Empty Closet Aug, 2011, Sec B by Out Alliance

The Empty Closet number 448

Arts, Entertainment and Community

a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley

august 2011

Pandora Boxx says farewell to Rochester

“Juxtaposed” opens on Aug. 1.

Equal=Grounds shows work by two women artists The August show at The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is “JUXTAPOSED, Artworks for Energetic Contemplation,” works by Kristin Harvey and Melissa (Mel) Townsend. Kristin Harvey, a transplant from California, has been painting since she was a child. Her

Bog’s Visionary Orchestra

Bread & Water Theater hosts free music/art fair Bread & Water Theatre will be hosting its Music and Art Fair free of charge on Aug. 13-14. The two-day event will feature over 50 talented musicians and artists from the Rochester area. “Where else can you go to find low-cost art of a superior quality and talented musicians all in one spot?” asks Artistic Director J.R. Teeter. “In this economy it is the best deal on the block.” The Desert Rhythms Middle Eastern Dance Troupe is a diverse group of women and girls who dance with swords, veils and more. Bog’s Visionary Orchestra features an eclectic blend of American folk music. Zach H. and the All Dreams Band will highlight indie and blues music. The Meta Accord is a unique musical group with roots in jazz and often takes the side streets while ripping through intriguing compositions. Solo musicians Doug Water-

work is energizing, colorful and technically flawless. While Harvey is showing Giclee Prints, she will have one original piece in this show. Mel Townsend is a self-taught photographer with an interesting eye for the unexpected, as well as creating other work that embodies, her quiet, gentle nature. Both Harvey and Townsend will be at the Aug. 1 opening. Stop and meet these talented and creative women. ■

man, Ryan Webster, Benjamin Sheridan, Ryan T. Carey and Trevor Courneen will be performing original compositions throughout the day on acoustic guitar. The duo known as Technicolor Trailer Park features an eclectic mix of original folk music. Founded in 2000, Bread and Water Theatre is committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience and acting as a positive agent of change in its community. Under the artistic direction of J.R. Teeter, BWT develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dramatically changing world. Bread & Water Theatre’s Music and Art Fair will be presented at 243 Rosedale St. on Aug. 13 -14 from 2-8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. More information on the event, including representative photographs of sale items, can be found at BreadandWaterTheatre.org. For more information, call 585-271-5523. ■

By Susan Jordan Pandora Boxx, alias Michael Steck, drag superstar (and former EC writer) will soon be relocating to Los Angeles, city of stars and angels. Michael recently talked to The Empty Closet about Drag Race, Drag U, RuPaul and his feelings on leaving Rochester. Empty Closet: How did you feel when you heard you had been selected for RuPaul’s Drag Race? Michael Steck: I totally danced around the house! Well, I made a playlist of my favorite “celebratory” songs and then danced around the house to that. EC: Who were your favorite co-competitors and why? Who did you really not like and why (can include celebrity judges)? MS: I really loved Jujubee and Tatianna right from the beginning. We always got ready together, so I bonded with them quickly. Sahara and I got along right away too. And of course Jessica Wild! It took me a bit to get to know some of the others. I really didn’t not like anyone, well, maybe one. She’s better now! (As for judges) I really didn’t like how Santino judged at all. I felt he was inconsistent and all over the place with his judgments. I think Martha Wash was asleep for part of the time while she was judging. EC: What was the biggest challenge for you personally? What was your greatest triumph on the show? MS: My biggest challenge on the show was truly believing in myself. It’s always been my biggest struggle. My greatest triumph was making RuPaul laugh! He’s been an idol of mine, so to be able to make him laugh was completely amazing. I also think that the confidence I got after the show has really made me a stronger entertainer and person. EC: What adventures did you have in Hollywood during Drag Race? MS: None! They take away your phone and computer and you aren’t allowed to leave the hotel. EC: There was quite a fire-

K.D. COMES TO TOWN: The k.d. lang and Siss Boom Bang concert was on June 16: it looked darn near close to a completely full house. Photo: Laur McSpadden

Pandora is moving to L.A. this month.

storm of protest from fans when you lost – did you feel it was unfair? MS: At the time I did feel it was unfair. And I guess I still do, but you know it’s a television show and it made good TV to kick me off when I went. Also, I think it did more for me to get kicked off than it would have to stay longer. At least I keep telling myself that! EC: What is it like being on Drag U.? Is there less pressure and how do you feel about working with the women and the celebrity judges? MS: There’s no pressure because I can’t get kicked off! It’s really about helping these women find their Inner Diva. You can see how badly they feel about themselves and you see that the problem with them is themselves. They don’t believe that they are worthy of being fabulous and they are so wrong! It’s really powerful to see the changes in these women. The guest judges are fabulous because they can see the changes too. All of the guest judges are fabulous in their own way. EC: What else is going on in your career and what are your plans for the immediate future? MS: There’s quite a bit in the works for me. People can always check out what I’m up to on my site: www.pandoraboxx. com. I’m also on Twitter (@ ThePandoraBoxx) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ThePandoraBoxx). My first single and music video is due to come out sometime in August. I’m very excited about it! The song is called “Cooter!” and will be available

on iTunes. I’m also relocating to Los Angeles in August. Which is exciting and scary at the same time. I will miss Rochester but I need to be where the opportunities are. EC: What adventures have you been having lately as you traverse the wonderful world of celebrity and Hollywood? MS: Is that what world I’m in? I travel a lot. So I spend an ungodly amount of time in airports and on airplanes. I travel usually every weekend. The travel part sucks but going to cities all across the U.S. is so much fun. All the people I’ve met have been so incredibly nice and welcoming. I’m really thankful. EC: What is RuPaul really like? (Bet you’ve been asked that before.) MS: RuPaul is amazing! He is incredibly smart and really, really funny. He is the ultimate professional. EC: Anything you’d like to add? MS: I just want to say that Rochester has been my home for quite some time now and I will greatly miss the city. I will dearly miss all the amazing people that I have met and love. It’s a bittersweet goodbye but I know I’ll be back from time to time. I’ve learned over the years it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. I plan to spend some quality time with my Rochester peeps in the future. Thank you all for the support, love and wisdom you have given me. You have made me into the person I have become today. Without you, dearest Rochester, I am nothing. ■

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

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

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Columnists Growing Up keeping score

By Eric Bellmann Lately I’ve been ricocheting between two mind states: good and pissed off. I feel like there’s a ping pong game inside my brain. I got into New York late Thursday, June 23 and as I walked south from Penn Station into Chelsea, I thought for sure if the vote had happened while I was on the train there would be signs either of celebration or maybe one overturned taxi on fire. Nada. What’s going on? How long can the senate session be extended? The last several days’ wait had been excruciating. Then it happened. The city erupted. Just in time for Gay Pride, one of the main reasons I’d come to New York. I’ve been to every Gay Pride for the last 25 years. I was staying in Sally’s guest room. She popped in to congratulate me. Or us. Or just to acknowledge the vote. I am more equal now than ever before. Then her daughter, who lives two flights up, dropped by and added her best wishes. New York is so cool. My cell phone made its cute text beep. M. is the only one who texts me, in fact he taught me how. Once he even sexted me, but only in jest. He is a joy to me, a modern gay man. Alas, it has seemed his only failing is a total disinterest in politics. He prefers to roller blade and lift weights. When I nag him about politics, he taunts me about that Palin woman. Now he texts me to ask why haven’t I texted him over the positive senate vote. What? My baby is paying attention! All the more reason to adore him. He anticipates the vote will make New York Gay Pride all the more wonderful. He is on the money there. And it was a pretty good Pride. The cops kind of overdid the security thing, blocking off way too many streets in the 50s. You had to circle back several blocks trying to figure out how to access 5th Avenue. They said they expected 500,000 people to show up in addition to the usual one and a half million. It’s a big deal, dears. Over the next days the Times runs several lengthy articles about the senate negotiations; it’s a real education. One upshot is a burgeoning pride in our governor and our state. Another is knowing the vote can be a game changer. Once, long ago, I came through some crisis unscathed and needed to celebrate it and after some thought decided I would let go of some of my Mom anger. Yep, let’s give Mom a break. Now I wonder, how will this move towards equality affect my thinking? What harsh emotions will fall away? I know way too many gay folk who seem to get all their psychic energy from rage. In most social situations my behavior has ranged from annoying to confrontational about being second class. I have chosen to pursue my authentic self by reminding straight people that as a gay man I do not have the rights they take for granted. I nag them to take action. I tell them horror stories. I am relentless. It’s like a job, really. The liberals nod in empathy. Others just seem to wait for me to go away. At a recent gathering of like-minded spiritual practitioners, I did my the-voteis-imminent-call-your-legislators speech and a woman asked, rather snidely I thought, “Why, Eric, are you planning to get married?” I wanted to smack her. Not good spiritual behavior. I should have snapped back, “No, so you can!” She’s been living with her girlfriend for 20 years. I held my tongue, I do have some spiritual finesse.

