Empty Closet, March 2017

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NUMBER 509

A PUBLICATION OF THE GAY ALLIANCE

MARCH 2017

HATE E M I R C Jim Eskildsen

Andrea DeMeo, President & CEO, Trillium Health; Dr. William Valenti, Sr. Vice President of Strategic Advancement, Co-Founder, Chief of Innovation & Staff Physician, Trillium Health and Bill Belecz, COO & Sr. Vice President, Trillium Health, at Pride Festival 2016.

LGBTQ Health Month: Addressing the needs of our LGBTQ community

By Trillium Health Discrimination, stigmatization, and a long history of inadequate awareness by health professionals have all presented barriers to care for the LGBTQ community.

Trillium Health has been a longtime ally, providing comprehensive services to people, who have complex health care needs, including those living with and vulnerable to HIV/ AIDS and transgender health care. Our staff remains deeply dedicated and exceptionally understanding when it comes

to this community.

During March we take the time to not only celebrate LGBTQ+ health, but to highlight the continued need for comprehensive, patient-centered care. At the forefront of our efforts, we acknowledge the health disparities facing LGBTQ+ populations, which include: Men who have sex with men have the highest risk of contracting HIV and other STDs, especially among communities of color.

Transgender individuals have a high prevalence of HIV, STDs, victimization, mental health needs and suicide.

Elderly LGBTQ+ individuals face additional barriers to health (Health continues page 16)

At The Road Ahead: L-R: John Curtis, Colleen Raimond, Carol Ebersole-Weiss, Mayor Lovely Warren, Lynne Bowman, Dan Sapper and John Herry. Photo: Gerry Szymanski

HRC’s Lynne Bowman discusses the road ahead: what we can do now

By Rachel Leavy Lynne Bowman, Senior Regional Field Director for the Human Rights Campaign, spoke at the Gay Alliance’s LGBTQ Resource Center on Jan. 25, to discuss what to do next now that Trump’s election has the LGBTQ community wondering about threats to our civil and human rights.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren was among those present.

Carole Ebersole-Weiss, coordinator at the HRC of Greater New York, introduced the standing-room-only event. She spoke of how she and Bowman had discussed having a meeting, but deemed it unnecessary at the

time since Rochester has such a good LGBTQ group. But after the election – it became more pressing.

This was Bowman’s first time in Rochester, and she was thrilled to tour the Susan B. Anthony House. Bowman spoke about three topics: what the HRC does, what has been going on with legislation, and what potentially could happen.

She discussed the four equality indices the HRC has developed: state, municipal, corporate and healthcare. All four have criteria on which to rate how LGBTQ friendly the organization or place is. This year, 517 corporations scored 100 per(Road Ahead continues page 3)

At the Feb. 4 meet-up in Dansville. Photo: Anne Tischer

Gay Alliance rural outreach aims to connect LGBTQ people in Southern Tier

By Susan Jordan The Gay Alliance has been taking social and educational programming to towns in the Southern Tier which are traditionally under-served, and where many LGBTQ people of all ages feel isolated.

On Feb. 4, 15 people showed up for a meeting at the Sunrise Restaurant in Dansville to talk about the needs of LGBTQ folks in that rural area. Six others said they were interested but could not attend.

Anne Tischer told The Empty Closet, “The demographics included a GSA advisor with students who want to be involved, a straight couple with two gay kids, gay couples who are part of the long-standing Dansville Men’s Potluck, single lesbians looking to connect and more.”

The group forming in the Southern Tier is open to all LGBTQ and allies regardless of age and aims to build community and enrich the lives of LGBTQ people in the area.

Anne said, “People wanted intergenerational programming, which really surprised me, so the first event in March is called ‘OUT in the Sticks’ Intergenerational Potluck & Program.

The film Gay Pioneers will be screened, followed by a talkback. All are welcome so I hope people bring their kids.”

In addition, there will be scheduled meet-ups of people who have common interests – for instance, a family camping meet-up in the summer. “Technology simplifies activity planning and networking in rural settings. The Alliance will be using the online “Meetup” site to promote activities after a “host” proposes an event. The host does the setup needed – finds the venue, makes reservations and figures out how to fund it, etc. and the Alliance will do the promotion of the event using the power of the Internet to get people there. Depending on the interest, hosts can plan activities ranging from meeting for coffee to hosting a winery tour by bus.

Jeff Myers, LGBTQ Resource Center Director, said, “The Gay Alliance can provide advice and contacts. The more important

thing the Alliance can do is provide social media network support and promotion for the events using things like Facebook, Meetup, electronic calendars, hard print calendars and ads.” The Empty Closet is on Facebook and Twitter as Empty Closet News.

Jeff added, “This is an important outreach. Several people attending asked if we understood the courage it took for them to come and be seen at a public LGBTQ gathering at that restaurant? That really opened my eyes.”

Anne said, “Things are changing, but a lot of people are still in a glass closet, afraid to step out and test the new boundaries.”

Jeff agreed. “We’re offering them the support to break down those walls and start living their lives authentically in their home town,” he said. “What I got out of the meeting was that the group felt empowered by the outreach and were interested in being more visible and active…

They came in looking sheepish but left with their heads held high --” “And with a plan!” Anne interjected. “Folks were doing possibility thinking when we left, and they were offering support to each other. The GSA advisor who was facing problems in his school got suggestions from people – this wasn’t just another meeting.”

Jeff said, “The GSA can’t do (Outreach continues page 3)

Inside

Editorials....................................... 2 Interview: Women’s history........ 6 Making the Scene......................10 Opinion: From GRID to Glee.....15 Health: Trillium events...............16 LGBTQ Living: Animal planet ....17 Shoulders To Stand On ...........21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: RAPA.................... 27 Gay Alliance: Ride for Pride .....30 Calendar.....................................34 Classifieds..................................34 Comics........................................35 The Gay Alliance is publisher of The Empty Closet, New York State’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper.

Theft of r0ainbow flags, Black Lives Matter signs in city, Victor gay bashing show hate crimes are on the rise

By Susan Jordan Rochester, NY: On Feb. 20, 10 rainbow flags and three Black Lives Matter flags and signs were taken down and stolen in the North Winton neighborhood, and on Feb. 21 rainbow flags were similarly vandalized on the 900 block of Monroe Ave. On Feb. 4 a vicious gay bashing took place in Victor, when two heterosexual men perceived to be gay were violently attacked outside the Victor Village Inn. Two men started a fight with Jim Eskildsen, a straight man, and a friend of his, inside the Inn, using anti-gay slurs. Then the men fled but when Jim and his friend left the bar, they were set upon by three men, who again used anti-gay language.

Jim suffered a broken nose, broken eye socket, concussion and badly bruised ribs when he was knocked to the ground and beaten.

The three alleged perpetrators were arrested and jailed. They appeared in court on Feb. 23. Robert Bergman, William Cole, and Dominick Wheeler were charged with second degree assault. The Ontario County grand jury will rule on hate crime charges by the end of March, according to Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Jim Ritz.

Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Executive Director, commented, “Whether or not Jim identifies as gay is irrelevant. Jim and his friend were viciously attacked and badly injured because the perpetrators assumed they were gay. The language used by the perpetrators during the assault makes it clear that the attack occurred because of their hatred toward gay people….

“Unlike most crimes,” Fearing continued, “hate crimes have an impact beyond the victim. These crimes are committed to terrorize an entire group.”

Gay Alliance Board President Colleen Raimond said, “For years the Gay Alliance operated an Anti-Violence Project. We are now seeking an organization, business or community partner to help us fund the re-launch of this important program.” ■

How you can help?

See page 7

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

Perspectives The Empty Closet Editor SUSAN JORDAN

A Love Letter to Rochester The LGBTQ community loves the city of Rochester’s commitment to equity and inclusion, its anti-discrimination protections, etc. But political advances are not all we love about this area.

Personally I love the people – for instance, the amazing, diverse LGBTQ community as a whole, and individuals like the warm, funny folks in Tom Somerville’s SAGE yoga class at the LGBTQ Resource Center.

And here are some other Rochester things to love: The history – especially the heroic legacies of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

The beautiful old buildings, some dating back to the area’s first “boom” period in the early 1900s, when Rochester was “The Flour City”. Some of the loveliest are along East Ave. and on Arnold Park and then there’s that pale-yellow building with the pillars next to the parking garage on Broad St., which once upon a time sat on the edge of the Erie Canal.

Lake Ontario, especially the Sodus Point area, and driving east along Lake Road in April when the endless orchards are in bloom.

The wine country and Finger Lakes.

The poetry phone booth outside Writers & Books.

Mt. Hope Cemetery, an arboretum as well as a historic cemetery with amazing structures – and all the Rochester parks, especially Highland Park in lilac time. Rochester’s Olmsteaddesigned parks are real treasures!

The cultural attractions, including Garth Fagan Dance; the Eastman Museum; Geva and the other theatre groups, including non-profits like RAPA, and the touring Broadway shows presented by the RBTL; the Little Theatre; the Memorial Art Gallery; Visual Studies Workshop; the RPO; jazz stars including Jimmie Highsmith Jr.; Rochester City Ballet, Borinquen dance troupe. Too many treasures to name!

The Strong Museum of Play, from the pirate ship to the butterfly garden. What a resource for our area’s kids!

The many excellent restaurants – again, too many to name.

Ganondagan Historic Site outside Victor, where Seneca (Onondowaga) traditions, culture and history are flourishing.

The migrating birds that pass through, including the rare sandhill cranes a friend and I spotted a few years ago near Chimney Bluffs.

The river boats that cruise the Genesee, and the blue herons every few yards along the river.

Hanging out over a latte at Equal=Grounds.

The High Falls in the city and at Letchworth Park.

The increasing number of GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances) at local schools.

ImageOut, the Fringe Festival, the Lilac Festival, Black Pride, Park Ave. Festival, the Puerto Rican Parade, etc.

July’s LGBTQ Pride Parade and Festival — I have been to every one since the first in 1989.

And in the end, it all comes back to the people…. ■

RESOURCE FULL

Gay Alliance Board of Trustees Colleen Raimond, President Jennifer Matthews, Secretary Jason Barnecut-Kearns, Treasurer Paul Birkby, Sady Fischer, Jeff Lambert, Martin Murphy, Milo Primeaux, Louis Rosario-McCabe, David Zona

THANK YOU

SAGE Senior Coordinator ANNE TISCHER

Trump Time Machine I want to talk about my mother’s three minute boiled eggs... Also I noticed recently that Russian politicians (yes Putin) have decided to actively promote ‘hetero-normative’ (meaning female oppressing) behavior nationally in media, schools and society ... and legislatively their Parliament just made it legal to beat your wife once or twice a year if it doesn’t do “permanent damage”. You may ask how these topics are related in this Trump “alternate” reality we are in. They are...

My mother was raised in an age when success as a woman was measured by whether you could make aspic, work all day in three-inch heels, and boil a perfect three minute egg. By god she mastered it - the egg anyway.

I remember the special cup that held the egg upright and how I loved the little dribble of melty yolk that threatened to escape when the shell top was cut off.

A little salt and you encountered heaven each morning before you headed off to school.

But this indulgent ritual was provided by a woman who graduated from high school at 14, at 15 worked in a factory far from her rural home till she was old enough to get into nursing school in Toronto, got her RN and then emigrated from Canada to Roch-

Name

ester to get a job. She worked nights and raised four kids. Theresa was incredibly bright and tough and should have led the life of a powerful woman, but didn’t.

I never got along with her, probably because of those eggs that I loved so much. Misogyny is pleasurable to those who benefit from it, but I was embarrassed for my mother.

Tess was raised in an Irish Catholic “hetero-normative” environment. Everyone was charming, polite and accomplished… but only penises really knew anything or got serious respect. What made it frustrating to me was that I knew at ten that she was intentionally deferring to males for advice when she was the smartest one in the room. Priests, the pope, her brothers, my immature, unstable father, it didn’t matter. And as a result Tess made poor choices for herself and her family and ended up a bitter woman. She believed the ubiquitous “hetero-normative” propaganda that promised happiness in life if she just suspended critical thinking and her own self-direction. She wasn’t dumb or lazy, just brain-washed.

Tess was the hardest working person I ever met and a champion for the helpless. But I never really got to know her because she never got to know herself.

I am reminded of my mother when I watch the “Stepford Wife” who trails dutifully behind our new President, visually demonstrating subservience.

Trump shares his buddy Putin’s autocratic, misogynistic worldview and like Putin is firing up state-sponsored sexism as he tries to legislatively push women back to the 1950s. I, like so many others, wonder if that is possible? Can one man really set back millions of women’s rights and status? I guess we’ll see. All I know is if I had daughters right now, I’d be teaching them to throw eggs… not boil them perfectly for others. ■

3/17

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MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

(Outreach from page 1) fundraising to get the youth to the Big Queer Prom in Rochester; last year they couldn’t come.

This year the Gay Alliance will make sure that those kids are at the Prom. This is one example of the support we can offer.”

“It’s a process,” Anne said.

“So we are going to start with a monthly presence -- potlucks with light-hearted intergenerational programming.”

Jeff noted, “We have to build the social relationships first before we can plan programs.”

Many of the people at the Feb. 4 meeting had never met before and some are isolated from other LGBTQ people.

Future meet-ups will reflect the diversity of the organizing group. Anne said, “The different segments have different interests.

Parents are interested in camping weekends, others want a hiking meet-up at Stony Brook, etc.

They also want special events, and to go in common to outside events like the Dansville Balloon Festival.”

Jeff said, “We’re building community. We’re going to advertise in local media to get the word out to LGBTQ people to join us.”

The next meet-up of “OUT in the Sticks” Intergenerational Potluck & Program will be at the Fearless Hook and Ladder Fire Hall, 26 Clara Barton St. in Dansville. It is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, from 2-6 p.m.

Anne said, “Everyone of all ages is welcome! Any group calling itself ‘OUT in the Sticks’ has a sense of humor. This is going to be fun!” ■

(Road Ahead from page 1) cent, including both Kodak and Xerox. Also discussed was the HRC’s HIV 360* Fellowship, and the All Children – All Families program that helps explore LGBTQ schooling, adoption and other rights for children.

The next part of the program was dedicated to discussing past anti-LGBTQ legislation, how it happened, and how to block it. In 2016, 249 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced, and only five became law. As of Feb. 17, 40 bills had already been introduced around the country.

Bowman explained how some of the discriminatory bills had the ability to go on as ballot initiatives, meaning they would be voted on publicly. While this isn’t a huge issue for New York, it could be in other states. Bills such as the First Amendment Defense Act use religious freedom as a means to discriminate against LGBTQ communities.

It would take down federal regulations and base them on states.

Update: on Feb. 23 the Trump administration erased protections for trans students.

The main consensus throughout the conversation was that none of us thought we would be in this position. We had come so far, to only potentially fall ten steps back. There are many things that can be done now on all levels, Bowman stressed. We need to call our representatives (see contact information, page 7).

For information on specific anti-gay bills, go to HRC.org. ■

NewsFronts LOCAL AND STATE

Scotty Ginett announces candidacy for Rochester City Council

Over 2,000 rally at Stonewall Inn to protest Trump executive orders An LGBT Solidarity Rally took place Feb. 4 at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan. The rally, organized by NYC Councilman Corey Johnson, drew over 2,000 people.

The rally had the sponsorship of more than 60 groups and 16 lawmakers including Governor Andrew Cuomo, Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Senator Brad Hoylman.

The invitation read, “Join us in front of the Stonewall Inn as we stand in solidarity with every immigrant, asylum seeker, refugee and every person impacted by Donald Trump’s illegal, immoral, unconstitutional and un-American executive orders. We will also speak out against Trump’s selection of the most anti-LGBT nominees and appointees in modern history.”

Neal Broverman writes on The Advocate: New Yorkers braved the crowds and the cold to show their resistance, especially to Trump’s furiously-signed executive orders. One of his most derided has been the ban on Syrian refugees and all people from seven Muslimmajority nations. A federal judge in Seattle found the ban unconstitutional... and placed it on hold indefinitely.

