Empty Closet, October 2011 Section B

The Empty Closet number 450

ImageArt 2011 exhibitions explore the collector’s discerning eye

Blackfriars Theatre, a notfor-profit, professional theatre on East Main Street’s “Theatre Row,” announces the opening of “The Mystery Of Irma Vep (A Penny Dreadful Comedy),” by the late, great gay playwright Charles Ludlam.

This definitive spoof of Gothic melodramas is a quick-change marathon in which two actors play all the roles, including a sympathetic werewolf, a vampire, and an Egyptian princess brought to life when her tomb is opened. It led the NY Daily News to declare it “Lunatic fun that keeps you in stitches.”

“The Mystery Of Irma Vep” stars Jake Purcell and Ed Popil, and is directed by Danny Hoskins. Direction and costume design are by John Haldoupis, and lighting design and stage management are by Ted Plant.

Production dates are Satur-

day, Oct. 22 and 29, and Nov. 5, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $27 Adult; $25 Senior; $17 Student.

Blackfriars Theatre is located at 795 East Main St., just a few doors down from the Auditorium Theatre. There is parking available on site, and handicapped seating is available.

MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted at no additional charge. For information and reservations, call 454-1260.

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.bftix.com If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance.

Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, visit their website at www.blackfriars.org. ■

octoBER 2011

ImageOut will screen 82 films in 10 days

Saturday Oct. 1, with a public opening reception from 6–10 p.m. The show will continue through Sunday, Oct. 23, as part of the ImageOut Film Festival.

Visual Studies Workshop gallery hours are Thursdays 5-8 p.m., Friday – Sunday 12-5 p.m.

In The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the W.M. Hunt Collection, George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film is presenting one of the largest exhibitions in its history. More than 500 photographs by the masters of the medium will be on view Oct. 1 through Feb. 19, 2012.

There will be a public lecture by W.M. Hunt on Friday Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre, followed by a Members Exhibition Party from 7-9:30 p.m. in Potter Peristyle, where guests will enjoy the unique and exotic sounds of Rochester’s own Margaret Explosion while browsing the galleries. The event features a book signing with W.M. Hunt and light refreshments and a cash bar. Free for members, $20 nonmembers. Reservations required by Oct. 19 at (585) 2713361 ext. 434.

Private collections, such as these, are rarely exhibited to the public. Each exhibition offers an opportunity to step into the realm of the art collector and initiates a visual dialogue with the collector. The photographs (ImageArt continues page 2)

Ed Popil and Jake Purcell in “The Mystery of Irma Vep”.

Gothic spoof “Irma Vep” opens at Blackfriars Oct. 22

Arts, Entertainment and Community

a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley

Photo: Dan Howell

Two exhibitions this October uncover the discerning eye of the collector. ImageArt’s rochesterLGBTQcollects is showcasing a diverse array over 70 works of art from 11 regional LGBT collectors.

The exhibition opens at Visual Studies Workshop Bookstore Gallery, 31 Prince St., on

Section B

ImageOut, upstate New York’s longest running lesbian and gay film and video festival, from Oct. 7 to Oct. 16 will feature 82 films over 10 days, shown in three venues in Rochester (The Little Theatre, Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House, The Cinema Theatre).

With annual average attendance of over 10,000 people, ImageOut continues to draw diverse audiences from the Upstate New York region as well as the Northeast and Canada.

This year’s Festival includes 13 East Coast premieres (Morgan, Recipe for a Killing, Queen Bitch, Bashment, Rosa Morena, Anything You Want, Eating Out: The Open Weekend and six short films) and 16 New York State premieres.

As part of the Flower City Flicks series, three films by Upstate New York filmmakers will be presented, starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Dryden Theatre, including the World Premiere of Born Equal. A panel of film experts will select the winner and award a $500 cash prize from the Mary Elizabeth Knight Flower City Flicks Fund.

Highlights of this year’s Festival Highlights include three movies selected for the 2011 Sundance Film Festival: We Were Here, Gun Hill Road, and Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same.

ImageOut is on the Move with QR Codes Quick-Response (QR) codes give festival-goers access to ImageOut’s Mobile website. This website will have the entire program lineup, film descriptions, trailers, and other information to help those on the move take advantage of all the festival has to offer.

Look for QR codes in the ImageOut printed program as well as at festival venues. ImageOut launched this exciting technology last year as one of the first film festivals.

Accessibility ImageOut remains committed to keeping the Festival

From “Gigola,” screening Oct. 9.

accessible. “Because of the tough economic times, the board felt it was important to keep ticket prices as low as possible. People can save up to 20 percent by purchasing tickets in advance of the Festival’s opening. Seniors and students can get great tickets for as little as $5,” said Paul Allen, chair of the Board of Directors. Single ticket prices, prior to student or senior discount, will range from $7 to $15.

Discounts for In-Person Ticket Purchases: a $2 discount is available to individuals over the age of 65 for films shown during the Festival. A student discount continues this year and also offers $2 off many films shown during the Festival.

The Youth Project Film Series, featuring seven films for and about LGBT young people, is free to anyone under the age of 21 with proper ID.

ImageOut Key Festival Dates Monday, Oct. 3: In-person ticket sales; 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1: ImageArt Opening Party 6-10 p.m.; rochesterLGBTQcollects Gallery Exhibition; Wish you were queer, too!

Postcard Show and Sale, Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St. Thursday, Oct. 6: Online ticket sales end Friday, Oct. 7– Sunday, Oct. 16: 19th Annual ImageOut Film and Video Festival Sunday, Oct. 23: ImageArt Gallery Exhibition Ends Keep up with the Latest on ImageOut: ImageOut on the Web at www.

ImageOut.org; Blog at http:// imageout.blogspot.com/; Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ ImageOut; Facebook: ImageOut: The Rochester Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival’s Wall ■

the world, entertaining with his piano and his mismatched socks in the unique way for which he has become known. Martin is incredibly excited to be touring with “Million Dollar Quartet”.

His credits include Daddy Brubeck (“Sweet Charity”); Tin

Man (“The Wizard of Oz”); Narrator (“Joseph”); Motel & Tevye (“Fiddler On The Roof”); Captain Tempest (“Return To The Forbidden Planet”); Mike (“A Chorus Line”); Charlie Guiteau (“Assassins”).

Martin Kaye answered some questions from The Empty Closet about his career and his current role in “Million Dollar Quartet”.

Empty Closet: As a professional musician, do you prefer one type of music over another, or do you love ‘50s rock as much as pop, Broadway, jazz, blues, classical music, etc.? What kind of music do you write yourself?

Martin Kaye: Wow, it’s really hard to pick out this type of music over that one, because I feel something with all types of music -- good and bad! I guess (Martin continues page 2)

Pianoman: Martin Kaye is Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet

By Susan Jordan Martin Kaye, who plays Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet,” now running at the Auditorium Theatre, was born in Manchester, England and has recently moved to Long Island, New York.

Having worked as a professional musician for 10 years, he has released an album, “About You”, will soon be releasing his second album, “Everything The Pen Wants To Say” and is collaborating with songwriter/artist Kenny Nolan on a future album.

Martin has spent the last four years performing around

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“Startling Discovery”; 18in x 11.75in, acrylic, ink, charcoal, conté, and oil stick on paper.

There Is No Up or Down at Equal=Grounds this month; opening Oct. 1 The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds presents their October show, “There is No Up or Down,” paintings on paper by Bradley Butler.

The opening reception is Friday, Oct. 1, from 7– 9 p.m. at the Gallery @ Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Bradley Butler is a soft-spoken man.

He doesn’t need to be a huge physical presence when his paintings speak so forcefully for him. He states, “The imagination is a powerful tool and seldom do we reach our full potential in using it. The ever-present feeling that there is something happening within and around us that seems to be outside the conscious and logical realm is a notion that interests me.”

Butler’s work is both abstract and concrete in its ability to push the viewer to what seems to be just beyond the edge of the paper. The feeling of knowing you may have seen something but never really knowing what it is you think you saw. ■

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Pandora Boxx tells the EC, “I’m so very thrilled to win MVP of RuPaul’s Drag U for the second year in a row.

I’m mostly thrilled because it is the fans that have total control over this.

Thank you to everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to vote for me and make me feel like a very special fake lady!”

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011 (ImageArt continued from page 1) of The Unseen Eye have a common theme — the gaze of the subject is averted, the face obscured, or the eyes firmly closed.

The images evoke a wide range of emotions and are characterized, by what, at first glance, the subject conceals rather than what the camera reveals. ImageArt’s exhibition, rochesterLGBTQcollects, posits the question “what is LGBTQ art?” through the lens of the collector, rather than the artist, revealing a diverse and enigmatic range of answers.