As the days passed after I returned to Rochester, I unwittingly started a little tote board: who acknowledges the vote, who says nothing to me. Will I get validation, feedback? Has this vote registered on people? Believe it or not, my hyper masculine ex-body builder trainer at the health club, when he asked me if I had a good time in New York, actually said it must have been great to be there when the vote came through! Could have hugged him right then and there in the weight room. I have never shared with him my particular obsessions; he’s just a solid guy. Then two suburban ladies in my exercise class, the kind of women I might dismiss without much thought, went out of their way to say something nice. One told me her niece had been married during that brief window of opportunity in San Francisco. No telling where our allies are, sometimes just there in plain sight. My old pal Ritchie sent an email. I started to write down names. Oh God, I’m Madame DeFarge, knitting away, keeping track. Then on the phone with an old, old friend, I asked, “What’s new?” She told me about an upcoming vacation. “What else is new?” She went on about her dog, an animal I have never expressed any interest in at all. “Yeah, what else is new?” My tone was hardening. “Nothing much, I guess.” And then I went ballistic. I don’t even have to tell you all the things I said about hard won victory, landmark decision, support from friends. I don’t have to tell you because you already know it in your own hearts. Was all my talking, my striving to bring awareness in vain? It’s a hard realization. What do my good and dear friends really think of me, of marriage equality? I’m hurt. It’s hard to stay with that feeling. Of course I shift to anger. That’s the learned habit. My rancor still lives. It is going to take a while for this success to sink in, have a healing effect. On a lighter note: I text M. that I would love to be a bridesmaid. His response: No, an usher. I text back: Pink Tux. Let the joyous celebrations begin! Email: elbcad@rit.edu

Cleaning My Closet travel bugs By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger I wonder about vacations. I like seeing the faces of distant friends, appreciate experiencing a variety of cultures and bathrooms. It’s the going away that is troubling. Perhaps it’s age-induced lethargy. Too weary to do all that packing, make all those decisions. And I miss my bed. Getting away is tricky. Driving is hard work. So is passengering. There are great gobs of people driving to, apparently, the same place at the same time. Traveling becomes parking on the not-so-express ways, waiting in line to inch closer to our vacation spot. Impatience invades the car. I am not keen about flying. Or crashing. Flying never did seem like a good choice, even in the old days when they offered tiny meals on tiny plastic serving trays. Although I did learn, from my Jewish husband, to order a kosher meal... as a special order, it was always fresh. Now airline food is nonexistent or pitiful. One bag of seven peanuts. Furthermore, boarding no longer provides loved ones the opportunity for that sweet, last-minute-in-each-other’s-view, goodbye wave. No, we passengers are herded through a maze toward uniformed people who want to look through our clothes to see our naked bones. Once seated and strapped tightly, I

find it immensely distressing to worry the whole way because a fellow passenger might be wearing explosive Nikes. And quite frankly I do not want to die by some guy’s exploding underpants. Ah me, I was so carefree during the long, long days of summer vacation when I was a post-WWII child. Mostly my family stayed home. I played dolls, war, and school. For five cents, I bought cherry or orange popsicles. Or grape when I wanted the joy of a purple tongue. (Hey! maybe I was already gaye.) Playtime ended when the streetlights went on and I had to go home. Once in bed I looked out the window, stared at the sky, and listened to the buzzing threat of always one mosquito. I pulled the sheet over my head to protect my skin, escape the noise. Sleep came instantly to my worn-out body, my untroubled mind. Later, as a young adult, I had budget vacations. Our clean room in Virginia Beach was close to the ocean. But financial realities forced the whole gang… my sister, brother-in-law, two kids, one husband, and me… into that very cramped room. To economize, we packed our meals into a cooler. Our first lunch was BLTs. Sister had cooked the bacon before we left, so it was stiff. Easy solution: cold strips stretched out on a towel, held up to the bathroom’s heat lamp, slowly but surely became soft and slightly sizzled. We thought it was great fun. As I grew older and less foolish, I have developed more refined preferences. I refuse to stay in a motel that advertises rooms for $34.99. I just can’t trust a place that charges ninety-nine cents. I need drinking glasses, not paper cups; mugs, not Styrofoam. I must have an in-room coffee maker and require room service. Also, I don’t make visits that require me to sleep on someone’s couch. Once upon a time, I, a married, undercover lesbian, went to Canada for a long weekend with Bobby, my best friend and a gay man. Taking the train gave us all that travel time to talk and laugh. Bobby especially loved the lights on the glittery gold buildings. Each day Bobby was awake early. When my eyes finally did open, there he was with a morning coffee and a red rose. One evening we went to a fancy Russian restaurant, ordered frozen vodka, and watched the waiter’s dilemma: who gets which menu? In those old days, the restaurant had two different menus… the menu for the husband/boyfriend listed the prices; the other, for the little woman, was priceless. Such a time, I became a feminist. Then, with shock and awe, I re-viewed past family vacations. I realized that at the Lynches’ cottage, Mommy and her sisters Thelma and Jane merely relocated to a building on the lake, still had to clean the toilet. And feed all the men and their mates. Astonishingly Team Sister managed to create time for their own beach relaxing. Me? I was a woman-in-training. When I became an adult, I was glad to join their team, loved hanging out with the girls. Ah ha, perchance my Team Sister Gene morphed into my Lesbian Gene. My first same-sex vacation took me to Maine. We stayed at a B&B owned by an expired architect, a womyn who rejected frenzied Boston. She bought a farm and some sheep. She spun and wove their wool. One morning, she set up her easel in her gardens. I, coffee in hand, sat in the big wood chair to watch her magical watercolors capture the delicate pink petals of poppies, the wash of morning sky. Twenty-one years later, that painting still hangs on my wall. It is a tribute to her peaceful life, a fond memory of a farm in Maine where my vacation celebrated relaxing instead of scurrying. On another same-sex vacation with a

b5 different womyn, I carried self-imposed homophobia with me. We were in Sicily. Woman of all ages walked down the streets arm in arm, their private talk muffled, their laughter drifting. But we two Americans walked side by side, never touching. Why did two Sicilian women so naturally embrace friendship? Why did the thought of two lesbians walking arm in arm feel frightening? Would our lesbian-ness be obvious? Dangerous? Internalized homophobia burrowed deep in our minds. Eleven years ago, early in our womynwomyn relationship, traveling together was a great test of possible longevity or imminent murder. Differences surfaced during packing. One of us used a duffel bag. One of us used several suitcases. One of us employed grab and stuff to select travel attire. One of us prepared a list, with categories. One of us brought eighteen pairs of socks, including six with four-inch lace cuffs. One of us was appalled. Once in the car, we quickly learned each other’s limits. I couldn’t read a map; she wouldn’t turn around. She only stopped to buy Big Gulps; I had to stop at every bathroom. She wanted to grab a fast food bite; I wanted to dine at a funky restaurant. Now legal wife-womyn and I manage more peaceful trips. On-Star satellite navigation guides us. Compromise rides with us. And we always pack extra love. And enough laughter to fill the car. MeredithElizabethReiniger@frontiernet.net