“This guy’s so out of control [it’s] crazy,” local resident Paul Nagle told the New York Daily News. …

Fears over an executive order legalizing religious-based discrimination against LGBT people continue unabated after a draft version of such an order was leaked to the press (last month). Sources indicated Trump would unveil the executive order at the National Prayer Breakfast… but it never materialized. It’s not clear if the timing was just deemed too sensitive to the administration, which is dealing with national protests and numerous legal challenges over the immigrant ban. The president is also under fire for a

terror raid in Yemen that killed civilians, including a child, and a Navy Seal.

Trump has also reportedly considered rescinding Obamaera LGBT protections for workers employed by federal contractors, but that also did not come to light, at least yet. Since then, sources indicated that the First Daughter, Ivanka Trump, urged the president to maintain the protections.

At Saturday’s protest…

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer raised his fist at a podium emblazoned with a sign that spelled “Resist” in rainbow-colored letters. Schumer joined the chorus of “Dump Trump,” as well.

“Let me remind people of why we’re here,” Schumer said, according to NBC New York. “The pioneers at Stonewall were alone, but they fought and fought and eventually they won. We are gonna do the same thing!”

-See more on The Advocate, Towleroad.com, Gay City News

Campus Out summit is April 8 at St. John Fisher; register now The CampusOut summit, connecting club officers of local college LGBTQ groups, will take place on April 8 at St. John Fisher College, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The summit will enable LGBTQ students to network, discuss campus activism around intersectional queer issues and engage with the Gay Alliance and the LGBTQ community.

Morning and afternoon sessions will feature Rowan Collins, Gay Alliance Education Coordinator, and other speakers.

Lunch and a continental breakfast will be provided. Cost is $5/person. Register by March 25 online at https://www.trailbliz. info/gayalliance/eventcompolete. aspx?eventd=1288. You may also contact Dr. Lisa J. Cunningham at lcunnigham@sjfc.edu.

The event is sponsored by Women and Gender Studies.

On Feb. 4, Scotty Ginett announced his candidacy for City Council. Ginett has volunteered in the city of Rochester since 2009, as director of Rochester’s annual World AIDS Day Concert, and currently sits on the young professionals’ board for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and on the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus board of directors.

He has also volunteered with other organizations, such as PeaceArt International and the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, and has helped organize other rallies, and vigils, including the vigil held after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub.

The slogan for his campaign is “Together, We Rise.” Ginett says, “The problems and challenges that face our amazing city aren’t just one person’s or one group’s issue, they are all ours.

We are each other’s neighbors, family and friends. Together, we celebrate and embrace our diversity. Together we celebrate our success and work on our future.

Together, we are Rochester. And together, we rise.”

His campaign is focused on LGBTQ issues (such as ensuring we have LGBTQ friendly housing for seniors and homeless youth) as well as community engagement, poverty, and jobs.

More information about Scotty can be found on his website: www.ScottyGinett. com and on his Facebook page www.Facebook.com/ScottyGinett. You can contact Scotty’s team at ScottyGinettForCityCouncil@gmail.com.

Pride and Joy Family Fun Day is March 25 in Syracuse Pride and Joy Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday, March 25 at the May Memorial Church, Syracuse. Register now for this year’s statewide conference-in-a-day.

Family Fun Day is a jampacked day of learning, sharing and empowerment for diverse LGBTQ families. Camp Highlight offers programs for kids 6 and up. Fun, creative childcare will be provided by Miss Lynne for ages 3-5. Find resources, information, workshops and supportive conversations for adults.

Details and registration at prideandjoyfamilies@gmail.com or 607-777-3717. ■

PHOTO: JILL FRIER

PAGE ONE

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Alan Davidson passes; tributes from some who knew and loved him Alan Davidson, longtime LGBT community activist and a co-founder of AIDS Rochester, passed on Feb. 9 at age 80.

Donations may be sent to GLAAD or the Jewish Senior Life Foundation in his memory.

Below: Some tributes from his friends. Read more about Alan on page 14.

From Ed Popil (Mrs. Kasha Davis): I’m saddened to hear that Alan Davidson has passed. His light and encouragement have always been so uplifting to me. I adored how excited he would get about life in general but more often specifically life in Rochester. His OMG comments and posts tickled me but mostly I carry with me his genuine heart. I met him first at the door of the beloved Muthers and that’s when we began to share smiles, laughs and hugs. THANK YOU Alan I love you and will always keep you close in thought, thinking of your positive energy and OMG that wonderful smile.

Mark D. Ellenwood: He was truly a pillar of the local gay community. Rochester LGBT people owe this man a great debt of gratitude. He was a positive influence in my life, and an exceptional man.

Paula Silvestrone: Alan cared deeply about his community.

You could always depend on him to show up and do whatever was needed. He rarely missed events. And you could be assured that he would appear in the most bizarre and entertaining get up of anyone there! ■

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

NewsFronts NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

Activists plan national Pride march on D.C., taking place June 11 On Jan. 21, David Bruinooge launched plans for a national march for LGBT rights on Washington DC to take place on June 11. The march was inspired by the strength of the Women’s Marches held throughout the country and around the world that day.

Since the March was posted on Facebook, there has been a large groundswell of public support. There have been approximately five similar marches on Washington DC for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Trans* rights since 1979. This march comes during the 30th anniversary year of the Second National March on Washington DC for Lesbian and Gay Rights held on October 11, 1987 – often called the “Great March”.

InterPride leadership is currently working with Capital Pride and the initiators of the event, as well as other national stakeholders, to bring the voice of established Prides to the formation of this quickly evolving event. To facilitate communication between Prides, InterPride will be hosting a town hall style webconference to discuss the March, its potential impacts on Pride organizations and how, if desired, Pride organizations can create marches in solidarity in their own communities.

InterPride will also offer an educational webinar focused on how small and mid-sized prides can better navigate the potential impacts of the march on their organization. These web sessions are open to everyone – for more information email web.series@interpride.org.

InterPride’s mission is to empower Prides worldwide. They state, “We continue to be focused on supporting our member organizations during this potentially disrupting March and will pursue every available avenue to ensure the financial security and existence of all Prides.”

Andy Towle posts on towleroad.com: Organizers of the D.C. Pride Festival are planning to collaborate with a gay activist from Brooklyn, New York who is organizing a National Pride March to take place on June 11.

There is no word yet on how inclusive this march will be in terms of gender identity, disability, and race, or collaboration with groups like Black Lives Matter and immigration organizations. These surely need to be top of the mind for organizers.

Says David Bruinooge, 42, the Brooklyn, N.Y., resident who created the National Pride March page, to the Washington Blade: “I was watching the events unfold on TV and I was very proud and inspired by all the women, the strong women in our country who were kind of taking this to the street and getting their voices heard,” he told the Washington Blade. “And in

the back of my mind as an openly gay man I thought the gay community should be doing something like this to follow up on the momentum,” he said.

He said he intentionally chose June 11 for the march because it’s the same day that D.C.’s Capital Pride Festival is scheduled to be held on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. near the U.S. Capitol. Bruinooge said his thought was the march would start in the morning and end at the site of the Pride festival.

Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance, which organizes the D.C. Pride events, including the Pride Parade set to take place on June 10, said he has spoken with Bruinooge and expects that Capital Pride officials will collaborate with the march organizers so the march and the D.C. Pride events will complement each other.

ACLU highlights key anti-gay legislation around the country The ACLU shares key anti-LGBT legislation aimed at restricting the rights of LGBT people.

All of the bills can be found at www. aclu.org/LGBTbills. A few noteworthy bills are highlighted below: “South Dakota is poised to pass a sweeping discriminatory bill that puts kids at risk. Senate Bill 149 would allow any adoption or foster care agency to reject qualified parents on religious grounds, such as if they are LGBT, of a different faith, or because they are divorced,” said Eunice Rho, ACLU advocacy and policy counsel. “This shameful bill resembles the draft of the anti-LGBT, anti-choice executive order making its rounds last week that prompted a public outcry. South Dakota should realize that the public will not accept this type of discrimination, especially when vulnerable kids are at risk.”

South Dakota — sweeping, discriminatory bill that harms kids SB 149 is extraordinarily broad – it grants a broad right for child-placing agencies to discriminate against children and families and deny children needed services based on the agency’s religious or moral beliefs. And it virtually eliminates what the state may do in response. Here are its main effects: Child-placing agencies have a broad right to refuse to make adoption or foster placements or provide services to children they are being paid by taxpayers to care for, so long as the objection is religiously or morally-based. While an agency still may not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or national origin, it can refuse to place based on the child or family’s religion (or lack thereof) or any other religious or moral beliefs, including about sexual orientation, gender identity, and

marital status.

The state would be virtually powerless to do anything in response. A discriminatory agency would still be entitled to state funding and contracts. The state cannot sue or stop the agency from discriminating. As a result, SB 149 would exacerbate the shortage we already have of available families and leave more children to grow up without ever finding a permanent home.

EC NOTE: Alabama is also considering a bill to make it legal for agencies to deny LGBTQ people the right to adopt; see article below.

Oklahoma — a host of bills undermining LGBT rights Oklahoma’s 2017 legislative session began on Monday, Feb. 6.

Senate bill 197 would allow any individuals, privately-held businesses, or a religious organization to refuse — based on religious beliefs about a “marriage, lifestyle, or behavior” — to provide goods, services, accommodations, etc., to promote, endorse, or be used in a marriage ceremony. This would open the door to discriminate against not just same-sex couples and transgender people, but also interfaith couples, or anyone else a business might claim an objection to.

Senate bill 530 is a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that expands the scope of the existing RFRA so that anyone can sue even private businesses, not just the government, if they believe that their religion is being burdened. This closely resembles the 2015 Indiana RFRA, which resulted in a nationwide outcry from people, companies, and sports teams who rejected using religion to discriminate against vulnerable populations.

House bill 1507 allows any child-placing agency to refuse performing, counseling, or even referring a child for adoption or foster care placement if the agency has a religious objection. In addition to discrimination against LGBT parents, a child could be denied a home simply because the potential parents are in an interfaith relationship or divorced. This law, if passed, would ensure that an agency that discriminates is still entitled to government contracts and taxpayer funding.

Texas — yet another anti-LGBT bill introduced In addition to Senate Bill 6, a bill resembling North Carolina’s disastrous House Bill 2, and SB 92, which prohibits any locality from adopting nondiscrimination ordinances with broader protections than what is available under state laws, Texas has introduced Senate Bill 651. Under this bill, any licensed professional in Texas — including doctors, social workers, teachers — may use their religious beliefs to discriminate against or refuse to treat someone. For instance, a school social worker may refuse to work with a gay or lesbian young person simply because of the child’s sexual orientation.

Even if they harm a patient, student, or client, these licensed professionals will be able to keep their license and continue practicing unless a state agency shows that enforcing their professional rules is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental interest. This is a tough standard for the state agency to meet and likely will result in harm to the patients, clients, and students under the care and guidance of licensed professionals throughout the state of Texas.

Alabama seeks legal discrimination against LGBTQ people seeking to adopt On Feb. 8, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) blasted the Alabama House Health Committee for putting the discriminatory H.B. 24 bill on the fast track to a vote by the full House of Representatives.

The bill, deceptively titled the “Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act,” would enshrine taxpayer-funded discrimination into Alabama law by allowing state-fund-

ed and licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency’s religious beliefs.

“Alabama’s child welfare system has over 5,000 children waiting to be placed with or adopted by a qualified, loving family, yet our state lawmakers appear more interested in focusing on discriminating against LGBTQ people than helping these young people to find permanent homes,” said Eva Kendrick, HRC Alabama state manager. “Offering adoption and foster care services to the public is not a religious-based activity, and this effort to discriminate using taxpayer dollars is an embarrassing and dangerous distraction from the real problems facing Alabama. HRC Alabama opposes this noxious bill and any attempt to make life more difficult for Alabama’s LGBTQ families and youth -- especially children in out-of-home care due to crisis, abuse and neglect.”

H.B. 24 would allow state-licensed and funded child-placing agencies to disregard the best interest of children, and turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, married couples in which one prospective parent has previously been divorced, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection. The measure would even allow agencies to refuse to place foster children with members of their own extended families -- a practice often considered to be in the best interest of the child. A qualified, loving LGBTQ grandparent, for example, could be deemed unsuitable under the proposed law.

Research consistently shows that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system, as many have been rejected by their families of origin because of their LGBTQ status, and are especially vulnerable to discrimination and mistreatment while in foster care. H.B. 24 would only exacerbate the challenges faced by these young people.

In 2014, HRC launched Project One America, an initiative geared towards advancing social, institutional and legal equality in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. HRC Alabama continues to work to advance equality for LGBTQ Alabamians who have no statewide protections in housing, workplace, or public accommodations; or legal state recognition for their relationships and families. The organization says, “Through HRC Alabama, we are working toward a future of fairness every day—changing hearts, minds and laws toward achieving full equality.”

Toledo, Ohio bans conversion therapy, protects gender identity The Toledo Blade reports: The Toledo City Council unanimously approved a ban on conversion therapy on Feb. 8, while also making gender identity a protected class in the city.

The proposal was lauded earlier in the day during a public hearing by supporters, but also criticized by clergymen who asked if they would be prohibited from counseling people who are gay. Conversion therapy, which is designed to change a person’s sexual orientation, has been discredited by the medical establishment and denounced by gay and transgender groups.

The proposed law change, which states “no mental health provider shall engage in sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts with any person,” would make it a misdemeanor of the fourth degree to provide the therapy. Each day in violation would be a separate offense — each with a maximum fine of $250.

The city council yesterday also unanimously approved a resolution declaring Toledo to be a welcoming place for refugees.

-Read more on JoeMyGod.com

Grey Violet.

LGBT activists missing after trying to hold Ukraine event Stefanie Gerdes posts on gaystarnews. com: Two LGBTI activists have gone missing in separatist territory in eastern Ukraine.

Grey Violet, a Russian agender activist, and Victoria Miroshnichenko, a 27-yearold listed in some reports as a girlfriend, vanished in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR).

We do not know Violet’s preferred pronouns, but will use “they” as Violet is also known as Oleg Vasilyev or Maria Shtern.

The pair were traveling to Donetsk, where they wanted to stage and film a public performance in support of the LGBTI community.

Now it is feared Violet and Miroshnichenko may be detained by the police or security services.

They successfully passed Uspenka, a checkpoint on the Russian side of the border, and arrived in Donetsk on 31 January.

Since then, nobody has heard from them; they are not answering their phones or online messages.

“It is distressing that no one has been able to find out where Grey Violet and Miroshnichenko are since they arrived in the DNR 10 days ago,” Tanya Cooper, Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

“Their sudden disappearance requires prompt and effective investigation.”

According to Russian website Mediazona, one of Violet’s friends contacted DNR authorities to enquire for their whereabouts.

They were told neither the police nor security services were holding the activists.

Since the armed conflict in the region began, the situation for LGBTIs in Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk has gotten worse.

In 2014, Luhanks region authorities, (an area) which is also held by separatists, said they were considering punishing homosexuality with the death penalty.

According to Human Rights Watch security services in both territories leave victims “fully at their mercy” as they do not adhere to the rule of law.

-See more on gaystarnews.com

JoJo Striker

Toledo transgender woman found dead The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of JoJo Striker, a Black transgender woman, killed in Toledo, Ohio on Feb. 8, 2017; the third reported killing of a transgender/gender nonconforming person NCAVP has responded to in 2017.

All three homicide victims have been

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/ALEK D. EPSTEIN)

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET transgender women of color. Initial reports misgendered JoJo, but recent reports have used her correct pronouns, and, though little information is available at this time, JoJo’s mother believes the shooting was a hate crime. Many transgender activists and allies have spoken out in support of JoJo as the news of her death has emerged.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of JoJo Striker, and we send our thoughts and condolences to those impacted by her death,” said Emily Waters, Senior Manager of National Research and Policy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “We are already seeing signs that the new administration will be stepping back protections for transgender people. In a moment when we are seeing the highest number of reports of homicides of transgender and gender non-conforming people, we need policies that protect the rights and safety of transgender people - not roll backs.” NCAVP has reached out to the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO), and is offering support.

