Empty Closet, June 2017 by Out Alliance

The Empty Closet

INSIDE

ONE OF THE FIRST LGBTQ PUBLICATIONS IN UNITED STATES

• Rochester rally set for June 11 • Take the bus to D.C. National Equality March • Maurice Tomlinson on resisting homophobia

JUNE 2017

Photo: Doug Meszler

NUMBER 512

JUNE 2017

Good Company

We appreciate the continuing partnership of our community – whose support of our mission and vision is so important. 550 East Ave LLC Abundance Cooperative Market Action for A Better Community Allstate Giving Campaign Amiel’s Original Submarines Anthony Jordan Health Center Anthony Mascioli Revocable Trust Arena Art Group Avenue Pub Bachelor Forum Bank of America Employee Giving Campaign Barilla America, Inc Bike Zone Body Knead Massage Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Bright Funds Foundation Broccolo Garden Center - Penfield Brown & Hutchinson Buitrago for Family Court Camden Group Canal Town Photo Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Cat-Ears Catholic Family Center Century Pittsford Wines & Liquors Cheesy Eddie’s City of Rochester Combined Federal Campaign - Niagara Frontier Community Christian Church COX Subscriptions CSEA Cutting Edge Double Sundog Downstairs Cabaret Theatre East Avenue Inn & Suite EBSCO Publishing Elizabeth Empire Merchants North, LLC Empire State Pride Agenda EvenOdd Excellus Blue Cross & Blue Shield Managment Development Association Excellus Health Plan, Inc Fidelity Charitable First Niagara FM Fitness Fred L. Emerson Foundation Friends of Elaine Spaull Friends of Harry Bronson Friends of Matthew Nafus / Monroe Co. Court Judge Friends of Molly Clifford Frisbee Benefit Tournament Galaxe Genesee Valley Medical Foundation, Inc Gilead Sciences Girls Rock! Rochester Inc Greater Rochester Eastern Area Tournament Greater Rochester Now H. Darrell Lance Management Trust Harris Corporation Harter Secrest & Emery LLP HCR Home Care Hedonist Artisan Chocolates Imageout Jescorp, Inc Key Bank National Association Kodak Lake Avenue Baptist Church Lake Beverage Corp Lechase Construction Services, Llc Levy Sporting Goods Inc. Long Acre Farms Louise and Henry Epstein Family Foundation, Inc. Marshall Street Bar and Grill Mellow Madness Memorial Art Gallery Mental Health Association of Rochester Metro Justice Miss Gay Rochester Morgan Stanley Munchies Empanada MVP Health Care N.Y. Civil Liberties Nenos Mexican Rest Nixon Peabody LLP NYS LGBT Health And Human Svc Orb’s Restaurant & Bar Out & Equal NY of The Finger Lakes Owl House Papa Gig’s Park Ave Bike Shop Park Ave Merchants Association Pavilion Gift Company PayPal Planned Parenthood Plymouth Spiritualist Church Pride At Work Print Roc Professional Tutoring Prudential Financial Rochester Area Community Foundation Rochester Broadway Theatre League Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester Kink Society Rochester Labor Council, AFL-CIO Rochester Victory Alliance Rochester Women’s Community Chorus Ronald Pratt Accupuncture Services, Advocacy for GLBT Elders, Inc Spiritus Christi Church St. John Fisher College Diversity Office Sundberg ATM Associates Taco Johns LLC Tangent’s Pole & Aerial The Revelry Third Presbyterian Church Thomson Reuters Thread Trillium Health Tru Yoga Tryon Bikes United Way of Rhode Island Van Bortel Motorcar, Inc. Vanguard Visit Rochester Waldron Rise Foundation Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Wepay Wilton Enterprises Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, PC Wraps on Wheels WXXI Public Broadcasting Council Young Sommer Winery YourCause, LLC

Contents

ROC Pride Grand Marshals • Rochester June 11 rally When Faith Kills • Two So-Called Ladies We Will Rock You • Eliminating HIV Concert For Imageout • Big Queer Prom • & More!

16 25 23

6 27

24 Alliance plans bus for D.C. Equality March

The National Equality March is June 11 in Washington D.C.

June 11 Bus to D.C. equality march resistance

We will be running a bus from Rochester, leaving at 11:59pm on Saturday, June 10 from the parking lot next to 100 College Avenue and returning to Rochester at 11:59pm on Sunday, June 11. Bus tickets are $55. We are looking for sponsors to help underwrite some partial scholarship seats. 244-8640 for more info. • www.equalitymarch2017.com/ • www.facebook.com/TheEqualityMarch2017/

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 100 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607 © 2017, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Ad Sales: Jennie Bowker, jennieb@gayalliance.org Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homophobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain information about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out supposed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, including the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas. Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in person to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. 244-9030, susanj@gayalliance.org Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (December and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approximately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further information, please write to The Empty Closet, 100 College Avenue, Rochester NY. 14607, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emptycloset@gagv.us. The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay-related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help promote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consideration the views of all – women, men, gender expansive people, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the editor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607; e-mail: susanj@ gayalliance.org. The online edition of EC is available at www.gayalliance.org.

Perspective

JUNE 2017

#WeResist

SUSAN JORDAN EMPTY CLOSET EDITOR These days you never know what will happen next. The Trump executive order last month gave the go-ahead to politicized anti-gay churches (which pay no taxes) to spend billions of taxpayer dollars endorsing candidates who vow to erase LGBTQ civil and human rights.

It doesn’t declare that discrimination against LGBTQ people is legal if based on “sincerely held religious beliefs”. The hate-pastors and farright ideologues were disappointed, to put it mildly. Meanwhile, will the Senate Republicans write their own lessoppressive healthcare bill or will they agree with the House version? Will Senate Democrats get the two Republican votes they need to block AHCA? Many Trump voters, including veterans, have recently learned that their health care is now at risk. #Trumpdoesn’tCare There are a few “points of light” as activist/attorney Maurice Tomlinson puts it. Mark Green is now the former Trump nominee for Secretary of the Army. Green is a homophobic, transphobic conservative who has long worked to “crush” LGBTQ rights and calls trans Americans “evil” and “diseased”. He has called for mental health practitioners to have the right to deny care to LGBTQ people. Green has now withdrawn himself from consideration for the Army post, claiming that his “Christian beliefs” have been attacked “for political gain”. In reality (remember reality?) the Far Right is attacking

LGBTQ Americans for political gain – along with women, the disappearing middle class, Muslims, people of color, working people, immigrants, “takers” like seniors and veterans and, as always, the poor. The conservative strategy of inciting and exploiting hate dates back to the Southern Strategy of the ‘60s and ‘70s, when they used racism to win white votes in the South. In the ‘80s and ‘90s the new crusade was blocking marriage equality and demonizing LGB Americans. Nowadays it’s trans Americans who have become the latest Enemy To Fear. Green of course supported the order to ban trans youth from the public restrooms that correspond with their authentic gender identity. Teenagers proved an easy target for the haters. But this isn’t about bathrooms any more than racial segregation was about water fountains. It’s all about hate and fear used to manipulate voters, in order to empower the Far Right. At least Mark Green won’t be Secretary of the Army. But who will replace him? Will millions of Americans really lose healthcare? When will discrimination be declared legal and “moral”? And what about Russia and that Special Counsel? These days you never know what will happen next. ■

Honor Them With Action June 12 is the one year mark of the Pulse massacre. The club owner has said she will create a permanent memorial to the 49 victims of the worst mass shooting in recent history. To learn about Equality Florida’s Pulse campaign go to: #HonorThemWithAction A permanent memorial to the 49 Pulse victims is in the planning stages. Photos: Todd Gordon

JUNE 2017

Interview

aurice Tomlinson knows something about resistance – and the consequences that come from resisting homophobic hate and police state repression. The gay Jamaican attorney has had death threats, was thrown into a Ugandan jail, and had a firebomb left on his doorstep. Maurice, who is Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian HIV/ AIDS Legal Network, was in Rochester on April 20 to deliver the final lecture in the spring series at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS). Not all of the prejudice he has faced has come from Third World countries. He told The Empty Closet that he had experienced shocking hostility that morning when crossing the border from Canada, where he lives. Maurice said, “I was surprised at the hostility of the guard, who turned back a Senegalese woman and challenged me too. I’ve been crossing the border every week for years and have never experienced anything like this.” Maurice’s CRCDS lecture was titled “When Faith Kills” and dealt with the global promotion of anti-LGBTQ hatred by rightwing evangelical groups over the past 30-plus years. He said, “What I’m here to talk about is the role of religion and homophobia in the global South. The fact is a lot

of the intolerance and homophobia in the South are a direct result of the export of intolerant religious views from Americans. “This has been going on for years, but with the new administration, we are very concerned that they now have a license to spew homophobia. Places like Barbados, which used to be tol-

By Susan Jordan with photos by Doug Meszler

Maurice Tomlinson

Maurice Tomlinson delivers the final spring lecture at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. The gay Jamaican attorney has had death threats, was thrown into a Ugandan jail, and had a firebomb left on his doorstep. Photos: Doug Meszler

erant, have seen a spike in anti-gay rhetoric, because the World Congress of Families (a far-right hate group) has held numerous conferences there. Barbados has one of the harshest antigay laws, but that law was disregarded. But now these North American groups are ramping up the anti-gay rhetoric. It’s only a matter of time before the Barbados law gets enforced again.” Resistance Maurice has sued or is currently suing the governments of Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, as well as a Jamaican TV station, for anti-gay laws and actions. In Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, an immigration law bans homosexuals (and sex workers and the mentally and physically “defective”) from entering the country. Maurice said, “The law violates my freedom of movement and that is what my lawsuit is based on. The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the law doesn’t apply anymore and can‘t be used against me because I’m CARICOM citizen – a person from the Caribbean region. But the law still applies to non-CARICOMs. The court called the law ‘archaic’ but didn’t mandate that the law be repealed or changed.” He is suing a Jamaican TV station because they refused to air an ad calling for rights for LGBT Jamaicans. The ad, started in 2012, includes Maurice’s statement “I want my human rights as a gay man to be respected.” The first court to hear the case did not rule in favor, so the case went to an appeals court last year and a decision is still pending. Maurice is also suing the Jamaican government to demand repeal of the 1864 (British colonial) anti-sodomy law. He said, “The court allowed 10 evangelical groups to be ‘interested parties’ in the case, but refused to allow the public defender to be an interested party and argue for human rights. The law protects the 10 churches because they have a right to freedom of expression. The public defender, Arlene Harrison-Henry,

wanted to support the human rights of all Jamaicans, including LGBTs, and she said it was important for her to be allowed. The court said no, and that ruling was appealed and is awaiting decision. “If she is allowed in, it will be 11 against two –the government and the 10 churches against me and the public defender. If she is not allowed in, it will be 11 vs. one.” In 2015, Maurice took over the role of claimant (plaintiff) in this case when the first claimant had to drop out because of death threats to him and his family. He said, “Uganda is trying to pass a similar anti-gay law. They already tried and failed and now they are trying to get it again.” Maurice was grand marshal at the first Ugandan Pride and he was arrested while trying to help activist Stella Nyanzi get into a police van -- in the open back, where anyone trying to kill her would be visible, as opposed to the front cab, where she might have been beaten or killed without witnesses. He says that a Ugandan jail “is not a place where you would ever like to be.” He concluded, “Americans are funding the murderous export of homophobia and they need to be held accountable. People like NOM hate-monger Brian Brown, who opposed marriage equality in the US and lost, are now emboldened. The global South can no longer use the US as a model to look up to; the US government is as corrupt as any global government.” However, he added, “The same America that gave me Trump also gave me Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Trump is not America.” His message to the audience at CRCDS was, “Acknowledge, respect, and engage.” ■

BELOW: Maurice Tomlinson’s message to the CRCDS audience was “Acknowledge, respect, and engage.”