Faith Matters Obama harkens back to slavery with “states’ rights” for same-sex marriage By Rev. Irene Monroe Last month, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ ) Americans and our allies celebrated New York State becoming the sixth and largest state to allow same-sex marriage. And, of course, it sent an urgent message to President Obama. But what does it signal to us LGBTQ citizens when the first African American president wants to employ states’ rights, which once upon a time in this country federally mandated racial segregation and sanctioned American slavery, to address the issue of same-sex marriage? As a civil rights attorney, Obama knows that employing states’ rights violates our full constitutional rights as well as re-institutionalizes the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case of Plessy v. Ferguson. As a result of that case, the “separate but equal” doctrine became the rule of law until it was struck down in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. The fight for marriage equality in the U.S. is similar to my ancestors’ fight for freedom. In their day, before the Civil War in 1861, the U.S. consisted of nineteen free states and fifteen slave states. As a matter of fact, in the 2004 presidential race between John Kerry and George Bush where marriage equality was a hotbutton issue, the election map results between Kerry’s blue states and Bush’s red states corresponded to the pre-civil war free states and slave states, respectively. As LGBTQ Americans, we’re not in slavery, but we certainly will be in a civil war as each state battles this issue. Where-

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.

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

(Columnists continued from page 5) as President Lincoln acted on behalf of my ancestors’ civil rights, we need to call on President Obama to move on ours. “The President has staked out a cynical political position aimed at not rocking the boat,” said Richard Socarides, who advised President Bill Clinton on gay rights issues. “This states’ rights argument is a separate but equal argument. Would the President have thought it right to let the states decide on the issue of interracial marriage, or on whether or not women should be allowed to vote?” In 2008, a blogger on Pam’s House Blend was prescient and saw the painting on the wall about Obama’s status as a full-throated LGBTQ civil rights advocate and wrote: “Obama not only thinks that separatebut-equal is just ducky for LGBT couples. It was a gimmick from an era in which Obama could have aspired to no position in the White House higher than that of head janitor. ...Once he’s in office, LGBT citizens will be forgotten. Obama is also in favor of the ’States Rights’ approach to the whole marriage equality issue. This was a principle sacred to the White Citizens’ Councils a half-century ago and is just as unconstitutional now...” Obama needs to remember that an African-American woman named Mildred Loving not only set the precedent for same-sex marriage, but also allowed Obama’s parents to marry by challenging states’ rights. Loving gained notoriety when the U.S. Supreme Court decided in her favor that anti-miscegenation laws executed by the state are unconstitutional. Married to a white man, Loving, and her husband, were indicted by a Virginia grand jury in October 1958 for violating the state’s “Racial Integrity Act of 1924.” The trial judge suspended their sentences on the condition the Lovings leave Virginia and not return to the state together for 25 years. The Lovings initially agreed and left, but returned soon after and decided

to fight their case. In advocating that same-sex marriage should be left up to the states, ABC News reported that Obama stated, “I think it’s important for us to work through these issues because each community is going to be different, each state is going to be different.” Perhaps, after nearly one full term in office, Obama is still unaware of the deleterious effects of how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents the federal government from fully protecting same sex nuptials. DOMA denies us a government-issued civil marriage license, and over 1100 federal rights and benefits, including social security benefits, the ability to file a joint federal tax return, and the right to petition for a spouse to immigrate, among other benefits and responsibilities conferred upon heterosexual married couples. But how many sides are there to a politician’s mouth when he’s eyeing toward 2012? “If Obama were to come out for marriage equality today, nothing could happen tomorrow,” said one Democratic strategist close to the administration who spoke on condition of anonymity to ABCNews.com. “The Defense of Marriage Act still needs to be repealed, and that won’t happen soon with a Republicancontrolled House in place.” “I was reminded that it is my obligation not only as an elected official in a pluralistic society, but also as a Christian, to remain open to the possibility that my unwillingness to support gay marriage is misguided,” Obama wrote in his recent memoir, “The Audacity of Hope”. While our President states his opinion is still “evolving” on this issue, he needs to know that we LGBTQ Americans and our families want to sample what he and Michelle and every heterosexual married couple take for granted -- marriage, not marriage-lite. Our democracy can only begin to work when those relegated to the fringes

of society can begin to sample what those in society take for granted as their inalienable right. For that to happen, people like state lawmakers have to step in to make the democratic process work for us all. And so, too, our President!

Beyond the Binary solitude By Laur McSpadden It has been quite a long time since I last wrote a “Beyond the Binary” column. This is certainly related to the fact that my life in 2011, thus far, has been marked by an intense amount of flux. The hub around which this change has revolved has been solitude. I have transitioned to living alone again for the first time since 2008. I have re-dedicated myself to writing poetry on a regular basis. Not only did I get all of the garden beds that already existed in the backyard mulched and planted, but I dug five new beds, which I also mulched and planted. Every day is started with a period of silent contemplation, and nearly every day ends with a period of either reading or writing. I am loving the silence and stillness of it all. This whole process of reacquainting myself with myself has reminded me of a quotation from “The Fellowship of the Ring” by my favorite character, Tom Bombadil. No, he didn’t make it into the movies: if you want to experience the musical equanimity of this joyously wise character, you’ll just have to read the books. After Tom shares songs and stories with the adventuresome hobbits about darkness and light, adaptability and change, and the ability of nature and time to continue on,

despite sentient beings’ hunger for influence and power, Frodo is overflowing with a sense of wonderment: “’Who are you, Master?’ he asked. ‘Eh, what?’ said Tom sitting up, and his eyes glinting in the gloom. ‘Don’t you know my name yet? That’s the only answer. Tell me, who are you, alone, yourself and nameless?’” What a powerful question! And, yes, one that has some pretty intense implications in our understanding of gender, and of ourselves. I assume that most of the people who are reading this column understand the difference between sex and gender: sex refers to biological traits, while gender describes the social characteristics and norms that a culture designates as feminine and/or masculine. Gender, therefore, almost depends upon interaction with other people and society at large to even exist. When I am alone, myself and nameless, I have no thoughts of myself as gendered in any way: there is no room or need for masculine, feminine, or genderqueer in the purest experience. I am weeding, or writing, or breathing, or listening, or cooking… that is all. What a sense of freedom this holds, to be absorbed in a moment rather than an identity! I believe that this freedom is available to us all in every moment: but how many of us still ourselves enough to dive in to this realm of openness? I have occasionally, with particularly precious friends of mine, shared moments like this, full of infinite potential and void of any need to be tied down to a label or description. These are the people with whom I can comfortably share silences, and whose company I most treasure in my life. Who are you, alone, yourself and nameless? Do you know? Do you take the open expanses of possibility that are found in silent moments and integrate them into an authentic life? If not, what ideas, people or habits are standing in your way? So much in life depends upon asking the right questions. ■

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

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

Gay Alliance News R4P5: Rider Bobby enjoys a plate of pasta at lunch. Photo by Heather Fields

By Ed Freedman (Ride For Pride Biker) We are not finished. New York (finally!) passed the marriage equality bill allowing same-gender couples to marry, but the legislation does not end all discrimination against LGBT people, nor does it eliminate fear and violence. If only it were that easy! Bullying continues. Transgender rights have not been secured. Educators, colleagues, friends and family need to be informed, encouraged, and enlightened. Young and not so young people need protection inside and outside the home, in schools, at work and out on the streets. We need to continue to reach out to the community at large, to make connections and foster new allies. We should revel in our diversity. Educate, Advocate, Celebrate. This is the work of the Gay Alliance. We are not finished. We have miles to go before we sleep – on June 18 we had 62.1 miles (100 km) down a road less traveled, except for Pittsford and Fairport which were packed! Saturday, June 18, 2011: 35 people stepped forward (well… pedaled forward) to support the work of the Gay Alliance. The second annual Ride for Pride was a smashing success, raising awareness in the community as we raised more than $10,000 for the Gay Alliance!