NCAVP’s most recent hate violence report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, recorded 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20% increase from the 20 reported antiLGBTQ homicides in 2014. Of the 24 reported homicides, 62% of the victims were people of color. Sixteen (67%) of the 24 reported homicide victims were transgender and gender non-conforming. Of the total number of homicides, thirteen (54%) of the victims were transgender women of color.

In 2016, NCAVP responded to the homicides of 23 transgender and gender nonconforming people, the highest ever recorded by the Coalition.

GLSEN, Williams Institute respond to confirmation of DeVos as Secretary of Education On Feb. 8, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos’ nomination for Secretary of Education, despite hundreds of thousands of calls, emails and letters from parents, students and advocates for inclusive public education asking Senators to vote no.

GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, issued the following statement in response: “During her confirmation hearing, DeVos refused to commit to ensuring federal-level protections are maintained for all youth – particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, students with disabilities and students who have experienced sexual assault. While this remains a concern for GLSEN, we draw inspiration from the tremendous outcry, which demonstrates that support for inclusive public education remains strong.

“This is the first time in our nation’s history that the Vice President has had to vote for a Cabinet member to reach a Senate majority. This confirmation process has shown the heart and soul of our country is grounded in our support of public education, and we will not cease to demand equity for all students. We want our schools and our teachers to have the right resources to serve every child, and we expect every child to receive a meaningful education.

“Ms. DeVos worked remarkably hard to be seen as unthreatening to LGBTQ youth. The proof will be in her actions while she serves as Secretary of Education. Whatever her plans once in office, those prepping her for the hearings clearly understood that attacking LGBTQ youth is no longer a winning formula. That has been a transformation 26 years in the making and one of which we can all be tremendously proud. But we will remain vigilant in advocating whenever LGBTQ students are put at risk.

“While we are disappointed in those Senators who voted to confirm her nomi(GLSEN continues page 11)

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Interview Women’s History Month Featuring Sady and Meredith, Excellus Employee Resource Group Chairs: Sady’s Responses: Why is it important to have LGBTQ support in the work place?

I believe in creating spaces where all people are able to live their truth; to feel comfortable and safe to be who they are.

Not all LGBTQ people can be out at work; it hasn’t always been safe and welcoming for us to be who we are. Through visibility and support in the workplace, we can build bridges to foster understanding, shift perceptions and break through stereotypes around LGBTQ issues, in order to foster acceptance and strengthen our culture of diversity and inclusivity.

I recently had the opportunity to update our Gender Transition Guidelines and provide some basic supports for an employee who recently came out as a transgender man. Because of our company’s support of LGBTQ employees, a team was able to be allies to our colleague and ensure he is treated with dignity and respect as he takes new steps to living as his authentic self.

What motivated you to lead the team here at Excellus BCBS? As an out and proud queer Latina, I am active in our Rochester community, advocating for the rights of my various intersecting communities. I believe in LGBTQ visibility, rights, and pride and want to be a part of that work within my Excellus BCBS world. It’s what I live and breathe; my passion is to make the world a better place and taking on leadership roles that can make a difference is one way that I stay true to that goal.

What other work do you do outside of Excellus BCBS to support the LGBTQ community?

Currently, I am a Trainer with the LGBTQ Academy through the GAGV, a facilitator with the PRIDE in Leadership Development Program, a new GAGV Board member, and am the founder of Ambush Rochester. As a parent to three beautiful boys, my beautiful “happily ever after” girlfriend and I support the community by raising the next generation of loving, socially-conscious, brave activists with a love and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.

What woman do you admire the most?

Why? The person I admire most is my 16-year-old son. He was raised in a queer, feminist, latinx household and continues to show me what people can grow up to be, when given the freedom to explore, think, question and be who they are without limitations or judgements based on any aspect

of their identity. He is one of the bravest people I know – he is himself in all settings and I’ve learned through raising him what it means to be free. My two-year old twins have a great role model as they continue to grow and discover who they are.

As far as women I admire, anyone who knows me knows, Audre Lorde and Frida Kahlo are my women! (swoon) But I’ll pick Audre Lorde for this piece. She was a selfdescribed “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” and dedicated her life to confronting the injustices of racism, sexism, and homophobia. She was brilliant, and brave and bold and I live by so much of what she has written and said. One of my favorite quotes by her is that “It is not our difference that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

Meredith’s Responses: Why is it important to have LGBTQ support in the work place?

There is a sense of belonging here that I haven’t experienced at other workplaces; a sense of community. We are not tolerated.

We are celebrated. That is so important on so many levels. Support in the workplace means not having to hide who you are. It means not having to act like who others think you should be. It means having pictures of your spouse on your desk without fear or judgement.

What motivated you to lead the team here at Excellus BCBS? I haven’t been as involved in the LGBTQ community as I should be, but I wanted to. This is a fantastic opportunity to follow in the path of previous leaders to continue the great work at our company.

Excellus received a 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index for the third year in a row. A lot of work went into this honor and I want that legacy to continue. I have worked at other companies that have said they are LGBTQ-friendly, but they did not walk the walk like Excellus does. I am so proud to work here. Knowing that I am working alongside Sady Fischer, who I respect tremendously, is comforting and motivating. Her passion is contagious!

What other work do you do outside of Excellus BCBS to support the LGBTQ community?

A lot of the work I do is at my church, just being an ambassador of the LGBTQ community. I have given a couple of testimonials at my church, which have touched a lot of people. After the last one, an older gentleman came up to me with tears in his eyes. He said that his views on the LGBTQ community have changed drastically in the last 50 years, and it’s because of people like me and my wife. We both just stood there and cried.

What woman do you admire the most?

Why? Susan B. Anthony has always been someone I admire. She was such a driving force in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and many others. Her tenacity and indomitable spirit were unparalleled. She was arrested

and put on trial for voting. She was convicted and fined, not far from where I live, but she told the judge he would not see any money from her and she kept her word.

I keep her words, “Failure is impossible,” close to my heart. I only wish she had lived to see the 19th Amendment passed.

(Photo in ad on page 17.) ■

(Local and State Newsfronts continued from page 3)

SAFE JOURNEY… your path to Spiritual Wellness at the Gay Alliance

By John Hogan Ever since I was a little boy, I have been in love with spirituality. I grew up in a very conservative Roman Catholic family, and religion was a huge part of our lives. However, it wasn’t the dogma that caught me up, but rather I loved the idea of having a friend who would love me no matter what. This kind of friendship was considered by the Celts to be an ‘Anan Cara’, or soul-friend; someone who loves and respects you for who you are, without judgement.

You see, even at the age of 9, I knew I was different from the other boys, and as I grew into puberty, I came to realize just how different I was. In those years, I had no one to talk to about my feelings, loves, or desires – no one except God. God was my ‘Anam Cara’; my soul friend. My religion taught me that I was an abomination, and that God hated anyone who had desires like mine. Rather than trust my friend, I instead followed the rules and dogma of my religion. And it broke me spiritually.

I found healing surprisingly through my seminary experiences. My time spent at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, as well as my clinical pastoral education internship, not only allowed me to heal spiritually, but also allowed me to bring that healing to others lives.

SAFE Journey is a new initiative that I am excited to be a part of in partnership with the Gay Alliance.

This is NOT a church, mosque, temple, or any other “religious institution”.

Instead, our intent is that SAFE Journey will provide a safe space for people who are interested in their spiritual well-

ness, to come together with other individuals and just be present in community together. This will be a place where you are affirmed as not only an LGBT individual, but also where your spiritual journey is affirmed.

This will be a space of acceptance, and a non-judgement zone. We recognize that everyone has their own spiritual path that is unique to them, regardless of religious, or non-religious affiliations. To maintain this environment, we ask that you come to learn and share with one another without the urge to “fix” their situation. However, we will advocate for one another whether they are Christian, Buddhist, Pagan, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, etc. We can offer wisdom from our own path, and learn together about how to advocate for our spiritual wellbeing. Many of us have faced spiritual opposition to our sexual orientation or gender identity, and the thought of something like this may be scary.

We want you to know that it’s OK to be wary, but we hope you will come and share with us. A shared burden is easier to bear than trying to carry it alone – that is our hope for this community gathering.

So whether you are curious, whether you are affiliated with a religious path, or maybe just interested in being recognized and validated as a spiritual being without the trappings of religion, we welcome you.

Our first meeting will be on March 22 at 6:30 p.m., at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Light refreshments will be available, and EVERYONE is welcome. We will meet together to talk and share our stories, with the purpose of how the group will support every person who wants to come.

We invite you to share as you feel led, but it’s not required.

We invite you to SAFE Journey to share a path to spiritual wellness. ■

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

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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This is what Democracy...

How to contact your elected officials

It is important for all Americans,

including LGBTQ Americans, to become active in the political process. We must be in contact with our elected officials, preferably by phone or meetings in person, since emails and letters, while something, aren’t enough.

These lawmakers were elected to represent us – all of us. If we want them to support us, and LGBTQ civil and human rights in general, we must reach out in person and visit our elected officials when they are in district, or call their offices.

New York has two U.S. Senators: Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand, who are both Democrats. The majority of people in Rochester are represented by another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter. It is important for each voter to investigate who their U.S. Representative is. Harry Bronson is well known to most in the LGBTQ community as our upstate out lawmaker in the NYS Assembly. Democratic lawmakers generally support LGBTQ rights, but you may want to contact them to ask their support for specific issues.

Many in the LGBTQ community in Rochester are represented in Albany by Republican lawmakers Rich Funke, Joseph Robach or Peter Lawrence. Their LGBTQ constituents are entitled to express opinions to their elected officials about the issues that affect their lives and families, and ask for support.

Let the people who represent us know how we feel and what we need!

This can help!

Say you want to phone your elected officials, but don’t have their names or numbers handy?

Do this: Text your zip code to this number: 520-200-2223. You’ll very quickly get a text back with their names and phone numbers!

Or if you’re on the internet: Find your NYS assembly member: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/ Find your NYS senator: https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator

U.S. SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER 100 State Street, Room 3040, Rochester, New York 14614 Phone: (585) 263-5866; Fax: (585) 263-3173

U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND 100 State Street, Room 4195 Rochester, New York 14614 Phone: (585) 263-6250 Fax: (585) 263-6247

NYS ASSEMBLY, HARRY BRONSON 840 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 Phone: (585) 244-5255

U.S. REP. LOUISE M. SLAUGHTER 100 State Street, Room 3120 Rochester, New York 14614 Phone: (585) 232-4850

NYS ASSEMBLY PETER LAWRENCE 2496 West Ridge Road Rochester, New York 14626 Phone: (585) 225-4190 Fax: (585) 225-6502

NYS SENATOR JOSEPH ROBACH 2300 West Ridge Road Rochester, New York 14626 Phone: (585) 225-3650

NYS SENATOR, RICH FUNKE 230 Packett’s Landing, Fairport, New York 14450 Phone: (585) 223-1800

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

You are invited to our Opening Celebration which will include wine, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, membership discounts and live music by Jazz Guitarist, Greg Wachala.

Tharon Blake Holmberg, Nurse Practitioner

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING UPHOLSTERY SALE: TAKE AN EXTRA 10% OFF ALL SPECIAL ORDERED FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES AT DL HOME & GARDEN

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

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

Making the Scene

Scenemaker of the Month

Icey, known in some quarters as the LGBTQ Resource Center Assistant Director.

As Icey reclined on her leopardprint pillow, her human, LGBTQ Resource Center Director Jeff Myers, interpreted her responses.

What breed of dog are you?

A Pomapoo of course, silly.

What neighborhood do you live in?

Well, it’s very exclusive, no cats.

Where do you like to go for walks and runs?

I love to walk with my daddy to see the ducks in our back yard.

As for running, I tried it once and didn’t like it.

What’s your favorite treat?

Kobe Beef & Truffle Jerky Treats.

You’re known as a stylish dresser – which is your favorite sweater?

Oh I have several, anything pink with diamonds.

What is your main occupation at the Center?

To look pretty and make the guests happy.

What common mistake do dogs make when training their humans?

Oh honey, I have mine trained very well.

Anything you’d like to add?

Keep calm and rescue a dog... it changed my life for the better. ■

MARVELOUS PARTY: At the Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 19 at 140 Alex. Photos: Doug Meszler

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

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

ACTION WITH LOVE: NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson speaks at the Action With Love event hosted by the Gay Alliance and Action Together Rochester. Photo: Anne Tischer

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (GLSEN from page 5) nation, we are incredibly thankful for the support from Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who, along with Senate Democrats, voted against DeVos, citing real concerns about her readiness to lead the nation’s public schools and ensure full access to education for all students.

“We call on Secretary DeVos to honor her confirmation commitment to address ‘the needs of all parents and students’ and to be ‘a strong advocate for great public schools.’ DeVos can begin these efforts by continuing in the tradition of the departing Department of Education staff and meeting with LGBTQ youth from GLSEN Chapters and student clubs nationally.

“GLSEN is willing to work with DeVos and the Department of Education to organize this meeting, and to discuss how Department of Education funding can best be utilized to meet the needs of marginalized communities.”

The Williams Institute states: The U.S. Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

Her confirmation places in jeopardy Guidance that protects over 350,000 transgender youth and young adults in the United States from discrimination in education.

This fact sheet describes what’s at stake and the importance of the Guidance to transgender school age youth.

Secretary DeVos & The Guidance During her confirmation process, Secretary DeVos, in response to a question about how she would address bullying of LGBTQ students, stated that “[e]very child deserves to attend school in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, achieve and thrive and are not discriminated against.”

Secretary DeVos declined, however, to

state whether the Department of Education, under her leadership, will continue to require schools to treat transgender students consistent with their gender identities. In May 2016, under the Obama administration, the Departments of Education and Justice jointly released Guidance to school administrators about the rights of transgender students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. The Guidance confirms that discrimination against transgender students on the basis of gender identity violates Title IX, consistent with a growing body of case law from federal courts.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on this issue on March 28, 2017 in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. Transgender Students in the United States In the United States, there are approximately 150,000 transgender youth (age 13-17) and 206,000 young adults (18 to 24).

Widespread Bullying & Harassment Impacts Access to Education The Guidance aims to protect these students from school-based bullying, harassment, and discrimination that impairs their access to equal education. Research demonstrates the high prevalence of bullying and harassment of transgender students.

According to one study, 82 percent of transgender students reported hearing negative comments based on gender presentation from students sometimes or often, and 31 percent reported sometimes or often hearing negative comments by school personnel.

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) – the largest survey of transgender people to date – 77 percent of respondents who were “out” or perceived as transgender in grades K-12 had negative experiences at school from being transgender, such as being verbally harassed or

physically assaulted.

One USTS respondent recounted: “I was constantly bullied and physically assaulted by my classmates. Teachers would often see it happen and make no move to intervene. The harassment continued, and eventually I had to change high schools three times, each time just as bad as the last, until I finally gave up on public schools.”

Another USTS respondent described abuse so persistent – including being pelted with spit-balls, paper airplanes of hate mail, and soda cans – that the respondent avoided the school bus and restrooms from fear for personal safety.

One in six USTS respondents who were out as transgender in grades K-12 left school entirely because of harassment.

Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of USTS respondents who had attended college or vocational school reported verbal and physical harassment there, and, among them, 16 percent left college or vocational schooling because the harassment was so bad.

Restrooms: Denial of Access and a Location for Harassment With respect to restroom access specifically, transgender people report being denied access, harassed, or assaulted while trying to access restrooms consistent with their gender identity.

Sixty percent of transgender students between the ages of 13 and 21 who responded to the 2015 National School Climate Survey had been required to use a bathroom or locker room of their legal sex.

In a Washington, DC survey, 70 percent of transgender respondents reported being denied access, verbally harassed, or physically assaulted while trying to access or using public restrooms.

Fifty-four percent of respondents reported having some sort of physical problem from trying to avoid using public bathrooms, all of whom reported that they “held it” to avoid public restrooms.

Health problems included dehydration, urinary tract infections, kidney infection, and other kidney-related problems.

