews or blacks move into the neighborhood the sky will fall.’”

She says, “I didn’t grow up with the idea that gay people are terrible or are anything but people. I don’t get it.”

In July she announced that Brighton Town Hall would be open on Sunday, July 24 to accommodate same sex couples requesting licenses on the very day that same sex marriage became legal. Many other municipalities, including Rochester and New York City, did the same.

“By the time this issue is out,” she said, “this will be old news.” She said that by mid-July Brighton had already received a dozen applications from same sex couples.

Thirty nine couples applied for licenses at Rochester City Hall on June 24, and over 2,500 had applied in NYC by July 21.

“We’ve redoubled our efforts to let people know about the documentation they will need to get a license. We have a script we give to all applicants for marriage licenses,” she said. “By August we will know what will happen and everyone in this office will be able to handle it.”

As well as wishing to do the right thing, Kramarsky also feels that the new law will be financially profitable for the town. “I must say I am very anxious to bring in revenue for Brighton,” she said.

A marriage license costs $40. In addition to such fees, the Empire State Pride Agenda has estimated revenue amounting to as much as $394 million a year, coming from all the expenses of putting on a wedding. Florists, tuxedo shops, hotels, wedding planners and many similar businesses will get money which until now has

been heading out of state.

Kramarsky added, “I can’t really speak to what economic benefits will result for local merchants like bridal shops. I did talk to one couple who told me that they had moved out of Rochester and now that this had passed, they are moving back and I am going to perform their marriage!”

Kramarsky recently announced her candidacy for the primary election for Brighton Town Supervisor. Current Supervisor Sandra Frankel will be running against Maggie Brooks for the position of Monroe County Executive.

“At this point, I have a powerful campaign committee working,” she said. “I turned in 1,000 signatures on my petition to run in the primary. It’s a big effort and the response has been amazing. People know my work here, who I am and what this is all about.

“I think there are two issues – first, service to our residents and second, what can be done about the mindset on service. For instance, if someone needs something notarized and can’t make it to the office due to illness, we will come to them.

“There’s a need for fiscal responsibility,” Kramarsky continued. “These are hard times for everyone, including government.

We need to start with a clean slate and determine what’s right for this town. We need to learn what’s important today, rather than in the past, because we don’t have infinite resources. The good thing is, we’re starting from a position of strength – Sandy Frankel is leaving this town with good principles

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and good people and a good track record.

We just need to go forward, understanding that all of this will require some hard decisions. On the simplest level we will need to make choices about leaf pick up versus library v. recreation v. open hours at Town Hall. These are all hard issues that we can’t take for granted.

“Blessedly, the Town of Brighton is not in dire straits, but we want to stay ahead of that. Our job is to leave this place better than we found it.”

Kramarsky ended, “I’d like EC readers to know that I celebrate civil rights. That’s what is important to me.” ■

How to get a license In Rochester: Go to cityofrochester.gov/marriagelicense for information on obtaining a license, or cityofrochester.gov/marriageceremonies or call 585-428-7421 to arrange a wedding in City Hall.

In Brighton: To schedule an appointment to get a license, call 585-784-5240.

Applicants must bring a birth certificate with raised seal, government issued photo ID and documentation of the dissolution of previous marriage(s).

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AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet ( Pride from page 3) well over 15,000 spectators and marchers participated.

“People are excited,” said Jessica Messmer, 33, of Buffalo. Standing near the corner of Goodman St. and University Ave. with two other friends from western New York, she said, “I have attended some Rochester Pride events before, but this one has a different energy. This is a great day.”

The marriage victory seemed to lend extra jubilance to the bands, floats, motorcycle riders, community groups, faith congregations and exuberant crowds.

Members of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus sang “Chapel of Love”.

As the Youth Group of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley marched, members chanted, “Hey hey, ho ho, homophobia has got to go.” The Youth Group was costumed as characters from “Peter Pan,” complete with a giant crocodile chasing “Capt. Hook” (Gay Alliance staff member Laur McSpadden). Youth Pride King Matt Shadows and Queen Ameriah Milano accepted the plaudits of the crowds along the route.

Former Rochester Mayor and now Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy marched behind the giant wedding cake sponsored by the Rochester Marriage Coalition/New Yorkers United for Marriage, as people waved signs thanking him, Governor Cuomo and other elected officials who had supported or voted for the marriage equality legislation.

State Assemblyman Harry Bronson, D-Rochester, also took time out of his busy schedule to make sure he marched in this year’s parade. Bronson told The Empty Closet, “I think it’s a wonderful celebration of diversity and civil rights and respect for the LGBT community, especially this year because of the passage of marriage equality.”

Other officials and political candidates present included Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard, Sandra Frankel, Joe Morelle, Dick Beebe, Judge Karen Morris, Elaine Spaull and Carla Palumbo.

The Fire Department’s hook and ladder truck took part again this year.