Kegs and eggs at 6:30 in the morning. Photo by Jeanne Gainsburg

We started early in a parking lot near RIT. Some started very early with a tailgate party – kegs and eggs at 6:30 a.m. Others slowly gathered until we were ready to get on the road at around 8 a.m. We were a mix of LGBT and straight ally riders ranging in age from 12 to 65! The ride began on a rough stone trail that headed north from Jefferson Rd. and caused our first flat of the day. A quick repair was performed by one of our more experienced riders and over the Genesee River we went to our first stop, home of Scott and Todd, where we feasted on delicious homemade food and homebrewed breakfast beer! Then we were off along the Canal Trail to Pittsford and the home of Rider Ed (that’s me) and Rider Jeanne. Homemade breakfast breads, sport drinks and, yup some cold beer (donated by MillerCoors) were avail-

Riders Markijan, Katie and Brigid looking amazingly perky. Photo by Owen Zacharias

we hit the home of Scott and Todd for the second time, the sun was getting low in the sky. It was a warm day and we were only a few miles from the end, but the Mojitos... the peanut dipping sauce... the refreshing spritz of water from the garden sprinklers! I’m not sure anyone wanted to leave. Slowly mounting our bikes

The Gay Alliance offers Youth Services for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-25

Sunday Support groups: Ages 13-23: 2-4pm Ages 18-25: 4:30-6pm ON HIATUS FOR SUMMER Special Interest: Transgender Youth, Arts/Crafts, Movies, Writing

Riders Dan, Aisha and Dontaee celebrate at the end of the ride. Photo by Heather Fields

Rider Steve, possibly our most creative fundraiser, with his newly shorn head. Steve grew his hair for eight months and then let the winner of his raffle/fundraiser shave his head. Photo by Heather Fields

Rider Ed, author of article and husband of Gay Alliance Outreach Coordinator Jeanne. Photo by Heather Fields

Many things on

GARD

Special Events: Youth Dances, Day of Silence, Big Gay Prom, Pool Table, LGBTQ Youth Library, and Internet Access Fun, friendly, safe adults are needed to volunteer their time and talents, providing positive role models, maybe sharing a talent or skill. Contact Jeanne Gainsburg, Outreach Coordinator for an application: jeanneg@gagv.us or 585-244-8640, ext. 14.

Monday and Wednesday: Drop-in: 2-6pm

Riders Dontaee, Aisha and Adrianne stretch their aching muscles at a rest stop. Photo by Heather Fields

Riders Chuck and Bonnie on the tandem with Rider Pam (top Ride For Pride fundraiser) doing a fist pump. Photo by Owen Zacharias

Gay Alliance Youth Check out what’s happening at: www.gayalliance.org or contact JessC@gagv.us

one last time, we eventually rode the last few miles back to where we had started. We were tired, gritty and glad to be done. Overjoyed with meeting new people, having a great, safe and terrifically fun ride, we dismounted and relaxed. This year’s ride had come to a close, but our work is not finished. We have promises to keep -- safety and equality for us all. With so much road left to travel, we will be mounting our bikes again next spring in Ride For Pride 3 -- and miles to go before we sleep. ■

Miles To Go Before We Sleep: Ride for Pride 2011

Rider Jim finds a minute for a quick nap. Photo by Heather Fields

Youngest rider Zach (age 12) takes the lead, with his mom, Deborah, behind him. Photo by Owen Zacharias

able. Another flat tire and an explosive attempt at repair left us dangerously low on spare tubes. As we headed out we made a quick dash to Towpath Bikes and owner Scott Likely generously gave us one of each type of tube for the ride. Off along the towpath we went, through Fairport and on to a rest stop near Wayneport Rd, where our support vans brought snacks, drinks and smiles of encouragement. A classic rainbow group photo was taken and then we continued to the home of Rider Pam and hubby Walter (and family) for lunch (yum!) and homebrew (“Sweat of a pagan bride” ale). Sweat never tasted so good. After lunch we turned our bikes back toward the west, retracing our route. We stopped for more sustenance at Wayneport Rd. and then our house (with a brief detour to return all the unused inner tubes to Towpath Bikes). By the time

r ster p

The Empty Closet • Youth Program • InQueery • SafeZone • CampusOUT Rochester Pride Education Program & Speakers Bureau • Rainbow SAGE Community Safety Program & Anti-Violence Project • Library & Archives Shoulders to Stand On • Gay Alliance Resource Directory

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

to Many people

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

Program Notes Rainbow SAGE picnic

The heat is on at Rainbow SAGE. Our annual picnic takes place on Saturday, Aug. 20 and this year it is at a new location, King’s Bend Park, 170 West Jefferson Rd. This 15-acre park sits on the north side of Jefferson Road between Clover Street and the Village of Pittsford. The lodge includes ceiling fans and a patio for those who want some sunshine. The shelter is open at noon with food at 1:30, a presentation on Geo-Caching at 2:30 and the brown bag auction to raise money for Rainbow SAGE starts at 3 p.m. Please bring a dish to pass. The group will supply the hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. Bring your lawn chair for outdoor sitting. In regards to the brown bag auction, you can bring up to four items each in a brown paper bag or disguised in other ways to be auctioned off. Please be sure the items are in working order and are something someone else could use or want. If you do not bring any items but still want to be part of the auction, every 10th item will be a raffle item. The raffle tickets will be $1. Everyone in the community is invited and the picnic is always a blast. So grab your family and your friends and see you at our Rainbow SAGE picnic Aug. 20.

AARP Driver Safety Class is Aug. 9, 11

Rainbow SAGE and the Gay Alliance will host a session of the AARP Driver Safety Course for its members and friends. This New York State approved training is a total of six hours and will run from 9 a.m.-noon on Aug. 9 and 11 and will be held at the AIDS Care offices at 259 Monroe Ave. You can expect to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. The course will be taught by Scott Fearing from the Gay Alliance, who is also a certified AARP Driving Instructor. To many, the most important reason to take the class, which is open to any driver of any age, is that most insurance companies provide a discount to drivers who complete the course. The classroom course costs only $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, pre-registration is required and is open to all SAGE and Gay Alliance members and friends. To register, please contact Rainbow Sage at 585-244-8640 ext.15 or rainbowsage@gayalliance.org or visit www. gayalliance.org to complete an on-line registration form. Registration will close on Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Out for Justice Workshop on students’ rights set for Aug. 23

The Anti Violence Project’s Out for Justice workshop for August is “Student Rights in School,” facilitated by KaeLyn Rich. It will take place Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. “We strongly encourage students and parents to attend,” said Kelly Clark, AVP Coordinator. “KaeLyn will cover issues including what you can and cannot do, privacy in your locker, dress code rules, can you take your same sex date to the

prom, starting a GSA, and bullying issues. What are your rights as a student?” Clark said that the workshop will also cover how to interact with the school administration when you (or your child, for parents) have been bullied.

School training in Watertown helps youth

Jessica Cohen, Youth Services Coordinator, did a training in Watertown for the Indian River School District at the end of June. Jess said, “The District is being proactive in addressing bullying and also gender identity. It was a pleasure to be there, staff was very welcoming. The majority of students there are children of the military stationed at Ft. Drum. We will have a continuing relationship with them and will return in the fall.”