Wish You Were Queer, Too! ImageArt is again offering artists the opportunity to show work in Wish You Were Queer, Too!, the second annual benefit show and sale of original postcard-size artwork on paper by established, emerging, and aspiring artists. The exhibition and sale will also open at the Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St., on Saturday Oct. 1 from 6–10 p.m. and continue through Sunday, Oct. 23. All works will be sold first-come, first-served for $10 each.

All proceeds support ImageArt, a program of ImageOUT, the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival. ■

(Martin continued from page 1) I would have to say that jazz and pop/ rock have a real place in my soul, and I do also have an affection for the new age kind of thing. And of course, rock and roll is basically a grittier form of jazz -- how could I not love that?

In terms of my own music, my first album was a very eclectic fusion of jazz, funk, soul and pop, with a little chillout thrown in for good measure. The second one is very different however; it’s much more along the pop route, with touch of country. Still quite eclectic though -- I think there’s something for everyone!

EC: What is your take on playing Jerry Lee Lewis? How far does the show get into the characters – or is it basically about the music?

MK: Well, when I first went to see the show on Broadway, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought maybe it was gonna be another one of the mishmashy collection of classic songs put together to make a musical. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a true book musical and a massive jam session all in one. By the time you leave at the end, I think you get a pretty great insight into each of the guys -- their backgrounds, their stories. If you didn’t know anything about any of them, then this will definitely educate you!

And Jerry Lee… OHHHHHHH, Jerry Lee! He’s a WILD one! It’s actually really funny because earlier in my career, people would come up to me at the end of my shows and tell me how much I remind them of Jerry Lee Lewis -- and now I get to play him! He was such a pioneer in the world of rock and roll piano, and I feel like I so relate to what he is ON stage!

EC: What do you find especially exciting about the show, and what is your greatest challenge?

MK: Actually, it’s been a challenge learning some of the arrangements -I’ve never been very good at reading music, I’ve always just played by ear.

But there are specific arrangements in the show that I’ve had to learn from sheet music. So that’s been a challenge in the best possible way, because it’s making me a better piano player every day.

And I think the most exciting thing about the show is that I get to do what I love, with other people who feel exactly the same, on stages all around the USA. And it’s not just that it’s what I love… it’s TOTALLY who I am! Life couldn’t be better!

EC: Will you continue touring the world with your one-man show when you stop touring with “Million Dollar Quartet”? What is your ideal vision for your future as a performer – record-

ing and performing your own work as a musician, doing more musicals, or doing film and TV? Can one do it all?

MK: At this stage, it’s really difficult to answer that question. I’m absolutely loving where I am, but I really have no idea what’s gonna happen after this! That’s the story of my life… I’m very much a “live today, see what happens tomorrow” kind of guy!

Saying that, it has always been my ambition to record and perform my own music on the biggest stages, so I see this experience as a huge stepping stone to achieve my dreams. Having said that, I don’t think I‘d turn down the opportunity to be in a film or do another musical! Come on -- it’s all showbiz baby!

EC: Keith Richards’ recent autobiography, “Life,” praises Lewis as one of the greatest rockers, and Richards expresses great respect for him. Do you agree that he was as good a musician

as the other members of the Quartet (Elvis, Carl Perkkins and Johnny Cash) and had an equally profound influence?

He seems almost forgotten by today’s youth, except as an eccentric figure from the primeval days of rock & roll.

MK: Actually, I wasn’t that exposed to him when I was growing up. I mean, I’d heard of him but I didn’t really know much about him or his career.

Having grown musically in the last few years and opened my eyes and ears, it’s quite incredible how good he was at his peak. If you listen to the licks and techniques that made him famous, you really see a genius at work.

I wouldn’t say that he was a great influence on my piano playing as a child, but certainly, since I started working as a professional musician, I’ve learned a lot having listened to and watched him. It’s the fact that he makes you feel like you have permission to do whatever the hell you want

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octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet on stage! And I absolutely think that he’s influenced countless artists who have succeeded him. Ask any pianoplaying rock and roll artist if Jerry Lee Lewis influenced him in some way…

I’d be shocked to hear anything but a resounding “HELL YEAH!” EC: Who are the performers and composers who have inspired you most?

MK: I would have to say that Elton John has been the biggest influence on my music. His and Bernie Taupin’s songs, his unbelievable rock piano, his melodic and rhythmical sense, and of course, his extravagance as a performer… it’s truly awe-inspiring.

Also, having grown up with a grandma who is an aficionado of the music of her time, I’ve always been inspired by the Rat Pack, and the writers of those incredible songs -- Cole Porter, the Gershwin brothers, Irving Berlin… I can go on! Australian pianoman and performer extraordinaire Peter Allen was a gift to the world, and I feel if I were to try and emulate someone in their way of being on stage, he would be it.

And how can I not mention the Beatles!? What they managed to accomplish in the short time they had together wipes the floor with most artists today. There are quite a few others but I think that gives you a good impression of what helped Martin Kaye get to where he is!

EC: Anything you would like to add?

MK: Just come and see MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and I challenge you to NOT have fun! ■

Early bird alert: Angels in America comes to Geva Nextstage in 2012 Method Machine, Rochester’s premiere performance and art company, will stage both parts of Tony Kushner’s Angels In America in 2012 on the Nextstage at Geva Theater Center.

Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches will be presented in March and Angels in America, Part 2: Perestroika will be presented in October. Also in October, Parts 1 and 2 will be presented on one day — a sevenhour theatrical marathon with a dinner break!

Angels in America is set in late 1985 and early 1986, as the first wave of the AIDS epidemic in America is escalating and Ronald Reagan has been elected to a second term in the White House. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play tells the story of a young gay man with AIDS and his frightened, unfaithful lover; a closeted Mormon lawyer and his valiumaddicted wife; the infamous New York lawyer Roy Cohn and a steel-winged, prophecy-bearing angel -- as well as the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg, among many others.

The lives of these disparate characters intersect, intertwine, collide and are blown apart during a time of heartbreak, reaction and transformation.

Ranging from earth to heaven, from the political to the intimate to the visionary and supernatural, Angels in America is an epic exploration of love, justice, identity and theology, of the difficulty, terror and necessity of change.

“We are so excited to be presenting Angels in America,” says Artistic Director David Henderson. “Kushner’s play is the ultimate in modern theater. Great characters, wicked special effects and a message that is vital.”

Henderson teams up with company founder Marcy J. Savastano (Harper) and usual suspects Jill Rittinger (the Angel), Judy Molner (Hannah) and Peter Doyle as Roy Cohn. The company will also collaborate with acclaimed international video artist Monica Duncan to create the special effects and video for the production.

“Performing at Geva will give us the best environment to attempt some very difficult effects most companies our size would shy away from,” says Henderson. “But we’re not shy.”

Method Machine was founded in 2007 by Marcy J. Savastano, Michael Francis O’Connor and David Henderson as an artistic outlet to mount contemporary plays, breathe new life into classic productions and develop multidisciplinary projects.

Theatrical productions include This Is Our Youth, The Second Coming of Joan of Arc,Lux in Tenebris, Love Triangle: An Evening of Music, Improv and Drama, Edge (National Tour), The Lipstick Massacre (World Premiere), Closer, Something Cloudy Something Clear and Spring It On: A Broadway Cabaret.

Women to read from Mama’s American Herstory at Flying Squirrel on Oct. 30 Culture Starts With Art (CSWA) says, “Come explore the latest Female ART expression at the second practice read of M.A.H. (Mama’s American Herstory) monologues.”

The event takes place Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m. (with an open Q/A forum following afterwards) at The Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St., Rochester 14608.

The performance is directed by Chan McKenzie and stars the women of SSS, who brought you the HER show and WOMONSTOCK: Lori Nolasco, Erica Eaton, Katrina Scott, Chan McKenzie, Lu Highsmith, Jenna Rossi, Grace Flores, Jess Cohen, Diane Conway and introducing Loekie Windig, Marsha Jones, LaTasha and many others!

Admission is $10-$15 sliding scale (no one will be turned away). The space is wheelchair accessible. M.A.H. monologues is a CSWA production. ■

United Church of Christ

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Irondequoit United Church Of Christ 644 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617 (Across from the House of Guitars) 585-544-3020 • www.iuccspirit.com Celebrating Our Centennial Year In 2011 The Rev. Michael Dack, Pastor Audio Loop for Hearing Impaired, Large-Print Bulletins, Handicap Accessible Sunday Worship 9 am - Celebration Worship in the Sanctuary 10:10 am - Sunday School classes for children

up to 6th grade Youth Fellowship in the Youth Room Adult Faith Formation in the Lounge 11 am - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary Nursery/Childcare during both services Junior & Senior High Youth Group Adult Vocal and Handbell Choirs

Mountain Rise United Church Of Christ (In Perinton) 2 Mountain Rise, Fairport, NY 14450 (Off Rt. 31 just east of Kreag Road)

585-223-2433 • www.mtriseucc.org Celebrating Our 50th Year In 2012 The Rev. Dr. Greg Osterberg, Pastor Suzanne Gangemi, Director of Family Life Ministries Sunday WORSHIP 10:00 A.M. Communion – First Sunday of each month Worship in Jazz – Second Sunday of each month Children/Youth Christian Education “Komma Kids” available during worship Nursery Care Available Accessible and Audio Loop Available

The Avenue Pub

The City of 10,000 Buddhas

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The Avenue Pub 522 Monroe Avenue 585-244-4960

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By Merle Exit Mendocino County is located in the northern part of California, a hidden gem!