Pride Festival draws thousands After the parade, crowds lined up on College Avenue in the historic Neighborhood of the Arts to attend the Pride Festival in the Auditorium Theatre parking lot. Festival organizers estimated nearly 6,000 people shopped local vendor booths and browsed LGBT specific goods and services. The Festival was hosted by Rochester’s own international celebrity housewife, Kasha Davis.

After the flash mob dance to “Born This Way,” everyone partied well into the evening, applauding entertainers Melissa Ferrick, Pawan and Pepper Mashay, and glamorous Rochester and Upstate New York Queens, on the Three Olives Vodka stage.

Pride Co-Chairs Michael Hardy and Carrie Vernon, along with Parade CoChairs Bill Schaefer and Heidi Simmons, handed out the parade awards. The prize-winning units were: Ruby Slipper Award, AIDS Care; Muther’s Show Stopper Award, Equal Grounds; Stonewall Award, GAGV Youth; Rainbow Award, 140 Alex; Community Award , Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus.

Michael Hardy said, “Peter Mohr of The Bachelor Forum and The Holiday Inn, as well as Tim Tompkins of One, went above and beyond as sponsors and deserve a special thanks, as do Kasha Davis and her hubby Steve.

“Evelyn Bailey should be mentioned for the dedication she has shown this year and in the past -- always willing to give of her own money and time to be sure there is a little something extra, like flowers for the drag queens performing at the festival, getting a unit in the parade like FagBug and doing something as simple as having a sprinkler at the park on a extraordinarily hot picnic Sunday.

“Lastly, I would just like to state the past three years working as Chair or Co Chair on this fundraising and awareness

adventure for GAGV has taught me a lot about the Alliance, staff, volunteers and myself and though it has been rewarding in a number of ways (mostly in giving GAGV and Rochester’s LGBT community the high visibility they/we deserve), I am glad to be handing this over to Carrie Vernon and her new committee of seasoned volunteers and recruits-to-be.

I believe in traditions, but I also believe in innovation and I think Carrie and her 2012 Team will really grow and nurture the events we have worked so hard on and will allow Pride to evolve as our community has and will continue to do.

Everyone should be involved -- Pride is for everyone and our community needs to continue to step up, read The Empty Closet and rely on GAGV’s website to be engaged! THANK YOU to all those who participated, whether for a year or a couple of hours!”

“Everybody has really good energy,” said Jessica LaPonte, 22, of Henrietta.

LaPonte was standing on the festival site near the Walgreens exhibit, with several friends, including pal Ashley Ciccarelli, 23, of Rochester. This was LaPonte’s first Rochester Pride, but she has attended many Pride events in New York City and says the Rochester organizers really know how to throw a party.

“I think celebrating Pride is all about equality. I’m having a lot of fun, and the weather is great.” Asked what Pride Week means to her, she responded, “It gives a positive image of the gay community, and that being gay is an acceptable thing to be.”

Ciccarelli told The Empty Closet, “I’ve been to many Rochester Prides before and this one is the best ever.”

Festival organizers were quick to point out that the sun and humid high temperatures got to several festival go-ers late in the afternoon, many of them seeking help from EMTs for heat exhaustion.

Picnic at Genesee Valley Park On Sunday, July 17, more than 2,000 attended the annual Pride Picnic, which

A7 included more than 25 vendors, an antique car show and DJ dancing in the roundhouse. See page A 19 for picnic site design winners.

Evelyn Bailey, long-time lead organizer for the picnic, told The Empty Closet, “Things went off without a hitch. People really seemed to be enjoying themselves again this year, despite the hot weather.”

The high for the day reached the 90s, but was tempered by a strong breeze.

Those who attended the picnic got a double treat. The Blue Angels were performing their show at the airport and did many fly-overs of the park, to the delight of many in the crowd. ■ ( Youth from page 1) our picture taken with Rufus Wainright at the reception.”

When asked about the president’s remarks on gay rights issues, Dontaee said, “I felt like he was honest and meant what he said. In addition to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the President talked about understanding that LGBTQ people have to ‘be patient’ about rights. He was very inspiring.”

Asked what he’ll remember, Dontaee said, “Going to the White House with Jess and shaking President Obama’s hand.”

Jessica Cohen, Gay Alliance Youth Services Coordinator, has been a board member of the Rochester chapter of GLSEN since 2005. Currently, she serves as the adult coordinator of the local youth leadership Jump-Start team. Dontaee asked Jess to accompany him to the White House.

Obama’s remarks The President cited the gay rights advances his administration has made and said, “Now, I don’t have to tell the people in this room we’ve got a ways to go in the struggle, how many people are still denied their basic rights as Americans, who are still in particular circumstances treated as ( Youth continues page 14)

8 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011 local and state

(Homeless continued from page 3) getary climate, this is a terrific victory for our youth “ The total amount of funding dedicated to Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs in the new budget is approximately $12 million, about $150,000 less than in last year’s budget. A census of homeless youth in New York City was released by the Empire State Coalition of Youth and Family Services in 2008, which indicated that almost 4,000 youth experience homelessness in NYC, over 1,000 of whom are LGBT. There are fewer than 400 youth shelter beds in New York City.