Scene

JUNE 2017

SECOND THURSDAY AT NOX: HRC’s Second Thursday event at Nox benefited Willow Domestic Violence Center.

ANNE’S BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER: Anne Tischer at her 65th birthday party April 22 at the LGBTQ Resource Center, which was also a fundraiser for “Call to Connect”, to support isolated LGBTQ seniors. Photos: Doug Meszler

MORE THAN US: RGMC held their annual fundraiser at the German House.

Jim Sheppard, Harry Bronson, John White and Tom Privitere.

LET IT RIDE: A.J. Blythe and his AMAZING team who hosted the Let It Ride Fundraiser at The Avenue Pub on Sunday, May 21. This fundraiser supported the work of the Gay Alliance and Trillium Health.

Jeff Myers, Anne Tischer and Karen Lackey.

Wendy Westwood

THANK YOU: Tony Zanni of High Type Letterpress presents Scott Fearing with a donation at the fundraiser his business hosted for the Gay Alliance. Wendy Westwood performed.

JUNE 2017

Martha M. Howden, LCSW, CASAC 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, lcsw, casac 945 E. Henrietta Road, Suite A6 Rochester, New York 14623 Phone: 585 272-1760 Fax: 585 272-8986 Most Insurances Accepted

You can adopt!

Adoption Information Seminar Presented by Adoption Place of Jewish Family Service of Rochester Tuesday, April 25, 6-8pm The Gay Alliance 100 College Avenue Rochester, New York 14607 RSVP: lglasner@jfsrochester.org, 585-461-0110

NYS authorized adoption agency Made possible by

News to use Wanda Martinez-Johncox, ImageOut, NYCLU to be honored at ROC Pride 2017

PHOTO: SUSAN JORDAN

ImageOut Film Festival and NYCLU will be Honorary Grand Marshals at ROC Pride 2017.

By Susan Jordan Activist Wanda Martinez-Johncox is the Grand Marshal for ROC Pride this year, with ImageOut and Genesee Valley Chapter NYCLU as Honorary Grand Marshals. Wanda Martinez-Johncox has volunteered for the Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau and works with the Veterans Administration in Canandaigua. She told The Empty Closet, “When I got the call about being a Grand Marshal, I thought it was an April Fool joke! It’s an honor – and I cried…. I asked ‘why me?’ I haven’t been here all my life, and there are so many people who have been here for years and have been doing great work. So why me? I actually went to the Pride Committee and nominated someone else!” Wanda feels that Pride is still important for the LGBTQ community. She said, “I think Pride is a way for LGBTQs and allies to come together and for allies to get to know our culture and who we are. After so many years, I would not think that we still need this – but we do. It’s a good thing, like the Puerto Rican Parade (July 29). It’s a time to have fun and be with our friends and families. For me, Pride is very exciting and happy. “I think there will be some political content this year, because of who is president.” ROC Pride wishes to honor the great work that NYCLU and the national ACLU have done for the LGBTQ communities over the years.

Susan B. Anthony Center at UR needs input for trans research study

ROC Pride 2017 will honor activist Wanda MartinezJohncox as Pride Grand Marshal. “For me, Pride is very exciting and happy,” she says.

Many Prides across the country, including NYC, are honoring the ACLU and local chapters for their work. NYCLU’s Kaelyn Rich told The Empty Closet, “We are thrilled and humbled to be named an Honorary Grand Marshal! Pride is the commemoration of the Stonewall riots, a movement-making moment in our LGBTQ history led by trans women of color and queer people marginalized because of who they were and how they loved. The NYCLU fights for the rights of all people and I couldn’t think of a more meaningful way to acknowledge the work we have done and the work we have before us, in the spirit of the long history of LGBTQ intersectionality and resistance. “Religious freedom is a core American value that we cherish and defend, one that is protected in the Constitution. We all have the freedom of belief regarding religion, including the freedom to act on those beliefs. But freedom of religion doesn’t give any of us the right to discriminate against other people. These bills need to be recognized for exactly what they are: a direct assault on the rights and dignity of LGBT people and women. We must continue to fight back in the legislatures and in the courts.” ImageOut is being honored as the film festival celebrates its 25th anniversary. Paul Allen of ImageOut commented, “I was so surprised and happy when I received the call about ImageOut being selected as Honorary Grand Marshall for this year’s Pride. It’s a really wonderful gesture that recognizes the positive impact that ImageOut has had on our LGBTQ community these past 25 years. I also think it’s a wonderful full-circle since ImageOut was originally started as a program of the Alliance before we struck out on our own. I’m really looking forward to getting as many ImageOut volunteers as possible marching in the parade this year, so they can share in this honor and recognition from the Rochester community of how much their hard work matters.”

The Susan B. Anthony Center at the University of Rochester is conducting a research study to assess the needs of transgender and gender nonconforming population of Western New York and would like your help. The transgender and gender nonconforming community is understudied and underserved, and its comprehensive health needs are poorly understood. While the National Center for Transgender Equality conducted a national survey that garnered important data, the Center feel that there is a need to get more immediate level data to best understand and help our local community: “We aim to assess the health needs of the transgender and gender nonconforming of Western New York so that we may use the gathered information to address those needs and inform policy.” The Center is performing a research study conducting Community Needs Assessment of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming population of Western New York. The study involves completing a needs assessment survey online . Who takes this survey: A transgender or gender nonconforming individual. If you are not transgender or gender nonconforming we ask that you pass this survey information on to anyone who you know is. The survey is COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS. Purpose of this survey: This survey aims to assess and

JUNE 2017

June 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the suffrage movement’s victory, winning women the right to vote. Thank you Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Matilda Joslyn Gage and all the other women who fought for our rights! understand YOUR needs as a transgender or gender nonconforming individual. In filling out this survey you will help the Susan B. Anthony Center and community partners better understand your needs so we can work addressing them and helping you. How long it will take you: 15‐20 minutes. Benefits: Your survey responses may benefit the transgender and gender nonconforming population of Western New York. You will also be given access to a list of local and national transgender and gender nonconforming resources. Payments: After completing the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing for one of ten $50 Visa gift cards! (chances of winning are estimated to be 1 in 100).

NYCLU: Buffalo School District will permit same sex couples at prom In response to a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, the Buffalo Public School District announced May 12 that it is taking immediate steps to start the process of ending the discrimination faced by LGBT students at McKinley High School. The announcement came two days after the NYCLU filed a federal lawsuit, which documented examples of unequal treatment of LGBTQ students and the school’s denial of attempts to form a Gay-Straight Alliance. The district announced that the superintendent has directed staff to assist students in the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance within the school as soon as possible. The district also said senior students were informed that they may attend the prom with their guest of choice, under the age of 21, regardless of that person’s gender. The NYCLU lawsuit noted that in past years, students at McKinley were told that “couples” prom tickets were only

available to different-sex couples. The following statement is attributable to NYCLU Executive Director, Donna Lieberman: “This is a welcome first step. We are pleased that the district has begun the process of protecting the rights of LGBTQ students at McKinley High School, and we are thrilled all McKinley students will be welcome at prom. Although the GSA has not yet begun meeting, and our case remains active, we are optimistic that the district will work with us to address the issues raised in the case. The discouragement, inaction and homophobia that McKinley students have endured must end. All schools and districts around New York must recognize that protecting LGBTQ students is not optional.” For more information, visit: https://www.nyclu.org/en/ press-releases/district-takes-first-stepend-discrimination-against-lgbtq-students-buffalo-high

JUNE 2017

Joe Russo, Psy.D., CGP

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“Out for Equity” June 11 rally here; bus leaves for D.C. National Equality March midnight June 10 The Gay Alliance and community partners plan a rally and celebration on June 11, to resist the attacks on LGBTQ rights by the Trump administration and Republican legislators across the country. It will take place at Washington Square Park, starting at 12 noon. The theme of the Out for Equity rally is “Peace Love and Harmony”. At 11:59 on June 10 the Gay Alliance bus will leave for Washington D.C.’s National Equality March, and will return to Rochester at 11:59 p.m. on June 11. Tickets are $55 and they are limited so act fast. You MUST register. There are scholarship tickets available. Contact Jeana at jeanab@ gayalliance to apply for scholarship tickets. To purchase tickets please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.trailblz.info/gayalliance/eventcomplete.aspx… Snacks and water will be provided on the bus. You are responsible for your own meals. We will be meeting in the parking lot of the Auditorium Theater (off College Ave. at Prince St.) at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 to board the bus. We will return to the same location around 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 11. The march will be at 10 a.m. We

will also be meeting up with our NYS representative Louise Slaughter and participating in an event hosted by the Human Rights Campaign. The “Equality March for Unity & Pride” is a grassroots movement which will mobilize the diverse LGBTQ communities to peacefully and clearly address concerns about the current political landscapes and how it is contributing to the persecution and discrimination of LGBTQ individuals. Read more about the march at their website http://www.equalitymarch2017.com

Sen. Squadron, others respond to Senate rejection of GENDA Sen. Daniel Squadron, lead sponsor of GENDA, issued the following statement: “The Senate stood with Trumpian divisiveness, discrimination, and fear. As the Trump Administration rolls back basic protections for transgender Americans, the Senate Majority has an obligation to ensure all New Yorkers are protected. Today, not one Republican Senator voted to support basic fairness for all. “The Assembly has passed GENDA 10 times, including with bipartisan support. It is appalling the Senate Majority continues to stand in the way of basic protections many New Yorkers take for granted. Thank you to Assemblymember Gottfried, Senator Hoylman, NYCLU, Housing Works, VOCAL, the GENDA 2017 campaign and the countless New Yorkers organizing for basic equal-

ity.” Squadron forced the committee vote with a procedural motion earlier this session. GENDA has passed the State Assembly (A.3358-Gottfried) ten times, including with bipartisan support. “We thank those members of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee who voted in the affirmative to begin the process of passing legislation that would protect transgender New Yorkers with explicit anti-discrimination protections in our Human Rights and Penal laws,” said Juli Grey-Owens Lead Organizer. “As the parent of a transgender child, I’ve learned firsthand of the discrimination and adversity faced daily by transgender individuals. It’s hard to believe that New York lacks explicit protections for transgender people under state law. It’s even harder to accept that the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee voted against GENDA today, and now there is no hope of this legislation moving forward 2017,” said Terri Cook of Camillus, NY, parent of a transgender child and co-author of Allies & Angels: A Memoir of Our Family’s Transition. “As a transgender and non-binary individual, and as an employee of the Pride Center of the Capital Region (which works with thousands of NYers annually) – I am incredibly disappointed and saddened that the committee has voted against bringing GENDA to the Senate. Discrimination based on gender is unjust and un-American, and I expect more from my State Senators,” said Kamryn Wolf of Troy, NY. In 2015, Governor Cuomo took executive action clarifying that pro-

JUNE 2017

Mel Wymore, transgender candidate for NY City Council, says of the NYS Senate’s continued blocking of GENDA, “We need to reclaim our voice.”

tections for transgender New Yorkers are covered under the state’s Human Rights Law. GENDA would codify these protections in housing, employment, and public accommodations. According to Paul Schindler on Gay City News: The 6-3 vote… on the transgender civil rights measure saw three Democrats in the minority, with all five Republicans joined by Bronx Democrat Ruben Diaz, Sr., an implacable foe of LGBTQ rights, voting to defeat GENDA. This week’s vote — which came about only because GENDA’s lead sponsor, Democrat Daniel Squadron, who represents Lower Manhattan and portions of Brooklyn, filed a motion forcing it — was only the second time a Senate committee has even taken up the measure, first proposed 14 years ago and approved 10 times by the Democratic-led Assembly. In 2010, the Judiciary Committee also blocked floor consideration, with Republicans and Diaz united in opposition. -Read more on Gay City News

H E A D L I N E S National and International News

Read the breaking national and international LGBTQ news five days a week on gayalliance.org – click on Empty Closet (don’t scroll down!)