First stop was the city of Ukiah, one of the main towns in the Upper Russian River Valley area.

Itinerary had us going to a place known as the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Quite a serene atmosphere and lots of acres. It was composed of an educational facility for one’s entire schooling, if one wished, as well as areas of worship, dining, a gift shop and even a separate vegetarian restaurant. The main building of worship is where the ten thousand Buddhas are housed.

That evening we ate at a fabulous restaurant called Branches. There are three areas. The first is when you enter and view the delicious pastries in the bakery. Abutting the bakery is their butcher shop for those who want to purchase a fresh cut of beef, pork, or chicken as well as getting a sandwich to go. The restaurant portion actually houses two “restaurants” with the main dining room and a separate Irish sports bar facing the front, where you can get what’s on the dinner menu or some “pub” food.

Our next destination was the Point Arena Light Station, with both its museum and Point Arena Lighthouse. We left Ukiah and first traveled some roads that went past the ancient redwood groves of Montgomery Woods State Park. The redwood trees are huge and well worth stopping a few times to view and compare your height to them.

Now we are at the Point Arena Light Station, in the area known as the Southern Coast, where there are two structures, of which is the station that houses the history, First Order Fresnel lens and other

35 Year Landmark in the Gay Community

displays. One of the rooms lends itself as a sheltered place to watch for whales and sea birds.

Then there is the lighthouse itself.

Nancy climbed the steps while I looked around to see a gazebo in the north corner of the station. That gazebo was the remaining piece of movie set from “Forever Young”. BTW, the Point Arena tower is the only Pacific West coast lighthouse of significant height (115 feet) that you can climb to the top!

It was the seventh of June. A baby sable is one day old and this adorable animal, in the family of antelopes, has to be vaccinated and tagged. Frank Mello, co-owner of B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, drives his truck into the gated field to spot the newborn. The adults are far away and do not appear upset with Frank picking up the calf, bringing it into the truck and returning it back to where it hid itself. I was in the truck to see it all and sneak in a little petting.

The B. Bryan Preserve is what I would term a “private zoo”. Frank and his wife Judy have been into breeding and preservation of African Hoof Stock for the last five years. Animals, ranging from endangered to critically endangered, include various species of zebra and antelope.

Thus you have roan antelope; greater kudo; sable antelope; Grevy’s Zebra and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra.

Open to the public for tours and overnight stays, the animals are fenced in within their specific species. Frank feeds his “friends” but not close enough for contact, as well as naming each one of them (suggested by the guests). They are wild animals and this is not a petting zoo.

Cottages are fully furnished and the only food on the premises is fresh eggs from the hen house. Breakfast and off to Santa Rosa. For further information go to www.visitmendocino.com. ■

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California’s Mendocino County

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

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octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Columnists

The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet.

Growing Up Happiness

By Eric Bellmann I’m not thinking about sex. I’m not thinking about money or how fat I’ve grown without quite realizing it. In fact, I’m not thinking at all.

I’m sitting in Washington Square Park in New York.

It’s a beautiful late summer Saturday afternoon, sunny and clear and I’m sitting because I’m worn out from walking. My feet hurt.

The park is wonderful now after years of reconstruction. People complained that the changes were taking too long. They moved the fountain so that it would align with the arch. Most people thought that was an unnecessary undertaking but now that it’s done it’s fine. All the new plantings were worth the wait. The circular benches turned out well. It’s really delightful.

Under the arch there’s a guy playing a grand piano! How he hauls it here is beyond me.

But he plays well and draws a crowd and seems to be making money. On the weekend there usually are two or three clusters of musicians. There used to be the muscular B boys showing off their gymnastics and rap routines, rousing the crowds, astonishing tourists who endlessly snapped pictures. They aren’t here now.

I’m sitting not far from the fountain in a shady spot, odd since I usually sit in the sun. Walk in the sun, too. Never pass up a chance to work on my tan. A sun tan makes me feel younger, healthier. Kind of like make-up, I suppose.

I’m sitting behind a four-person band, three men and a woman who are playing kind of blue grassy, country music, but very hip. Three guys and one girl. She sings while strumming a banjo. The guy with the trumpet, he’s the hottest one in the group, sings sometimes, too. The guy playing the clarinet has a very hairy neck.

Gotta be straight.

But in New York, you never know for sure. People are gathered in a semi-circle listening, some taking photographs with their cell phones. Now and then someone inches up to toss a dollar or two into the open banjo case which serves as a donation container.

When they stop for a moment, everyone claps, the musicians nod and shortly resume playing. I have no idea if they are more interested in making money or making music. There is an aura of commitment around them. I think that’s what appeals to the crowd.

Next to me is a cluster of three people. An old white man in a wheelchair, a woman of color who I guess is tending him and a slightly younger man, perhaps a brother or close friend. You see compromised or disabled people everywhere in New York. The city really is easy access.

I hate riding on the Second Avenue buses as they head up town. There are so many hospitals along that route that at nearly every stop, the driver shoos away people sitting in seats that can be converted for wheelchair riders. The ride uptown along Second Avenue takes forever. Nonetheless it’s heartening to see how fluidly handicapped people can move through the city. Someone quite accurately has observed that, while New York is mobbed by the young, it remains a great place to be old. Dollar stores, good transportation, lots of places to hang out.

What rivets me is the intimacy of this

trio. The caregiver seems businesslike as she gently lifts the man in the wheelchair’s hand. I think he drifts off into playing with himself. OK in private, perhaps, not so in the public park. Maybe that’s just my imagination. Or wish. The other man finds a tissue, hands it to the old man. He must wipe his own nose. He has to use his motor skills. The interplay is subtle, tender.

To my right there is a French family, mom and dad and a couple of teenagers.

They have a clutter of guidebooks and maps but they, too, have decided to stop and listen. The kids have just returned with a couple of shopping bags of no doubt cheap acquisitions -- the Euro is stronger than the dollar, that’s for sure.

They also have a small box of four cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. Ah me, how the tourists flock to that place. I sneer when I pass the crowds lined up outside it on Bleecker Street. If only they would go to Billy’s on 9th Avenue. Billy’s cupcakes are better. That’s where New Yorkers go.

But they are charmed by the treats, each one with different colored frosting.

I’ve been resting here a long time. In fact I’ve lost track of time. My feet no longer hurt. As I turn from the musicians to the tourists to the other people nearby, I realize I am crying. Not much, a tear or three. I am so happy to be here, to be alive, to be a witness. Just to be.

Email: elbcad@rit.edu

Cleaning My Closet SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger My spouse languishes in bed, brought down by an infinitesimal Bug. I bring her breakfast on a tray.

A flowered napkin.

Fresh blueberries on her blueberry yogurt. I have peeled and sliced an orange, placed the wedges in a circle, and decorated them with strawberries. While antibiotics are busy healing her body, I offer Beauty to heal her spirit.

It was only nine days ago that she was the mobile, attentive friend and I was the aching body under the covers. As I age and time moves more swiftly, I am especially aware of the irony that the only constant is change.

Later, when the clock strikes ten, she finally falls asleep. I tiptoe to my desk to work on my column, to play with words.

In an instant, Apache Summer Woods saunters into my study. I whisper her name and she jumps onto my desk. She turns, scrunches, turns, kneads, and finally settles close to me as I write. I watch her long black fur move up and down as she sleeps. I wonder if she is purring or snoring.

She is our last Soft Cat. The heat of her body seeps into my arm. Last year, we lost our other cats. One walked into the woods and never returned. Two went to the vets, never to return. So Apache is my last breathing feline friend. Those other three are Wispy Cats who wander through my days.

Our dogs give another kind of friendship. Vegas Frank follows me into the bathroom every morning, watching my ablutions and such. He rides with me when I do errands, stretching his long, red dachshund body across the back window ledge. And whenever I return to him after a long absence, he curls his lips into an amazing toothy grin. I like his company.

Nevada Moon offers her puppy exuberance. Each time she selects a different toy she and her busy tail hurry to my side to show me her treasure. In the evening, she likes to be skin-to-skin close, on her back, her front legs raised straight up, her pink belly ready for rubbing. I give her abundant attention and she gives me endless laughter.

I admit that sometimes I notice all the work that accompanies my four-legged friends. Sometimes I bemoan those tasks.