The restoration of funding follows the June 24 launch of a campaign to unite the LGBT community in calling on New York City and New York State to commit to providing shelter to every homeless youth in NYC. The campaign was launched by the Ali Forney Center, in collaboration with the Empire State Pride Agenda, Green Chimneys, Bronx Pride Center, and Congregation Beit Simchat Torah.

Children Awaiting Parents to give info It costs nothing to adopt a child from the foster care system and you don’t have to be married, rich, or own a home.

Post adoption services and financial assistance are available to help meet the needs of the child. If you want to learn more about the adoption process, join Children Awaiting Parents for an adoption information meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at City Hall, 30 Church St. The meeting will be in room 008A. For more information, contact Veronica Black, Community Outreach Specialist, at Veronica@ capbook.org or (585)232-5110.

Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. (CAP) is a national, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. (www.ChildrenAwaitingParents.org) ■

national and international

(Newsfronts continued from page 5)

Obama signs off on DADT repeal; goes into effect on Sept. 20 On July 23, the Pentagon delivered certification of the DADT repeal to the White House. President Obama signed it and sent it to Congress. Within 60 days (Sept. 20), DADT will be history.

The certification officially states that the military has completed its review of the repeal and can confirm that the armed forces’ implementation of the repeal and the transition to open service will not affect unit cohesion or readiness. Lesbian, gay and bisexual troops can begin serving openly 60 days from the July 21 certification. In addition, those who wish to enlist and join the armed forces will no longer need to lie about their sexual orientation in order to do so.

For updates and reactions from LGBT organizations and individuals, see “Empty Closet News” on www.gayalliance.org.

On July 7 a panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit re-instituted an injunction barring the military from enforcing the ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members.

The court concluded that, with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal being implemented and certification of the new policy forthcoming, the government would not be burdened by ceasing enforcement at this time.

The order was issued in the appeal of Log Cabin Republicans v. Panetta (formerly Gates), a case challenging the constitutionality of the DADT law.

Obama names lesbian to West Point board President Obama on July 5 named Brenda S. Fulton, a retired Army Captain

who is also a lesbian, to the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy at West Point, making her the first openly LGBT person to serve there.

Fulton’s military career began in 1980, when she was one of the first women to graduate from West Point, and led her to a five-year stint in Germany. She eventually became a captain and left with an honorable discharge.

After leaving the service, Fulton realized she is a lesbian and began campaigning against homophobia in the military, eventually co-founding Knights Out, a group for LGBT West Point graduates, as well as OutServe, an organization that represents service members who cannot reveal their sexual identity.

Remarking on her new appointment, Fulton said she hopes “it (will) symbolize to all people gay and straight that anti-gay bias in the military is a thing of the past.

“I would hope it would tell them that if you’re willing to serve your country and you’re qualified, other factors don’t matter,” she said. “I see my role as in some sense helping West Point send that message -- that we respect all people equally.

That’s part of our values, that’s part of our code.”

Man raped, killed lesbians because “God said to attack enemies” A Seattle man on trial for the 2009 rape and fatal stabbing of a lesbian couple told the court that God had instructed him to commit the crime.

“I was there and I was told by my God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to attack my enemies, and I did so,” Isaiah Kalebu said under questioning by one of his lawyers.

The trial started in June, but the testimony three weeks later was the first time jurors had seen Kalebu, who was previously so disruptive in court that the judge barred him from attending. He watched

the trial via closed circuit television from another courtroom before indicating he wanted to exercise his constitutional right to testify in his own defense.

Kalebu is accused of slipping in an open window of the couple’s home in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood and repeatedly raping and stabbing them during a two-hour attack. One woman, Teresa Butz, died naked and blood-soaked in the street in front of her home as neighbors tried to help. Her partner survived and told the jury that Kalebu was the man who did it.

Kalebu was convicted of all charges (including first degree murder) and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

RELATED: Teresa Butz was the sister of multiple Tony Award winning Broadway actor Norbert Leo Butz, who recently won for his lead role in “Catch Me If You Can”.

N.J. couples sue state for marriage rights Seven gay and lesbian New Jersey couples, along with many of their children, are going to court to try to force the state to recognize gay marriage.

The families say in their legal complaint that the state’s civil union law designed to give gay couples the same legal protections as married couples has not fulfilled that promise.

One man says he was denied being able to make urgent medical decisions for his partner. Another saw his partner and children’s health insurance canceled by a skeptical auditor. One woman had to jump through legal hoops to adopt the baby of her civil union.