11 The Life Long Impacts of Harassment & Discrimination in Education Educational attainment is a significant determinant of economic status and health across the life course. But discrimination, harassment, and victimization impairs many transgender students’ access to education, and is associated with lower educational attainment, reduced economic prospects, increased risk of homelessness, and other negative outcomes.

Stigma and mistreatment result in transgender individuals experiencing disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and other psychological distress.

Research shows high rates of suicide attempts among transgender youth are related to experiences of discrimination, harassment, or assault/sexual violence.

Fully 82 percent of transgender people responding to the USTS seriously considered killing themselves at some point in their lives; nearly half (48 percent) in the year previous. Among respondents who had attempted suicide, more than a third (34 percent) made their first attempt at age 13 or younger; three-quarters did so before age 18.

Research shows that high rates of suicide attempts among transgender youth are related to experiences of discrimination, harassment, or assault/sexual violence.

With respect to restroom access specifically, transgender students who are prohibited from using, or experience problems accessing, restrooms consistent with their gender identity report greater absenteeism, poorer school performance, withdrawing from public spaces and events, physical and mental health impacts (such as bladder infections, discomfort, and anxiety), having to change schools, or dropping out.

Supportive Environments Work Despite these findings, research shows that creating a supportive environment that treats transgender people consistent with their gender identity can ameliorate these negative outcomes. Transgender people who are accepted and supported at home (Newsfronts continues on page 12)

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017 A separate French-language account of court action in Lebanon stated that a lower court had ruled that Article 534 does not apply if homosexuality is exercised as a right and in a non-abusive way.

Last spring, the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH) challenged Article 534, arguing that because “homosexuality is a natural variation of human sexuality,” it should be exempt from the law forbidding sexual intercourse “against nature.”

-Erasing76Crimes

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (GLSEN from page 11) and in their community report lower rates of negative outcomes, including lower rates of mental distress, homelessness, and suicide.

Trans woman stoned to death in Brazil Stefanie Gerdes posts on gaystarnews. com: Thugs stoned a trans woman to death in Brazil in a dawn attack on Feb. 8.

The unidentified woman was killed at around 4:30 a.m. near the Cove in Guarujá, a 310,000 city in São Paulo state.

Based on injuries to her face and chest, detectives believe her murderers used stones to attack the woman.

Beside the victim’s body, police also found a blood-stained brick, which was handed over to forensics to see whether it was part of the crime.

The woman was found on a corner of the Avenida Dom Pedro I, where authorities say she was offering sexual services.

Military personnel were alarmed to the scene. They called an emergency ambulance, but doctors found the woman already dead when they arrived. So far, there is no suspect, but the police’s homicide department is looking for the woman’s killer.

Brazilian’s labor market is largely closed to transgender people. Only a minority of trans people have a university education or work in high-earning jobs. Often, the only professions open to them are nursing, domestic services, hairdressing, gay entertainment and prostitution.

-Read more on gaystarnews.com

DOJ files brief aimed at ending trans students’ protections Daniel Reynolds posts on The Advocate: The department of Justice is backpedaling in its support of transgender people.

A day after Jeff Sessions was confirmed as attorney general, the department filed a request to partially halt an order against the Obama administration’s protections for trans students, including their right to use restrooms and locker rooms that corresponded with their gender identity, reports the Washington Blade.

In August, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor blocked the trans-affirming education guidelines issued by the departments of Education and Justice last May. The George W. Bush-appointed judge argued that the Obama administration overextended its reach in issuing the guidance, which contended that current legal prohibitions on discrimination based on sex also extend to protection from discrimination based on gender identity.

The central statutes under debate are Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Both of those laws prohibit sex-based discrimination by agencies, employers, and schools — in the latter case, schools that receive federal funding.

In response to O’Connor’s ruling, the (DOJ continues on page 13)

Tanzania orders gay men to report to police Joe Morgan posts on gaystarnews.com: Tanzania has ordered men accused of being gay to report to police.

Deputy health minister Hamis Kingwangala has ordered three men accused of “spreading homosexual activity” through social media to be questioned by the authorities.

Gay sex is illegal in Tanzania and punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Kingwangala has warned that if the men do not report to the police as ordered, they risk arrest, reported the BBC. The country, neighboring Uganda, has seen a crackdown on the LGBTI community.

In November last year, the health ministry suspended HIV and AIDS prevention programs for gay men. It also threatened to ban groups and charities that “promote” the rights of gay, bi and trans people.

-Read more on gaystarnews.com

Lebanon Supreme Court rules homosexuality not a criminal offense The Supreme Court in Lebanon has reportedly ruled that homosexuality is natural and is not a criminal offense. An account of the ruling also stated that discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

For English-speakers, details of the ruling must await a translation of an Arabiclanguage account of the decision.

At least until it is overturned in court, Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code provides a year in prison for men convicted of “sexual intercourse against nature.”

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Ireland pardons 2,000 men convicted of being gay Joe Morgan posts on gaystarnews. com: Ireland has moved forward to pardon gay men convicted of historic gay sex crimes.

The bill, which will pardon 2,000 gay men, will hope to undo the wrongs (committed) when homosexuality was criminalized until 1993.

The government has agreed to not oppose the Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill.

It states the convictions were “discriminatory, contrary to dignity and in breach of personal privacy and autonomy”.

Equality spokesman Senator Ged Nash said: “We believe this particular apology and exoneration is an important step forward – it’s an important reckoning with our past.

“What it won’t do is undo the cruelty that was visited upon large cohorts

of our society since the foundation of the State, as a result of very draconian laws the State enforced, that we inherited from Britain.

“We think this is an important step in terms of reckoning with our past and moving on.

“It won’t undo that damage but I think it’s a very important step the Labour Party will make on behalf of the State.

“We’re hoping the Government will accept this legislation when it’s debated in the Seanad.”

Justice Minister David Stanton has said he will ensure the apology and exoneration only applies to historic acts that would be considered legal today.

Famed Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde (above) was among around 50,000 gay men granted posthumous pardons in the UK.

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET (DOJ continued from page 12) DOJ initially submitted a request that the halt in the guidance’s implementation only apply to the dozen states, led by Texas, who sought an injunction, instead of nationwide.

The three-page filing from the Trump administration, announced that the department was withdrawing this request and seeking to remove oral arguments, scheduled February 17, from the calendar. The request was granted by the Fifth Circuit.

“The parties are currently considering how best to proceed in this appeal,” the brief concluded.

Chad Griffin, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, condemned the move as “heartbreaking.”

-Read more on The Advocate GLAD responds GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) expressed deep concern about this legal development and, specifically, what it means about the Department of Education’s commitment to protecting all students, including transgender students.

GLAD issued the following statement from Jennifer Levi, Transgender Rights Project Director: “Whatever next steps this administration takes, we stand ready to go to court and fight for transgender students’ rights to equal educational opportunities. No shift in federal agency strategy or policy changes the fact that the U.S. Constitution, federal laws including Title IX, and a growing number of state laws and local school policies protect the rights of transgender students.

“Transgender youth, like all youth, have the right to an education. That includes a fully inclusive educational environment with access to the same facilities, and opportunities, as all other students.

“GLAD will continue to stand with students and their families to assert their rights and ensure that schools meet their responsibility to support and affirm transgender students.”

Hundreds in Peru stage mass “kissathon” Meka Beresford posts on pinknews.co.uk: Hundreds of LGBT people have flocked to the capital of Peru to stage a mass “kissathon”.

LGBT couples from across the country reportedly staged the peaceful protest as a protest to demand equal rights for same-sex couples in the country.

People staged the act after a call to action was put out across social media networks.

Couples that attended the protest engaged in a prolonged period of kissing, that is deemed “inappropriate” by a majority of the staunch Catholic and conservative groups in the country.

“The streets of Peru are for all, regardless of sexual orientation. Therefore kisses, whether homosexual or heterosexual, should be seen as a normal behavior and not as inappropriate,” a group who helped organise the protest said.

Same-sex marriage is not legal in Peru, however a recent court case meant a step was taken towards it being recognized.

Oscar Ugarteche married his partner in Mexico and sued in Peru, his home country, and the court ruled in favor.

Crimes which are motivated by homophobia are not punished in the country because the criminal code does not recognize prejudice towards the LGBT community.

It is estimated that nine LGBT people were killed in the country last year because of sexuality or gender discrimination.

-Read more on pinknews.co.uk ■

Legal name change?

Birth certificate amendment?

You’ll need those forms notarized!

Our Notary can help!

Schedule a free appointment today!

Call 585 244-8640 or email: info@gayalliance.org

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Shoulders To Stand On: In Memoriam – Will the Real Alan Davidson Please Stand Up! The First in Line Guy The Gay Picnic Raffle Man AIDS Rochester Founder In fact Alan Davidson was all of these and much more!

An Army vet, former salesman at BJ’s, and an avid Bills fan, Alan told the D&C writer Justin Murphy in a September 20, 2013 article, “I love being the firstin-line guy. I’d give an eyetooth to be in the limelight. I love being forward; I love being first.”

Murphy said, “Alan is all business when it comes to being first — his face clouded over when asked what he’d think if he arrived to see someone else in line before him — but camaraderie with the runners-up is what keeps him coming back.” Murphy identified Alan as the undisputed local champion of waiting in line – a multitude of new stores opening in Monroe County saw Alan as the first person to come through the door.

Indeed Alan was involved in the beginning of many ventures here in Roch-

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017 ester. On May 1, 1983 the Rochester LGBT community rose up to raise money for AIDS when the Federal Government could not even say the word. Alan Davidson, Don Scalea who was affiliated with Strong, Sue Cowell and Tim Sally planned one of the first fundraisers in Rochester, to be held at Friar’s on May 1, 1983 to raise money to create awareness and educate the community about AIDS. Dr. Tom Rush and Sue Cowell were available at the event for people to talk to.

Everything was donated, and $2100 was raised. Ramon Santiago created the poster for the event.

AIDS Rochester began as an ad hoc committee of several local gay activists, including Tim Sally, Tim Tompkins, Sue Cowell and others, who were concerned about AIDS and its effect on the gay community. Alan Davidson attended that first community meeting about AIDS on Sue Cowell’s front porch as Tim Tompkins’ representative. In June 1983 there were several meetings and discussions about the future direction of AIDS Rochester.

AIDS Rochester had defined several areas continuing to need work to preserve the health and well-being of the community. It had grown from a few people to a more diverse group of people -- gay activists, health care workers, and local business people – with a structured board of directors, which Alan Davidson, Tim Tompkins, John Altieri, Hazel Jeffreys, Mark Ellenwood, Sue Cowell and many others served on. The need for a more organized agency resulted in AIDS Rochester becoming incorporated as a not-forprofit organization.

During the ‘80s Alan became known as the “Raffle Man” at the Gay Picnic in July. He would wear the roll of raffle tickets around his neck and would not take no for an answer. His smile, tenacious spirit and articulate sales pitch did the job every time. He also encouraged Tim Tompkins to open up his first dance club, and loaned Tim $25k to help make it happen. When Alan believed in something he put his

whole self behind it. Alan Davidson loved the gay community of Rochester and supported its efforts for equal rights every step of the way.

This letter written by Alan to the Gay Community in the November, 1977 issue of The Empty Closet reveals the real Alan Davidson – positive, supportive, and hopeful.

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Congratulations! What a wonderful response to the Tea Dance at Jim’s on Oct. 2, 1977. Wasn’t it great to see Jessie of Friar’s Inn mixing drinks behind Jim’s Bar, and Ducky using his talents behind the spotlight showing the pretty ‘girls’ doing their thing. Most important, the “Esprit de corps” from the patrons down to the members of the GAGV was indeed a very gratifying experience. Maybe it took an Anita Bryant, or a Charles Schiano, to make people realize now is the time for the gay people of Rochester to fight for their rights, I certainly hope that the gays of Rochester will continue to work together for their own common Cause -Human Rights through Human Understanding.

Sincerely yours, Alan H. Davidson In Alan’s Obituary comments, Tim Tompkins wrote: “Let’s every day, all of us, strive to be more like Alan Davidson with his warmth, smile, and charm. What a better world this would be!” ■

From our readers An invitation To The Editor: This is an invitation. On March 15th, we Americans can participate in a peaceful protest, a postcard campaign. Simply mail a postcard to Donald Trump that publicly expresses your opposition to him.

Together we can demonstrate for Trump and his administration what civil discourse looks like.

Together we can bury the White House post office in pink slips, all informing The Donald: you’re fired. No alternativefact or Russian translation will obfuscate our record-breaking, officially-verifiable, warehouse-filling flood of fury.

This campaign must be peaceful, so postcards must not contain threats or propose violence. Sharpen your wits, unsheathe your pens, and make your opinions visible. Then, on March 15, 2017 mail your postcards to President Donald J. Trump, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 Meredith Reiniger

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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

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Opinion

From GRID to Glee: 35 years of the LGBTQ experience in American politics and pop culture

By Stephanie R. C. Harageones Intro The LGBTQ community’s experiences have drastically transformed in the span of roughly thirty-five years. In the ‘80s, it was about the visibility of the community. In the ‘90s it was about acclimating the general public to their everyday lives.

By the 2000s and into the 2010s, it has been about normalizing the experience of the community and pursuing legal equality. In some cases the politics would thrive and the pop culture portrayal would stagnate, or vice versa. Sometimes both would be held back and at times, we’d be lucky enough for both to thrive together.

In my first segment, I explore the political climate and the pop culture depiction in the 1980s.

Part One, The ‘80s: “Fight for Your Rights” The LGBT community was a force to be reckoned with in the ‘80s. They were vocal, proud, and a stalwart voting bloc.

The gay community began to show their power through frequent voting at every level. Their voting was so important that delegates who identified as gay and were voting at the 1980 Democratic National Convention was actually announced on the news. The newscaster gave a rough estimate of how many were to attend and predicted numbers for the ’84 convention. By today’s standards announcing this would be strange. Of course some delegates are gay, we think.

How is that news?

In the early ‘80s the surge of vocal support for the gay community was often intertwined with the AIDS epidemic, known at first as GRID (Gay Related Immune Disorder). Experts in science and medicine were especially puzzled by the deadly, mysterious disease, which prompted calls for further research. There was a panic mostly due to lack of knowledge or a clear understanding on how HIV could be transferred. Yet, it gave the community

a voice and forced everyone to see them as humans who needed help and respect.

Another way the community fought back was to endorse and promote policies and politicians who chose to represent and protect them.

For example, in Texas during the mideighties there was debate over passing a local ordinance preventing sexual discrimination when hiring for city jobs in Houston. The progressive mayor at the time, Kathy Whitmire, supported the law. She simply explained, “When you apply for a city job, you can’t be quizzed about your private, lawful, sexual activities.”

In a truly bizarre twist, local black leaders agreed with the KKK against this policy.

So the gay community began to stand up for themselves but art was hardly reflecting life in their case. There were almost no LGBT characters on TV. Well-known shows like Cheers or Miami Vice would feature a gay character (usually for one episode only) and at times the main characters would have to deal with it and maybe divulge their opinion of them, maybe not.

If the show was anything other than a sitcom (crime drama, soap opera, etc.), more often than not, those gay characters would wind up dead by the end of the episode, or be revealed as a murderer or pedophile.

The concept of exposing children, in any way, to being gay was seen as dangerous and thus was controversial. These few portrayals were usually negative (see: pedophile), and typically reserved to a Very Special Episode. With the Nielsens and a generation of older conservatives having a tight grasp of the narratives of gay characters and plotlines, there was a very stark sense of gays being the Other, a sentiment which would take years to undo.

But the music world held more freedom. Performers like David Bowie, George Michael and Queen’s Freddie Mercury redefined what a man is supposed to look and act like. Their outlandish clothing choices and thought-provoking lyrics gave, at least in part, something for LGBT youth to relate to. Until next time!

Stephanie R. C. Harageones is new to Rochester and the Empty Closet but is making herself right at home in the LGBTQ scene

PFLAG MEETS 3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

1-3pm, Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 707 E. Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 Phone: 585-993-3297 ~ Email: rochesterpflag@gmail.com

of the Flower City. She enjoys writing (of course) painting and is waiting with baited breath for the day Glee gets a reboot series.