But most of the time the giving feels gratifying.

And all of this Give and Take, all the permutations of Offer and Receive have come to the front of my consciousness because life is unpredictable. But friendship is flexible.

The first call: I hear the fear in her voice. “I had two seizures.” The search began. Blood work and an MRI. The second call: I feel the darkness in her voice.

“I have three brain tumors.”

And our lives changed.

She can’t drive because she has had two seizures. She must consult with many doctors… neurosurgeons, radiosurgeons, neurologists. She faces complicated choices. Door #1: wait and see. Door #2: knife surgery. Door #3: radiation surgery.

A single womyn, she had, several years ago, chosen me to be her health care proxy. I had easily said yes to my young friend. I put the paperwork in my file cabinet, out of my mind.

Of course I had assumed that she, only 56, would outlive me. And I had quickly dismissed any possibility of serious medical problems. I mean, she rides her bike, walks her dog for miles. She was in the Navy. She played softball. Slim, nonsmoking, drug and alcohol free. Clearly healthy. I was certain I would never have to make one of those difficult decisions.

Now we both move toward that brink, into the cloudy days of What Ifs. Our friendship has moved into a different level. Way beyond shared dinners.

More intense than scheduling tickets to Naz. Deeper than commiserating about job woes. My point of view has shifted drastically. I am on call, on duty. Willingly.

So now I am the driver because she had to relinquish her license… surrender a huge hunk of her freedom. I am by her side at all her doctors’ appointments. I take copious notes while she tries to comprehend words she does not want to hear.

Every time we leave another office, we sit in my car, silent for a while. Then I listen to the avalanche of feelings, crashing into a day she could never have predicted.

Listening is the only medicine I know how to dispense.

As I drive to her house, I sense the weight of all the details, all the doubts and decisions that she must bear. All the while my mind twists and turns around intimidating words that threaten my friend.

And I understand that I can easily escape those words. She cannot.

Once I am on my way home, I change my focus. I savor the sparkle on the waters

b5 of Irondequoit Bay. I watch the glide of the hunting hawk. I stay in the moment.

When the car makes the final turn into my driveway, I am drawn to the comfort of Home. Our lovely lawn… dd and her John Deere have mowed and I can’t wait to run upstairs to look out the bedroom window to see the design she has created this time.

I pass our tomato-loaded plants as I hurry toward the house. Our dogs bark, the tall one leaning on the window sill, the lace curtain draped over one ear.

When I finally open the door, Vegas and Nevada wiggle all their parts until I am swathed in the now of their visible love.

MeredithElizabethReiniger@frontiernet.net

Faith Matters Homophobe Tim Hardaway’s change of words

By Rev. Irene Monroe In the African American community we desperately need public role models denouncing anti-homophobic bullying, vitriol, and discrimination.

Since too few role models come from the Black Church, many of us lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) brothers and sisters of African descent look to black role models, especially males, in the areas of entertainment and sports.

But sadly that list too is short.

Tim Hardaway, a retired NBA AllStar player, has recently stepped forward.

“It’s not right to not let the gays and lesbians have equal rights here,” Hardaway told the crowd at a press conference organized by the “No Recall” group, an El Paso group opposing a recall of El Paso Mayor John Cook and two city representatives for their support to re-establish domestic partner benefits for same-sex and unmarried partners of city employees.

Hardaway, however, is the last person one would expect to speak out on behalf of a LGBTQ social justice issue.

In a 2007 interview on Miami’s sports radio station, “790 The Ticket,” Hardaway was asked how he would interact with a gay teammate. The topic came up because of fellow former NBAer John Amaechi’s announcement, in his book Man in the Middle, that he is gay.

“You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don’t like gay people and I don’t like to be around gay people,” Hardaway said. “I’m homophobic. I don’t like it. It shouldn’t be in the world or in the United States.”

His vitriol, sadly, hurt more than just his post-career endorsements. It hurt the hundreds of young LGBTQ sports enthusiasts and athletes that revered him.

For many of us in the African-Amer-

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

(Columnists continued from page 5) ican LGBTQ community, however, we were saddened by Hardaway’s remarks, but certainly not surprised. The former CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition H. Alexander Robinson commented on Hardaway’s vitriol, stating, “His callous disregard for the dignity of the lives of gay Americans brings dishonor to himself and the many thousands who look upon him as a role model for young black men and women, many of whom are undoubtedly gay or lesbian.”

I do believe with the right intervention and rehabilitation that vile-spewing homophobes can change. But when their crossover appeal and multi-million careers come to an abrupt halt, their mea culpas appear disingenuous, and their zealous LGBTQ advocacy appears suspect.

For example, Tracy Morgan, comedian and actor on NBC’s “30 Rock,” is a recent example of the malady.

During a standup performance in June at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, Morgan’s intended “jokes” about LGBTQ people were instead insulting jabs.

My son “better talk to me like a man and not in a gay voice or I’ll pull out a knife and stab that little n-gger to death,” Morgan told his audience.

Like Hardaway, Morgan has publicly expressed his mea culpas. Morgan’s was to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s LGBTQ media advocacy and anti-defamation organization -- as part and parcel of his forgiveness tour -- speaking out in support of LGBTQ equality.

Back in the day, racism was addressed through sports when Jackie Robinson became the first black Major League Baseball player in 1947.

Today’s society awards celebrity status to professional athletes of all races, and the popularity of African-American athletes has reached unprecedented levels; their influences go far beyond the court and field.

So, do these athletes like Hardaway have a responsibility to their fans, especially black ones, and society?

Hardaway’s homophobia is shaped by a particular type of black masculinity that no longer has to break through this country’s color barrier to represent the race and prove athletic prowess or manhood in sports.

The aggressive posturing and repudiation of LGBTQ people allows athletes like Hardaway to feel safe in the locker room by maintaining the myth that all the guys gathered on their team are heterosexual, and sexual attraction among them just does not exist.

“I don’t think he should be in the locker room while we are in the locker room,” Hardaway said during that Miami interview. “If you have 12 other ballplayers in your locker room that’s upset and can’t concentrate and always worried about him in the locker room or on the court or whatever, it’s going to be hard for your teammates to win and accept him as a

teammate.”

This myth allows homophobic men like Hardaway to enjoy the homo-social setting of the male locker room that creates male-bonding -- and the physical and emotional intimacy that goes on among them displayed as slaps on the buttocks, hugging, and kissing on the cheeks in a homoerotic context -- while such behavior outside of the locker would be easily labeled as gay.

In his book, Amaechi states, “The NBA locker room was the most flamboyant place I’ve ever been. Guys flaunted their perfect bodies. They bragged about sexual exploits. They primped in front of the mirror, applying cologne and hair gel by the bucketful. They tried on each other’s $10,000 suits, admired each other’s rings and necklaces. It was an intense camaraderie that felt completely natural to them.”

In August, Sports Illustrated writer Dave Zirin caught up with Amaechi to get his take on Hardaway’s turn around.

“I was in contact with the people he did his ‘emergency rehab’ with after his ‘I hate gay people’ rant. They were underwhelmed to say the least. Back then his contrition seemed more to do with the financial and reputation hit he had taken in the aftermath. However, it seems to me that this is a far more genuine piece of outreach. ... I hope this is a story of true redemption rather than a savvy P.R. ploy.

Either way, he is at least saying the right words, and that will make a positive difference,” Amaechi told Zirin.

But as we know, a change of words does not necessarily bring a change of heart.

Gay and Transgender Issues in the Workplace On Death and Whales

By Brian McNaught With the wake of my boat, I rang the channel bell for Andy Whitfield, the thirty-nine-year-old star of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” who died that day

of lymphoma.

The clanging of the giant old bell was a message to the heavens of my thanks to Andy for the pleasure he brought me in his role as the famed gladiator, and of my loving thoughts to his wife and two small children.

A short while later, after I rounded the Race Point lighthouse, thinking of death, sad with the signs of summer’s end, and perplexed by my need to make changes in some of my relationships, I turned off the boat’s engine and stretched out in the sun.

I hoped to be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat.

I then started to think about an e-mail I had received that morning from a young mother who had decided to separate from her husband. She said that she wanted the

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same love that she saw in Ray’s and my relationship. She didn’t want to settle for less. She was lonely in her marriage and had decided to move on. I had replied to her, “You are making a courageous decision. Do your best to do it with great love, and without closing any doors. We all need the time and space to make decisions, and the opportunity to change our minds.”

As I pondered the significance of my friend’s decision and its possible thematic connection to the death of the Welsh actor Whitfield and the end of summer, and the volatility of friendships, a handsome whale surfaced next to the boat. The sound of it blowing out air, and the sight of its sleek black body moving gracefully through the water, pulled me into a different realm – a place of peace. I was no longer Brian in a boat with heavy things on my mind. I was in union with the small whale, and with the waves, the soaring seagulls, the warm sun, the pure sand and the brilliant sky.