Along with the gay advocacy groups Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal, the couples announced details of the lawsuit on June 29. The lawsuit, to be filed in state court, comes less than a week after (NewsFronts continues on page 14)

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AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

2011

R O C H E S T E R

GAY DAY AT SEABREEZE: Sue Cowell (left) and volunteers check out the merry-go-round at Seabreeze on July 9. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Honorary Grand Marshal Pam Barres was presented with a stained glass ornament at the Flag Raising. Photo: Patrick Long (Methens_Lair@yahoo.com)

PRIDE FAMILY DAY AT MAG: Forty families enjoyed the free family events at the Memorial Art Gallery on July 16. Photo: Ove Overmyer

RAINBOW FLAG RAISING: City Hall Atrium was the site of the Rainbow Flag Raising on July 8. Photo: Jim Wilkins

PRIDE KICK-OFF: Mr. Gay Pride Nouveo Orleans, Miss Gay Pride Keke Velasquez Lord, Miss Gay Rochester V’ta Valentino and Michael Hardy at the kick off party at the Holiday Inn Airport on July 15. Photo: Jim Wilkins

YOUTH PRIDE PAGEANT: Youth Pride King Matt Shadows and Pride Queen Ameriah Milano won their titles at Tilt on July 11. Photo: Jim Wilkins

PRIDE BRUNCH: Aggy Dune was one of the performers at the Drag Brunch at Edibles on July 10. Photo: Jim Wilkins

TEA PARTY AT ONE: Nominated Grand Marshals are well received at Pride Week Tea Dance on July 10 at One Restaurant. L-R: Bess Watts, Anne Tischer, Todd Plank, Thomas Warfield, Michael Kiefer and Catherine Bunce. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Pride Tea Party patrons overflow out on to the patio deck at ONE. Photo: Ove Overmyer

The outside patio deck at ONE was packed for the Annual Pride Tea Dance on Sunday, July 10. From left to right: Jason Holmes, Gabrielle Ryan and T. Lewis.

Photo: Ove Overmyer

Miss Gay Rochester V’ta Valentino at the kick off party. Photo: Ove Overmyer

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10 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

photo: ove overmyer

Jeannie/Tinkerbelle pedals the Roc City Rickshaw bearing Youth Pride King Matt Shadows. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Honorary Grand Marshal Pam Barres. Photo: Ove Overmyer

photo: jim wilkins photo: ove overmyer

photo: ove overmyer

Flower City Pride Band

Kasha Davis as Snow White.

Photo: Ove Overmyer

Gay Alliance Youth Group

Capt. Hook (Laur McSpadden) is pursued down Park Ave. by the crocodile. Photo: Jim Wilkins

photo: ove overmyer

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2011

R O C H E S T E R

AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

2011

R O C H E S T E R

photo: jim wilkins

FESTIVAL: M.C. Kasha Davis.

Photo: Jim Wilkins

Around 6,000 attended the Festival. Photo: Ove Overmyer

photo: jim wilkins

photo: ove overmyer

photo: jim wilkins

Thomas Warfield. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Pepper Mashay greets a fan. Photo: Jim Wilkins

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12 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

NYC Pride

by James Wilkins

Sen. Schumer bumps fists with a tiny constituent.

NYC’S Pride Parade was June 26, two days after the victory.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo receives the applause of grateful New Yorkers. Photo: Karen Wilkins

NYC Pride

by Eric Bellmann

At the Rooftop Garden Lounge party on June 25. Photo: Karen Wilkins

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AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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14 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011 national and international

( NJ couples from page 8) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law allowing gay marriage in that neighboring state. But it’s the latest step in a nine-year legal battle in New Jersey.

States afford gay couples a hodgepodge of rights. New Jersey is one of seven states that offer the same legal protections of marriage, but call it either civil unions or domestic partnerships.

New Jersey’s civil union law is cast as the villain in the suit.

“The separate and inherently unequal statutory scheme singles out lesbians and gay men for inferior treatment on the basis of their sexual orientation and sex and also has a profoundly stigmatizing effect on them, their children and other lesbian and gay New Jerseyans,” the claim says.

Their lawyer, Lambda Legal’s Hayley Gorenberg, said most people in places like medical offices don’t want to discriminate against them, but don’t understand the rights conferred through civil unions.

Tom Davidson and Keith Heimann, of Shrewsbury, have been a couple for 24 years and have two adopted daughters. Heimann has health insurance for the family through his teaching job at Brookdale Communuity College, but says it was canceled for Davidson and the girls for months when a state-hired auditor questioned whether their civil union was legal.

Elena Quinones says she and her partner, Liz, spent about $10,000 for Liz to adopt their son Ian when Elena gave birth to him two years ago. And the Phillipsburg couple always travels with a binder that includes his birth certificate, their civil union certificate and other documents so that they can prove their relationship in places like doctors’ offices. “We’re still forced to justify ourselves,” she said in an interview.

If they were married, she said, those problems would be gone. “When you say you’re married, it’s universal,” she said. “You say ‘civil union,’ it’s like you’re speaking another language.”

Last year, John Grant of Asbury Park was nearly killed when he was hit by a car. His partner, Danny Weiss, said hospital staff did not understand what a civil union meant and summoned Grant’s sister from Delaware to make care decisions that Weiss should have been able to make.