Russian foreign minister denies persecution of gay men in Chechnya Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said … that authorities have seen no proof that gay men in Chechnya are being persecuted.

Trump State Department denying visas for gay men fleeing Chechnya’s kidnappings, torture and murders

SafeZone Trainings The LGBTQ Academy SafeZone Training

is a 4-hour, dynamic, interactive workshop that includes activities and discussion around: LGBTQ inclusive and respectful language, the process of coming out, understanding sex, gender and sexuality, taking action, respectful communication in the face of resistance, where to go for help and much more. This session will give participants the skills they need to provide support and to create environments that are safe and inclusive so that all people are empowered to reach their full potential. Note: Taking this training is the first step towards becoming an LGBTQ Academy Speakers Bureau Member. Wednesday, August 9: 9am-1pm Thursday, September 28: 9am-1pm The LGBTQ Academy Education Center 100 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607 Free parking in the lot next to our building. $75. Includes a SafeZone manual, sticker, lapel pin & breakfast. To register: www.gayalliance.org and click on the slide.

The Trump administration’s Department of State is refusing U.S. visas to dozens of gay men from Chechnya seeking to flee Russia…. (New Civil Rights Movement)

Bermuda legalizes same sex marriage; sky doesn’t fall

Bermuda is the seventh of the fourteen British Overseas Territories to legalize same-sex marriage.

Chay Reed of Miami, Fla., Brenda Bostick of NYC, Sherrell Faulkner of N.C. are 9th, 10th & 11th trans murder victims of 2017

NCAVP has responded to 11 murders of trans people so far this year.

Nevada bans conversion therapy

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed a Senate Bill into law May 17 banning the use of LGBTI conversion therapy on minors.

Chelsea Manning leaves prison

Chelsea Manning, the transgender Army private who leaked a vast trove of U.S. state secrets to WikiLeaks, was released from prison May 17.

Here are some of our favorite blogs and websites for national and international LGBTQ news: • pinknews.co.uk • Towleroad.com • queerty.com • JoeMyGod.com • TheAdvocate.com • GayCityNews.com • gaystarnews.com • LGBTQnation.com

JUNE 2017

Health

Dr. Valenti says, “We’re trying to de-stigmatize HIV, sex and sexual behavior and remove that stigma as a barrier to HIV prevention, and do what we call ‘finishing the job’ – ending HIV by 2020.”

the end, it’s important to understand how we got here, and to learn about the people who confronted it at the beginning and got us to this point. In the early years, many patients were facing an uncertain future and many died. If you haven’t lived through that, you need a perspective. The deaths, the lives interrupted, those who were turned out of their homes or lost their jobs… This is designed to put some context to the AIDS experience.” Dr. Valenti noted that the stigma surrounding the disease and its treatment has not gone away, with people on PrEP sometimes attacked as promiscuous. “The stigma of HIV has mutated,” he said, “but after 35 years it’s still there. The reaction of some families and the trauma the diagnosis inflicts are still present. We still have much more work to do in terms of getting the word out through talk-

Come worship among Friends… Rochester Friends Meeting (Quakers) 84 Scio Street (downtown)

By Susan Jordan

Dr. Bill Valenti talks about ending HIV transmission Dr. Bill Valenti’s touching memoir “AIDS: A Matter of Urgency” came out in April. It describes the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Rochester, upstate New York and all over the country, starting in 1981 and continuing today, with New York State’s campaign to end HIV transmission by 2020. Proceeds from book sales go to the “Fund to End the Epidemic” at Trillium. Dr. Valenti says, “The idea behind the book is that it addresses two audiences – first, people who lived through the era and have some connection to HIV in the early days, and second, the people who did not experience that and don’t have that history, but need to understand – like the young team who do our PrEP program. “This is especially important as we talk about ending the epidemic. If you come in in the middle or at

Sunday worship, 11:00 am (10:00 am from Memorial Day to Labor Day) Child care, Free parking, Wheelchair access www.rochesterquakers.org • 325-7260

ing about PrEP and condom use and reaching people in ways that are effective. “We’re trying to de-stigmatize HIV, sex and sexual behavior and remove that stigma as a barrier to HIV prevention, and do what we call ‘finishing the job’ – ending HIV by 2020. Now we have the strategy to prevent HIV and people are still stigmatized for taking care of their own health. It’s critically important that we re-think this if we want to end HIV. It just speaks to the multiple layers and levels of stigma that we still need to address this. “Stigma drives people underground. We believe a more sex-positive approach will de-stigmatize and will bring people into health care, not drive them underground. “Social media is the way to get information out there. It’s a new world. We’re taking advantage of

the opportunities to connect with people.” Timothy Brumfield, a member of the Trillium PrEP team, says that he uses sites like Grindr, JACK’D and Facebook to reach young people and communities of color. “Grindr and JACK’D are dating/hook-up/chat apps that allow us to connect with hard to reach populations, such as young men having sex with men and communities of color. More people are using them more frequently,” he said. “Trillium has a Facebook page at ‘Trillium Health-PrEP’. We collect different articles and also post news about Trillium events. “At Trillium Health, the PrEP team’s primary goal is to connect people to PrEP and make sure they can stay on PrEP without any barriers.” Dr. Valenti added, “A NYS program called PrEP-AP makes funding available for PrEP office and lab visits. And through Gilead (pharmaceutical company) we get assistance for the medication. In most cases, that provides coverage for any co-pays. We want to get word out that we really work to get costs down.” Prevention after accidental HIV exposure (condom-less anal sex) known as post-exposure prevention (PEP) is another part of Trillium’s HIV prevention program. Timothy Brumfield said, “If you had a potential HIV exposure within the last 72 hours, our pharmacy is on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact 585-2419000 and the on-call pharmacist will make sure you get post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) right away, well within the necessary 72 hours. The Pharmacy at Trillium Health delivers for free.” “Both PrEP and PEP have served as a way to take health back into our own hands. You’re not ‘more promiscuous’ – you’re more aware of your sexual habits and how to take care of yourself.” For more information and to order a copy of Dr. Valenti’s book, visit www.drbillvalenti.com For general PrEP information and to talk to a specialist, schedule an appointment, etc., call 585-545-7737. ■

By Jeannie Gainsburg LGBTQ Academy Education Director at the Gay Alliance

What Would Jean Luc Do? Captain Jean Luc Picard, of the Starship Enterprise, epitomizes the thoughtful, open-minded, respectful, culturally sensitive, “assume goodwill” leader that many of us, myself included, aspire to be. These attributes also happen to be traits that we encourage and continually work on at the LGBTQ Academy at the Gay Alliance. Recently my skills were put to the test. While facilitating a mandatory training I found that I had a very unhappy participant. He was angry and upset that he was being forced to attend a presentation on LGBTQ identities and inclusion. Interestingly, he shared his dissatisfaction in such a soft-spoken and respectful way that, at first, I did not even realize he was upset. This man, (who I will refer to as “Art”: A Resistant Trainee) felt that it was unfair that I was able to stand before him and “preach my beliefs” when he was not allowed to do the same. Art believes that being LGBTQ is a sin and he wanted to know if he could now come to the LGBTQ Center at the Gay Alliance and talk with

our members about his beliefs. I felt my heart start to race and my face get hot. So I took a deep breath and thought to myself, ‘What would Jean Luc do?’ I lowered my shields. I shared with Art, and the audience, that I did not feel that I was representing a side at all. I explained that it was my job to help people cre-

ate safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone in our schools, workplaces, etc. That means the LGBTQ people and their children and that means himself and his children as well. We all have our personal beliefs and values, but at work and at school we are held to certain standards of respect. We had a pretty interesting and very respectful exchange of opinions, which led to Art handing me his card at the end of the training. I realized that I had a Picard-esque opportunity to boldly go where few people had gone before! I invited Art to dinner. Art did not disappoint. He remained friendly and respectful throughout the meal, as did I. We talked about many things that evening. Below are my big three take-aways for my future educational efforts: I often think about the parallels between the current state of attitudes and policies around LGBTQ rights in our country and the Holocaust. Much to my surprise, I learned that Art does as well, only in reverse! He stated that the work we are doing (or to be more accurate, what he thinks we are doing) in our K-12 schools reminded him of the Nazi indoctrination of children during World War II. Holy Cow! Small wonder he was upset! Art was under the false impression

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that we were talking with children about genitalia and sex. It was a good reminder that I need to clarify our goals and our messages when talking with youth or K-12 teachers. I asked Art what I could have said or done to have made him feel more welcome and included at my training and he said it would have helped if I had started with a few opening remarks addressing the fact that people in the audience are going to have different beliefs and opinions and that’s OK! It is something I did say, but I had not opened with that, and I realize now that would have been a good place to start. Dinner ended in a hug and then both of us went our separate ways. I doubt that either one of us had budged at all in our beliefs. To be fair, how many of us would alter our longheld personal beliefs over dinner with a stranger? However, I feel confident that we both left with a much better understanding of where the other person was coming from and with a mutual feeling of respect. Our current political climate and the increase in hate crimes and threatening messages and acts against the marginalized groups in our country have many of us on edge, frightened and angry, but before you go to red alert and arm your phasers, think about what Jean Luc would do. If the situation feels safe, if you think you can speak softly and listen respectfully, go ahead… lower your shields and make it so. ■

From GRID to Glee:

35 Years of American LGBTQ Politics and Pop By Stephanie R.C. Harageones Part 3, the 2000s: “Love is Love” Politics in the 2000s for the LGBT community largely revolved around marriage equality. Past seeking visibility in the ‘80s and then assimilation in the ‘90s, by the 2000s the community sought equality, in a big way. One issue that stretched from the late ‘90s to the 2000s was the cruel death of Matthew Shepard. His death raised awareness and compassion in a more personalized way than ever before. People grieved along with his family. Several years later, there was an anti-hate crimes bill named after him which was passed as a federal law. As MTV’s Anatomy of A Hate Crime final line went: “if my life didn’t mean something, maybe my death will.” Luckily, it did. The first big legal achievement of the 2000s was the landmark ruling of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003. It struck down any remaining anti-sodomy laws in the US, citing an invasion of privacy as defined by the 14th Amendment. After Hawaii’s trailblazing in 1997, Vermont went for Civil Unions, which gave the same rights without labeling it marriage in the spring of 2000. After that, all the other states debated issues like what to call it -- “civil union” vs. “gay marriage” -- and which rights couples were granted. The largest example was in 2008. California passed Prop 8, which was a repeal of an earlier ruling allowing gay marriage in the state. Protests erupted and it was eventually overturned. President Bush stayed mum on gay

rights. During a debate in 2004 when asked, he said he was unsure if being gay was a choice. Things got awkward during a debate when John Kerry mentioned Mary Cheney, an adult daughter of the current vice president, being a lesbian. It caused a stir, but Kerry maintained it was more about shedding light on how complicated it can be for families with conservative values who have gay children. There were more and more LGBT characters on TV than ever before. Over the course of just two decades we saw their portrayal improve drastically. Gone were the days of murderous pedophiles and one-episode features. Will & Grace was the frontrunner in this vein. While at times they relied a bit too heavily on clichés and stereotypes for jokes, nonetheless they broke ground. The music world had few examples, such as Green Day lyrics in their protest album, American Idiot. Until 2008. Katy Perry broke that mold. While there was already a song titled “I Kissed A Girl,” it wasn’t popular. Some criticized Perry’s hit for the portrayal as being too indulgent of a male fantasy version of bisexuality or experimentation, but others maintained the concept of a song about girls kissing girls being No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks was a victory. This was recently supported when this year Perry explained that it was based on a real experience and she “did more.” She had a fire-and-brimstone upbringing, making gay synonymous with damnation. She bravely overcame the stigma, as our culture has. Until next time! ■

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Alliance

The Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center welcomes visitors from the Rochester Global Connection International Visitor Leadership Program. A group of young activists from Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Chile and El Salvador met with Alliance staff and volunteers including Jeannie Gainsburg and Wanda MartinezJohncox.

Where We’ve Been in April The Alliance’s Education Program (the LGBTQ Academy) travels all over the country now, but still does multiple trainings and presentations each month in the Rochester area and upstate New York. Here are a few of the places we were in April.

June is Ride for Pride Month!

Ride For Pride 2017! We are in our final push to raise $50,000 for the LGBTQ Center at the Gay Alliance. Won’t you please be a part of our success? Any amount is appreciated by so many! (Photo selfie: R4P biker Yovi Bruno)

Emma Forbes-Jones Parent Support Group • St. John Fisher College • Southwestern College (California) • Brockport High School’s Diversity Day • Red Creek Central School District • RochesterWorks! • The Little Theater • Rochester Integrated Health Network • Slut Walk • NYSUT Professional Issues Forum on Healthcare • New Visions Rochester General Hospital • North American Family Institute • URMC Department of Psychiatry • Monroe Community College Human Library Program • St. John Fisher College School of Nursing

Gay Alliance annual meeting reviews 2016, “an amazing year” By Susan Jordan “It’s been an amazing year for the Gay Alliance,” said Executive Director Scott Fearing to the 70-plus people at the annual meeting on May 17. Fearing said that since the Alliance moved to the new LGBTQ Resource Center last December, and opened its doors in January, “numbers have skyrocketed.” Records show a 1,420 percent increase in client use of the Center. In 2016, 6,124 people came through the space. Fearing added that in 2016 the Alliance broke even, but “with increased growth expenses also rise.” Education Director Jeannie Gainsburg started out wearing her “Volunteer hat” and said that her Ride for Pride fundraiser brought in $43,000 in 2016 – as compared to its first year in 2014, when $4000 was raised. She then put on her “Education hat” and gave information about the LGBTQ Academy, as the Education Program is known. She and Rowan Collins did 275 presentations in 2016, reaching over 10,000 people, and visiting 17 states, in addition to their many presentations in the Rochester area and all over upstate New York. Anne Tischer, volunteer SAGE coordinator, who also coordinates the LORA group for women, said that in 2016 SAGE events more than doubled and there was a large increase in numbers. She noted that LGBTQ senior

Scott Fearing presents the Vinnie Vicki Award to Todd Ranous.

Jim Sheppard and Andy Rau at the Alliance annual meeting.

population will double in the next 10 years, and is a federally recognized “endangered minority”. SAGE almost disappeared a few years ago, but now is a growing multigenerational group with diverse activities, including rural outreach (Out in the STICKS) and connections with local

Jamie Allen and Alice Carver-Kubik of Gallery Q, recipients of the Vinnie Vicki Award. Photos: Susan Jordan

Around 70 people attended the Annual Meeting at the Center on May 17.

veterans’ groups. LORA was also disappearing a year ago, but it is now a program of the Gay Alliance. Managing Director Jeff Myers talked about some other Alliance programs, including the very successful Gallery Q, the Library and Archive, the Youth Program

Gay Alliance staffer Kat Wiggall with board member Sady Fischer.

(which has multiple new activities coming up) and The Empty Closet. Scott Fearing presented the Vinnie-Vicki Award to Todd Ranous, a longtime friend of the Alliance, and to Alice Carver-Kubik and Jamie Allen, curators of Gallery Q. Todd and Alice made

touching statements about what their work at the Alliance has meant to them. To see quotations from the comments of the Vinnie Vicki Award winners, see page 22.

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CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT Reiki Healing * Meditation | Laws of Attraction | Mind, Body, Spirit Balance | Setting Intentions

Rochester Light & Learning Wellness Center Paula Morisey, Spiritual Coaching 1790 NY RTE 441, Penfield | Roclightandlearning.com | Schedule a session: 585-857-7163

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OUT & about 16

An Equal Rights Vacation

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By Ross D. Levi

Exploring New York State’s legacy in equal rights provides an anchor for a great vacation

ost LGBT New Yorkers know that our state was the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement at the Stonewall. Some know that the women’s rights movement was born here as well. Still others are aware of the state’s prominent role in abolition and bringing an end to slavery. Particularly this year as New York celebrates the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, it’s a great time to explore that proud legacy of furthering freedom and make it part of a NYS vacation. On July 19, 1848, 300 women and 48 men packed into Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls to declare to the world the radical notion that all men AND women are created equal. In 1872, Susan B. Anthony was arrested at her home in Rochester (now the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum) for simply attempting to vote for president. And in 1917, New York became one of the first states to grant women the right to vote, with the nation following suit three years later. Today, visitors can visit the sites so central to that struggle, as well as those connected to other trailblazing women. The Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls includes the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Wesleyan Chapel where the First Women’s Rights Convention was held. Also in town is the National Women’s Hall of Fame, featuring the stories of over 200 distinguished women inducted there since 1969. Just an hour away in Fayetteville, the Matilda Josyln Gage House was a center for suffrage work, a stop on the

Underground Railroad and a home for Gage’s son-in-law, L. Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz. Out west, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and National Center for Comedy in Lucy’s hometown of Jamestown shows off her legacy as a one of the first female leaders in television production. Down in the Hudson Valley, Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Steepletop” presents the history of the Pulitzer Prizewinning poet who came to represent the liberated women of the Jazz Age. In nearby Hyde Park is the only national historic site dedicated to a first lady – Eleanor Roosevelt – featuring her charming Valkill home. On Staten Island in New York City, the Alice Austen House Museum features the story and works of one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers. New York’s history is equally important when it comes to achieving equality for African-Americans. New York was where brave “conductors” on the Underground Railroad like Harriet Tubman secured safe passage for slaves

The Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls includes the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Wesleyan Chapel where the First Women’s Rights Convention was held.

escaping to the North. New York abolitionists like Frederick Douglass dedicated their lives to creating a freer America. New York State was also home to the Niagara Movement, a precursor to the 1909 founding of the NAACP. Tubman’s home in Auburn, where she settled and continued her activism for education and social betterment, is now part of the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park. Nearby, the Seward House Museum tells the story of the secretary of state to Abraham Lincoln who with his wife played important roles in the antislavery and women’s rights movements. Not far away in Central New York, the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark chronicles the activities of one of the most powerful abolitionists in the

Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn, where she settled and continued her activism for education and social betterment, is now part of the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park.

The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village was the site of the LGBTQ rights movement’s birth.

U.S. who purchased the freedom of hundreds of AfricanAmerican slaves. Up in the Adirondacks, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid is the home and grave of the ardent abolitionist who attacked Harper’s Ferry to gain arms for a campaign to liberate slaves. The nearby North Star Underground Railroad Museum in Ausable Chasm explains the region’s importance to the Underground Railroad in providing passage to Canada. Out west in Buffalo, the Forest Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for Shirley Chisholm, the first AfricanAmerican women elected to congress, and Mary Burnett Talbert, founder of the Niagara movement. In other areas of civil rights as well, New York was a national leader. Not far from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, the first and only such site dedicate to LGBT history, is the new New York City AIDS Memorial where St. Vincent’s Hospital, considered the symbolic epicenter of the epidemic, once stood.

Up in the Thousand Islands, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum tells of how President Roosevelt brought 1,000 refugees from Europe to the only shelter for Nazi Holocaust survivors in the U.S. Out west in Chautauqua-Allegheny, the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown was home to the U.S. Supreme Court justice and chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials. We as New Yorkers have much to be proud of when it comes to our heritage of fighting for justice. What a great way to spend some of your vacation this year celebrating that legacy. A downloadable NYS Equal Rights Destinations Travel Guide and a list of historical equal rights special events across the state are available at iloveny.com/equalrights to help you plan your trip. ■ Ross D. Levi is Vice President Marketing Initiatives, Empire State Development / NYS Division of Tourism, and coordinator of I LOVE NEW YORK LGBT. More information on planning a NYS LGBT vacation is available at iloveny.com/lgbt.

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Shoulders Shoulders To Stand On

Learn the history of the LGBT community in Rochester from the people who made that history. We invite you to celebrate 40 years of LGBT history in Rochester with your very own DVD/BluRay of this powerful film. Shoulders To Stand On Evelyn Bailey, Executive Producer Kevin Indovino, Producer/Director/Writer Standard DVD... $25 BluRay DVD... $30 To order: www.GayAlliance.org

The Long Road to Wellness-Treatment 1986-1995

In the summer of 1981, Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), included two reports about increases in previously rare infections among gay men in New York and California. “Physicians should be alert for Kaposi’s sarcoma, [Pneumocystis carinii] pneumonia, and other opportunistic infections associated with immunosuppression in homosexual men.” Thus began a process of medical discovery about AIDS, which continues to the present day. HIV’s principal targets are the very cells of the immune system (particularly CD4+ t-cells and macrophages) which are intended to clear foreign pathogens from the body. After entering an immune system cell, the virus begins a relentless process of replication, its sole activity and one which allows for a constant spread to new cells. In the process, the immune system of the host organism can be devastated. Whereas most viruses retain their genetic information on strands of DNA, retroviruses like HIV employ simpler RNA. The virus’s outer coat consists of particular glycoproteins, which can form biochemical bonds with particular proteins (such as CD4) that are found on the surface of some cells, notably those in the immune system. Once bonding occurs, the HIV life cycle requires the insertion of its own genetic material into the host cell and ultimately the use of three important viral enzymes. The first, reverse transcriptase, converts RNA into DNA (a process called “reverse transcription”). The second, integrase, integrates the viral DNA into the human cell’s DNA. The third, protease, later cleaves off new copies of the viral proteins, allowing new virus particles to be assembled and enabling these new viruses to leave the cell. These three enzymes are essential to the process of viral replication, and most advances in HIV treatment have come from inhibiting the activity of these enzymes. This explanation may seem too detailed, but it is necessary to understand the complexities of HIV to understand the treatments. Treatment In the very beginning focused on changing behavior, and safe sex. The First Monotherapy In March 1987 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first antiviral drug zidovudine (ZDV; AZT) for use in preventing HIV replication by inhibiting the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. AZT is part of a class of drugs formally known as nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. That year, the Reagan Administration announced it would propose new regulations to make promising experimental drugs available more rapidly to AIDS patients In June 1987 early tests indicated that Hoffmann-LaRoche’s product DDC (dideoxycytidine) would be an effective drug against AIDS with less