For the briefest moment, I was a simple but important part of nature’s essence and wonder.

But the whale didn’t resurface as I hoped it would, and in time I was forced to come back to the other reality, and my thoughts of death – the end of life, the end of a relationship, the end of friendships, and the end of the season. All of it is about letting go, sometimes with a choice and sometimes with no choice. Sometimes it’s final and sometimes it’s not. But, it’s death.

This morning, I got an e-mail from a friend and fellow diversity trainer who wanted me to know that she had changed jobs and was now a wealth manager focusing on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, as she had in her corporate trainings. I think she made a good decision, but only time will tell. I was nevertheless very proud of her, and told her so.

She seemed really happy.

This afternoon, I took two transsexual women friends for a boat ride to Race Point. Through choppy waters and ocean sprays that soaked us completely, we rang the bell in honor of their transitions, and we talked of the death they would have endured had they not chosen to fully embrace their female gender identity.

Transsexuals cannot live full lives in the gender they were assigned at birth.

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people in the closet will only experience death. When we reached the lighthouse, our focus was captured by the magnificent sight of a giant sunfish floating joyfully at the water’s surface. For a brief moment, we weren’t a gay man and two transsexual women in a boat. We were lost in peace and awe as three souls that shared life with the sunfish. But then we headed back to shore, with more talk of making choices.

Death brings new life. Letting go of one thing means the possibility of new life with another. Fall follows summer, and in the fall there are experiences I can’t have in the summer. What’s more, summer will return, so there is death, birth, death, and birth with human life, marriages, friendships, seasons, careers, gender transitions, sexual orientations, and all other aspects of our lives. It’s nature’s way.

Choosing not to change or to let go can mean death. Staying in a marriage that is not loving is death. Staying in friendships that no longer feed you is death. Staying in a career that no longer interests you is death. Andy Whitfield didn’t have a choice. He wanted to live but death was going to have its way. But if he embraced his death, made peace with it, and let go, he too found life if only in the change of forms.

Sometimes, when we’re feeling the weight of these important decisions to stay or to let go and move on, a whale surfaces or a sunfish plays. It’s an unexpected event, or sight, taste, sound, feel, or smell that takes us away from our dilemmas, and allows us to reside in a more peaceful frame of mind. But it doesn’t last long. It’s only a short peek into what’s possible. And then it ends. The moment dies, and then enters the world of someone else to give them peace.

It’s important to remember in all of this that even the whales and sunfish must face death, and make decisions that can mean life for them. www.brian-mcnaught.com

A Few Bricks Short Trick-or-treat!

By David Hull I love Halloween. Everyone who knows me knows Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. It has been ever since I was a little kid.

Now I know some of those evangelistic Christians will argue that Halloween isn’t even really a holiday. Or if it is, then it is an evil holiday celebrating Satan or something like that, but I totally disagree.

How can having some kid come to your door dressed as a Power Ranger or Dora the Explorer have anything to do with Satan? Jack-o-lanterns, candy apples, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or funsize candy bars – how can any of that be connected with Satanism? The only thing that I find evil on Halloween is those people who give out pencils for trick-or-treat – now that seems somewhat Satanic to me!

My two best Halloween costumes ever that I remember were Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolfman. When I was nine, I picked out the Frankenstein costume at the Five & Dime department store. It was one of those old Collegeville Costumes that came in the brown cardboard box with the cellophane window on top that displayed the plastic mask. And on Halloween night the microscopically thin rubber band that held the mask to my face broke after about the first ten minutes of trick-or-treating.

That was actually a good thing because the plastic mask was building so much moisture from my breath that it kept sliding off anyway.

When I was 16 I went to a Halloween party dressed as the Wolfman. I wore a pair of plastic fangs, slicked my hair back and glued artificial fur all over my face (this was years before I could grow a beard!). It was one of the few Halloweens when I actually remember people not being able to guess who I was.

Every year for Halloween, Bernie and I give out full-size candy bars, because we both remember how exciting it was to go trick-or-treating to a house and get a fullsize treat; not those sad, little excuses for a candy bar called “fun-size”. Give me a break, even when I was a kid, I knew that if a candy bar was to be truly “fun-size,” it would have to be as big as a loaf of bread – now that would be fun!

The first year that Bernie and I were dating, I entered our names into a Halloween promotional raffle to win either a Caribbean cruise, $1,000 in cash or a sixfoot tall inflatable Frankenstein. You know which prize we won – the giant inflatable Frankenstein. But Bernie says it is just as well because the cruise would be long over, the money would all be spent, but we still have that inflatable Frankenstein and he’s on our front porch every October 31st.

Last Halloween we had a surprise when a father brought his toddler to our house to see the giant Frankenstein and the Dad actually remembered it from when he was a little kid trick-or-treating at our house.

Obviously we’ve been inflating that Frankenstein for more years than we care to remember!

To me, Halloween is an evening to celebrate family and community – opening your door to the neighborhood kids, putting an extra jack-o-lantern out to light their way, sharing treats to make someone smile. Summer is long gone; it’s too early to start Christmas shopping, so relax and enjoy the cool autumn temperatures, have a sip of warm apple cider and if all else fails, sneak a full-size Butterfinger candy bar for yourself.

Happy Halloween!

You can contact David at Davidhull59@ aol.com ■

octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

Fall Dance Gay Alliance Fall Dance Saturday, October 29, 2011 5-10 pm Roger Robach Center 180 Beach Avenue Rochester, New York Drug & Alcohol Free Refreshments $10 Donation

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

Gay Alliance News October is Domestic Violence Month One in Four…

By Kelly Clark Here’s a statistic for you: one in every four couples’ relationship is abusive in some way. This statistic holds true for straight and same-sex couples. Some studies suggest it might be even higher in some LGBT populations.

Think about that for a moment. That means in one of every four couples you know, one partner is engaging in behaviors that seek to gain dominance, power and control over the other. Behaviors that include emotional/psychological manipulation; control of finances; abuse of pets; withholding of medications/ hormones; threats to “out” partner to family or employers and physical abuse.

I shared that statistic with someone recently and it stopped him dead in his tracks. He told me that everybody knows that there is domestic violence.

“But we don’t know that statistic!” he said.

He then thought about his daughter.

He thought about his brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He thought about his friends. His brain raced as he came to grips with the fact that someone he knows is likely suffering in silence, and it’s likely more than one. He thought about the experience of his own wife who grew up in a household where domestic violence was common. You could see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to imagine who among his family and friends was hiding a very dark secret.

Once you learn a statistic like this, you can’t unlearn it. Upon hearing this

statistic, my friend immediately felt some responsibility to do something about it.

The question then became what was his ability-to-respond? What could he do?

What should he do? Where to start? We spent some time talking about it. He decided that one thing he could do was to use his business to do some outreach. He is going to spread that statistic and information on resources for people here in Rochester who need help.

Now that you know this statistic, what is your ability to respond? Do you have a friend whose relationship has just “too much drama?”

Threats, hitting and shoving are not just “drama”. Your friend may need some help. Could you respond by inviting your friend to a private place to talk about what you have observed? Could you let your friend know that you are worried about him/her?

Could you share this statistic at your next girls night out or potluck party?

Talk with your friends about the reality of domestic violence. Make a pact with them to ask for help or share concerns when needed.

Is your friend the abuser? Maybe you have noticed how she treats her girlfriend, or bruises on his boyfriend?

Could you respond by no longer ignoring what you have seen? Could you let your friend know that domestic violence is intolerable? Could you suggest resources for help to your friend?

Silence and secrecy, embarrassment and shame keep this statistic alive. It will only change when the whole community -- all of us -- takes responsibility and strengthens our ability to respond. ■

Domestic Violence Resources Always dial 911 in an emergency or for immediate medical assistance.

Three ways to seek help from the Gay Alliance: Call: 585-244-8640 E-mail: safe@gayalliance.org Website: www.gayalliance.org/dv 24 Hour Help Lines: Alternatives for Battered Women (also works with men) Phone 585-232-7353, TTY 585-232-1741 NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: English: 1-800-942-6906 (TTY: 1-800-818-0656) Spanish: 1-800-942-6908 (TTY: 1-800-780-7660)

Rev. Cheryl L. Miner, Sanctuary of the Beloved, 1968 Ridge Road Apt D, Ontario 14519, Spiritual - $50 to 100

Wedding providers list Rev. Sharon Peters, Webster, NY 14580 - Unity - $200 Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Open Arms MCC, 740 Marshall Rd., Metropolitan Community Churches - $150 Sally Hamill, 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., Episcopal - $335 Rev. Rachel McGuire, Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave., American Baptist - $300 Rev Dr Jack Porcello, Our Fellowship & Joining Hands Ministries, Interfaith - $250-$400 Rev. Peggy Meeker, Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship - $300 (negotiable) Rev. Scott Tayler, First Unitarian Church of Rochester, Unitarian Universalist - Sliding scale Rev. Scott Tayler, Unitarian Universalist of Canandaigua - Sliding scale Rev. Kaaren Anderson, First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. – Sliding scale Rev. Eleanor Celentani, Christ Church Unity, 55 Prince St. - $300 Rev. Gerard Williams, Unity Fellowship Church, 1420 Main St. Buffalo, 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, Independent Minister, 100 Laburnam Crescent, Apt. 1.