She and her husband are the proud parents of two fuzzy cats, living it up in the South Wedge neighborhood. One day she hopes to publish her same-sex historical romance novel titled Burnt Bliss.

Preparing for the Spring Real Estate Market

By Gary Norselli Spring is just around the corner, and along with blossoming trees, chirping birds, and reclaiming outdoor activities after a cold and gloomy winter, comes a vibrant real estate market. The trend is often the same – the spring season represents the peak of the real estate market for both buyers and sellers. However, when unprepared to begin the process of purchasing or listing a home for sale, buyers and sellers can find themselves at a disadvantage during this crucial period of the year.

Sellers There are many reasons individuals decide to sell their home, ranging from moving to a larger home, downsizing, relocating to another city or state, marriage, divorce, and a myriad of other reasons. Over the past year, homeowners have experienced a strong seller’s market, allowing them to sell their home for the most profit possible in the least amount of time. The Greater Rochester Association of Realtors’ 2016 Annual Report on the Rochester Regional Housing Market demonstrated great growth in the total number of closed sales from 2015 to 2016, from 33,280 to 35,922 – a 7.9% increase!

Meanwhile, the median sales price also increased from $128,000 to $129,850 – a 1.4% increase from 2015 to 2016. A lower level of inventory of homes for sale combined with a steady demand from buyers has resulted in a busier than normal winter real estate market as well.

A few things homeowners can do to best prepare for the spring real estate market include: Meet With Your Agent: Don’t wait until you are ready to list your home for sale to meet with your Real Estate Agent – they can provide helpful tips and suggestions in preparation of listing the home to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers and assist you in understanding the fair market value of the home.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Potential buyers coming through your home want to envision themselves in the space. Make it easier for buyers to see themselves living in your home by keeping it clean, simple, and removing any items of personal taste and photos.

Make Necessary Repairs: Take the time to spruce up your home, both inside and outside, by going through and making any repairs you may have been putting off. Sellers also have the option of hiring a home inspector to thoroughly evaluate the home to point out any potential red flags or health/safety concerns that would likely

15 be an issue for buyers.

Be Organized: Keep all home related documents, paperwork, and receipts in one folder. When someone has a question regarding documents you may have for a specific item, you’ll know right where to go.

Buyers There is much that buyers can do to prepare for the home buying process as well, especially given current market conditions. Over the past year, more and more buyers have found themselves in multiple-offer situations, which can result in a “bidding war” and drive up the price of the home. Even though buyers have found it to be a struggle at times searching for the right home, they are still able to benefit from low interest rates.

As a homebuyer, it is important to keep the following pieces of advice in mind when preparing to start your home search: Meet With Your Agent: It is just as important for buyers to meet with their Real Estate Agent as early on in the process as possible, as it is for sellers. As a buyer, your Agent will help you understand the current market conditions, provide tips and suggestions to make your offer stand out amongst others, and guide you through the home buying process from start to finish.

Get Pre-Approved: Before you begin looking at houses, you will want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your loan officer will be able to review different mortgage products with you to determine which is best in meeting your budget and financial goals. Be sure to ask about different loan types, monthly payment, and closing costs.

Make Your Wish List: Begin to make a list of all the features of your next home that are “must” have items. Make a separate list of the “want” features that would be nice to have, but are not necessarily a deal breaker. Share this list with your Agent – this will help them narrow down your search to help you find a home that closely matches what you are looking for.

Grant Programs: There are different grant programs and incentives available for buyers, you just have to know where to look! Be sure to research and apply for grants in advance, since some may have specific criteria and timelines which must be strictly followed when purchasing a home.

The home buying process can be especially scary if you have never owned a home before. Attend the Gay Alliance InQueery First Time Home Buyer Workshop on Thursday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. to learn all about the process of purchasing your first home.

The Norselli Team at Keller Williams Realty offers a variety of real estate services and expertise, ranging from assisting first time buyers, sellers, new construction, and relocation clients to helping prospective new agents understand the depths of what a career in real estate entails. Visit www.

GreaterRochesterHomes.com for more information. ■

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

Texas GOP bill would let doctors refuse to treat LGBT people Nick Duffy posts on pinknews.co.uk: A Republican bill has been filed in Texas would protect religious doctors who refuse to treat gay people.

The bill, submitted by Texas legislators Charles Perry, Bryan Hughes and Brian Birdwell, prevents authorities that issue occupational licenses across a range of professions from taking action based on people’s “religious objections”.

It states that authorities “may not adopt any rule, regulation, or policy or impose a penalty that limits an applicant’s ability to obtain a license based on a sincerely held religious belief of the applicant.”

The law would also protect people who choose not to comply with professional standards due to religious objections, which would potentially include medical professionals who refuse to treat homosexuals, or practitioners of ‘gay cure’ therapy who violate standards for psychotherapists.

ACLU counsel Eunice Hyon Min told the Texas Observer that the extreme broad wording of the bill could lead “to doctors with religious objections refusing to perform medical procedures, teachers not reporting child abuse if they support corporal punishment, or a fundamentalist Mormon police officer declining to arrest a polygamist for taking underage brides”.

The rights chief warned: “This is incredibly broadly written… it’s just really alarming. There are no limitations to this bill.”

-Read more on pinknews.co.uk

Alliance, Trillium partner on health education series starting March 15 The Gay Alliance and Trillium Health are partnering to bring health education to the LGBTQ community of Rochester.

There will be a monthly series of health related education InQueeries covering topics such as PrEP, Trans Health, LGBTQ Mental Health, Hep C, Meningitis and HPV. We will discuss everything from condoms and lube to aging in the LGBTQ community.

Join us March 15 at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., for the kick-off to this dynamic collaboration between the Alliance and Trillium Health, with Ask the Doctor InQueery and Introduction to LGBTQ Health.

Dr. Bill Valenti and Dr. Michael Mancenido of Trillium Health will be available to answer any of your health questions.

Health, particularly sexual health, can be an intimidating topic for people. This session looks to both introduce community members to one of Rochester’s most affirming primary care providers and to provide information on what health disparities and issues exist within the LGBTQ community. All are welcome!

PAGE 1 (Health Month from page 1) due to isolation, lack of social services and culturally competent providers.

Lesbians and bisexual women get less routine health care than other women and are eight percent more likely to develop colon, breast, and cervical cancer.

At Trillium Health, we have many programs that support the needs of LGBTQ+ communities. Some of our offerings include hormone-therapy, an on-site pharmacy that is open to the public, primary care, health and wellness and gynecological services. Trillium Health also provides STD screenings and treatment, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, health education/counseling, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Furthermore, the Pharmacy at Trillium Health carries a large stock and dispenses specialty medication that other pharmacies do not regularly carry.

Everyone in our backyard can benefit from Trillium’s accessible primary care and supportive care services, including those living at—or below—the poverty line. Sadly, many uninsured or underinsured people don’t seek out health care for fear that it’s out of reach. In 2014, 27% of uninsured adults went without necessary medical care due to cost. That includes services for major health conditions and chronic diseases as well as preventive care.

Trillium Health is working hard to overcome the barriers to care.

• Our sliding-fee scale adjusts based on a person’s ability to pay • The Trillium Health Patient Care Fund helps patients deal with all kinds of costs directly and indirectly related to care • Our supportive care management services make care more accessible for thousands, from case management to specialty referrals, translation/interpretation, and transportation • Our location puts us within easy reach, with a bus stop right in front of the building, and the availability of free parking.

Our work happens everywhere. From the waiting room to the doctor’s office to neighborhoods. And the full impact of our work happens in the everyday moments of

ship Commission on AIDS to bring the community our PrEP’d to Get Lucky Ball, taking place at 140 Alex Bar & Grill (3/12).

Transgender Rights workshop with Milo Primeaux from the Empire Justice Center on (3/16). Transgender and Gender Non-conforming community members will get an opportunity to learn about legal rights regarding employment and navigating complicated systems, among other potentially life-changing topics.

St. Patrick’s Day Bisexual/Pansexual Social at Equal Grounds (3/17).

Please check out the rest of our calendar for all of the exciting events taking place at Trillium Health and The MOCHA Center! If you have any questions regarding the programs being offered this month, please contact us at lgbthealth@trilliumhealth.org or visit our website at www.trilliumhealth.org. For more information on our services, see our contact list below.

Trillium Health is located at 259 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607-3632.

Open Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

PrEP Services: call 585-454-PrEP(7737).

SELL SOME ADS MAKE SOME MONEY

585 244-9030

Health

people’s lives. That’s what matters—and it is at the heart of Trillium Health.

That’s what patient-centered health care means to us. It’s more than just a buzzword around here. It’s at the core of what we do. As we grow, our agency-wide commitment remains: to provide you with the quality care you deserve.

Trillium Health continued in 2016 to lead the way in promoting PrEP as an effective way to dramatically cut regional infection rates—and spread hope. PrEP— or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis—is one of the most important breakthroughs in HIV prevention. First approved by the FDA in 2012 as a safe, effective tool to prevent HIV, PrEP is a prescription for one pill, taken once a day that blocks HIV infection.

For the past three years, Trillium has been raising awareness about the promise of PrEP, in part due to our aggressive public service campaign. We’ve reached out directly to vulnerable communities through events, outreach and social media and will continue to help our LGBTQ community members.

Trillium Health’s Center for Transgender Health Care is designed to increase access to comprehensive and affirming health care services for our transgender neighbors, who face a range of health disparities. From increased HIV infection risk in women to lower likelihood of preventive cancer screenings in men. Here, our health care specialists offer a welcoming and gender-affirming environment.

In celebration of LGBT Health Month, Trillium Health is hosting multiple workshops open to the community.

These programs are fun, interactive, and open to a variety of communities within the rainbow. We are excited to introduce new programs such as: No-Stress Nutrition Series (every Tuesday in March), Trans Family Planning event (3/9).

Trillium Health is partnering with Action for a Better Community, Victory Alliance, and the National Black Leader-

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

LGBTQ Living Sally and Claire with (left) Benjamin the bintruong and (right) two baby goats.

“The animals are like our family”

By Susan Jordan Claire Parker and Sally Reaves live in Macedon, where they have a menagerie of exotic and not so exotic animals. Sally owns the non-profit Wowee, which brings animals into schools, to birthday parties and so on, and also Mini Ark, a traveling petting zoo.

Claire says, “We have over 200 animals, including a bear cat, Benjamin – actually he’s a bintroung, an endangered species from SE Asia. They are arborial – live in trees – and eat fruit. We also have Julia, a python who weighs 85 lbs. and is 16 feet long. And we have a wallabee, wolves, a bobcat, alligators, tarantulas, nine cats including a Bengal and a Himalayan, all kinds of lizards and snakes, and farm animals of all kinds (except cows) and I have a retired racehorse.”

Most of the animals belong to Sally.

Her business is breeding and doing the traveling programs. A former guidance counselor, Sally started with animals when she was eight. She formerly owned Critter Corner pet shops, located in Palmyra, Newark and Canandaigua. She and Claire go to auctions to buy animals, and know people in the business.

Claire says, “It’s a lot of work. But it’s wonderful – the animals are amazing. We encourage people to know animals and to save their environments. Benjamin is an endangered species. Our wolf Takita is two, and her nephew is very young –we just got him.” Wolves are also in danger of being exterminated in the West.

Claire adds, “The animals are like our family. Our relationships with them are wonderful. Teaching people about them is important; it’s the first step to saving them from extinction. When people understand and love an animal, they’re more tolerant. Just like with gays! People who know and love a gay individual are much more accepting.

“We humans need to learn to co-exist with animals. We want to help people become more conscious about the environment.”

One thing Sally and Claire do in schools is what they call “Fear Deal”.

Claire explains, “We’re very careful. We blindfold the kids and have them choose a box – one, two or three. The boxes contain, for instance, a snake, a rat or cockroaches. We hand the blindfolded kids the animals, or wrap the snake around them, while the other kids scream. The kids love it! And we have insurance and Sally holds several state and federal licenses!” ■

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MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

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MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Shoulders to Stand On

The Long Road To Wellness (cont’d)

By Evelyn Bailey Last month we looked at the spread of HIV into the heterosexual community.

It seems historically that 1988 was a pivotal year on many fronts of the Road To Wellness.

HIV-AIDS work culminated in 1988 in increased AIDS curriculum in Monroe County, expansion of rehabilitative treatment for IV drug abuse and the beginning conversations on needle exchange programs, and the recognition of AIDS awareness including the dissemination of Surgeon General C. Everett Koop’s Report on AIDS in America and federal legislation, and the accomplishments of the AIDS Institute in New York State.

Both of these had a “trickle down” effect in Rochester to be felt in subsequent years.

Awareness is a complicated aspect of the AIDS epidemic. By 1988 there were many avenues of communication being used – doctors, school curriculums, public health warnings, the radio, television, and to some extent the internet. Early AIDS organizations, the NYS Health Department, the NYS AIDS Institute, and the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS were all trying to stay ahead of the curve in dealing with the fear, confusion, mistrust of governmental systems, and sheer denial.

One of the key components of awareness however, is the willingness and ability to hear. In 1988 the first treatments for AIDS were available, concrete knowledge about the disease, its causes and how it was transmitted from person to person were known, but with many fears and inaccuracies attached to the information by those communicating it. That is

one reason why in May, 1988 the Surgeon General of the United States, C. Everett Koop, mailed a congressionallymandated eight-page, condensed version of his 1986 Surgeon General’s Report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome report named Understanding AIDS to all 107,000,000 households in the United States, becoming the first federal authority to provide explicit advice to US citizens on how to protect themselves from AIDS. Prior to this mailing in February 1986, nearly five years after the outbreak of the epidemic, President Reagan instructed his Surgeon General to prepare a report on AIDS. Koop went to work with dispatch. During the next several months he met with numerous groups and experts involved in the fight against AIDS, from the National Hemophilia Foundation to the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, from Christian fundamentalists to scientists such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, leader of AIDS research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to AIDS patients themselves whom he visited in hospitals around Washington, D.C. Throughout he remained careful to treat AIDS not as a moral but as a public health issue, and to preserve his independence from any of the groups he consulted -- as well as from the White House.

Koop drafted the report himself at a stand-up desk in the basement of his home on the NIH campus, with only a handful of trusted staff members as advisers, including Fauci. Concerned that an in-depth review by Reagan’s domestic policy advisers would lead to the removal of crucial public health information from the report, such as on condom use, Koop submitted numbered copies of the final draft to the Domestic Policy Council, which he collected at the end of the meeting with the explanation that he sought to prevent leaks of the report to the media.

The stratagem was successful: after little debate and without further revision Koop released the report at a press conference on October 22, 1986. Twenty million copies were eventually distributed to the public by members of Congress, public health organizations, and ParentTeacher Associations. In plain language the 36-page report discussed the nature of AIDS, its modes of transmission, risk factors for contracting the disease, and ways in which people could protect themselves, including use of condoms. It projected that in 1991, 270,000 cases of AIDS would have occurred. The prediction was too pessimistic, as the total reported cases of AIDS in the U.S. through 1991 turned out to be 206,000, a measure of the effectiveness of Koop’s AIDS education campaign. In his remarks Koop emphasized that since education was the best and only

Learn the history of the LGBT community in Rochester from the people who made that history.

strategy of prevention against AIDS, and since AIDS was spread primarily through sex, school children from grade three onward should receive sex education.

In his many speeches on AIDS over the next two years, Koop emphasized that the best protection against the disease was provided by sexual abstinence and monogamy. Koop pointed out to conservatives reluctant to address AIDS, that science and traditional morality reinforced one another in the prevention of AIDS. He insisted that in order to stop the spread of the disease he had to dispense health advice to all Americans, including those who engaged in behavior that was in conflict with his personal moral values, namely extramarital, promiscuous, and homosexual sex, and drug use.

He appealed to Americans to remain true to their ethic of care and compassion while decrying discrimination against AIDS carriers in the workplace, in schools, in housing, and in insurance policies. He argued for voluntary, confidential testing because it would encourage those at greatest risk to seek medical care, while mandatory testing would drive them underground, would produce many false positives, and would serve no purpose in the absence of a vaccine or cure. He considered quarantine of AIDS carriers unconstitutional and unnecessary from an epidemiological standpoint. Finally, Koop drew attention to the plight of the growing number of children who had acquired AIDS from their mothers or through blood transfusions, as well as to the effect their disease had on their families.