Speaking on the radio station New Jersey 101.5, Gov. Chris Christie said the state would defend the civil union law. He also said he is willing to improve it. “I don’t want same-sex couples to be deprived of legal rights,” he said, then adding, in contradiction of himself: “Marriage is an institution that has centuries-old implications in both religious and cultural institutions. I believe it should remain between one man and one woman.”

The civil unions law was enacted a few months after New Jersey’s top court in late 2006 ordered the state to extend to gay couples the legal rights and protections that married couples receive.

Lawmakers stopped short of recognizing same-sex marriages. Gay rights groups pledged to push for full marriage rights.

They mounted a major push to get a same-sex marriage law passed by the beginning of 2010, before Christie, a Republican who opposes marriage equality, replaced Democrat Jon Corzine as governor. But the advocates, opposed by social conservative groups and the state’s Roman Catholic bishops, could not muster the votes to pass it.

Gay rights groups tried to get the state Supreme Court to take up the original case again last year, but the court said no, setting up the latest lawsuit. In June, Democratic state Senate President Stephen Sweeney apologized for abstaining on the gay-marriage vote. He said he had done what was politically expedient rather than what was right. ■

(Youth continued from page 7) second-class citizens, or still fearful when they walk down the street or down the hall at school. Many of you have devoted your lives to the cause of equality. So you all know that we’ve got more work to do...

“But the bottom line is, I am hopeful. I’m hopeful because of the changes we’ve achieved just in these past two years. Think about it. It’s astonishing.

Progress that just a few years ago people would have thought was impossible. And more than that, what gives me hope is the deeper shift that we’re seeing that’s a transformation not just in our laws but in the hearts and minds of people -- the progress led not by Washington but by ordinary citizens.

“It’s propelled not by politics but by love and friendship and a sense of mutual regard and mutual respect. It’s playing out in legislatures like New York. (Applause.)

It’s playing out in courtrooms. It’s playing out in the ballot box, as people argue

and debate over how to bring about the changes where we are creating a more perfect union. But it’s also happening around water coolers. It’s happening at Thanksgiving tables. It’s happening on Facebook and Twitter, and at PTA meetings and potluck dinners, and church halls and VFW halls.

“It happens when a father realizes he doesn’t just love his daughter, but also her partner. (Applause.) It happens when a soldier tells his unit that he’s gay, and they say, well, yeah, we knew that –- (laughter) -- but, you know, you’re a good soldier. It happens when a video sparks a movement to let every single young person out there know that they’re not alone. (Applause.) It happens when people look past their differences to understand our common humanity.

“And that’s not just the story of the gay rights movement. It is the story of America, and the slow, inexorable march towards a more perfect union. ■

AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Opinion Gay Marriage – now what?

By Perette Barella (http://perette. barella.org) This June, marriage equality became law in New York State. With it, we have attained equal rights in the law, on paper. What does the GLBT movement do now? From a legislative standpoint, at least here in New York, we have all the rights to which we are entitled.

Equality on GLBT matters will now move from a legislative issue to an executive issue, from a political issue to a social issue, and with that, a change of strategy is necessary. Allow me to explain.

As we go forward, there will be many times a dialog is more appropriate than an inquest. The inquest works wonderfully as a tactic to expose abuses done against us, in turn allowing us to cite those instances and demand a change in the law. But inquests have insidious effects: they teach those who dislike us to remain quiet, and show society that we are touchy about our issues. And while this, on the surface, may seem like a victory, it really isn’t: it just buries the issue.

People who hate us will continue to hate us, and their sense of censorship will further engrain their position. Those that don’t understand us will be afraid to discuss matters, fearful of the consequences of misspeaking in their ignorance; and so they will remain ignorant of us. If we don’t update strategies to use dialogs instead of inquests, we will stifle the world’s chance to learn about us, and we’ll destroy the opportunity — often initiated by ignorant or hostile words, admittedly — to educate the world of who we are and through that, bring about understanding.

Not that there won’t be times for righteous anger and outrage. Although frequency of gay bashings and murder of transpeople will, hopefully, continue to diminish, focusing attention is an appropriate reaction to these kinds of largescale injustices. These will be the times we remind the world that we have been oppressed, and that homophobia is not just a thing of the past: that there is still work to be done, and we expect — nay, demand — the same opportunity to seek peaceful lives that the rest of society has.

As we go forward, we need to gauge each prejudice and choose our strategies. Smaller injuries are best addressed through education, through living open and honorable lives that show we are good people. Some will still hate us, but we should take the upper hand and allow them their beliefs so long as they do not turn into threats; remember that they are mostly misguided by faulty religions.

Instead of fighting them (which only

encourages them to be more steadfast), be yourself and provide a model that they cannot reconcile with their beliefs; gently let them figure it out on their own.

There are plenty of other injustices that need our attention. The growing wage disparities; an economy that, for all the rhetoric, is more trickle-up than trickle-down; race issues that nobody dares talk about; a next generation with the attention span of a goldfish. We got what we needed to be OK. Now let’s look at the broader issues, form some coalitions, and show the world we want them, too, to be OK.