Nondenominational- $100 Jennifer L. Gravitz, community rabbi, 165 Coniston Drive, Jewish - $200 Rev. Denise Donato, Mary Magdalene Church, 401 Main St. East Rochester Catholic - $250 Pastor Lee Richards, Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, 10 East Park St., Albion 14411, Unitarian Universalist - $250 ($300 with rehearsal) Rev. Alicia Heath-Toby, UFC Rochester, 125 Caroline St., , Unity Fellowship Church Movement/ Christian - $350 for non members

Rev. Kathy Paduano, nondenominational - $250 Peter House, First Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton - $400 Rev. Laureen Batsford, New Seminary Temple NYC, PO Box 123, McLean $250 Joseph Rosenshein, Universal Life Church, non-denominational - $300 Gary D. Leenhouts, Affirming Faith Ministries, $200 Karen Morris (Judge, Brighton Town Court) - $100 Rev. Fr. Bill Heller, Sacred Heart Parish, Reformed Catholic negotiable Rev. Scott Fearing, Universalist Life $200 basic ■

disappearing disappearing disappearing disappearing Preservation of Records disappearing Archival Best Practices For You, Your Organization, Your Agency Friday, November 4, 2011 8:30 – 11:30 am Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 East Main Street Rochester, New York 14605

Do you need Internet access?

The Gay Alliance Library has two computers* with internet access available during library hours: Sunday: 3-5pm Monday, Wednesday 6-8pm *Computers are part of our David Bohnett Cyber Center

Scott and Trish Gallagher, Marriage Divas , 2621 Dewey Ave., NonDenominational - $250

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

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

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.

ro

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

on

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

Many things

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id

Gay Alliance Youth

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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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octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

Program Notes Domestic violence awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Gay Alliance Anti-Violence Project will serve as host for “The Shattered Rainbow: Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBT Community.”

This full-day training is offered by the LGBT Subcommittee of the Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium. Geared toward local professionals who work with domestic violence victims, this training will improve their knowledge and ability to serve LGBT victims. Trainers include staff from the Gay Alliance, Alternatives for Battered Women and the Empire Justice Center.

Look for the Anti-Violence Project at Tilt Nightclub for the “Go Violet” outreach campaign to increase awareness of domestic violence, Oct. 6, 7 and 8. We will be distributing DV resource materials, give-aways and door prizes!

New group for teens

The Youth Group announces a new group for youth ages 13-18. The group will meet every Thursday from 6-7:30 at the Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. For more information, call Jess Cohen at 244-8640 ext 13.

Rainbow SAGE update

Get ready for a great October with Rochester Rainbow Sage. We have so much fun it is almost scary. Boo! Okay you get the idea.

The fun always begins with everyone’s favorite game, euchre. Join us for euchre on the first Sunday of every month, with this month’s being on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. The location is always the South Wedge Planning Committee building, 224 Mt. Hope in Rochester. An RSVP is suggested, as space is limited. Please call 585-2448640 X15 to RSVP or for directions and more information.

The Jim Alesi Family Health and Fitness Fair is on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 10–4:30 at the Fair & Expo Center Dome Arena in Henrietta. Admission is free along with screenings and seminars.

Why wait till the New Year to begin that exercise program. Rochester Rainbow Sage is starting now. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 6 and every consecutive Thursday in October we will be starting a chair exercise program.

This is a low impact and fun way to start getting fit. Join our new volunteer Heather to start increasing your flexibility and building up your body strength while enjoying some up-beat tunes to get your groove on. The time is 6:30 p.m. and the location is GAGV Youth Center.

Rochester Rainbow Sage has become well known for its potlucks. The next one is on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m.

The location is always First Universalist Church, 150 South Clinton, corner of Court St. Our speaker will be Marion Overslaugh from Lifespan.

Many of us as we age are afraid of falling, especially with winter just around the corner. Marion will be giving us the basics on “A Matter of Balance,” a program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase

physical activity. Before Marion speaks at 4:45 p.m. we will have our potluck at 4 p.m. It is Halloween month, so that is our theme. Please bring a dish to pass but use your imagination and give it a spooky name. Write the name of your spooky dish on a card and place it near your item. Our panel of judges will pick the best two with the best imagination to win a prize. What fun, see you there!

Men’s Group meets the third Wednesday of the month. Contact Tony at rtony13@aol.com for more on time and location.

Sage Night Live is a new program we are trying starting on Friday, Oct. 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the GAGV Youth/ Community Center. Come and watch a movie or play a game, have a conversation and some snacks. Why go to a bar Friday night when you can come be with like-minded friends and have a good time? We hope to see you at our first Sage Night Live.

Last year Rochester Rainbow Sage had a program called Coffee & Conversation which was a great opportunity for new people to meet us and learn about Sage. We are bringing it back but have decided to combine it with our monthly breakfast club. So now, starting Saturday Oct. 29 we present our newly named Sage C&C Breakfast. This is for Sage members to get together and chat over coffee and/or breakfast and for newcomers who would like to learn more about us and meet some new friends. The time is 10 a.m.

Not only are our potlucks famous, so are our dances. Be sure to join us on Saturday, Oct. 29 starting at 5 p.m. for our Fall Dance. The dancing goes till 10 p.m. and tickets are just $10, from Equal=Grounds and Outlandish. The location is Roger Robach Center at 180 Beach Ave. in Charlotte. The dance features a basket raffle, food and more.

Our Women’s Group meets the last Monday of the month at 11 a.m. in the GAGV library, next to the Youth Center. Contact Eileen at ebrophy@frontiernet.net for more information.

Coming Soon – Health Awareness Workshops beginning Saturday Nov. 12. Topics will include general health issues for LGBT individuals, hypertension and diabetes, sexual health, elder abuse, health screenings and more.

Educational Outreach Speaking engagements/presentations by the Gay Alliance staff and volunteers September 2011 9/2: SafeZone Training at RIT 9/2: SafeZone Training at RIT 9/8: SafeZone Training at City of Rochester Bureau of Recreation 9/12: LGBT Youth Issues at Hillside AIY Program 9/12: Speaker Training at the Gay Alliance 9/16: WXXI’s Journey To Wellness Women’s Health Fair at the

Riverside Convention Center 9/21: SafeZone Training at SUNY Brockport 9/22: Transgender Issues at Nazareth College 9/23: LGBT Safety Issues at United Way’s African American

Leadership Development Program 9/27: Wellness Fair at St. John Fisher College 9/27: Estate Planning & End of Life Issues at the Gay Alliance 9/28: Diversity Panel at Rochester Rehabilitation 9/28: Bringing Workplace Issues Out of the Closet at Monroe County

JSEC Program

on

GARD

The Gay Alliance On-line Resource Directory (GARD) The on-line community tool providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at www.GayAlliance.org.

In Two Thousand and Twelve

“Fall” in love at the SAGE/GAGV dance

By Susan Jordan How can you tell it’s fall in Rochester? The drag queens start to turn colors and the Gay Alliance and Rainbow SAGE host a Fall Dance.

This year the dance is on Oct. 29, two days before Halloween, and the dance will include a Halloween decorations competition. Costumes are optional, but who can resist the chance to dress up (or cross-dress up) and be someone else for an evening? Queer people have loved this special holiday for a long, long time.

The dance will take place at the Roger Robach Center, 180 Beach Ave., from 5 to 10 p.m. Although SAGE is a group for LGBT folks over 50, people of all ages are welcome to join the fun.

The dance is drug and alcohol free, and a $10 donation is requested. Tickets can be purchased at Equal=Grounds and Outlandish, and if you want more information (“Can I come as Lady Gaga? How about Michele Bachmann in a meat dress?”) just call 872-2631. ■

d Pri r e t Roches

e

Save July Six thru Fifteen

PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 740 Marshall Road Rochester 14624 from 1 to 3pm.

Join us!

Questions?

Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: pflag@gayalliance.org We will get back to you.

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 HIV/Aids Free testing for HIV exposure is available from New York State Department of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 for pay phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or hearing impaired people should call (585)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 450 • octoBER 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.