With no cure and no vaccine, educating the public on how AIDS was transmitted, who was at risk, and how to protect oneself was the only way left to slow the spread of the disease. Since this task fell under the mandate of his office, Koop concluded that “if ever there was a disease made for a Surgeon General, it was AIDS.” His report, speeches, and television appearances did much to change the public debate on AIDS in the United States and, along with it, attitudes towards public discussion of sexuality. In April of 1988, the first condom ad appeared on national television. By then, analogies between AIDS and the great epidemic scourges of the past were heard less often; so were calls for mandatory testing and quarantine of AIDS carriers, the most rigorous public health measures employed during past epidemics. Instead, following the lead of the Surgeon General, physicians, government officials, politicians, and the public were coming to view AIDS as a preventable and manageable disease, even if it was not curable.

With the advent of AZT (zidovudine,

The Gay Alliance invites 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 Order at: www.GayAlliance.org

21 formerly called azidothymidine) in 1986, and especially with the development of a more effective combination of antiretroviral drugs in the mid-1990s, AIDS in the United States changed from an epidemic to a chronic disease, with the focus as much on the long-term medical care and medical costs, employment opportunities, and civil rights of AIDS patients as on AIDS education and prevention.

In his papers, Koop recollected, during this period “AIDS took over my life.” Through his report and his many speeches and interviews on AIDS Koop did more than any other public official to shift the terms of the public debate over AIDS from the moral politics of homosexuality, sexual promiscuity, and intravenous drug use, practices through which AIDS was spread, to concern with the medical care, economic position, and civil rights of AIDS sufferers. Similarly, Koop promoted redefining the prevalent scientific model of the disease, from a contagion akin to bubonic plague, yellow fever, and other deadly historic epidemics that required the strongest public health measures--mandatory testing and quarantine of carriers--to a chronic disease that was amenable to long-term management with drugs and behavioral changes.

Koop has been viewed in the light of the Reagan Administration. In the course of doing research on this article, your author has come to recognize the contribution C. Everett Koop made in the awareness of AIDS to the citizens of the United States including those in Rochester, NY. Shoulders To Stand On is proud of the down to earth, straightforward talk C. Everett Koop gave New Yorkers and the world.

Next month we will look at legislative action and the role of New York’s AIDS Institute.

History Corner The Empty Closet: A Monthly Newspaper of The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 713 Monroe Avenue, Room 4, Rochester, NY 14607, (716) 244-8640.

March 1975 Number 48 In this March, 1975 issue of the Empty Closet, the New York State Consortium Of Gay Organizations (NYSCGO) legislative consultant, Ted Aldrich, issued his report on the status of gay law reforms. The following is a reprint of that report – does it sound oh so familiar – only now with a Federal Government focus instead of a state government focus.

Dear Friends, The New York State Coalition Of Gay Organizations, representative of the many gay groups in our state, is mounting a full time campaign, coordinated in Albany, to pass key legislation this year.

This year could bring reform to New York State Law and relief to the 1.8 million gay New Yorkers who have lived too long with repressive legislation which denies full civil rights, protection of the law, and acts as an instrument of persecution and harassment. None of this change can ever happen without your help.

You can make an irreplaceable contribution in three areas of support: Awareness - Alert friends and clients to our effort.

POST information and status reports.

TALK about what current laws and reform mean in your life and business.

DIRECT participation - write letters to your legislators. Letters are the most powerful instrument we have for winning support for our bills. Detailed individual accounts of experience with abusive use of the law, the oppressive effect of the law, or victimization resulting from denial of protection are essential. Anonymity is your option and only serves to highlight the problems we live with. Contribute your specialized skills or knowledge if your training or avocation open special areas of law or oppressive practice we need your knowledge to substantiate our claim of need.

Funding: give your personal donation or pledge to support our efforts- {See our handy pledge form elsewhere in this issue] ENCOURAGE: others to pledge!

ARRANGE a benefit to assist in funding this effort. ■

22

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

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

Eric Bellmann at the Women’s March in Seneca Falls, Jan. 21.

Growing Up PRIVILEGE

By Eric Bellmann On Saturday, January 21 I went to Seneca Falls for the rally and march at the Women’s Hall of Fame.

I was not particularly eager to make the trip. I joke that I fall asleep driving to Pittsford Plaza. But I’ve an invitation to visit a friend in Northern Florida at the end of March on the condition that I share in the drive back home. A cross country drive is on my bucket list, so, with Helen, the woman I’ll visit for a week in Tallahassee, I decided this would be a good opportunity to do a distance test run.

Just call me lucky. The drive turned out to be a snap.

Like most white men I have no real understanding of how easily I can slide into white privilege, despite bandying about my minority status, which I’m prone to club folks with. Truth is I could “pass” if I wanted to. That’s offered up with a near-giggle since I’m very obviously gay. Over time, years of coming to terms with being gay, learning to embrace my difference, all those things considered, I have chosen to be out. I worked hard, I guess, identifying and recognizing shame, and God knows as the world around me changed, it got not only easier but essential to embrace being gay.

Early reports suggested the crowd in Seneca Falls would be about a thousand people. Turned out to be eight thousand, mostly white, probably in part due to the location of the event. Later I learned our city rally was notably diverse. That was also the case in other metropolitan areas.

In Seneca Falls, the majority seemed to be older women, some very old and many, many kids. A small visible contingent of gay women, a significant number of men, boyfriends and dads, and at least one placard declaring the bearer as trans.

The full spectrum.

The mood was wonderful, not at all grim, clearly determined. I learned a lot.

Not the least was to enjoy solidarity, feel a part of community. To think I could have begged off!

Of particular charm was a cluster of “Raging Grannies” from Rochester, women who engage in cheerful street theater, singing songs with lyrics that

are witty, stinging and joyous. One dear friend is part of this collective and I hung out with her and her husband and sang along as loud as any Ethel Merman fan.

My default posture is usually one of cynicism. The inclination, long nurtured, is to deflect pain by cracking jokes. Not today. I think seeing older women who have endured discrimination far beyond what I can claim or imagine just shut me up. A welcome change. One shifts into an attitude of humility, honored to be accepted, part of the protest.

And that’s the deal now, to become part of the resistance, finding solidarity, letting go for a time of feelings of anger and fear.

My stamina isn’t what it used to be, so now and then I looked for a bench to park on and let the stream of marchers wash past me. I ran into people I know.

Actually they spotted me and shouted out. A neighbor from up the street, a nurse who works in my doc’s office, usually a grumpy woman, now beaming a smile at me across the road now flooded with marchers (it had been closed, the community took possession of it), an artist I know.

A Dutch woman, living now in Jamestown, spotted me smoking and asked if I had a cigarette to spare. We sat and chain smoked (I only saw two other people smoking) and talked about life and times in Europe compared to here. Troubles everywhere it seems. Yet on this sunny, unexpectedly warm day, pessimism was not the prevailing mood. Not by a long shot. Later I learned that lots of people I knew were there. Big crowd. Easy to miss folks. Cell phones taking pictures and posting them on Facebook or forwarding them to absent comrades.

Privilege implies hierarchy, power perhaps over others. In one way I felt like a minority or maybe a guest or is ally a better word? It’s not my battle or is it?

Whatever the semantics, I was glad to be welcome, to be present, to be a part of, and that is something any minority can appreciate.

Helen and I regard our excursion as a success and she suggests, perhaps as a silent acknowledgement of my propensity to drive well under the speed limit, that we take the scenic route home along 5 and 20. Ah, let’s go to the American Hotel in Lima for lunch. She’s never been there! This bodes well for our future as traveling companions.

When we finish and the bill comes, I

tell her we need to figure the tip before the tax is added. She does mental math and comes up with a number. I disagree.

She explains her math. I do not understand. I ask how are we to come to an agreement. She says, “Well, I would just acquiesce.” I am dumbfounded. This is feminism? She has a very sly smile on her face.

Email: EricLBellmann@gmail.com

Cleaning My Closet LIGHTBULBS

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger Alexa, tell me a joke. “How many surrealists does it take to put in a light bulb? Two. One to hold the giraffe and one to put brightly-painted power tools in the bathtub.”

As an elder, I do not Roll On the Floor Laughing. Instead I do an interpretive ROFL: I lean, rapidly, against the wall, chortle loudly, and repeat, aloud, (purportedly to my dog) the whole joke.

Thus I have performed one lap of my Wellness Activities: gray-matter gymnastics and upper-body gyrations.

My stars! March 2017. Now I am seventy-three. (For sure there will be no surprise birthday party because no one respects the number 73.) So now what, retired, Medicare Part D senior-citizen?

What to do? In addition to frequent laughing and steady friendship-ing, I have goals: 1. stuff sorting 2. deep thinking. 3. word playing.

[2. deep thinking] Choosing optimism, I calculate that my expiration date is 2044. Pretending that life is a five act play, I am in Act 4, so I have a bunch of years remaining before I slide into Act five-ness. Yippee coyote!

[1. stuff sorting] Planning ahead, to save my executor from excessive culling, I am diligently disposing: pass-on to youngsters Stuff of Use; arranging deliveries of Recyclables to Stuff Stores; orchestrating Roadside Relocation of Shabby-Stuff. (I am quite sure that one womyn’s relinquished thing is one curbgleaner’s rehabilitate-able thing.)

Sacred Stuff, my written words, remains, of course, at home. Next: time to sort seven decades of my writings, scattered neither by rhyme nor reason.

I am ready to consolidate copies of my 143 columns, 2004-3/2017. I am actually excited about organizing my handwritten Sacred Stuff: ravings and reflections, recorded in journals; pages and piles of my poems.

Oh goody gumdrops! (a childhood expression of joy; it just popped into my head) More word play. Yes, I am merrily gathering, tidying, alphabetizing, and chronological-izing. In due course, I will have filled many color-coded binders.

[3. word playing] I think my wordworship started when my grandmother (b. 1886) Olive Newella Cogswell Horning [GMONCH] took young-me downtown, and while we waited at the bus stop, she invited me to play. “Merry, look at that sign. How many words can you make using the letters in Woolworths?”

We took turns finding words. Thus began my life-long word-fascination.

Another grandma thing… GMONCH regularly wrestled words into lists.

On the white enameled top of their 1940’s kitchen table, every growing season, GMONCH penciled lists of pints and quarts of produce she had put-up, jars of jams, Gherkins, and Dills. And, on the corner, her memory aid: yet another list to record dates and times she had taken her old-peoples’ aches-andpains medicine.

And she also penciled notes on their bathroom door. (Oh my. I so regretted seeing those personal facts.) Daily, she listed their weight and details of bowel movements (a bodily-function that becomes increasingly note-worthy for the elderly as various interior parts rebel).

[2. deep thinking] LISTS rule! I love making lists: Words and numbers to manage Todays, control Tomorrows, and capture Yesterdays. The whole family has inherited the List Gene… …and the Write Gene. Over the years, we all… Grandma Olive, Grandpa Carlisle, Daddy Cecil, Aunt Ruth, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lynne, sister Leslie, cousin Willie, niece Jodi, pen-pal cool dude Jake and I… have created a steady flow of story-telling snail-mails and emails.

I delight in our word weaving and sentence sculpting.

[3. word playing] In high school, voluminous notes to Maureen and Susie were my cerebral playground. We were exceedingly verbal, comedic gigglers. We escaped Bodily Incarceration during our Beyond-Boring Classes and study halls that demanded deadly-silence. Our tools: pens, papers, and Note Passing proficiency.

[2. deep thinking] I am still passing notes… each time I send texts to heartfriends. Early-on I understood that writing was a life-line connecting significant friends.

[3. word playing] Age twelve: I started my first diary because two girlfriends did. Frugal Daddy/Cecil gave me one of his raggedy old diaries, its lock broken.

I wrote only a few entries: me and Jimmy got ice cream; today we played army, me and Donna were nurses, Jimmy and Billy got shot, we crawled across the yard to save them; Saturday we made a circus, I was the target for wet-sponge throwers.

But then, quite accidently, I discovered that my fluttering girlfriends filled their hope-chest diaries with Hollywood-induced-dreams about cute!!! boys, white-wedding-dress goals, and names for their six children.

I wanted to be like my girlfriends. So I ripped out random pages. That way it looked like I too had secrets.

[2. deep thinking] Eventually, I learned to recognize early-onset genderconfinement.

[3. word playing matures] At seventeen, I started my first journal because my sister gave me a new (8”x11.”) composition book with pristine pages. Thus started a life-altering practice.

[2. deep thinking] And I came to realize why adult-I have always used full-sized, gorgeous, handmade journal books: that ugly-blue, used and dingy diary was not inviting. It was small; my handwriting was big. It cramped my thoughts.

[3. word playing] One day GMONCH gave me a spiral notebook so that I could, like her and Grandpa, paste-in clippings (newspaper: engagements, weddings, births, deaths, history; magazine: pictures, poems, pithy sayings).

Even when I was a kid, I knew that each grandparent kept a Day Book. Now that I have custody of a few, I have started reading the daily entries about lifestuff. Whenever I look at GMONCH’s handwriting, I can see her standing before me; I hear her words.

7 February 1966 beginnings of cold.

8 February am drinking fruit juice every hour, using Vick’s steam twice today, greasing my chest – resting on davenport most all day. Feb 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – Anyway I have had quite a sick time – dressed every day, etc, but felt punk.

2 February 1973 a rainy day – warm – 48 degrees at 10:00 am.

23 February 1973 [age 87] 1.) My old right heel hurt this A.M. as it did years ago. O.K. this P.M. Price amazements: 2.) Book from [granddaughter] Lanie “The Young Elizabeth” (postage 21 cents, some difference) [2. deep thinking] Why did she write?

In her dotage, did she read those autobiographical bits to verify her existence? Did she read them aloud to anyone? Did she hope that I, her fourth granddaughter, would read them? …write about them?

So now what? Who will want to read grandma’s writings, my writings? Will someone see our words as treasures? Will someone make a fire to burn that gar-

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET bage? Will that dancing bonfire be a celebration? I have no words.

[1. stuff sorting] Act 4, the setting: my house. Soon, fairly soon, I will have emptied every space that has been cluttered with why-bother-to-store-it-stuff.

Thereafter I shall be surrounded by only special stuff: Keepsakes that are my tangible story-tellers, and my Sacred Writings.

[2. deep thinking] Act Five begins in 2025. All the days of my living, I will be comforted by my written herstory. My neatly filled-binders, all within reach, will create an altar where I can celebrate my mind. Where, every last day, I can sense my soul. Until Lights Out. “Ducky, tell me a joke.” How many writers will it take to replace a light bulb?

Three. One to check the snow advisory.

One to tell the story of her first chartreuse ladder. One to read aloud the directions about How to Make a Purple Giraffe (some assembly required).

Cloud-perched, I will pen the event into my golden journal. In case angels want to read it.

MeredithReiniger@gmail.com

Faith Matters TRUMP IS ONE EXAMPLE OF WHY WE NEED BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Rev. Irene Monroe February 1 began Black History Month, a national annual observance since 1926, honoring and celebrating the achievements of

African Americans.

To commemorate its start, President Trump hosted a “listening session” at the White House that left listeners scratch-

ing their heads, wondering if he knew Frederick Douglass, a former slave and an abolitionist, died in 1895, and 2018 will be the bicentennial of his birth.

“Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who has done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more, I notice.”

Many were expecting White House press secretary Sean Spicer to clarify what Trump meant regarding his comment on Douglass. Spicer, however, made it clear he, too, doesn’t quite know if Douglass is dead.

“I think he wants to highlight the contributions he has made. And I think through a lot of the actions and statements he’s going to make, I think that the contributions of Frederick Douglass will become more and more.”

The remarks from both Trump and Spicer could have been an episode of “Drunk History,” a TV comedy series where an inebriated narrator fumbles recounting historical events, which would illustrate why we need Black History Month.