By Evelyn Bailey

In the Beginning

Medical progress early on seemed slow. Knowledge about AIDS, given our current understanding of the virus, was in many ways swift. Within a year, epidemiological evidence had made clear that the causative agent of AIDS was sexually transmissible, and that it had particularly spread within sexual networks of gay men. Within two years, advances in the then-nascent field of retrovirology enabled researchers at the Pasteur Institute in Paris to isolate the “AIDS virus,” which came to be known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. Further research determined the precise means by which HIV invades the human body. Transmitted from person to person primarily through blood, semen, and vaginal secretions,

side effects than Retrovir (formerly AZT). Ribavirin failed to receive FDA marketing approval for AIDS treatment. In August 1987, MicroGeneSys Inc. received FDA approval to undertake phase I human clinical trials of its AIDS vaccine, VaxSyn. In October 1987, a shortage of drug treatment facilities forced the creation of waiting lists of up to a year long in certain cities, which contributed to the spread of AIDS. In St. Louis a teenager who died of mysterious causes in 1969 was found to have had AIDS. The FDA created a new category 1-AA to give AIDS products top priority review. Federal health officials reported the focus of AIDS drug therapy was shifting away from vaccines to drugs that controlled the syndrome, treated the illness, and prolonged life. California passed legislation that allowed drugs produced in California for AIDS to be tested before the FDA tested the same drug. By the end of 1987 there were at least 40 products being researched by various companies hoping to find vaccines or therapeutic treatments for AIDS. In February 1988, the Reagan administration recommended a 10 year, $15 million expansion of rehabilitative treatment for IV drug use, including the establishment of 3,300

new drug abuse clinics and the hiring of 32,000 specialists to staff them in an effort to control the spread of AIDS. In June the FDA decided to allow the sale of AL-721, as yet untested, to continue as an AIDS treatment. In the same month CDC therapy for AIDS had mixed reviews. In June 1988, a needle exchange treatment programs began in Portland, Oregon, and in July 1988, federally sponsored human trials began for dextran sulfate, a drug obtained from foreign sources that was being used in the US. Shortly thereafter, the FDA officially allowed the import of FDAunapproved anti AIDS drugs in small quantities and for personal use. Shoulders To Stand On will continue The Long Road To Wellness – Treatment 1986 – 1995 in the July issue of the EC. Material for the June, 2017 Shoulders To Stand On Article came in part from Dr. William Valenti’s Timeline, and from HIV Treatments: A History of Scientific Advance by Michael Shernoff and Raymond A. Smith from Body Positive. ■

HISTORY CORNER

The Empty Closet A Monthly Newspaper of The Gay Brotherhood of Rochester 713 Monroe Avenue, Room 4 Rochester, New York 14607 (716) 244-8640 June, 1975, Number 51 FOCUS E.C. Special Edition Comprehensive statement of the gay movement in Rochester. Want to read more?

www.library.rochester.edu/ rbscp/EmptyCloset Click on: Browse the Empty Closet issues, Go to 1975 – June

Columnists

Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger

Cleaning My Closet By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger

Inheritance

I mailed my spit. It is not easy to fill a test tube with 1 inch of saliva. My spittle sample arrived at a lab that employs Gene-Hunters, technicians who earn their living by examining strangers’ saliva. After they analyze my oral discharge, they will map out the path of my deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). That DNA report will trace my family back 40,000 years (to Neanderthal heydays) or even 600,000 years ago (I do not know who was heydaying at that time.) I don’t care who my bloodline connections were. I’m interested in the geographical roamings of my DNAkinfolks. According to family (lore? facts?) my maternal ancestors were Dutch and English. Paternal: German. All, it was gossiped, came as indentured servants. I know that I and many of my fore-mothers were cleaning ladies. Is that proof? 23&me: I have 23 pairs of genes; one is an ancient connection; 22 are from relatives who lived during my lifetime or at least could fit on my family tree. One Me-maker molecule gave instructions for blue eyes which prefer sparse sunlight. Probably why my personal Gene Pool migrated to Upstate New York. Lest I begin to worship Science, I must bow to the other side of the infamous question of Nature or Nurture. As cute as those microscopic DNA buggers might be, all those pieces are influenced by environment, life style, and genetic variants (aka biological oops). Environment. Although “crying more easily” was carried on my mother’s gene (probably gene VEFR… Voluminous Eye Fluid Reservoir), it was my father who sat with me, sobbing during old-time TV’s Queen for the Day, where a soap-opera-life woman won appliances and wept copiously. Life style. Although three Horning siblings inherited Garden Genes, only Aunt Ruth of the countryside had GARDENS that filled several freezers that fed a family of six for a year.

On the other hand, Daddy/Cecil’s harvest filled three root-cellar shelves. Gene dilution: I manage three tomato plants. And parsley. I gladly completed a questionnaire, sharing information with 23andMe scientists because I like teaching. And I like learning: 23andMe released insights and findings… from the Neanderthal Cookbook… researchers scraped off exceedingly ancient plaque from equally old teeth, and found that Neanderthal dinners were tree bark, forest moss, and wooly rhinos. Soon that lab will release my DNA facts. I did not choose to receive health information… too old, too late; I prefer my death notice to be a surprise. Next? I don’t know. Maybe my DNA information will lead to a wardrobe change: for example, one participant who, after learning that her ancestors were from Nigeria, started wearing Kente African head-wraps to reflect her heritage. And her body clothing… well, my research suggested it was a colorful, loose fitting, all-bases-covered garment: Women’s African Dashiki Maxi Dress Kaftan Boho Hippy Caftan. Next, maybe I’ll follow the Yellow Brick Road: travel my DNA’s path, stopping to visit every country until l reach My Beginnings in Mesopotamia or Atlantis. Or was it the proverbial Golden Gates? meredithreiniger@gmail.com

in my ability to live authentically me. So why is it important to be out? What could it possibly do for our mental health? As we all know, the coming out process is different for every one of us. Our experiences are often times shaped by our interconnected environmental systems including family, friends, work, neighborhoods and communities. Because of this it is often times not safe to be out in all spaces, causing some individuals to live with one foot in and the other out of the closet. This takes a toll on our mental health; it can be stress and anxiety provoking. With so many articles focusing on the negative aspects of mental health in the LGBTQ community, I wanted to focus on the positive impacts of being out. Being out can help us in positive ways to cope with stigmatization, such as aiding us in advocating for LGBTQ rights and attending LGBTQ support groups or activities.

Being Out & Proud: By Leslie Alvarado The positive impact on your mental health! By Leslie Alvarado, LMSW, HCR Home Care , Senior Medical Social Worker-LGBTQ Program Lead Happy Pride Month! As we begin to pull out all of our pride gear and plan to attend as many pride events as possible, let’s take a moment to think about the health benefits to being out if/when you can be! Being an out proud queer woman for me comes with a sense of passion and strength; passion in the work I do to advocate for my patients and members of my community and strength

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Being out also increases: Self-acceptance; Developing a sense of family; Decrease in anxiety & depression; Increase in self-esteem; Finding your voice. Although being out isn’t a safe option for everyone, it is important now more than ever that we fight alongside our rainbow family (biological and chosen). And when it is safe to be authentically you, please do! So if you can wave your rainbow flag, wave it high and proud!

NOTE All Empty Closet columnists are published monthly on our website at gayalliance.org. Click on Empty Closet (don’t scroll down.) 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 or the Empty Closet.

Letters Christians for LGBTQ rights speak out

Leslie Alvarado

To the Editor: We, the undersigned, are practicing Christians. We practice because we are imperfect, knowing that each day will present us with challenges to living out the loving philosophy of Jesus Christ. For all of the personal challenges we may face to fulfill that commitment, we must loudly proclaim that we have never felt that we are not free to fully practice our religion in this already great country. We, the undersigned Christians, state publicly that HR 2802, a bill introduced in the House on June 17, 2015, a.k.a. the First Amendment Defense Act, would be the very opposite of living out our faith. FADA, or a Religious Freedom Executive Order, is a thinly veiled attempt to create a false threat to “religious freedom” in an effort to legitimize discrimination against our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. Our religious freedom has always been and continues to be adequately protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Let us be clear: To be silent on this matter is to be complicit. H.R. 2802/FADA, or any derived Executive Order, shows clear intent to infringe upon individual civil rights; not only a violation of “equal protection under the law” (provided by the Fifth and underscored by the Fourteenth Amendments) but also an egregious affront to the New Testament com-

mandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” Our faith is not fragile. We wholly reject that the free exercise of religious beliefs is at odds with providing goods or services to LGBTQ+ people. This is about more than refusing to bake wedding cakes. This is about denying healthcare, social services, and education; denying the right to earn a living, seek a job, or employ others; or otherwise blocking participation in the marketplace, the public square, or interfacing with Federal, State, or local governments. We, the undersigned Christians, want our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters to know that we stand with you. We see you, we love you, and we vow to protect you and your civil rights. We do it freely, because our faith is strong, and because we are also your fellow Americans. Signed, Mark and Terra Osterling Noel Vache Megan Branch Ali Branch Nancy Smith Julie Pelc-Dunham Andrea West Lorraine Hems Kate Christensen Lisa Izzo Katie Izzo Jim and Jennifer Breunig Laurel Fuller Laura Hood Amy Bobin Flynn Vandy Humphrey Members or families and friends of Irondequoit United Church of Christ, Irondequoit, NY

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Community Find the friends, fun, and common interests through the various groups listed here.

COAP Hey Rochester! Did you know that COAP (Come Out and Play) has an open volleyball night every Tuesday at Cobbs Hill Park? Players of all skill levels are welcome between 5 p.m. and dusk, weather permitting. It’s simple, all you do is show up near the Lake Riley lodge at Cobbs Hill. Plenty of fun and laughs, and with any luck you will meet some new people. Summer doesn’t last forever!

Dignity-Integrity Since March, 1975, Dignity-Integrity Rochester has been welcoming all who come through our doors, worshiping every week at 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street, at the corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of June, 2017. June Services: 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music 2nd Sunday: Catholic Liturgy, with music 3rd Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass 4th Sunday: Prayers to start the Week followed by potluck. The theme for the June potluck is “Summer Subs”. Bring your appetite and favorite sub fixings! There is always plenty to share, so don’t worry if you’ve no time to shop or cook. All are welcome! After each service during the remainder of the month we’ll be gathering for fellowship around a tasty coffee hour and going out to a local restaurant for dinner. Join us anytime! SAVE THE DATE: It’s time for our Annual Garage Sale! From Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9, you can find incredible deals on a wonderful variety of items large and small. Did you find things you no longer loved or needed while you were doing spring cleaning or moving? You can donate them to our sale; tax deduction forms are available. Call the Hotline to let us know and we’ll give you directions to our sale site. Hope you can make it! Remember that you can always call the Hotline at 585-234-5092 or check our website at www.di-rochester.org/ for updates on services and activities.