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

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) Meets second Saturdays, 6-9 pm. For location, information: rcoaster@rochester.rr.com Spectrum LGBTQI and Straight Alliance, RIT/NTID. On Facebook

family CNY Fertility Center Integrative Fertility Care. Support meetings, webinars, workshops. Information: cbriel@cnyfertility. com; www.cnyhealingarts.com Rochester Gay Moms’ Group Support group for lesbian mommies and wannabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding areas. Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Lesbian & Gay Family Building Project Headquartered in Binghamton and with a presence throughout Upstate NY, the Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. 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; 585-

487-3300. 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 lending 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! ■

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octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

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

Butch Femme Connection The Rochester Butch-Femme Connection will have two dinner events in October 2011.

On Oct. 8, we will be having dinner at Shanghai Restaurant on the corner of Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road and West Henrietta Road (Route 15) at 7 p.m.

On Oct. 22 we will be having dinner at Monte Alban Restaurant in Webster on Empire Boulevard/Ridge Road across from Loews’ Theater at 7 p.m.

For further information on the Connection, contact Kerry/Max at (585) 2887208 or email DressyFemme@aol.com.

Also, check out our Facebook page under The Rochester Butch Femme Connection. See you there!

Charlie’s Group There is a new time and meeting place for Charlie’s Group (the Married Men’s Group).

Starting Oct. 11, the group will meet on the second Tuesdays each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Check signs in the entry for “Charlie’s Group” for the meeting room.

Dignity-Integrity D-I Rochester meets weekly at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street, at the corner of Broad Street. We have the following services and activities for the month of October 2011.

Please note that all services start at 5 p.m. and are usually followed by a coffee hour. You might also want to join us for dinner out at a local restaurant after coffee hour.

First Sunday: Episcopal Mass in the Church, with music 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 October Pot Luck Theme: “Oktoberfest.” What’s your favorite German dish?

Bratwurst? Sauerkraut? Kuchen? Whip up a batch and bring it along; no alcohol, please and thank you! No time to cook? Don’t worry; there is always plenty to share.

News from the Pews: Save the date of Oct. 2 as we celebrate Dignity-Integrity’s 36th Anniversary. Seems hard to believe

that we’ve been in the “business” of serving GLBTIQ for all these years! We’ll be having an Episcopal Mass that evening and you are welcome to join us!

Remember to check our website (www. di-rochester.org ) for further details. You can also contact us by email at info@dirochester.org or by calling the D-I Hotline, (585) 234-5092.

EMPIRE BEARS It’s been a long summer. We’ve camped, picnicked, hiked, biked, walked, partied, and tanned. Members have married and celebrated. Now, fall is here. Let the film festival begin!

The BEARS are the community partner of “An Ordinary Family” on Saturday afternoon the 15th. We’re looking forward to this great film and all of the 45 programs. Hope to see everyone at the movies!

Another place to catch the BEARS this month is at the FORUM on Saturday the 1st. First Saturdays are Bearnights at the FORUM. Members and many friends gather for a drink, a snack, and some fun.

Second Saturdays we usually have a potluck at the GAGV, but it may not happen in October, because of Image Out. Wednesday nights, you can always join the BEARS at 6 at the Wintonaire for supper. Cool weather is here, so warm up with the BEARS. WOOF!

Just Us Guys Plans for the remaining gatherings of this year were discussed at the September Pot Luck dinner.

Once again, the group is interested during October in supporting the ImageOut Festival with our attendance. Since the regular meeting date falls on Oct. 11, there will be an organized effort to specifically attend the ImageOut of The Archives showing of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. For those interested, plans are under way to gather for dinner at a local restaurant prior to the film.

In November we will return to AIDSCare for a program featuring a local exercise trainer who will discuss basic wellness tips. A holiday Pot Luck is scheduled for December. More details regarding the specifics of these events will be available in the November Empty Closet issue.

To learn more about the group and the ImageOut Festival plans, contact Ron at 223-2629 or email rmatter1@rochester. rr.com.

happy to welcome several new members.

Once again, the chorus will perform at the opening ceremony for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. This event will be held at Frontier field on Oct. 2.

RWCC is honored to be performing at a benefit concert and celebration of World Hospice Day on Sunday, Oct. 8. It will be held at 7 p.m. at the Irondequoit United Church of Christ.

As always, the fall brings the fabulous ImageOut Film & Video Festival. RWCC is proud to, once again, be a community partner of this event. RWCC is the sponsor of the short film program, “Quick Licks”. It will be shown on Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m., at the Little Theater.

You can now find us on Facebook!

The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus is looking for singers and volunteers for its 2011 fall season.

RWCC is a non-auditioned chorus building community through excellence in choral music. Women with or without musical experience are encouraged to join.

The RWCC welcomes women of diverse ages and lifestyles. For more information about the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus, contact (585) 2344441 or visit our website: http://www. therwcc.org. You can now find us on Facebook!

Rainbow SAGE Women’s Group Rainbow SAGE Women’s Peer Group meets on the last Monday monthly from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the GAGV Library, first Floor (Auditorium Theatre), 875 East Main St. in Rochester.

Description: LGBT women peers engage as equals in non-clinical discussions/sharing on whatever affects their lives as LGBT women.

Contact ebrophy@frontiernet.net for more info, or rainbowwomenspeerviacarolb@gmail.com.

Asbury First United Methodist Church’s Gathering Center at 1050 East Ave., for a SpaGAYtti dinner catered by the Chorus.

There’s no better way to meet and greet with the men of the Chorus than around the dinner table. Come support the RGMC as they serve up fresh homemade spaghetti. Bring the family, your boy or girlfriend and your appetite with you for a taste-of-Italy right here in Rochester.

Adults are $10 and children under age 12 are $5. You can pre-order your meal by calling our RGMC office at (585) 4230650.

On Oct. 14–16 at 9 a.m. RGMC’s GALA 2012 committee will hold a Tag Sale to raise funds for the chorus’s trip to perform at the GALA 2012 Choruses Festival in Denver next summer. The sale will be held at 35 Woodmill Road.

Remember, while you’re acquiring all of those household treasures you’ve always wanted, you’re also helping the RGMC expand and share the beautiful gift of music.

ROCHESTER Trans Group Rochester Trans Group is an all-new, all-inclusive, transgender social/educational group which welcomes all gender variant individuals and allies over age 18.

Rochester Trans Group meets on the last Saturday of the month from 3-5 p.m. in the Gay Alliance Youth Center (875 E. Main St. First floor) and runs in affiliation with the Gay Alliance. This month’s meeting is Oct. 29.

The format will be part educational, with structured programming, but will also have a social component, where members have a chance to connect with each other and share information.

For more information about this group, please contact Scott (scottf@gayalliance.org), Kelly (kellyc@gayalliance. org) or Jeanne (jeanneg@gayalliance.org) at the Gay Alliance (585) 244-8640. ■

Are you as Queer as a 3 dollar bill?

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Catered by the Chorus is back!

Join the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m. at

See page A13

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus RWCC is excited about its great start to the busy fall season! The chorus is very

Martha M. Howden, CSW, CASAC

Check out the Hodge Podge Lodge Bring this ad and get 10% off!

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Anxiety • Depression Alcohol • Stress • Grief Relationship • Family Plan Rectification Work Holotropic Breathwork • Specializing in work with individuals and families in the Coming Out process Martha M. Howden, csw, casac 945 E. Henrietta Road, Suite A6 Rochester, New York 14623 Phone: 585 272-1760 Fax: 585 272-8986 Most Insurances Accepted

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

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You Deserve To Have Your Marriage Blessed & Celebrated Rev. Denise Donato • revdenise@rochester.rr.com • 585-329-0895 14 years experience preparing and celebrating gay & straight marriages

Spectrum Internal Medicine Webster Welcomes Dr. Goltz Spectrum Internal Medicine 1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 8 Webster, New York 14580 Phone: (585) 787-4407 Fax: (585) 787-4428 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:

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

Dr. Hayden Goltz

octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

rochester’s biggest, gayest happy hour 3 for 2 happy hour 7 days a week. scan this code for updates and a schedule of events.

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Get ready to be

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Joe Russo, Psy.D., CGP

o et t e k c Ro hang C

Licensed Psychologist Certified Group Psychotherapist 25 Canterbury Road, Suite 308 Rochester, New York 14607 Phone: (585) 506-6096 E-mail: joerussopsyd@gmail.com

Addiction ▼ Anxiety ▼

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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011

Ongoing Calendar Monday

LGBT Support Group New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale. First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm. Carol, 482-3832.

Rainbow SAGE Women’s Group Last Mondays, 11 am-12:30 pm, GAGV Library, first floor next to Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. ebrophy@frontiernet.net 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 Out for Justice Workshop series Fourth Tuesdays through Nov. 2011.

Kelly Clark, 244-8640.

Charlie’s Group Second Tuesdays, 7:30-8 pm, Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Monthly peer-facilitated support group for married men who have sex with men.

Confidential, free.