Youth Pride Dance and Pageant was great!

Seventy-five youth came to the Dance and Pride Pageant, held July 11 at Tilt. The Pride King is Matt Shadows (Cheyenne Lynch), and the Pride Queen is Ameriah Milano (Bianca). They rode in the Royal Rickshaw in the Pride Parade. Jess Cohen said, “Kids came from Marion, York, Hilton and many other places. One came from Pennsylvania and one from Indiana. The majority came from the city. Sam Brett was m.c. Tilt looked beautiful and the staff was very welcoming. It was great and the kids loved it.”

Reminder: Sunday youth, adult group on hiatus

There will be no Sunday Youth or Adult Group meetings in August. Dropin hours on Mondays and Wednesday WILL continue, however. For more information, call Jess at 244-8640 ext. 13. ■

thing from counseling youth to helping build the Pride float. “I’m working with Youth Group members on self confidence issues and coming out as it pertains to mental health issues like depression and anxiety,” he says. “So far I’m finding a little bit of each. It’s common, especially in the gay population.” Kristof is present during drop in hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, and is getting to know the youth who come in. “I’m also creating a discussion group for youth and for adults up to age 23,” he said. Each session will deal with a different issue, such as coming out, eating disorders, academic concerns, sex issues and relationship difficulties.

If an individual seems to need one on one counseling, Kristof can work with that youth on a short-term basis, and can refer the youth to outside long-term counseling if that seems required. Kristof says of Rochester, “The gay community is small, so it has the feeling of a small nuclear family. Everyone knows everyone.” Kristof has taken Tai Kwan Do for four years, and studied karate for a year. He enjoys socializing at 140 Alex and Equal=Grounds, and last month was in a production of “Cabaret” at Greece Apollo High School. He also likes cooking and visiting the big cats at the zoo. ■

Wedding Providers Rev. Sharon Peters, Webster, NY 14580, Unity. $200 Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd., Rochester, Metropolitan Community Churches. $150 Minister, First Universalist Church of Rochester, 150 South Clinton Ave. 14604, Unitarian Universalist (UU). $420 The Rev. Michael W. Hopkins, Church of St Luke & St Simon Cyrene, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., Rochester 14614, Episcopal. $335 Rev. Rachel McGuire, Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave., Rochester 14607, American Baptist. $300 Rev Dr Jack Porcello, Our Fellowship & Joining Hands Ministries, Rochester 14609, Interfaith. 250-$400 Rev. Peggy Meeker, Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist. $300 (negotiable) Rev. Scott Tayler, First Unitarian Church of Rochester, Unitarian Universalist. sliding scale Rev. Scott Tayler, Unitarian Universalist of Canandaigua, Unitarian Universalist. sliding scale Rev. Kaaren Anderson, First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. 14534 – Unitarian. sliding scale Rev. Eleanor Celentani, Christ Church Unity, 55 Prince St. 14607, Unity. $300 Rev. Gerard Williams, Unity Fellowship Church, 1420 Main St. Buffalo 14209, Protestant. $350 Rev. Bill Taber, York Baptist Church, 2416 East Ave. 14610, American Baptist. $100 Mark and/or Kris Dibelka, Our Fellowship, 2117 Buffalo Rd. #211, Rochester 14624, Independent. Dependent upon service: $100-$300 Scott Ginett, Independant Minister, 100 Laburnam Crescent Apt. 1, Rochester. Non denominational. 100 Jennifer L. Gravitz, community rabbi, 165 Coniston Drive, Rochester 14610, Jewish. $200 Rev. Denise Donato, Mary Magdalene Church, 401 Main St. East Rochester 14445, Catholic. $250

Kristof Jackson interns with Youth Group By Susan Jordan Kristof Jackson started his work as an intern with the Gay Alliance on July 11. He will be working with the Youth Group through August. Born to military parents in Germany, Kristof grew up in Rochester from age 10. He is currently working on a master’s degree in mental health counseling at St. John Fisher, and will graduate in May 2012. His intern position involves every-

Rev. Dr Jack Porcello, Our Fellowship Rochester, Interfaith. $100 $400 Pastor Lee Richards, Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, 10 East Park St., Albion 14411, http://pullmanmemorial.wordpress.com Unitarian Universalist. $250 ($300 with rehearsal) Rev. Alicia Heath-Toby, UFC Rochester, 125 Caroline St., Rochester 14620, Unity Fellowship Church Movement/Christian. $350 for non members Scott and Trish Gallagher, Marriage Divas, 2621 Dewey Ave. Rochester 14616, Non-Denominational. $250 Rev. Cheryl L. Miner, Sanctuary of the Beloved, 1968 Ridge Road Apt D, Ontario 14519, Spiritual. $50 to $100

The Gay Alliance 875 E. Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14605 • Hours Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm • Phone (585) 244-8640 • Fax (585) 244-8246 • Web www.gayalliance.org Empty Closet Phone (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet Fax (585) 244-8246 • Empty Closet Advertising (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet E-mail emptycloset@gagv.us Board President John Altieri • Executive Director Sue Cowell • Administrative Assistant Laur McSpadden • Program Director Scott Fearing Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan • Design Jim Anderson • Community Safety Kelly Clark • Youth Services Coordinator Jessica Cohen Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Gainsburg Youth Group Youth Center, 1st floor - Ages 13-23 Sundays 2-4 pm; Ages 18-25 Sundays 4:30-6pm • http://youth.gayalliance.org for after school schedule and special events. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia.

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Resources Aids Free testing for HIV exposure is available from New York State Department of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 for pay phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or hearing impaired people should call (585)423-8120 (TDD.) New Rapid HIV Testing now available — test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide information can be obtained by calling 1-800-541-AIDS. Other organizations which provide AIDS-related services are as follows: AIDS Care AIDS Care is the leading provider of HIV/AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Onsite services include: HIV testing and limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, Behavioral Wellness, Case Management, Prevention and Education, Clinical Trials, Dental Screenings, Hepatitis C/HIV Co-Infection Clinic, General Support Groups, Positive Divas Women’s Support Group, Positively Alive Support Group, AC Men’s Support Group, Treatment Education Group, Meals on Wheels Congregate Program, Latino Support Group, AIDS Care satellite offices in Geneva and Bath, as well as many ad hoc groups. AIDS Care is also a leader in providing services and education to members of the LGBT community. Contact Information: Website: www.acRochester.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545-7200 - Health Services After Hours: 585-258-3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier Office: 122 Liberty St. P O Box 624, Bath, NY 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-454-5556. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley provides referrals to physicians and service agencies. (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. Victory Alliance University of Rochester Medical Center. One of several research sites worldwide that comprise the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site conducts research vaccine studies sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the attempt to discover a vaccine that may one day prevent HIV infection or AIDS. Imagine a world without AIDS, learn how you can help create it. 585-7562329; www.vaccineunit.org. Threshold At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confidential HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, ages 12-25. Sliding fee scale, no one denied, most insurances accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Tues., Thurs., 9a.m.7p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m. www.ThresholdCenter.org Center for Health and Behavioral Training of Monroe County 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration of Monroe County Health Department and U.R. Provides year-round training in prevention and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, such as domestic violence and case management. (585)753-5382 v/tty. Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Tollfree Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Offers confidential HIV testing and information. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay. Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of resources and services to the upstate New York community. Their offices are located through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also provides medical literature and newspaper clippings, as well as demographic and statistical data for use in developing health care services. (585) 461-3520. MOCHA Center of Rochester Our mission is to improve health and wellness in communities of color through intervention and service, with emphasis on LGBTQ programming. Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education,