And, if Dr. Carter Woodson, the Father of Black History, were alive today, he would’ve been troubled by their remarks. However, it’s not just African Americans who were troubled by Trump’s lack of knowledge; it’s across various racial and ethnic groups.

“He’s embarrassing!,” Scott Kearnan, who’s white, and the Boston Herald’s Food Editor, stated. “It’s generally revealing of his lack of interest in the history of this country and civil right struggles in particular.”

Sue O’Connell, publisher and editor of South End News and Bay Windows, and host of NECN’s “The Take with Sue O’Connell,” who is white, brought to my attention that Trump is not alone in not knowing basic black history. She reminded me when Libertarian presidential candidate Gary John was being shepherded to a room at a convention center

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named after Harriet Tubman, and he asked the aide, “Who’s Harriet Tubman?”

“These two men, Trump and Johnson, regardless of their opposing political views, had no idea who Harriet Tubman was. Trump enthusiastically is learning about Frederick Douglass for the first time.”

Since its inception, Black History, however, has been the subject of criticism from African Americans as well as from other races and ethnicities. Many African Americans, in particular, are insulted that the shortest month in the calendar year is solely focused on the histories and achievements of a people who have been dragged to these shores since 1619.

When Obama was first elected, millennials, in particular -African-Americans, people of color as well as whites -- whose ballots helped elect the country’s first African-American president -revealed that celebrating Black History Month seem outdated to them. Many of them viewed the celebration as a relic tethered to an old defunct paradigm of the civil rights era and a hindrance to all people moving forward.

Obama’s candidacy was thought to have marshaled in America’s dream of a “post-racial” era where race had finally become a “non-issue.” And Obama’s election encapsulated for them both the physical and symbolic representation of Martin Luther King’s vision uttered in his historic “ I Have a Dream” during the 1963 March on Washington.

“King said don’t judge by the color of our skin, but instead the content of our character,” Josh Dawson, 26, of New Hampshire told me.

In proving how “post-racial” Obama was as a presidential candidate, Michael Crowley of “The New Republic” wrote in his article “Post-racial” that it wasn’t only liberals who had no problem with Obama’s race but conservatives had no problem also, even the infamous exKlansman David Duke.

“Even white Supremacists don’t hate Obama,” Crowley writes about Duke. “[Duke] seems almost nonchalant about Obama, doesn’t see much difference in Barack Obama than in Hillary Clinton -- or, for that matter, John McCain.”

For years, the celebration of Black History Month, especially among white conservatives, has always brought up the ire around “identity politics” and “special rights.”

“If we’re gonna have Black History Month, why not White History Month? Italian History Month?” Dawson also questioned.

With the alt-right movement afoot and Trump removing white supremacist groups -- Ku Klux Klan, Identitarians, Identity Christianity, Neo-Nazis, and Neo- Confederates, to name a few -- from the Countering Violent Extremism program to profile Muslims, these groups as well as many white Trumpian conservatives are now more emboldened than ever to not only contest the celebration of Black History Month, but to also insist now on a white history month.

This push back against Black History Month by whites has been going on for decades and shows how some court decisions bolstered the resistance.

During the George W. Bush years we saw the waning interest in “identity politics,” creating both political and systematic disempowerment of marginalized groups, like people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and a disinterest in these histories and struggles. We also saw the gradual dismantling of affirmative action policies, like in 2003 when the Supreme Court split the difference on affirmative action, allowing the Bakke case on “reverse discrimination” to stand.

The creation of Black History Month was never intended by Woodson to be divisive, but rather to educate all Americans on African Americans’ contributions to the U. S. In so doing, it aims to engage and invite informed “listening sessions” on the histories of all minorities as integral to American History.

23

What’s Bothering Brandon?

PARENTAL RETRACTION

By Brandon W. Brooks Last month I wrote about my own mother, and after reading the column, I feel it is time for this columnist to make his first editorial retraction. I write this current column on St. Valentine’s Day, which has prompted me to try viewing my mother, and her generation, through a more appreciative lens.

I owe much, if not all, to my mother and her kindness, her moments of knowing discretion, and acts of loving frankness.

Growing up I was literally cloistered between cornfields and a wood. From the very beginning, however, it was clear that no amount of corn or bark was going to cover up the fact that I was most obviously a little fairy child. There exists video footage of me as a two-year-old, sitting in a cowboy hat, telling my father that instead of being a “stud rancher” when I grew up, I would “be a sissy.” I then repeat the words “sissy, sissy, sissy” while shaking my head back a forth, the cowboy hat sliding around, as one hears my father wince and groan from behind the camera. It was in the cards.

I went to Catholic school until the fourth grade, with all the expected hilarity taking place. I ran after Michael in kindergarten, trying to kiss him, wanting desperately to be his most bosom friend. My teacher was, to say the least, concerned for me (and my soul), and as a result called my mother to inform her of my kissing conduct. My mother’s response – “Does Michael watch Barney? And what exactly are the words they sing at the end of each episode ‘A kiss from me to you?’”

This was one of my first experiences in coming to know the difference between how I felt as compared to how other boys felt. The difference was becoming everclearer with each grade – but my mother – she remained my vigilant champion.

Maybe it was her education as a Registered Nurse, or her career in the ICU that molded her into a protective agent. Either way, my mother, like most mothers of gay men, knew how to effectively and safely handle my situation, both in negotiating school issues, and those within the household itself.

And there were many instances when my troubles in school bled into our home life. I can remember coming under fire in middle school for having pictures of a shirtless Josh Hartnett in my agenda book, like most of the girls, instead of Britney or Christina, like most of the boys. I remember my mother responding by asking the vice principal why this was an issue when my grades and behavioral reports were near perfect (an A- is NOT perfect).

My mother knew the value of discretion, despite it being unfair for me. I was coached by my mother in lying low until the day I could get out of Dodge, even if she was unaware of this lesson. These were the times when my mother would say to me, “We won’t tell your father about this.”

It was our little secret, a knowing understanding between us – that she was aware that my father might not understand, and for my own good, we would both practice discretion. Valuable lessons learnt, I’d say.

Fast-forward twenty years, and the mother I see today is not who I was expecting to be there. I can joke around with my mother about “gay things.” I get texts about “the drag queen with the blood coming out of her mouth”, and even my father, no longer wincing and moaning behind a camera, can say the word “gay” without his stomach turning.

Well sort of.

I was even able to trick my mother into attending Rochester Pride 2016. After a lunch of sushi, I took her for a walk, and wouldn’t you know it, the Pride Parade was underway. At first my mother was

24 (Columnists continued from page 23) worried – would we be attacked? Would someone come up from behind us with our rainbow umbrella and yell horrible things? Would ISIS be there?! These fears were quickly stomped away within the first 30 minutes of the parade, and after a few martinis.

I’ll never forget how surprised she was at seeing the children, the elderly, and (?!) even religious institutions and Catholic churches in the parade. She told me as the parade ended that she was glad she went and so surprised at “how happy” it all was. I think she half expected angry buzzheaded lesbians yelling anti-male sentiments, naked men having sex in public, and burning effigies of conservatives to be in the parade. *sigh* Not anymore.

There is something to say about small victories, and gradual perspective shifts.

My mother and father are more fluid than I anticipated, and I dare say, more than I gave them credit for. As the years go by (even in this politically heightened state of affairs) I have realized that any political extreme makes it impossible for productive mediation to occur. It makes it impossible to understand, to practice compassion, and to heal. Small steps are important and valuable.

My parents won’t be coming to The March in June this year, but I know they will be there is spirit. I’ll represent them in D.C. in flying, rainbow, colors.

Questions, comment, or critique?

Feel free to e-mail the author at: brandonbrooks@mail.adelphi.edu ■

Safer Computing RANSOMEWARE

By David Frier You have probably seen news lately of businesses and institutions being attacked by ransomware, and having to pay tens of thousands of dollars to get rid of it. Names like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall and Fusob have floated by. In this month’s installment I aim to answer the questions, What is ransomware? How does it work? How can I avoid being stung?

Simply defined, ransomware is a specific type of malware. “Malware” (a portmanteau formed from MALicious softWARE) is a broad category that includes many sorts of programs we try to keep off our computer systems: viruses, trojans, spyware, adware. Ransomware is a type of trojan that denies its victims the use of their data until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware attacks typically operate as follows: The trojan is installed on the victim computer system.

It collects a list of the files it can access that it will encrypt.

It contacts a central server, operated by the attacker.

The server generates a unique encryption key for that victim, which will be stored on the server and sent to the trojan program on the victim machine.

The trojan encrypts the targeted files using that key. In modern examples, this encryption is quite strong.

Once the encryption is complete the trojan destroys its local copy of the key.

The trojan then communicates to the victim that the files have been encrypted.

It offers to provide decryption after a payment is made, usually within a fairly narrow time window.

Ransomware gains access to victim machines through the usual malware routes: users click on dodgy links in email, or open malicious file attachments. Web pages or banner ads that have been compromised can provide “drive-by” downloads of all kinds of malware. Whereas other malware may join victim computers to botnets, get them to start spamming or participate in distrib-

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017 uted denial-of-service attacks, ransomware has the simple goal to get money to its operators immediately.

The files that ransomware encrypts are usually documents and spreadsheets, images, music and video files, HTML and source code files, and ZIP archives.

Ransomware does not typically attack the other software on the system. Thus, a victim’s copy of Office and Photoshop may be undamaged, but all their work in those systems will be unusable. Also of note: most ransomware encrypts files on all available network shares as well as the local disk. So a small office can be wiped out from just one infected computer, since small offices typically only have a single hierarchy of file shares and everyone can get to them.

If implemented well, as it frequently is, the server-to-trojan protocol of generating a key, encrypting with it and then discarding the local copy of that key is extremely difficult to crack. When a business confronts a ransom demand, often the cheapest way to get back into operation is to pay the attacker. Despite all the larger reasons that this is a horrible idea, the equation of paying X to get the decryption key or a possible 100 to 1,000 times X to recreate all the data makes the decision to pay a no-brainer.

The sole glimmer of good news here is this: the vast majority of attackers, when paid, actually provide the key and allow recovery of the data. In some cases, they have even provided technical support to assist “customers” having difficulty doing the decryption. Why? If they do not keep a reputation for providing what is paid for, the “market” will stop paying them and seek alternate means of recovery. And they just want the money.

There is one strong defense against this type of attack: backups. The backups should be as current as is practical. Real-time backups are ideal but not always feasible But if a business is only facing the prospect of recreating one or two days of data as opposed to many weeks, if not years, then a decision not to pay off criminals becomes much more reasonable. To be safe from the encryption of a ransomware attack, backups should be stored somewhere that is not constantly connected to the main systems, or in any case not accessible as a normal file share. So if you run a backup system in the office that places all the backups on a server, do not also use that server to host file shares.

With good recent backups in hand, the strategy for responding to a ransomware attack is much less stressful: clean or re-image the machines affected, restore the data, get back to work. As I detailed last month, security, if done correctly, seems almost boring.

Please continue send your digital safety questions to questions@safer-computing.com and I will try to answer at least one every month. If you want an answer in private, I can do that as well.

Health and Wellness THE IMPORTANCE OF SELFCARE

By Leslie Alvarado, LMSW, HCR Home Care , Senior Medical Social WorkerLGBTQ Program Lead March is National Social Work Month, and this year’s theme is “Social Workers Stand Up!” As an active and involved licensed queer Latina social worker, I stand up by educating patients on the role a social worker can play in improving their quality of life.

Social workers work hard to provide opportunities for those who have yet to develop their own voice in advocating for their health and basic human rights. This is why I feel it is important to encourage and support individuals to be true to

who they are and take care of themselves, so that they can live a healthy and meaningful life. As social workers we “Stand Up” for our vulnerable populations, fight alongside government officials to ensure that legislation is passed, and advocate diligently so that individuals get the best care possible. The demands and stress of the work we do can often times carry over to our personal lives.

Social workers, like caregivers, parents and other people who take care of those around them, often forget to take care of themselves. As a result it is easy to feel overwhelmed, tired, depressed or simply become disengaged. Does this sound familiar? If so, these may be signs that you are experiencing burnout and it is time to practice self-care. I am a true

believer in self-care and practice it routinely in order to create balance in my work and personal life. Balance is important! In grade school we are taught that our class work is to be done first and as a reward we are allowed time for recess.

The same applies to our everyday life. It is important to set time aside to participate in activities that bring us happiness and allow opportunities for fun. Yes, we need to take the kids to soccer practice or mom to the grocery store, but it is also important to have time for yourself.

My point is simple: “Stand Up” for yourself! If you do not take care of yourself, it will be hard to take care of others, know when it is appropriate to step back from things you have no control over, and most importantly try to enjoy life! ■

ON GARD The Gay Alliance on-line Resource Directory The online community tool-providing local, state and national resources... twenty-four, seven! www.gayalliance.org

A perfect workshop for counselors, teachers, student leaders, Dignity Act Coordinators, and social workers! Become more confident and articulate while talking with others about LGBTQ issues. We will focus on your personal story as a tool for education, responding to questions mindfully and tips for respectful communication. A great experience for someone new to LGBTQ issues, or someone who has lived or worked with the issues for years. No matter your identity (transgender, lesbian, gay, straight, bi, cisgender, etc.) this class will be of value to you. Think of it as professional development for your life!

Note: The prerequisite for this course is the SafeZone Training. If you have not yet taken this training either at the LGBTQ Academy or at your school or workplace, please register for one of our two SafeZone Trainings above. If you have taken the SafeZone Training at the LGBTQ Academy, you will receive a 50% discount on the SpeakOUT Training. Taking this training is the second step towards becoming an LGBTQ Academy Speakers Bureau Member.

Date and Time: Saturday, April 1 from 9am to 5pm (Doors open at 8:30am) Location: The LGBTQ Academy’s Education Center, 100 College Avenue, Rochester 14607. Free parking in the lot next to our building.

Registration Fee: $100. Includes a SpeakOUT manual, breakfast and lunch. $50 for participants who have taken the 4-hour SafeZone Training at the LGBTQ Academy.

Contact: education@gayalliance.org to register.

What participants from our November 2016 SpeakOUT Training had to say: • “Everything and more than I’d hoped. The trainers were the best – crammed a ton of information into presentations, participation and different activities – educational FUN. Just thanks.”

• “Very informative, dynamic presenter, well structured, well organized, easily comprehended – WELL DONE!! Thank you for your knowledge, your stories and your compassion.”

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for through the various groups listed here

Community DIGNITY-INTEGRITY Since March, 1975, Dignity-Integrity Rochester has been welcoming all who come through our doors, worshiping every week at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., at the corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of March, 2017.

1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music 3rd Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass 4th Sunday: Prayers to start the Week followed by Potluck.

The theme for the March potluck is “Soup and Bread—A Simple Supper”. In the Lenten season, we often like to have a simple meal for our 4th Sunday Potluck. Bring a loaf of bread or soup to add to the table, and a friend or two to join the conversation. There is always plenty to share, so don’t worry if you’ve no time to shop or cook. 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!

JOIN US for a Lenten Taizé service.

The service will be held on two Fridays, March 3 and March 31 at 7 p.m. in the chapel at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s.

Taizé worship is a prayer service consisting of meditative singing and periods of silence in order to reach a contemplative state.

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.

EMPIRE BEARS Reservations have opened at Jones Pond and Hillside. Did you call already?

What about Drenched Fur Weekend?

Spring is warming up and the BEARS have places to go.

Every Wednesday members meet for supper at 6 p.m. 3/1 we’ll be at the King and I. 3/8 Yummy Garden/ Hot Pot. 3/15 Carrabba’s. 3/22 the Winfield Grill.

3/29 Texas Roadhouse. We also have a potluck at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center on second Saturday evenings. So 3/11 meet at 100 College Ave. at 6:30 with your favorite dish to share. We’ve got paper and plastic products.

The Bears also meet at other times for more impromptu events. We have a YahooGroup to keep in contact. You can also find us on Facebook at Empire Bears Inc. Have a great month.

GAY GAMES 2018 From 4 August to 12 August 2018, Paris hosts the 10th edition of the GAY GAMES, the world’s largest sporting, cultural and festive event open to all!