Open Arms MCC Open Arms MCC is a vibrant, boldly inclusive church that seeks to live the message that “God loves you just the way you are.” Our goals are: 1) do justice, show kindness, and live humbly with God; 2) explore life’s questions with open hearts and minds; 3) raise our voices in sacred defiance against religious (and political or systemic) exclusion, and 4) reach out to those with no hope.

Our Sunday morning service is at 10:30 am. Sunday School for Teens & Tweens is on June 4th during the service and refreshments are served. Our weekly Bible study is every Wednesday from 11 a.m. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR Sunday, June 4, 12:302:00. This is a free program that will provide you with the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters. You will learn how to respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to your pre-disaster conditions. Call 271-8478 to register. Save the date for our GARAGE SALE – Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17, 8:00 am -3:00 pm at 474 Marsh Rd. in Pittsford. Our provisional pastoral leader, Brae Adams, has office hours on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.mm and by appointment. (Please call first to make sure she’s available.) Open Arms regular office hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 pm to 4 p.m. and our phone number is (585) 271-8478.

ROMANS Rochester Male Naturists (ROMANS) had an exciting evening at a member’s home in Rochester in May. About 20 ROMANS members plus a few friends of the host and a potential member (almost 30 naked men) attended the Saturday gettogether that allowed everyone the freedom of being au naturel in a friendly and stress-free environment. It was a lovely nude evening for everyone with enticing conversations, fine home cooking and soothing relaxation for those who enjoyed the cozy new outdoor hot tub with other guys. ROMANS is a club for gay and gay-friendly male nudists over 21. We host social events in and around Rochester neighborhood. Our aim is to promote nudism as a healthy lifestyle and help first timers to experience their sometimes life changing enthusiasm. Nudism is an adventure in life that you won’t know if it’s for you unless you’ve tried it. More information about ROMANS is available on our website at www.wnyromans.com. You can also contact us at message line 585354-8979, by E-mail wnyromans@ yahoo.com or via regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Tues., Wed., Thurs.: 6:30-8:30pm We have a 10,000 volume library, and the Bohnett Cyber Center. Contact: library@gayalliance.org or at 585 244-8640. 100 College Avenue, Rochester

Adult Families of Trans Youth Business Genre: Hotlines and Support, Support and Social Activities, Support and Social Activities A facilitated discussion and social group, run by the Gay Alliance, to provide the families of trans* adolescents with a safe forum for self-expression, a shared network of support, and to be a central hub of knowledge and resources. Please join us on the first Tuesday of the month at the Open Arms MCC. 707 E. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605. ■

PFLAG meets the 2nd Sunday of each month

1-2 pm LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Avenue Rochester, New York 14605 585-993-3297 rochesterpflag@gmail.com

Ongoing Calendar

DAILY

WEDNESDAYS

Free confidential walk-in HIV testing M/W 9am-5pm, T/Th 9am-7pm, F 9am-12:30pm Trillium Health 259 Monroe Ave. 585-545-7200

Alliance SAFE Journey. A path to spiritual wellness 6:30pm, LGBTQ Resource Center. People of all faiths, traditions and spiritual paths are welcome to join in harmony, breathe in silence and connect across lines of faith. Held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Contact 244-8640 for more information.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives 9am-5pm. Tues./Wed./Thurs. 6:30-8:30pm 100 College Ave. Walk-in HIV testing At all Anthony Jordan health center sites including 82 Holland St. (See Resources)

MONDAYS LORA Coffee Social Equal Grounds Coffee House 750 South Ave. Monday evenings. 6pm. Contact: Regina Altizer: reginaaltizer@gmail.com Crystal Meth Anonymous Meeting Every Monday 12-1pm. Huther Doyle, 360 East Ave., Rochester. Starting Monday Oct. 5. Rochester Historical Bowling Society 7pm. Empire Lanes SAGE Monday Movie Meet-up 1:30pm Dryden Theater 900 East Ave 14607. Free to seniors. Please arrive early to sit together in right balcony. Contact Roger & Dave: rcfdjm@ gmail.com Movie Schedule: https://eastman.org/ film-series/senior-matinees Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave.

TUESDAYS SAGE Senior Chair Yoga w/ Thomas Somerville 10:30-11:30am, LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Ave 14607. $5. SAGE Lunch and Learn 11:30am Catered Lunch $3. donation, LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Ave 14607 Alliance Yoga with Tom 5:30pm Multi level yoga for all ages. $15. LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Ave 14607

Identity Group LGBT identified individuals who have a developmental disability diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623). The goal is to provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, share personal experiences and increase self-esteem. Facilitated by Delaina Fico. LMSW. Contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmonroe. org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552. Line Dancing at 140 Alex Weekly on Wednesday, 7– 9pm. 140 Alex Bar & Grill, 140 Alexander St. Line dancing lessons upstairs. All types of music, relaxed group, beginners welcome! $2 a person suggested donation. Lifetime Care LGBT Bereavement Group For loss associated with any type of relationship. Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 5:30-7pm at Center for Compassion and Healing (3111 Winton Rd S). No fee. Please call 475-8800 for more details. Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, 100 College Ave., 244-8640 New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. COAP Come Out and Play Wednesday game nights. 7-10pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. coap.rochester@gmail.com Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Positive Warriors Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Positive Divas Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave.

Craft Night Third Tuesday, 6:30-8pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640.

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

COAP Open volleyball, Tuesdays 5pm-dusk, Cobbs Hill Park near Lake Riley Lodge.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives 6:30-8:30pm (Also Tues. and Thurs.) 100 College Ave.

Teen Clinic at Planned Parenthood 114 University Avenue Rochester. Birth control, condoms, HIV testing, counseling. Weekly, Tuesdays 3-7pm.

Empire Bears Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at various venues. See Empire Bears Inc. on Facebook.

Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) A program of the Gay Alliance. First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, Open Arms MCC Community Center, 707 E. Main St. TransParent Support group for parents of trans youth. Third Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. LGBT Veterans Healthy Living Veterans support. 2nd, 4th Tuesdays, 10-11am Canandaigua VA, bldg. 9, room 8, Library conference room. 585 463-2731, 585 205-3360. Testing Tuesdays at Trillium Health FREE HIV Testing for everyone, STI/STD testing FREE for women and MSM. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave, 5-8pm. 585-545-7200 Women’s Community Chorus Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street. 2344441, www.therwcc.org Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group First Tuesday. 5:30-6:30pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Ages 13-20. 244-8640. SAGE Men’s Group 50+ 7pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 1st, 3rd Tuesdays. Topic discussion. rtony13@aol.com

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS LGBT AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Gay Alliance Youth Monthly Special Event, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., 244-8640; Ages 13-20. youth@gayalliance.org. Check Facebook.com/ GayAllianceYouth Boyz Night Out Drag king revue. First Fridays, The Firehouse Saloon, 814 S. Clinton Ave.

SATURDAYS The Repair Shop AA meeting at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 5:30-6:30pm, Saturdays. 244-8640. Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester Support/educational group for gender-variant people, allies. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Guys Night Out GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on the second Saturday of the month, 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. Men and women. Open meeting. Sophia’s Supper Club First, third Saturdays, 25 Bernie Lane, 6:30pm. Men’s Cooking Group Third, fourth Saturdays. 585-355-7664, mcgofrochester@aol.com.

SUNDAYS PFLAG (Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) 585 993-3297, rochesterpflag@gmail.com. LORA Women’s Brunch Third Sundays except holidays. 10am. Pixley’s Restaurant, 2235 Buffalo Rd., Gates. Contact Kerry at DressyFemme@aol.com Dignity-Integrity 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to start the week, followed by potluck supper. Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 707 E. Main St., Services at: 10:30am. 271-8478.

SAGE Senior Chair Yoga w/ Thomas Somerville 10:30am, LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Ave 14607. $5.

Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8pm, 232-6720, Weekly. Closed meeting.

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

Resources page online at www.gayalliance.org

Pride at Work & AFL CIO First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 1354 Buffalo Road, Rochester 14624, 426-0862. Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Youth and young adults. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. dbsa.monroecounty@gmail.com GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb) Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 conference room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 7-9:30pm, 423-0650 NLIST Transgender Support Group 5-6:15pm, Trillium Health. Must pre-register. HRC Second Thursdays Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. Changing venues. Genesee Valley Gender Variants 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV GenderVariants@yahoogroups.com Euchre Throwdown Thursday. Monthly event, this month June 15. 6:30pm, Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave.

Our resistance started small, but from day one we have been present: taking action in living rooms, in community centers, over the phone, and swelling into activism groups. Our resistance has spread to local protests, congressional town halls, and elections as we’ve voiced our fears and dissatisfactions and made our beliefs known. Our continued collective efforts are gaining traction–congressional leaders are starting to listen as evidenced by dissent over the president’s impetuous firing of James Comey. We the people are the leaders of the resistance! And our momentum is now leading others to act. ~Action Together Rochester

JUNE 2017

ROCHESTER AA/NA MEETINGS Every week there are three regularly scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive NA meetings in Rochester.

TUESDAYS

Narcotics Anonymous AIDS and Recovery, 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church). 6-7:30pm. 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.

FRIDAYS

LGBT Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Avenue, 7:30pm. 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. Open meeting. Handicapped accessible.

SATURDAYS

The Repair Shop AA meeting at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 5:30-6:30pm. 585-244-8640. Saturday Night Special First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 7pm. 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 and “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 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) 7:30-9pm. 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 St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. 8pm. 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. ■

JUNE 2017

June Calendar

FRIDAY 2

Miscast with RGMC members, Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E. Main St., 8pm. Also June 3, 2 pm. $12 general admission. Gallery Q First Friday opening. “Two So Called Ladies” by Beth Bloom and Saundra Ehman. 6-9pm. 100 College Ave. LORA & SAGE Meetups: First Friday in Gallery Q at the Alliance, “Two So Called Ladies”. 6-9pm.

SATURDAY 3

Big Queer Prom. “Out and Prouder Space”. 7-10pm, MLK Pavilion, 353 Court St. LGBTQ youth, allies. Rochester Women’s Community Chorus concert. “Pure Imagination”, 7:30pm, Harley School, 1981 Clover St. Tickets in advance at a discount at: rwcc.ticketleap.com ($12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $6 children) or at the door ($15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $6 children).

SUNDAY 4

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. OUT in the Sticks: Potluck & Line Dance, Fearless Hook & Ladder Fire Hall, 26 Clara Barton St Dansville 14437. 3-6pm. Learn to line dance. Intergenerational, all are welcome. $3. (585) 244-8640 x23.

TUESDAY 6

SAGE catered lunch, “Cake Day” for June birthdays, Hidden LGBTQ History. $3. 11:30am-2pm. SAGE 50+ Men’s Discussion Group, a journaling experience of sharing & discussing “My Gay Life”, facilitated by Tony. 7pm. Ben Watson & Joe Stevens in concert. Benefitting ImageOut. Geva Fielding Stage, 7pm. Tickets $20 ($15 for students and seniors) through Geva’s online ticketing. Please note that there is a $6 per order (not per ticket) processing fee.