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 448 • august 2011 support groups, computer lab, referral services and more. Stop by 107 Liberty Pole Way (corner of Pleasant) or call (585)420-1400. Monroe County Health Department at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. (585)753-5481. Strong Memorial Hospital provides a complete range of HIV medical care, including access to experimental treatment protocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual and group psychotherapy. Training of health care professionals also available. Infectious Disease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training Project, (585) 275-5693. Planned Parenthood of Rochester and Genesee Valley offers testing and information (585) 546 2595. Rural HIV testing anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1-800-962-5063. Action Front Center (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV prevention education and case management services. Training and technical assistance to service providers. Resource library open to public. All services free and confidential. Multicultural and bilingual staff. Jearald Noble, program manager. 33 Chestnut St., second floor. Hours 8:30-5 pm, Monday-Friday. 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, provided through NYSDOH. Thursdays 1-4 pm at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St. Anthony L. Jordan Health Center Prevention & Primary Care Program Provides Medical Case Management, Mental Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Testing using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education presentations, and access to other Jordan services. Prevention & Primary Care is a walk-in program; no appointments necessary. Office hours: Mon.– Fri., 8:30am– 5 pm: extended hours on Monday until 8 pm. (585) 423-2879; fax (585) 423-2876. Website: www.jordanhealth.org. For more information, call Program Director Patrick M. Trevor, (585) 423-2879. CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail address: cdcinfo@cdc.gov. Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Monroe County 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orientation, HIV status, etc. Public Interest Law Office of Rochester 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilingual advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in PILOR. 454-4060. Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing and counseling. (716) 847-0328 Westside Health Services Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (2546480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more. McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Health's Connection Clinic (585) 368-3200. 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kearney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of servcies, regardless of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and convenient. Catholic Charities AIDS Services A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing services to a diversity of people infected and affected with HIV.Intensive home-based case management for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ adolescent case worker; transitional case management for children and family members going through bereavement; recreational and support groups for children and teens, and camping experiences including Camp SOAR. We coordinate HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS) short term emergency assistance with rent/ mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized housing. 1945 E. Ridge Rd., Suite 24, Rochester NY 14622. (585) 339-9800. Huther Doyle 360 East Ave., Rochester 14604. Offers drug, alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk

Reduction Plus Team offers servcies to HIV positive and those at risk through substance use. Programs include outreach, transitional case management, free cconfidential testing (OraQuick Rapid Testing). NYS Dep't. of Health offers free on-site confidential and anonymous testing. (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, www.hutherdoyle.com. Geneva Community Health 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV testing, HIV specialty and primary care for residents of Ontario and surrounding counties. Mon.-Thurs. 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon. 315-781-8448.

family Rochester Gay Moms’ Group Support group for lesbian mommies and wannabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding areas. Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Lesbian & Gay Family Building Project Headquartered in Binghamton and with a presence throughout Upstate NY, the Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. We do this by providing support, advocacy, information, and access to community and sensitive healthcare and other services. Our network of Pride and Joy Families offers social and educational opportunities to LGBTQ parents, their children and prospective parents. Claudia Stallman, Project Director, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; 607-724-4308; e-mail: LesGayFamBldg@ aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org. Families Joined by Love Books and resources for LGBT families. www.familiesjoinedebylove.org. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG’s threefold mission: supporting parents and family members in coming out process; educating the community; advocating on behalf of LGBT family members. Regular meetings: Third Sunday of the month, Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 14624. 1-3 pm. PFLAG@ gagv.us; 585-244-8640 x27. Adoptive Parent Support Group Monthly potluck lunches. For information, location, call Shari, 350-2529. Angel Food Ministry Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance. Menu changes monthly. For information and distribution sites, call 585-861-4815.

lgbt health

For a list of LGBT-friendly and competent health and human service providers in the Rochester and Finger Lakes area, visit the resource directory page(s) at www.everybodysgood.com. These pages are compiled and managed by AIDS Care. If you are a provider, or know of one, who would like to be included, contact them through the website or contact Erik Libey directly at (585) 210-4192. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory under “Health” for GAGV referrals to physicians and service agencies.

Women HEALTH:

Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585487-3300. Specializing in breast health, diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and mammography outreach and education. Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www.bccr. org; email: info@bccr.org. Breast Cancer Coalition provides support services that include Brown Bag Fridays: an informal discussion group that meets weekly from 12:00-1:30; Breast Cancer 101 and 201: programs designed to help those coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and those coping with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis; Sister Sak: a program that addresses the issues facing young women with breast cancer; and the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group to support women living with metastatic breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Coalition also provides information about breast cancer, a lend-

ing library, and a monthly educational program. All BCCR programs and support services are free. Monroe County Women’s Health Partnership 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester NY 14692; (585)274-6978. Comprehensive breast cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured women. Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic 170 Sawgrass Drive. 442-8432. Dr. Wende Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide mammograms. SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866-5374273. Alternatives for Battered Women 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men welcome. GAGV Anti Violence Project 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men. Victim Resource Center of Wayne County Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1172; office (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189. Mary Magdalene House Women's outreach center for HIV positive women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728. Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll-free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Parenthood has led the way in providing high quality, affordable reproductive health care since 1916. Our experienced and compassionate medical staff will listen to your concerns and answer your questions in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. All our services are confidential. We accept most insurances; including Medicaid. You may even qualify for low- to no-cost family planning services. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.

POLITICAL:

National Organization for Women (Greater Rochester NOW) PO Box 93196; (585)234-7019. E-mail: info@rochesternow.org Web page: http:// www.rochesternow.org.

CULTURAL:

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

ONLINE: WOWcny: e-mail: WOWcny@aol.com Rochester NY Lesbians; groups.aol.com/rochstrlesbians

GENERAL:

Women’s Resource Center YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740.

SOCIAL:

Color Outside the Line Crew Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945. Butch Femme Connection: 288-7208; DressyFemme@aol.com Check our monthly and ongoing Calendars and the Gay Groups section for more groups and events. For more information, call the GAGV at 244-8640 or see www.gayalliance. org. And send us your information! ■ PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Road Rochester, NY 14624 from 1 to 3 pm. Join us! Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: pflag@gayalliance.org and we will get back to you.

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

Groups

in September. See the September Empty Closet for information on date, place and time. Anyone who is interested in working toward the formation of a Transgender group for people under 40 is urged to call The Empty Closet at 244-9030.

Find the friends and fun you need in your neighborhood of the LGBT community.

ComeoutDancin’ For those of you who were at our last dance of the season and did the Hucklebuck, here’s something for you – do you remember these days? Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AsT8ML0dc10 Mark your calendars! We will begin our 2011-12 season on Sept. 18, at the Friends Meetinghouse. NOTE - Dance sessions will be on the first and third Sundays of the month, 3 p.m. –5 p.m. News from Esther SWING-IN Weekly Thursdays St Thomas Episcopal Church, 2000 Highland Ave (at Winton Rd), $3 DJ music /$7 live music 14 FRIDAYS at Village Gate Courtyard - free, rain or shine - sponsored by the Bop Shop, thanks Tom Kohn! 6-8 pm https:// www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event. php?eid=211195702244257 http://www. bopshop.com/bopEventsList.php Wegmans Concerts by the Shore, Ontario Beach Park, Wednesday evenings - through Aug. 7-9 p.m., 865-3320 www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589948877 Dancing at Wegmans Stores: Johnny Matt Band – Every Friday - Wegmans Eastway Market Cafe, Empire Blvd 5:30-7:30 p.m. -- plenty of room to dance! http:// www.johnnymattband.com/schedule Dance Lessons Interested in dance lessons? Here are a few places to check out: www.dancencounters.com/ http://tangocafedance.com/ http://www.groovejuiceswing.com/ http://www.rochesterswingdance.com/ Are YOU interested in a Fall Series of Same Gender Swing Classes for the LGBT community, in addition to our Sunday dance sessions? Let us know. HAPPY DANCIN’!