Now we need federal marriage rights

By Jean Thibodeau, CPA Congratulations to all of us for finally receiving equal status under New York Law! This gives us many “rights,” but we need to keep pushing forward until our equality is recognized under Federal Law -- that’s where most of the “marriage equality rights and benefits” are.

Some of the reasons for this are: Income Tax Filing: With the new NY law, married same sex couples now have the added tax filing headaches of filing two separate Federal returns, then filing a joint New York return only.

AND if there are other states involved, separate returns for them also (an added inconvenience that straight married couples don’t need to bother with. This has been an issue in the past two years also with NY recognizing out of state marriages as well.

Employee Benefits: This has always been a problem – if an employer allows the non-employee spouse to be covered under any benefits such as their health insurance plan, then the extra cost of that coverage is added to the employee’s wages. In other words, the extra cost becomes additional taxable income to the employee. (This is not of the employer’s choosing, so don’t be angry at them. They have no say in this. This is the decision that the I.R.S. made several years ago and which has been strongly upheld).

Retirement Plans: Pension Laws are generally a federal issue so none of that changes yet.

Social Security: If one spouse earns considerably more than the other, you do not have the option to collect from the higher earner’s account formula because that is governed by Federal law. The lower earnings spouse can only receive benefits from their smaller account.

Estate Tax: There is an unlimited marital deduction for all assets passing from the deceased to their spouse at

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death under federal law. Right now the estate tax is not an issue for gross estates under $5 million, but that is only for this year and 2010. Then unless laws change, in 2013 the estate tax could go back to only the first $600,000 being tax free.

Who knows what will happen unless the $5 million threshold amount is extended or made permanent. I have not seen the new NY law yet, but it probably does give unlimited spousal tax free benefits, but the NY tax rate is not as high as the Federal rate.

There are many other Federal benefits to marriage that are not given to us by the new NY law, so yes: let’s definitely celebrate our “Great Accomplishment,” but let’s remember that we are not totally equal and that we need to keep pushing forward until we are all equal under FEDERAL laws also.

Anne Tischer’s remarks before the Monroe Co. Legislature on July 12 Good evening, I’m Anne Tischer. You may know me and my wife Bess Watts as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights advocates. We have been recognized as instrumental in the success of the NYS marriage equality legislation.

In fact we were just named Grand Marshals for the upcoming Pride Parade in Rochester.

A reporter asked what prompted us to get so involved in the fight for marriage and my answer was, “The Monroe County Legislature”.

So I’m here tonight to thank this body, in particular the Majority Party, for being the catalyst that ultimately helped deliver Senator Alesi’s vote and brought marriage equality to New York State.

Six years ago, as “naïve citizens,” Bess and I rigorously advocated here for domestic partner benefits for Monroe County employees. It never happened.

A 17 Despite assurances from then-President Zyra and legislators like Bill Smith and Doug Dobson that they considered offering DP benefits to county employees a humane and fair thing to do, it became clear that it would never happen… for political reasons.

Bess and I had hit a political stone wall, but it had unexpected consequences.

We saw government concerned about itself... not people... and as our frustration grew we morphed from “concerned citizens” into activist leaders. Every time we encountered injustice from nonresponsive legislators, we were driven to higher levels of leadership.

Bess started a local chapter of Pride at Work AFL-CIO and is now on the national board. She got elected VicePresident of a CSEA unit, then became the Local President over 20 units. She is on the Executive Board for the Rochester Labor Council.

We needed a strong grassroots organization, so I founded Equality Rochester and recruited Marriage Equality New York to come mentor us. We formed alliances, learned strategy and tactics, organized rallies, built public support, raised money, networked statewide and nationally, built a huge database and lobbied Senators. I even got arrested once.

Six years ago we couldn’t get domestic partner benefits here, so we got Marriage Equality instead...

There is a tipping point, when citizens will not accept politically motivated decisions that negatively affect their lives and families. Senators Alesi, MacDonald, Saland and Grisanti rose above selfinterest and I hope you will do the same.

You will be called on in the near future to do right by the working people who are the backbone of this county and this country. Consider that your actions then could have “unexpected consequences” too…

In any case, thanks for your help with marriage equality. ■

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18 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

Making the Scene

What does Marriage Equality mean to you?

By Scotty Ginnett

Equal=Grounds won the Muthers’Showstopper Award with “101 Dalmatians.” Photo: Melora Miller. Inset: Gina Belardino as Cruella de Vil. Photo: Jeff Mills

Brian: “It was kind of weird we didn’t have it in the first place.”

SHOWTIME! Carrie Vernon and John Altieri. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Carrie and Michael: “I’m happy my friends have the option.”

Kelly Clark & Dontaee Williamson lead the flash mob dance to”Born This Way.” Photo: Melora Miller

Harry Bronson speaks at the Festival. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Christopher: “Yay!!!”