WEDNESDAY 7

SAGEVets & ROC Vets present Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” with panel discussion of the Viet Nam experience. Pizza. 6pm.

THURSDAY 8

SAGE Breakfast Club at Denny’s (911 Jefferson Road, Henrietta) RSVP by 6/6 to Gerry (585) 730-8772 or gkraus@rochester.rr.com. 10am. LORA Leadership meeting at the Alliance, 100 College Ave. All are welcome. 6-7:30pm. HRC Second Thursdays 5:307:30pm, Constellation Brands.

FRIDAY 9

Pre-Pride Cruise 2017 on Canandaigua Lady, Canandaigua Lake. Featuring Citizen Jane. Hosted by Wanda Martinez-Johncox, Peter Mohr. Boarding 6:15pm, departure 7pm, return 10pm. Tickets are $25 at The Bachelor Forum or call 585-512-8727, leave a message.

SATURDAY 10

LORA Brunch for Women of Color, a focus group to improve programming & access. 11am-1pm. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Bus to DC National Equality March. Leaving 11:59pm, return to Rochester 11:59 June 11. ASL interpreter.

SUNDAY 11

Dignity Integrity Catholic Liturgy, with music. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Out for Equity rally. Washington Square Park, noon.

MONDAY 12

Orlando Anniversary Rally at the Bachelor Forum: Pulse Memorial Event. 670 University Ave 14607. ASL Interpreter. 6-7pm.

TUESDAY 13

SAGE catered Lunch & Learn: Barbara Grosh, League of Women Voters: gerrymandering & fair elections. 11:30am-2pm. $3. 100 College Ave.

WEDNESDAY 14

Transgender and Gender NonConforming Rochester TGNC Town Hall . Hosted by Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Meet & Greet with Refreshments at 5:30pm, Town Hall Meeting 6 – 9 pm. SAGE Meetup: Concerts by the Shore, Ontario Beach Park, Charlotte: The Coup DeVilles Party Band. 6:309pm. Bring a chair, no pets. Pam is hosting.

THURSDAY 15

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

FRIDAY 16

Open Arms MCC garage sale also June 17. 8am-3pm, 474 Marsh Rd. Pittsford

SATURDAY 17

OUT in the Sticks: Brunch at Moon Java Café, 56 Harvester Ave. Batavia 14020. 11am. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus concert. “We Will Rock You.” 7:30pm, Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. Features the music of Freddie Mercury & Queen. Tickets $20/$17 students & seniors, online at http://www.thergmc.org/; LORA Meetup: Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, “We Will Rock You”, Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 14614. 7:30pm.

SUNDAY 18

Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Mass. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. PFLAG meeting. 1-2pm. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. LORA/SAGE/VETS PRIDE float building & potluck. Watts-Tischer residence, call (585) 244-8640 x23

annet@gayalliance.org for directions. Hot dogs supplied, bring a dish to pass. 11am-4pm.

MONDAY 19

Bottom Dollars. Screening of film by Center for Disability Rights. 6pm, Little Theatre. Panel discussion follows.

TUESDAY 20

Summer Solstice Mara, Lifespan Care Manager Onsite for consultation, assistance for caregivers or patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. 11am-3pm. SAGE catered Lunch & Learn: HCR, Leslie Alvarado: the Importance of Being Out as you Age! $3. 11:30am-2pm. SAGE 50+ Men’s Discussion Group, a journaling experience of sharing & discussing “My Gay Life” facilitated by Tony. 7pm. Dances at MuCCC. Five nights of performance by over 20 choreographers and companies, through June 24. Tickets $8 in advance at www. muccc.org, $10 at door or $8 for students, seniors.

WEDNESDAY 21

LORA Coffee House Variety Night at the Alliance: Coffee & dessert. 6:30-8:30pm. Open Mic, Karaoke! Yarn crafts with Kerry! $3.

THURSDAY 22

LORA OUTdoors Hike at Tryon Park, 998 Winton Rd. N 14609, RSVP on LORA OUTdoors Meetup. No pets please. 6pm.

FRIDAY 23

SAGEVets & ROC Vets: Stand Down in Buffalo: Coca-Cola Field, One James D. Griffin Plaza, and Buffalo 14203. 10am-3pm. Explore available Veterans services and programs. Bring your DD-214 discharge papers or military ID. (585)244-8640 x23. SAGE Fabulous Fish Fry at Charlie Reidel’s (1843 Empire Blvd Webster, 14580). 5:30pm. RSVP by 6/19 to David (585)350-5175 DHutch457@ aol.com. RGMC Gayrage Sale. Through June 25. For time, location, see www. thergmc.org. To donate items call 423-0650 or go to gayragesale@ thergmc.org.

SATURDAY 24

OUT in the STICKS: Swallow Hollow, easy 1.5 mile hike in Iroquois

Name

National Wildlife Refuge near Medina. Long pants & socks suggested. Pack a lunch & folding chair. Check Meetup (OUT in the STICKS) for information or call (585) 244-8640 x23. 10am. Mr./Miss Gay Pride Pageant at Tilt, 444 Central Ave. 7pm. $15; $10. We Exist Trans/Gender Expansive rally. Women’s Rights National Historic Park, 136 Fall St. Seneca Falls. 11am. Contact: weexistcoalitionflx@ gmail.com

SUNDAY 25

Dignity Integrity. Prayers to start the Week followed by potluck “Summer Subs”. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. OUT In The STICKS. 3-6pm. Drag Bingo at GoArt! Gallery, 201 E. Main St., Batavia 14020. $5. LORA Brunch at Pixley’s Restaurant, 2235 Buffalo Rd, Gates. 10am-noon. RSVP: Kerry at DressyFemme-@aol.com.

MONDAY 26

SAGE Services Team Meeting. 6:30pm. 100 College Ave.

TUESDAY 27

SAGE catered lunch. 11:30am2pm. Crafts with Carolyn. $3. 100 College Ave.

WEDNESDAY 28

LORA Meetup: “Winging It” at Richmond’s 21 Richmond St, off Main 14607 $.50 wings and drink specials. 5-7pm.

THURSDAY 29

LORA OUTdoors Meetup: Bike Ride Genesee Riverway from Port of Rochester to Zoo & back to Abbott’s for ice cream. Leisurely 12 miles. RSVP on Meetup. No pets please. 6pm.

FRIDAY 30

SAGE Happy Hour at 140 Alex, 140 Alexander Street 14607 food and drink specials. 5-7pm.

PFLAG

Meets 1-2pm, second Sundays at the LGBTQ Resource Center 100 College Avenue, Rochester Phone: 585 813-5081 rochesterpflag@gmail.com

6/17

Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Gay Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100 Champion ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of _________ (check #______) Please charge my credit card in the amount of __________ To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # ____________________________Exp. Date: _______ ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. Benefits: Your annual Gay Alliance membership, aside from the good feelings, entitles you to a free subscription to New York state’s first gay publication: The Empty Closet – mailed to your home or work. There are also exciting privileges at each level. Phone: 585-244-8640 or mail to: The Gay Alliance, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607.

JUNE 2017

BY SUSAN JORDAN

LGBTQ Life Artists Beth Bloom and Saundra Ehman

Beth Bloom. Her “Ladies With Three Hats” is shown on page 25.

eth Bloom and Saundra Ehman are two Rochester-area artists whose work will be exhibited at Gallery Q this month under the title “Two So Called Ladies”(see page 25). Beth Bloom says, “In a world that is fast paced and stressful, my work is an oasis – whimsical and colorful. In a politically charged atmosphere of polarization and negativity, I gravitate towards all that is beautiful: women, immigrants, religion, gender and sexual diversity, the differences that make us real.” Beth adds, “I sort of fell into photography when I was 16 and a neighbor showed me how to develop film and print contact sheets. My work is photographically-based – using a photograph as a base and embellishing it. The Three Ladies with Hats

Saundra Ehman. Photo: Susan Jordan

(or Hats with Three Ladies) is a transfer on fabric.” She added, “I’m very excited and pleased to be asked by Gallery Q to be in this show.” She created the work especially for the exhibit, except for the “Three Ladies” which was made in 2004. Beth’s favorite artist is Georgia O’Keefe. She says, “I’ve always been in awe of Georgia O’Keefe – she decided what was important and went ahead and did it.” Beth is famous for her love of hats. “The hat thing started many years ago,” she says, “at the home of Eve Elzenga and Annette Dragon. Eve has a collection of hats and I tried them on. I don’t actually collect hats myself!” Saundra Ehman says, “I get inspiration from people, places, things, situations, conversations… actually anything can get me to take pen or pencil

to hand.” Her work celebrates her own aging female body – with humor. “I wanted my work to have whimsy,” she told The Empty Closet. Saundra, a former nurse, got interested in making art about six years ago, when she made a coloring book for her grandson. Of the Gallery Q show, she says, “I think this is awesome. How many 78-year-old grandmothers are in art galleries?” Saundra’s favorite mediums are fabrics and weaving, and colored pencil and pen-and-ink drawing. She taught crafts for 4H in Cattaraugus Co. and worked with woman prisoners on crafts and quilting. The artists she admires most are Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali. Color has become increasingly important to her. She said, “I started small with black and white pieces and then segued into color and more color! It’s been a journey.” ■

Vinnie Vicki Award winners talk about what volunteering means to them Vinnie-Vicki Award winners Todd Ranous, Jamie Allen and Alice Carver-Kubik made touching statements at the annual meeting. Some excerpts: Todd Ranous: When I found out I was going to be a recipient… I thought, what have I done to deserve an honor like this? Why would they choose me over someone else in the community?... But then I thought, what would make me question my worth, my value to my community? … I think of how my LGBTQ friends and family can get married, there are images of us on TV that reflect the good in our community. What is

wrong? Why do I feel this way? Then I began to think of the worldview of the LGBTQ community. A world where your parents in Chechnya are given the choice to kill their LGBT kids or the government will do it… Then I re-read the letter that was sent to me from the Alliance… I was being honored for my work with the youth in our community… (A) former foster care youth, who identifies as gay, said to me, “I can’t invite a lot of people to my graduation/adoption/18th birthday, but I want you to be there.” ... I thought about all of this and realized I do matter, that what I do

is important, and what everybody in this room does is important. Alice Carver-Kubik (speaking also for Jamie Allen, co-curator of Gallery Q): What we found while working on this project is that Rochester has a rich community with an important history and a bright future. We wanted to be a part of this community and its future.… (M)anaging the Gallery has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. We both have a passion for art and love this organization and what it stands for. We are so grateful to be able to put our spe-

cial talents to work to bring art to the Alliance community and bring the greater Rochester community to the Alliance…. We feel that what we have given to this organization is minimal compared to what we have gained. We have a community, a place to call home and life-long friendships. This is not something we can do alone. Thanks first to Evelyn Bailey for taking us in and giving us a job to do here. Thank you Scott and Jeff for being so supportive and encouraging. And thanks to our amazing Gallery volunteers, Ron Cook, Ralph Henderson and Erica Sanko. ■

JUNE 2017

Culture

Singing for ImageOut; Ben Watson and Joe Stevens will perform a benefit concert Tuesday, June 6 at Geva.