Dignity-Integrity D-I Rochester continues to meet weekly at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of August. Please note that all services start at 5 p.m. First Sunday: Episcopal Mass, with music (includes healing service); Second Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music; Third Sunday: Episcopal Mass in the Chapel, no music this week; Fourth Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed by a Potluck Supper. IMPORTANT NOTE: Sunday, Sept. 4 -- No service at church; we’re meeting offsite for an Episcopal Mass at 5 p.m. followed by a picnic. For location and further information, call the hotline listed on our website.

August Pot Luck Theme: “Dog Days of Summer.” Relax; this isn’t a contest to see how many ways to cook hotdogs! Instead, bring something cool to enjoy while the temperature outside soars. No time to cook? Don’t worry; there is always plenty to share. It’s time for our GARAGE SALE PART 2. DATE: August 5, 6 and 7. PLACE: 6963 West Main Road, Lima, 14485. TIME: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. –3 p.m. on Sunday. There are still lots of bargains available! Remember to check our website ( www. di-rochester.org ) for further details. You can also contact us by email: info@di-rochester. org or by calling the D-I Hotline, (585) 234-5092.

EMPIRE BEARS It’s been a hot summer so far, and it’ll be hot Saturday night, Aug. 6, when the BEARS gather at the FORUM for drinks, snacks, and fun. Another place to meet the Bears is at the Wintonaire every Wednesday at 6 for supper. Good food and friends, teasing and joking, planning to meet for golf or a movie. Many of our members camp on the weekends at Jones Pond or Hillside. Starting in September, we’ll get back to our regular schedule of potlucks and meetings. Thanks to the NYS Senators who voted for equal rights, more of our members are taking the plunge and getting married. A couple of weddings are planned for this fall. Next, federal recognition! WOOF!

JUST US GUYS An ongoing goal of our group is to involve members in a variety of activities, which will broaden experiences and appreciation of the many offerings in the local community. With that in mind, plans are in the making to organize an outing to the 40th Annual Walnut Hill Carriage Competition being held Aug. 10-14 and located at 397 West Bloomfield Rd. This event affords area residents the opportunity to see horse drawn carriages of all sizes on display and in competition. One of our own members coordinates the carriage museum tent. The Walnut Hill Carriage Show is truly a local “gem”. Sponsored by The Pittsford Carriage Association, admission is $10 and parking is free. An excellent web site at www.walnuthillfarm.com provides some most interesting history. To learn more about the day and time that JUG members will be attending, contact Ron at 223-2629 or email rmatter1@ rochester.rr.com.

RGMC The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus will hold the first rehearsal of its 29th season on Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 North Fitzhugh St. in Rochester. Throughout its history, the RGMC has continually sought to better the world for our community and beyond. Through harmony of voice and music comes a ubiquitous harmony of spirit and belonging. Over 50 chorines unite in song during any given season at the RGMC, but members also unite and volunteer out in the community. Singing together with a common purpose is not only fun, enjoyable and open to anyone; it also can bring a person to a different time and place from within. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Robert Strauss, a lecturer of voice and opera at SUNY Fredonia and Nazareth colleges, this season promises new memories. Strauss looks forward to meeting new members and longtime friends at the first rehearsal on Sept. 8. “I hope to have us all singing at our first rehearsal as we make great music, great memories and great friends,” Strauss said. On Dec. 2 and 3, “The Holiday Song Book” will focus on the deeper meanings of the holidays with timeless classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and a special arrangement which includes “Holly Jolly Christmas” and a few other well-known favorites. This special concert will focus on what Christmas means to so many of us; fond memories of years gone by and excitement at what lies ahead. Rehearsal begins at 7 p.m. at the church. Those interested in joining the chorus are welcome to arrive at 6:30 p.m. for voice placement. Further information is available at www.thergmc.org or by calling (585) 423-0650.

Rochester GLBTQI Motorcycle Group We have had a few Midnight rides because our membership works late. Lots of fun. We have a camping trip to Jones Pond the first weekend in August coming up. Our group is made up of newbies, people who put on a lot of mileage, and long time bikers. We are all joined, apart from the obvious, by our sport, and helping each other. A real nice group of people! For more information, look at our Yahoo group profile: http://autos.groups. yahoo.com/group/rochesterGLBTQIbikers/. You can also call Bob at 467-6456, or e-mail bmdaniels@frontiernet.net. Let’s ride with pride!

SAGE seeks to form Transgender Group Rainbow SAGE is hoping to form a Transgender social/discussion group for people 40 and above. The planning meeting will be held

A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 Liturgies: Thursday: 7:00 pm, Saturday: 5:00 pm

Sunday:

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7:30 am 9:30 am (at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Avenue)

The Lilac Squares We are meeting during the summer for a little Advanced Square Dancing workshop every other Monday. For some, it’s a reminder, and for our recent graduates, it’s new material. The Lilac Squares meets each Monday at the Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church located on 740 Marshall Rd., Rochester 14624 at 7 p.m. We are a fun, lively and friendly group made up of singles, couples, men, and women, young and young at heart; when we aren’t learning new calls, we are telling stories, jokes, and lively anecdotes. We usually learn a couple of new calls each night, and if we make mistakes, our caller will review the calls for us. We are a very easy-going group, and missteps happen. There will someone there to guide you to where you need to be. The night is for fun and having a good time. For more information, call Bob at 585467-6456, or e-mail bmdaniels@frontiernet.net. Our Yahoo web page is http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LilacSquares/ Hope to see you soon. ■

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

Ongoing Calendar Monday LGBT Support Group New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale. First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm. Carol, 482-3832. Born That Way Formerly Third Presbyterian LGBT Support Group. First, third Mondays, 7:309:30- pm, 34 Meigs St. Carol, 482-3832. Lilac Squares Gay Square Dance Group Mondays, 7pm, Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 467-6456; bdaniels@ frontiernet.net. Free syphilis testing AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 442-2220. Rochester Historical Bowling Society 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) HIV Positive Gay Men Support group Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. Gay Alliance Youth Drop-In Hours Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640, x 13. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Group Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Monday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. Equality Rochester 6:30-8:30pm, Metro Justice, 167 Flanders St. 426-0862; annetischer1@gmail.com

Tuesday Just Us Guys Gay men of all ages. Second Tuesdays, 6:30pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 223-2629

U.R. Pride Network 7:30pm, Gamble Room in Rush Rhees Library. urpride@gmail.com Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Support Group for Parents who have lost Children First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Genesee Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 COAP Come Out and Play. Business meeting last Wednesday. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. 7pm, John S., 261-7263. Empire Bears First Wednesdays, 7:45pm, Gay Alliance Community Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th floor. info@empirebears.org Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Brothers Keeper Support group for men over 30. Third Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400 Gay Alliance Youth Drop-In Hours Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 x 13. On hiatus for summer. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Wednesday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640.

Thursday

Out for Justice Workshop series Fourth Tuesdays through Nov. 2011. Kelly Clark, 244-8640.

Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649

CampusOut Coffee Night First Tuesdays, 7-10pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave.

Queer Radical Reading Group First and third Thursdays, 7pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave.

MOCHA Youth Drop-In Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640

Pride at Work First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. off Thurston Rd. 426-0862.

MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400 Rainbow SAGE Yoga 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, 125 Norris Drive, 442-6369. Women’s Community Chorus Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Free HIV Testing Every Tuesday, 9am-7pm. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave.

Wednesday Charlie’s Group Third Wednesdays. Monthly peerfacilitated support group for married men who have sex with men. Confidential, free. 6:30pm. For info: Scott, 244-8640 x 20; ScottF@Gay Alliance.us. Country Line Dancing/Two Stepping Every Wednesday, 140 Alex, 7pm. Lessons followed by dancing until 10pm, Beginners to advanced.