Cory and Mark: “It means I can make a commitment to the person I care about and want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy chats with Parade watchers. Photo: Jim Wilkins Judith Johnston at the July 15 kick-off party. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Dontaee and Jess: “It means kids like Dontaee won’t have the same struggle we did; they will be more accepted.”

JUSTICE WORKS: Empty Closet staff reporter and photographer Ove Overmyer meets Tulane professor and frequent MSNBC contributor Melissa Harris-Perry. Harris-Perry, a strong LGBT ally who often appears on The Rachel Maddow Show, was the keynote speaker at the Justice Works Conference in Albany, sponsored by Citizen Action of New York on June 4.

Photo: Jim Wilkins

Tracy and Michelle: “It’s a validation of our relationship.”

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Picnic 2011

Third place winner RGMC was represented by Jeffrey Greene.

Photo: ove overmyer

Second place winner Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf was represented by Samuel Dien.

Photo: Jim Wilkins

PICNIC 2011: Judges Thomas Warfield and Michael Gamilla award first place in the Picnic Site design competition to Philip Rawleigh and Kate Sweeney, for “Under the Sea”. Philip and Kate won first prize last year too!

Photo: Jim Wilkins

Photo: Jim Wilkins

AUgust 2011 • number 448 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

My Own Private Rochester

Photo: susan jordan

WEDDING BELLS: 39 couples applied for marriage licenses at City Hall on July 24. To arrange a wedding at City Hall, call City Clerk Dan Karin at 428-7421. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Denise Finnerty and Courtney Michie

Lesbians wed at Niagara Falls on July 24 A lesbian couple became the first NYS couple to marry, at a rainbow-hued Niagara Falls moments after same-sex marriage became legal in New York.

Kitty Lambert, one of the region’s most prominent gay rights activists, said on July 12, “It’s going to be amazing. We’ve joked that we’re inviting 1,800 of our closest friends.”

Lambert and Cheryl Rudd were the first couple legally married under the historic marriage equality law, which took effect that day.

Lambert had arranged for a municipal official to be present to sign their license just after midnight on July 24.

And what a party they threw. The celebration started with a reception on Goat Island at 7 p.m. July 23 and ended with a civil marriage ceremony on Luna Island shortly after midnight. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster officiated. A group marriage took place later.

“Everyone is invited,” Lambert said. “We’re doing this because of what it will do for WNY, and media is coming from all over the world to see it.”

For Rudd, the wedding marks the end of a more-than-eight-year wait. “I’m thrilled,” she said. “We’re finally getting the same rights as everyone else. Nobody can take that away from us anymore.” ■

By Susan Jordan Denise Finnerty and Courtney Michie were both members of the Gay Alliance Youth Group. They first met at the Pride Picnic in 2005 – the year that the Picnic was on one weekend and the Parade on the next.

“We met at the Picnic and a week later at the Parade we decided to be together,” said Courtney.

“This year the Pride Parade fell on our sixth anniversary!”

Denise, 30, comes from Liverpool, N.Y., near Syracuse, and arrived in Rochester to attend RIT in 1999. She is employed at Delphi as a product development engineer, working with fuel cells.

Courtney, 26, is a fulltime student at SUNY Brockport, studying social work. She will be spending three months in Vietnam this fall, continuing her social work studies through Brockport and teaching English, while simultaneously learning Vietnamese. She will also work at an orphanage for children impacted by Agent Orange, and

at a home for elderly people.

The two are dedicated political activists. Courtney said, “We started volunteering together for GLSEN four years ago. After leaving the Youth Group we went to GLSEN. Then when Todd Plank was working for the Empire State Pride Agenda, he pulled us into being activists for marriage equality. His nickname for us was ‘the Marriage Angels,’ like ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ because we did so much.

“Through that we met Anne Tischer, Bess Watts and Jo Meleca-Voigt. We volunteered for Jo’s campaign for Monroe County Legislature, and we have worked with MENY. Anne pulled us into working for Equality Rochester too.”

Courtney and Denise have canvassed at the Rochester Public Market and many other places; done endless phone banking; taken part in rallies and protests, and “tabled” at events like the Pride Agenda Spring Dinner and at churches, meetings, etc., to collect letters in support of

marriage equality. Since January they have spent hours sitting at a table in Equal=Grounds and also at Metro Justice, talking to people and asking them to lobby for marriage rights.

When asked how it felt on June 24 when the NYS Senate passed the marriage bill, Denise said, “Very exciting! We were still doing emergency phone banks all that last week. We were calling Buffalo Sen. Grisanti’s constituents right up to that last night.”

“We will absolutely stay politically active,” Courtney said.

“Our next project is volunteering to get GENDA passed. Denise and I have always enjoyed volunteering together.”

Denise added, “We’ve always been on the same wavelength of fighting for justice.”

The two live in Brighton with their cats, Zod, Spike, Spooks and Lucy, and rabbit Cadbury. Courtney sings with the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus, and Denise was in Roc City Roller Derby until she hurt her back. She is writing a lesbian romance novel.