CampusOut Coffee Night First Tuesdays, 7-10pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. MOCHA Youth Drop-In Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400 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 Country Line Dancing/Two Stepping Every Wednesday, 140 Alex, 7pm. Lessons followed by dancing until 10pm, Beginners to advanced.

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, paulkaseman@gmail. com.

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.

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.

Rochester Trans Group Social/educational group for gendervariant people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5 pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Empire Bears Potluck 2nd Saturdays, 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

Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Guys Night Out Third Saturdays. Social group for transguys. 1pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnightout@gmail.com.

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

Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. S. Men and women. Open meeting.

Thursday

Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. rcoaster@rochester.rr.com

Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Queer Radical Reading Group First and third Thursdays, 7pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Pride at Work First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. off Thurston Rd. 426-0862.

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.

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’ First, Third Sundays. 3-5pm, Friends Meetinghouse, 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 New Freedom/New Happiness Group 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction and recovery – are fair game.

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

Saturdays Saturday Night Special 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings. Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton.

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

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

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

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

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octoBER 2011 • number 450 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet

October SATURDAY 1

Gallery @ Equal=Grounds opening of “There is No Up or Down,” paintings on paper by Bradley Butler. 7– 9 pm at the Gallery @ Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Human Rights Campaign Dinner.

Washington Dc. Keynote by President Barack Obama.

ImageArt “rochesterLGBTQcollects” showcases over 70 works of art from 11 regional LGBT collectors. Opens at Visual Studies Workshop Bookstore Gallery, 31 Prince St., public opening reception 6–10 pm. Continues through Oct. 23, as part of ImageOut Film Festival.

Visual Studies Workshop gallery hours are Thursdays 5-8 pm, Friday– Sunday 12-5 pm.

ImageArt “The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the W.M. Hunt Collection” at George Eastman House through Feb. 19.

ImageArt “Wish You Were Queer, Too!” second annual benefit show and sale of original postcard-size artwork on paper by established and emerging artists. Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St., from 6–10 pm through Sunday, Oct. 23. All works will be sold first-come, first-served.

Rochester Rams and Buffalo Bulldogs formal leather barnight. Underground Nightclub, 274 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

SUNDAY 2

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. American Cancer Society. 10 am, Frontier Field. The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus will perform.

Dignity Integrity. DI’s 36th anniversary. Episcopal Mass in the Church, with music. 5 pm. St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www. di-rochester.org; email info@di-rochester. org; D-I Hotline (585) 234-5092.

MONDAY 3

Little Theatre Celebration. 6 pm.

Michael Gamilla of ImageOut to receive “2011 Friend of Film” award. 240 East Ave.

THURSDAY 6

Go Violet. GAGV Anti Violence Project raises awareness about domestic violence. Tilt Nightclub through Oct. 9.

AVP will distribute DV resource materials, give-aways and door prizes!

FRIDAY 7

ImageOut Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival. Through Oct. 15.

82 films at various venues (see page B 1). Opening night features: “The Night Watch,” 7 pm at Little Theatre; “Four More Years” (NYS premiere) at Little, 9:30 pm. Opening Night party: The Strathallan, 550 East Ave., 9 pm-1 am.

Free admission for members & those with ticket stub from Programs 8, 9, 10 or 11.

SATURDAY 8

Free mammograms for women 40 and older who don’t have health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover mammograms. 8 am-noon at Highland Breast Imaging, 500 Red Creek Drive, Suite 130, Rochester 14623. Refreshments, free parking, Reiki. Call 487-3300 to make appointment. Women who cannot make screening day can be scheduled for different day.

Rochester Butch Femme Connection Dinner Out. Shanghai Restaurant, corner of Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Rd. and West Henrietta Rd. (Route 15), 7 pm. Kerry/Max at (585) 288-7208 or email DressyFemme@aol.com.

SUNDAY 9

Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm.

St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www.di-rochester.org; email info@di-rochester.org; D-I Hotline (585) 234-5092.

TUESDAY 11

Coming Out Day Out & Equal Second Thursdays Networking Event. 5:30-7:30 pm, Henry B’s, 140 East Ave. 50/50 benefits Victory Alliance.

Coming Out Day special. Two teens come out. MTV, 9 pm.

WEDNESDAY 12

Rochester Rams general meeting.

Bachelor Forum basement clubhouse, 670 University Ave. 7:30 pm. All interested men welcome.

THURSDAY 13

Unity Through Diversity: National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color Health Summit.

Through Oct. 16, Albany Marriott. Unitythroughdiversity.com. More info: In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark St., Albany (518) 432-4188; info@inourownvoices. org; MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester (585) 420-1409,

FRIDAY 14

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

RGMC Tag Sale to raise funds for chorus’s trip to perform at GALA 2012 Choruses Festival in Denver next summer. 9 am at 35 Woodmill Road.

SATURDAY 15

Image Out Film Festival Closing Night feature. “Loose Cannons”, 7 pm, Dryden Theatre. Closing Night party: The Atrium at Village Gate, 274 N. Goodman St. 10 pm. Jazz, food, dancing to DJ Chuck Argento.

Rochester Rams bar night. “Uniforms.” Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 9 pm-2 am.

Need to Talk?

I work with individuals and couples on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, sexuality & coming out.

Maryellen Meleca, LCSW • 14 years experience 585-905-4589 • maryellen.meleca@gmail.com

SUNDAY 16

Rainbow SAGE potluck. 4 pm, First Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton.

LifeSpan presentation on how to fall with minimal injury.

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass in the Chapel, no music. 5 pm. St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www.di-rochester.org; email info@ di-rochester.org; D-I Hotline (585) 2345092.

FRIDAY 21

ImageArt: Public lecture by W.M. Hunt on “The Unseen Eye,” 6 pm in Dryden Theatre of George Eastman House, followed by Members Exhibition Party, 7-9:30 pm in Potter Peristyle.

Music by Margaret Explosion, book signing with W.M. Hunt, light refreshments, cash bar. Free for members, $20 nonmembers. Reservations required by Oct. 19 at (585) 271-3361 ext. 434.

SATURDAY 22

Rochester Butch Femme Connection Dinner Out. Monte Alban Restaurant in Webster on Empire Boulevard/ Ridge Road across from Loews’ Theater, 7 pm. Kerry/Max at (585) 288-7208 or email DressyFemme@aol.com.

The Mystery of Irma Vep, by Charles Ludlam. Gothic spoof starring Ed Popil, Jake Purcell, directed by Danny Hoskins.

Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E. Main St., 8 pm. Box office: 454-1260.

SUNDAY 23

SpaGAYtti dinner, catered by Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. 5 pm, Asbury First United Methodist Church.

Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer followed by Potluck Supper. Theme: “Oktoberfest.” 5 pm. St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www.di-rochester.org; email info@di-rochester.org; D-I Hotline (585) 234-5092.

TUESDAY 25

GAGV Dines Out. Enjoy a meal at any of the fine restaurants listed on page A 20 and donate to the Gay Alliance too!

New Eyes... Old Texts. Wise Eyes...

New Texts. Dr. Mark Brummit speaks on Biblical interpretation, 7 pm, Lake Avenue Baptist Church, 72 Ambrose St. Sponsored by Christian Faith and LGBT Experience.

FRIDAY 28

Unity Fellowship Church of Rochester anniversary concert. “We Speak to the Love of God.” 7 pm. With Sh’cheenah Glory Voice of Praise Choir, community artists, dancers. Donation: non-perishable food, clothing. Love offering. Lutheran Church of Peace, 125 Caroline St.

SATURDAY 29

Rochester Trans Group. Social/educational group for gender variant people and allies. All ages (over 18) welcome. 3-4 pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St.

Rainbow SAGE/GAGV Fall Dance.

5-10 pm, Roger Robach Center, 180 Beach Ave. Halloween decoration contest, costumes optional. Drug, alcohol-free.

Refreshments. $10 donation requested.

Tickets at Equal=Grounds, Outlandish; info 872-2631.

SUNDAY 30

Mama’s American Herstory through Female ART expression, readings 5-8 pm at The Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St. in Rochester’s Cornhill neighborhood.

A CSWA production, directed by Chan McKenzie.

MONDAY 31

Halloween, Samhain. Ancient Celtic fire festival celebrating the death and rebirth of the year. Sacred “tree”: ivy. ■

Classifieds Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, 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 women seniors (retired) interested in Erie Canal walking, bicycling, tennis, talking news/current affairs (either or all), please call C at 585-732-7149.

Starlight, starbright, where the heck is Mr. Right? Athletic, fit, 50s, nonsmoking, passionate, single GWM. Clean shaven, hazel eyes, tan. Degreed, employed, fun. Write: P.O. Box 24127, Rochester, NY 14624

SERVICES

Rochester’s Best Man to Man Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV negative. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction.

Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home) or e-mail me at: magichands@rochester.rr.com.

Martin Ippolito master electrician.

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

585-266-6337.

20 b

the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 450 • octoBER 2011