Trans Action Group (TAG) Information: Peter Vaillancourt, sk8forether@gmail; list serve at transactiongroup@googlegroups.com GLOB&L (Gays and Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb). Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 conference room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 Partner Bereavement Group First and third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Open drop-in session; professionally led. Freewill donation to hospice requested. Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road, 214-1414 MOCHA/Gay Alliance Youth Trans Group First Thursdays, 5-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor (Prince St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13.

Second Thursdays Social and business networking, 5:307:30pm. Changing venues. E-mail fingerlakes@outandequal.org

FRIDAY Gay Men's AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. RochesterGLBTIQbikers@ yahoo.com; 467-6456; bmdaniels@frontiernet.net.

SATURDAY Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Empire Bears Bar Night First Saturdays. Bachelor Forum, 470 University Ave. www.empirebears.org. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Empire Bears Potluck 2nd Saturdays, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main, first floor, Prince St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to pass. www.empirebears.org. Cross Dresser Support Group First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: 251-2132; RCDNET@hotmail.com Guys Night Out Third Saturdays. Social group for transguys. 1pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnightout@gmail.com. Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. S. Men and women. Open meeting. Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. rcoaster@rochester.rr.com Sophia’s Supper Club First and third Saturdays. http://www. inspiritual.biz/online-spiritual-evolutiongro/

Sunday Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Third Sundays, 1-3 pm. Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 244-8640 ext 27; PFLAG@gayalliance.org. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center Every Sunday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. Come Out Dancin’ Second, fourth Sundays. 3-5pm. Friends Meeting House, 84 Scio St., entry on Charlotte St. $5. Adult Discussion Group Ages 21+. Sundays, 4:40-6 pm, Auditorium Center, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. On hiatus for summer. Unity Fellowship Church Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188. Dignity-Integrity 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to start the week, followed by potluck supper. Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 10:30am, 271-8478 Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, Weekly. Closed meeting

Gay Alliance Youth Group Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, 875 E. Main St. or satellite location. For weekly location check Youth Calendar, www.gayalliance.org or e-mail Jess at JessC@Gay Alliance.us. On hiatus for summer. Rainbow SAGE First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third Sundays, Potluck at First Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave., 4pm.

Men’s Cooking Group Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. Civil Rights Front Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront. wordpress.com ■

Rochester AA / NA Meetings Every week there are four regularly scheduled GLBTI AA and two NA meetings in Rochester. Tuesdays Narcotics Anonymous 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS. Wednesdays Freedom/New Happiness Group 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction and recovery – are fair game. Fridays Gay Men’s 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • Handicapped accessible This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about meeting people or speaking up in a group, you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting because everyone gets their turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting often runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour. Saturdays Saturday Night Special 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings. Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. • Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight-friendly” • Mixed men and women • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to basement Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. Sundays Step in the Right Direction 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each week features a reading from NA literature, followed by discussion. Rochester Gay Men 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the County Office Building and walk south one block. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts • Men’s meeting • NOT handicapped accessible Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

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

August MONDAY 1

Lughnasad, Lammas. Ancient Celtic Fire Festival of Harvest. Through Aug. 2. Opening of “Juxtaposed” at Gallery@Equal=Grounds, 570 South Ave. Work by Kristin Harvey and Melissa (Mel) Townsend.

FRIDAY 5

Dignity Integrity Garage Sale Part Two. 6963 West Main Road, Lima, 14485. 9 am-5 pm on Friday and Saturday; 10 am –3 pm on Sunday. GLBTQI Motorcycle Group. Trip to Jones Pond for weekend. Information available at http://autos.groups.yahoo. com/group/rochesterGLBTQIbikers/ or call Bob at 467-6456, or e-mail bmdaniels@frontiernet.net.

SATURDAY 6

BEAR Night at the Forum. 670 University Ave.

SUNDAY 7

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass with music (includes healing service). 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 9

AARP Driver Safety Class. Hosted by Rainbow SAGE, GAGV; taught by Scott Fearing. Also Aug. 11. 9 am-noon at AIDS Care offices, 259 Monroe Ave. $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers; pre-registration required; open to all SAGE and Gay Alliance members and friends. To register, contact Rainbow SAGE at 585-244-8640 ext.15 or rainbowsage@gayalliance.org, or visit www. gayalliance.org to complete online registration form. Registration closes Aug. 3.

WEDNESDAY 10

Just Us Guys trip to Walnut Hill Carriage Competition, 397 West Bloomfield Rd., Pittsford. Contact Ron at 223-2629 or email rmatter1@rochester.rr.com.

THURSDAY 11

Out & Equal Second Thursdays Networking Event 5:30-7:30 pm, One Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Ryan Alley. Free appetizers. 50/50 drawing to support GAGV, Pride 2012.

SATURDAY 13

Bread & Water Theatre Music & Art Fair. Free. 243 Rosedale St. on Aug. 13-14 from 2-8 pm. 585-271-5523, see BreadandWaterTheatre.org. A Call to Women of Color. Social gathering; focus on women of color 13-25. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. Preregistration required by Aug. 9: Jackie Dozier, Minority AIDS Initiatives Coordinator, 585-216-4126; jdozier@acrochester.org.

SUNDAY 14

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

MONDAY 15

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

WEDNESDAY 17

Children Awaiting Parents information meeting, 6 pm, City Hall, 30 Church St., room 008A. For more information contact Veronica Black, Community Outreach Specialist, at Veronica@ capbook.org or (585)232-5110.

SATURDAY 20

Rainbow SAGE picnic. King’s Bend Park, 170 West Jefferson Rd. on the north side of Jefferson Rd. between Clover St. and the Village of Pittsford. 1:30 pm. Bring dish to pass. Brown bag auction.

SUNDAY 21

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass in the Chapel, no music this week. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 23

“Students’ Rights in School.” Out for Justice Legal Issues Workshop, sponsored by GAGV Anti Violence/Community Safety Project. 6:30 p.m. in the GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Facilitated by KaeLyn Rich. Strongly suggested for all students and their parents.

SUNDAY 28

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

MONDAY 29

Out & Equal NY Finger Lakes’ ERG Leadership Roundtable, 5-6:30 pm, hosted by Frito-Lay Inc, 70 Ridgeland Rd. Join leaders from Xerox, Eastman Kodak, Excellus, Corning, University of Rochester, Nazareth College, PepsiCo, ITT. To register for this event and to secure access to Frito-Lay’s offices, contact OENYFL Council member Janet Donner, 585-2695232 or janet.donner@itt.com.

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS

The RADICLE Mom’s Study is being conducted by a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh about mood and social support among lesbian mothers. Participants will be asked to fill out an anonymous online survey asking general background information and questions about relationships, life experiences and mood. Study will take no longer than 15 minutes. Participation completely confidential. To take part, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RADICLEmoms

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Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance or GAGV. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number.

PERSONALS

Diversity–minded Lesbian seniors (retired) interested in Canal walking, bicycling, tennis, talking news/current affairs (either or all), please call C at 585732-7149.

SERVICES

Rochester’s Best Man to Man Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV nega-

tive. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction. Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410(cell) or 585-235-6688(home) or e-mail me at: magichands@rochester.rr.com. Martin Ippolito master electrician. Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. 585-266-6337. At Last, Declare Your Love Proudly!

Marriage ceremonies performed. Customized, traditional, and civil services; all faiths and orientations honored. For more information, please call Adele Fico, BelleAdele Productions at 585-235-2514. Looking for some help around the house? Tired of your weekly cleaning ritual? Call Alana for any of your cleaning and organizational needs. Flexible hours and a personalized touch with great attention to detail. Call for a free estimate today! (585)-313-6057.

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