They enjoy going to festivals, including the Lilac Festival, Corn Hill and Park Avenue, to name a few. They like films and go to ImageOut every year.

Their favorite hangouts are Equal=Grounds, the High Falls, Mt. Hope Cemetery for long walks, Barnes and Noble, and Sugar Mountain Bakeshop (in La Tea Dah at the corner of Park Ave. and Alexander St.) where they stop off for cupcakes at the end of their date nights. And of course the Pride Picnic has a special meaning for them.

The two say they may take advantage of the new Marriage Equality law, which they helped bring about – “someday.” ■

20 A the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • AUgust 2011

e d i r P

♥ I

thank you•thank you•thank you

Thank You for Making Rochester Pride 2011

The Best Pride... So Far President John Altieri, the Gay Alliance Board, Executive Director Sue Cowell and the Gay Alliance Staff would like to thank Pride 2011 Co-Chairs, Michael Hardy and Carrie Vernon. Who in turn join them in thanking:

Zane Austin, Rebecca Goldthwaite, Chris Beato/Wegmans, Lyjha and Louis of Boulder, Jimmy Nunes, Kim Rossi, DJ S1H1, Sara Brockway, Jeff Briggs, and Vince Pace as well as Jim Anderson – We are so appreciative of your time and energy!

The Planning Committee Evelyn Bailey and Jeff Markarian – Picnic; Logan Rath – IT; Peter Mohr – Festival and Tea; Bill Schaeffer & Heidi Simmons – Parade; Lisa Nolan and Louis Mistretta – Sassy in The South Wedge; Jeanne Gainsburg and Blanche Harling – Volunteers

Special Congratulations to Bess Watts and Anne Tischer our 2011 Grand Marshals and Pam Barres our Honorary Grand Marshal.

Sponsors Holiday Inn Airport (GREAT KICKOFF!), Bachelor Forum/ Peter Mohr, Absolut, ONE/ Tim Tompkins, Lake Beverage (esp. Tom), Three Olives, Barcardi, Barefoot Wines, TILT, Bob Johnson Chevrolet, Constellation Brands, Victory Alliance, VisitRochester, Professional Tutoring/Evelyn Bailey, ImageOut, Councilmember Matt Haag and Bill Schaefer, Councilmember Elaine Spaull, Nolan’s, Sauke Brothers/Auditorium, Center Park Ave. Merchants, Walgreens, CNY Fertility, Airigami – We are so grateful for your support!

City of Rochester Margaret Reichert and Gloria Matos DJ Chuck Argento for sharing his talents at the Youth Dance at TILT and the Kickoff at the Holiday Inn Airport!

Photographers Ove Overmyer, Jeff Mills and James Wilkins – SUPER PICS! Speaking of Pictures... Thanks to Kodak Lambda Network for Picnic Portraits – love them!

Picnic DJs KD, Nick, Marshall, Jon, Mighty Mike, Doug and Bill Levy from TILT – You kept The Round House jumping!

The Parade Judge Team: Fran Rolan from HOP/NYC Pride, Karen Hardy, Neil Peterson, & John Ratcliff and to the Rochester Museum & Science Center for the judging area and furnishings.

Our VIP car/vehicle escorts, Roc City Rickshaw/Jeanne, Bob, Tom, Tim, Laur, Christopher, Jeff, Joe and the Lambda Car Club!

Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy for sharing part of his day to march in our Parade with its record breaking 80 units!, all showing their support for our community! ♥

The Rochester Police Department – Always great men and women watching over us especially during the parade!

The Rochester Fire Department for the hook & ladder truck at the Parade!

Festival Emcee Kasha Davis (a.k.a. Ed Popil) and her line up of Upstate’s great Drag Queens and Kings: Ambrosia, Poison Waters, Samantha Vega, DeeDee Dubois, Aneal Pleasures, KeKe Velasquez-Lord, Kyla Minx, Vanity Faire, Veronica Lace, V’ta Valentino, Liam and Dee Lish, Celine Deshawn, Destiny! (We miss you Naiomy Kane!) FABULOUS PERFORMANCES! Hope you liked the flowers from Kittleberger’s, Ladies! (Apologies and thanks to those who may have been unintentionally omitted!)

Festival Entertainers Pawan, Pepper Mashay and Melissa Ferrick – GREAT SHOWS! Volunteers A Big Thank you to CD Baginski, Karen Barber, Chan, Jason Croft, Liz Doyle, Cassie Dubicki, Chuck Fox, Ed Freedman, Terry Haney, Amy Herridge, Amanda Kelley, Darrell Killingsworth, Susan McManus, Joe Murphy, Christa Herbst, Richard Secours,

875 E. Main Street • Rochester, NY 14605

Our Festival DJs, DJ Mighty Mike and DJ Jon Herbert (Our prayers go out to DJ Hector – we missed you and wish you a quick recovery), and TILT’s Bill Levy – AWESOME SOUND!

Proud Producer of rochester Pride