ImageOut presents Ben Wallace and Joe Stevens in concert at Geva The concert takes place Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Geva’s Fielding Stage. Ben and Joe are Californiaborn singer/songwriters who share their journeys of transition and selfdiscovery through art and music. Ben is the focus of Real Boy, a documentary film about family, friends, voices, and lives in transition, which won the ImageOut Film Festival 2016 Jury Award for Best Documentary. Tickets for the concert are $20 ($15 for students and seniors) and are available for purchase through Geva’s online ticketing. Please note that there is a $6 per order (not per ticket) processing fee. The show will be held on the Fielding Stage at The Geva Theatre Center. This is a reserved seating event and seating is limited. “Worth the Weight,” Ben’s second album, was released in February 2016. This collection of songs was recorded in celebration of human-kind’s inher-

ent variance and the diverse range of identities that walk this earth. Joe released his first solo album “Last Man Standing” in 2014, recorded in Seattle at Empty Sea Studios, co-produced with everything-man Michael Connolly. The album has a strong focus on word craft, with folk roots and old time sensibilities yet with subtly altered meters, progressions, and content, a work that is both alternative and traditional. A dark past and keen insight gives weight to Joe’s words, sung in his signature smoky voice, telling the stories that make us who we are. Geva Theatre Center is located at 75 Woodbury Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609. Open two hours before the concert, Godot’s Bar offers full bar service and the Geva Kitchen offers a light menu including sliders, flatbread pizza, soups, salads and desserts. The full bar offers beer, wine, liquor and specialty mixed drinks. ■

RGMC “will rock you” on June 17 at Hochstein The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus (RGMC) presents We Will Rock You on Saturday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 North Plymouth Ave. “Queen wrote such incredible songs with lush vocal harmonies, which make an easy transition to a choral treatment,” says RGMC Artistic Director Robert Strauss. “In addition to many of the band’s biggest hits, the concert will We Will Rock You salutes the late Freddy Mercury spotlight our amazing and Queen. And, the return of our wonderful dancing singers belting out other troupe, the Rochettes! hits of the super-group, with a band of our own playing along, plus the return of islature and administered by the Genour wonderful dancing troupe, the esee Valley Council on the Arts at the Rochettes!” Livingston Arts Center, a member The hits will indeed be promisupported organization. nent and plentiful: “Bohemian RhapTickets are $20, $17 for seniors sody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We and students, and $8 for children 12 Are the Champions,” “Bicycle Race,” and under. Tickets are available at “Fat-Bottomed Girls,” “Somebody to thergmc.org or by calling (585) 423Love,” “Killer Queen,” “Crazy Little 0650. They also can be purchased in Thing Called Love,” “Under Presperson from RGMC members or at sure,” and more. Parkleigh, Equal=Grounds, or VitThe RGMC is proud to be joined torio Menswear and Tuxedo. Tickets at this concert by Dr. William Valenti for this highly anticipated show are of Trillium Health, a generous benealready selling fast, and the chorus factor of the chorus and a leader in the is anticipating a sellout crowd. Any fight to end the HIV epidemic by 2020. remaining adult tickets, including He will speak about his work and his seniors and students, will be $25 at memoir, AIDS: A Matter of Urgency, the door. ■ published in March. He will sign copies of the book after the show. This concert is a particularly fitting tie-in with Valenti’s work, as Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury, died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991 at age 45. This concert is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Leg-

Expect surprises: RGMC members to perform in “Miscast” at Blackfriars RWCC will take you to Oz and Wonderland on June 3.

Travel to Neverland and Oz with RWCC on June 3 The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus performs its spring concert, “Pure Imagination,” on Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harley School, 1981 Clover St. RWCC says, “Come and escape for just a little while… allow yourself to be transported by the music… travel to Neverland with ‘Lost Boy,’ to Oz with ‘Defying Gravity’ and

‘Over the Rainbow,’ to Wonderland with ‘The Lobster Quadrille,’ out to the sea with ‘The Mermaid’s Lament and ‘The Seal Lullaby,’ to the darker side with ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and, of course, to Willy Wonka’s delicious Chocolate Factory! Then let this joyous group of women pose the question, ‘What’s Keeping You From Singing?’ with

their signature piece, commissioned exclusively for them by renowned composer Elizabeth Alexander.” Tickets for the June 3 concert may be purchased in advance at a discount at: rwcc.ticketleap.com ($12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $6 children) or at the door ($15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $6 children). ■

Expect the unexpected. Held at Blackfriars Theatre June 2 at 8 p.m. and June 3 at 2 p.m., Miscast will feature talented members of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus performing outside casting restrictions. Each performer will be singing a piece by a character for which they could never be cast. This type of cabaret-style show has been performed from Broadway to Los Angeles and many places between, and the RGMC is excited to bring it back to Rochester again this year. Tickets are $12 General Admission. See www.thergmc.org and www. blackfriars.org. ■

“Dances at MuCCC” is back, June 20-24 Dances at MuCCC returns for its fourth year, June 20–24, offering five nights of performance by more than 20 different choreographers and companies. Included are local companies BIODANCE, Hanlon Dance & Company, and Daystar/Rosalie Jones; visiting Mexican artist Norma Araiza and work by alumni and students of Rochester’s School of the Arts. Tickets are $8 in advance at www.muccc. org, $10 at the door or $8 for students and seniors. The festival begins on Tuesday June 20 at 8 p.m. with a new duet by Missy Pfohl Smith of BIODANCE, which explores divisiveness and community. Laurie MacFarlane premieres Phantom Machine, a solo with original sound score by Karsten Brooks and props by visual artist Martha Schermerhorn. Deuce, by Ruben Ornelas and Gina Bonati (NYC) to the music of Harris Eisenstadt, will also premiere. Other artists include Donna Davenport, Paula J. Peters, newcomer Zhonghui Sun; and visual artist Valerie Carew (Canada). The evening includes NOISEDANCE, a solo by Bonati; and concludes with experimental music by Karsten Brooks. Wednesday, June 21 and Friday, June 23 feature Tea Leaves, a new dance theater piece by Hanlon Dance & Company and Vertical Desire, a sextet by Katherine Marino that reflects the desire and fear inherent in life. New artists to the festival are Amy Sullivan, Carly Cerasuolo (NYC), Marisa Garber, MaryLee Miller and Angela Lopez (Friday

Over 20 choreographers and companies will be on display at MuCCC for five nights this month. Above: Katerina Nunez. Photo: Kevin Colton

only). Leigh Ann Kabatra (NYC) returns with a finely crafted quartet, Have You Invited the Aunts? BIODANCE (Wednesday only), MacFarlane, Ornelas and Bonati round out the program. On Thursday, June 22 and Saturday, June 24, dance makers Norma Araiza and Daystar/Rosalie Jones take

the stage. The Toronto-based Araiza will show Dear Deer, a trio inspired by the traditions of the Yoemem people of Sonora, Mexico; and Daystar/ Rosalie Jones will perform Napi Creates the World based on traditional Blackfeet beliefs. Curtis Stedge of Kineolab offers Body of Letters, a dynamic solo about the spectrum of human emotions, while Ornelas will perform Quatro to the music of Abdullah Ibrahim. Other works are by SOTA alumni Rayla Meshawn (CA) and Jaida Degnan, and current students Ethan Beckwith-Cohen, Janalyce Lane and Neyda ColónDiMaria. Katerina Núñez shows new work, while quirky and virtuosic Caroline Liviakis (CA) returns with a tumultuous solo. Bonati completes the program. All shows begin at 8 p.m.; programs are subject to change. In addition, artist-led open classes and workshops will be offered Tuesday, June 20 through Saturday, June 24, 1–3 p.m. For further information on performances and the class schedule, please visit www.muccc.org. Dances at MuCCC is coordinated by Laurie MacFarlane and Ruben Ornelas in conjunction with MuCCC Theater.

Miss/Mr. Gay Pride Pageant is June 24 It’s time to start getting ready for ROC Pride 2017! The 2017 Miss/Mr. Gay Pride Pageant will take place on June 24 at Tilt, 444 Central Ave. The pageant starts at 7 p.m. General admission is $15/$10.

JUNE 2017

Bette Midler is up for Tony Best Performance for “Hello Dolly” Stefanie Gerdes posts on gaystarnews.com: The nominations for this year’s Tony Awards have been announced. Awarded by the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League, the awards honor excellence in Broadway theater – and there are a number of LGBTI names who can hope to leave the ceremony on 11 June with what is regarded as the Oscar of Broadway…. Leading the awards is the Broadway debut of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, a musical based on a piece of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It is followed by the revival of Hello, Dolly!, which clocked 10 nods. Bette Midler and her co-star David Hyde Pierce are nominated for Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for their engagement with the show. -Read more on gaystarnews.com

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G A L L ERY Q

Work at Gallery Q this month includes vibrant color, mixed media. Art by Beth Bloom.

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Gallery Q presents Two So Called Ladies So Called Ladies Beth Bloom and Saundra Ehman will exhibit their work during the months of June and July at Gallery Q. The opening reception is Friday, June 2 from 6-9 p.m. Gallery Q is part of the Alliance Resource Center, located at 100 College Ave. So Called Ladies includes work by two of Rochester’s creative talents and active members of the Alliance’s SAGE program. Each artist uses vibrant color and mixed media to create work that is whimsical as well as introspective. Bloom’s series, Cowgirls, Vamps and Other So Called Ladies, includes an array of embellished and bedazzled found photographs and found sculptural objects. Bloom’s work combines the traditionally “feminine” domestic chore of sewing with found photographs and sculptures of women to create work that embodies the femi-

nine mystique, exploring their beauty, power, confidence, attraction and majesty. (For more from Beth, see Life page 22.) Saundra Ehman explores her own aging female figure with humor in her larger-than-life soft sculptures. The forms turn the notion of the ideal feminine form on its head by glorifying and beautifying the real feminine form. Her sculptural pieces are complimented by her vibrant pen and ink drawings and weavings. She is prolific in creating meditative drawings that are filled with detail and bright colors. Ehman states, “I get inspiration from people, places, things, situations, conversations…actually anything can get me to take pen or pencil to hand.” Gallery Q is open Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., as well as Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. The exhibition closes July 27. ■

DL HOME & GARDEN INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME & GARDEN Visit our furniture store & gift emporium: M-F 10-6; Sat 10-4 225-4663 • 283 Central Avenue One block west of the train station downtown

JUNE 2017

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

Board of Trustees

Colleen Raimond, President Jennifer Matthews, Secretary Martin Murphy, Treasurer Jason Barnecut-Kearns, Paul Birkby, Chloe Corcoran, Sady Fischer, Jeff Lambert, Milo Primeaux, Luis RosarioMcCabe, David ZonaÂ Executive Director Scott Fearing Managing Director Jeffrey Myers Development Director Josh Stapf Education Director Jeannie Gainsburg Education Coordinator Rowan Collins SAGE Program Coordinator Anne Tischer Database Kat Wiggall Bookkeeper Christopher Hennelly Administrative Assistant Jeana Bonacci-Roth

The Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan susanj@gayalliance.org â&#x20AC;&#x2030; Phone: (585) 244-9030 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Graphic Design Jim Anderson jimandersondesign@me.com Advertising Jennie Bowker jennieb@gayalliance.org. (585) 244-9030

The Gay Alliance

100 College Avenue Rochester, New York 14607 Mon. & Fri., 9am-5pm Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9am-8pm Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Email: info@gayalliance.org Internet: www.gayalliance.org

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