Held every four years for more than 32 years, GAY GAMES, a hymn to love, advocates a society for all diversities.

Paris is the perfect host to celebrate this 10th edition, which is expecting 15,000 participants from over 70 countries!

Supported by the highest French institutional and sporting bodies, PARIS 2018 prepares games celebrating diversity, respect, equality, solidarity and sharing.

For 10 days, PARIS 2018 GAY GAMES 10 celebrates the international metropolis, the Ile-de-France Region and France and offers participants and visitors from around the world a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive facilities

such as stadiums Jean Bouin or Charléty, the Grand Palais, the Carreau du Temple, the Salle Pleyel or the nautic stadium of Vaires-sur-Marne, real sporting center of excellence in the Ile-deFrance Region.

Facing the world and the future, Paris and the Ile-de-France Region want to deliver GAY GAMES for the greatest number of people in the tradition of the spirit of Tom Waddell, its initiator, who dreamed of a world where the word equality would take its meaning, a world where the exclusion would no longer exist because of any difference.

We invite you to join this ideal!

Team Rochester will keep you informed.

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: do justice, show kindness, and live humbly with God; explore life’s questions with open hearts and minds; raise our voices in sacred defiance against religious (and political or systemic) exclusion and reach out to those with no hope.

What is a 10:30 a.m. Sunday service like? First there are the people – every gender identity and gender expression, all sexual orientations, every color, and all ages that gather to worship and celebrate the God who made them just as they are meant to be. When the service starts you can tell that this is not going to be just any worship experience. We blend traditional and contemporary music, multimedia presentations, a reading of the living word of God, and a message that shares how the word of God speaks to us today. Every service includes communion – God’s table is open to all no matter who you are or what you believe. When the service is over, join us for coffee, fellowship, and a snack in the Community Center.

Our Sunday’s sermons are now available to listen to on our website – just click on the link below to listen to Sunday’s Sermon at: http://www.openarmsmcc. org/newsletter-sermons Here’s what’s happening at Open Arms for the months of March and April: Sunday School for Teens & Tweens is on March 5 during the service and refreshments are served.

Our latest ministry, “Giving Arms”, works with several community organizations to provide a variety of small household items to people in need. We are now accepting donations of new or gently used household items, such as small appliances, linens, kitchen utensils, bathroom supplies, etc. If you know of someone in need or have items to donate, please contact the church at 271-8478.

And on Saturday, April 1 there will be a fundraising event for this ministry and no, this isn’t an April Fools joke, although there WILL be an actual jester showing up! All the funds raised will directly support Open Arms’ Giving Arms Ministry. This event will be at the Open Arms Community Center, starting with a spaghetti dinner from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by music and raffles from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Come join us and enjoy good food, great music and friendly fun! (And maybe a prank or two?)

Our TR ANSformative Ministry will co-host a Spring/Summer themed

Clothing Exchange with TAGR, Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester on Saturday, March 18th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Open Arms Community Center. Check out the Open Arms Facebook page (www.facebook.com/openarms. mcc) for updates about this event.

The next TRANSformative Ministry meeting will be Sunday, March 19th 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm. Through this ministry, we support and respect people of all gender identities and gender expressions. We create ties by linking people of diverse gender identities and expressions, and their allies, through stewardship, education, and social justice. Contact us to learn more and check out our Facebook page.

Our weekly Bible study is every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

We also host a number of community groups in our Community Center: AFTY (Adult Families with Trans Youth) meets the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm; PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians, Gays, Trans, and Questioning) meets on the third Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm; TAGR Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester meets on the third Saturday of each month from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship holds their services in the sanctuary on the first and third Sundays of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our facilities are available for rental by any community groups or individuals needing a safe and flexible meeting space. You can see our ads with pictures and rental fees on Craigslist.

At Open Arms MCC we are committed to Building Bridges and Changing Lives. You are welcome, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or your religious beliefs. We are located at 707 East Main St., across from the Delta Sonic Car Wash. There is plenty of free parking in front and to the side of our building. For updated information on coming events and to view our facilities, check our website: openarmsmcc.org. Call the church if you would like to receive our monthly electronic newsletter.

Our provisional pastoral leader, Brae Adams, has office hours on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment. (Please call first to make sure she’s available.) Open Arms regular office hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and our phone number is (585) 271-8478.

ROCHESTER BUTCH FEMME CONNECTION SUPPER CLUB The Rochester Butch Femme Connection will have its next dinner event on Saturday March 11 at Grand Super Buffet on East Henrietta Road (Route 15A) in Henrietta at 7 p.m.

For further information contact Kerry at DressyFemme@aol.com.

Hope to see you there!

ROMANS Rochester Male Naturists (ROMANS) is already planning ahead for a whole summer of outdoor/indoor nude activities. In addition to our monthly meetings, members will arrange visits to Jones Pond Campground, Empire Haven Nudist Resort and Campground, etc., with the highlight of joining a few hundred male naturists from around

25 the world to spend a week to 10 days of naked fun living at a gay campground in the Pocono mountains in late August.

ROMANS had a warm pot luck gathering at a member’s home in Rochester in February. Some members enjoyed a relaxing time giving and receiving massage in a private environment. In February ROMANS members also supported other clothed activities around Rochester area by attending Gay Alliance’s Gallery Q First Friday and Downstairs Cabaret Theatre’s performance of Naked Boys Singing.

ROMANS is a social club for gay and gay-friendly male nudists over 21. More information is available on our website at www.wnyromans.com. Or contact us at message line 585-354-8979, by E-mail wnyromans@yahoo.com or via regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692.

RWCC CONCERT “PURE IMAGINATION” IS JUNE 3 – SAVE THE DATE! Spring is just around the corner! And the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus’s spring season is already in full swing, rehearsing for its June 3 concert, “Pure Imagination.” What better way to escape reality for a couple of hours? So mark your calendar for this exciting performance!

You’ll enjoy an evening of songs, beginning with “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to such classics as “Over the Rainbow” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon” to an array of more modern fare such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Defying Gravity” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” There will also be mermaids, fairies, dancing lobsters, loving seals and much more!

The performance will be held at The Harley School, 1981 Clover Street, on Sunday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be obtained online at rwcc.ticketleap. com or from a chorus member or at the door. For more information, please visit therwcc.org or call (585) 376-SING. As always, this concert will be wheelchair accessible and sign language interpreted.

TRANS YOUTH MOVIE CLUB This club aims to promote basic transgender education and awareness, examine images of transgender roles in cinema historically compared to currently, and have open discussions about how to establish safe spaces for transgender family and friends.

The club will be held once a week at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., for approximately six to eight weeks and is open to LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-20. Each week we will watch a different movie relating to transgender issues and have an open dialogue, activity, and/or guest speaker for the remainder of the time. There will also be a finale event at the Little Theater to view the local premiere of “Deep Run,” a true story of a young transgender couple in North Carolina, on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. (See page 27 for an interview with “Deep Run” director Hillevi Loven.)

The club was launched during the youth lock-in on Feb. 19-20, and will have further meetings on Friday nights from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information call 244-8640. ■

26

Inquiring minds want to know...

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

Join us at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center for new learning opportunities.

There’s something for everyone and we invite participants, experienced and new, to come and enjoy these classes and community workshops.

Tuesdays: Yoga with Thomas Somerville, 5:30-6:30pm Yoga - Stress reduction, relaxation, body awareness, increased flexibility, injury prevention taught by Rochester’s favorite Yoga Instructor, Thomas Somerville. Cost of Session is $15. Thomas Somerville is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS)

March 14: Retirement Readiness 6-7:30pm We believe that helping investors achieve retirement readiness is a critical first step in building a successful retirement plan. Are you ready.... set... going to continue your journey to financial understanding? Let Foresters Financial show you sources of retirement income, help you ask yourself tough questions about your retirement.

Wednesdays and Fridays: Tai Chi for Arthritis, 2:30-3:30pm Tai Chi combines slow-moving with deep-breathing. It increases strength, balance and posture. Prevents falls, improves mind body and spirit. Reduces stress and increases relaxation.

Presented by Lifespan. This program is offered as part of the NYS Department of Health.

March 15: Ask the Doctor, 6:30-8pm Ask the Doc and Introduction to LGBTQ Health. Dr. Bill Valenti and Dr. Michael Mancenido of Trillium Health will be available to answer any of your health questions. Health, particularly sexual health, can be an intimidating topic for people. This session looks to both introduce community members to one of Rochester’s most affirming primary care providers and to provide information on what health disparities and issues exist within the LGBTQ community. All are welcome!

Saturdays: The Repair Shop, 5:30pm This is an open AA meeting in a safe space for all. It will have an evolving weekly format. Open to all LGBTQ and allies.

Saturdays: Queer as Folks, 3pm Join us as we screen the entire seasons of Queer as Folk. We will begin with Season 1. Come chill at the Alliance, kick back with popcorn and pop. Brash humor and genuine emotion make up this original series revolving around the lives, loves, ambitions, and friendships of a group of gay men and women living on Liberty Avenue in contemporary Pittsburgh. The show offers an unapologetic look at modern, urban gay and lesbian lives while addressing the most critical health and political issues affecting the community.

Sometimes racy, sometimes sensitive and always straight to the heart, Queer as Folk is groundbreaking television at its best.

March 2: Financial Wellness, 6-7:30pm To stay in good physical health, everyone needs regular checkups from caring doctors who understand their individual needs – and staying in good “fiscal” health is no different. That’s why Foresters Financial is hosting a Financial Wellness Seminar at the Alliance. Let us help you become financially fit by showing you how to set financial goals, budgeting, controlling debt and saving and investing. Consumers can begin 2017 with a financial checkup.

March 7: Campy Classic Cinema, 7-9pm The March Movie is the Celluloid Closet. The Celluloid Closet is a 1995 American documentary film directed and written by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. The film is based on Vito Russo’s book of the same name first published in 1981 and on lecture and film clip presentations he gave in 1972–82. Russo had researched the history of how motion pictures, especially Hollywood films, had portrayed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters.

The documentary interviews various men and women connected to the Hollywood industry to comment on various film clips and their own personal experiences with the treatment of LGBT characters in film.

March 9: LGBTQ First-Time Home Buyers, 6:30-8pm To help educate first-time home buyers on the subject of purchasing a home – from pre-qualification to finding the right home. This workshop will serve as a complete overview of the home-buying process and provide useful tips, information, and resources to aid individuals as they begin searching for a home.

March 11: Name Change Clinic, 9am-3pm Empire Justice Center’s LGBT Rights project is hosting free legal Name and Gender Change clinics in Rochester. Clinic participants will be able to meet with an attorney at no cost in order to complete their legal and gender name change documents. To register for a clinic please call, (585) 295-5737.

March 14: Craft Night Out, 6:30-8pm Craft Night is an ongoing program that will offer a rotation of many different fun crafts and activities for the entire family.

Expand on the creativity you already possess and join us for a creative and social evening. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

March 18: Kids Messy Art, 1-2:30pm Dress for mess and artistic success! Inspire your child’s creativity and help build fine motor skills through this NEW art class. Your child can smear, squeeze, splatter and otherwise explore artistic possibilities using a variety of materials including paints, doughs, crayons, chalk, and collage. Get ready for a messy good time! All ages are welcome!

March 21: Just Poets, 6:30-8:30pm Focused on LGBTQ writers and led by seasoned poets Colleen Powderly, Dwain Wilder, Jonathan Everitt and Bart White, each workshop will include time for writing, sharing, and critiquing of work among a small, relaxed group.

Every participant can look forward to coming away with new work, insightful feedback, and the inspiration to revise and refine their writing. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Send your name, contact info, and a poem you’ve written to colleenpowderly@gmail.com March 22: SAFE Journey, 6:30-7:30pm People of all faiths, traditions and spiritual paths are welcome to join in harmony, breathe in silence and connect across lines of faith. SAFE Journey will meet weekly in Gallery Q. March 22: Asian Culinary, 6-8:30pm Learn how to make your own musubi, lettuce wraps and Asian mushroom soup... Learn the history of Asian cuisine, traditional Asian flavors.

March 28: Craft Night Out, 6:30-8pm Craft Night Out is an ongoing program that will offer a rotation of many different fun crafts and activities for the entire family to try. Expand on the creativity you already possess and join us for a creative and social evening.

We will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

March 30: Savvy Social Security, 6-7:30pm Learn the answers to your questions: • Will social security be there for me? • How much can I expect to receive?

• When should I apply for social security? • How can I maximize my benefits?

• Will social security be enough to live in in retirement? And more!

Rochester LGBTQ RESOURCE Center

The Gay Alliance, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607 Phone: (585) 244-8640 • Website: www.gayalliance.org • E-mail: Info@gayalliance.org

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Arts & Entertainment

Avenue Q at RAPA

RAPA seeks to support the Rochester LGBTQ community

By Susan Jordan The Rochester Association of Performing Arts (RAPA) has collaborated for several years with the LGBTQ community and the Gay Alliance, partnering with the Alliance to do fundraisers for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, as well as marching in the Pride Parade.

RAPA, since 2013, has been located at what is now the Kodak Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Ridge Road. The nonprofit branches into three opportunities to better serve the Rochester community.

Professional Theatre -- In the restructure of RAPA over the last several years, Jim Vollertsen (RAPA’s CEO/President) has assembled a team of professional directors, designers, and actors to mount some of Rochester’s finest theatrical productions. Under Vollertsen’s leadership, RAPA continues to grow and expand each year with major Broadway style musical productions and events on the Kodak Center stage and in the Rochester community.

RAPA Family Theatre -- In 2014, with the closing of the long-standing and well-respected Rochester Children Theatre, the RAPA Team recognized the need in the Rochester community for a new yearly series of shows to serve children and their families.

School for Performing Arts -Since 1978 RAPA’s School for Performing Arts has trained countless students in music, acting and dance. Many of the students in RAPA’s educational program have performed on Broadway, tours and in feature films. Others have gone on to prestigious performing arts colleges and conservatories. Still others have become playwrights, directors and founders of community theatre groups.

Eric Vaughan Johnson, RAPA program director and business manager, said, “We have received grants annually from the Rochester LGBT Giving Circle for productions of Bare, Spring Awakening and, this upcoming summer, The Wild Party. We have hosted talk-backs after performances to discuss developments in the community. For the last few years we have partnered with the Gay Alliance on doing a

fundraiser for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, as well as marching in the Pride Parade.

Not to forget our productions of La Cage Aux Folles, Chorus Line and Avenue Q.” Eric told The Empty Closet, “The first Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser we did was in 2014, with ‘Bare,’ about two kids in a Catholic boarding school who had to deal with relationships with God and each other, with the church, with drugs, etc. In ‘Bare’ the son comes out to his mother and a lot of local people were interested in that. My mother was one of the people on the talk-back panel. It was very moving.

“The talk-backs usually include Gay Alliance representatives and actors from the shows.

The second fundraiser show was ‘Avenue Q’ – some of our community actors marched in the 2015 Pride Parade dressed as characters from ‘Avenue Q’. In 2016 we got a grant from the LGBT Giving Circle to do a fundraiser with ‘Spring Awakening’.”

The talk-back panel discussions are important not only to educate audiences, but also to help educate and support youth involved in RAPA’s School for Performing Arts. Eric said, “A lot of our students, especially at summer school, are going through identity issues. We create a safe space for them. We’re trained to work with both young kids and young adults on these issues, and help them see they’re not alone. Some of our adult actors also teach in summer school or the year-long classes, and they can bring back information from the talk-backs to the youth.”

The fundraiser show coming up this July is “The Wild Party”.

Eric said, “We want to be a presence in the LGBTQ community each year with one or two shows that speak to the community.

There will be a talk-back after the show. It’s a nice partnership we have going (with the Gay Alliance).”

An EMPTY CLOSET DISCOUNT is available: $7 off per ticket with using online code: EMPTY. Go to KodakCenter. org or call 585-254-0073.

The RAPA box office number is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 90 minutes before each performance.

To learn more about upcoming RAPA shows, go to RapaTheatre.org. ■

Justin Wirick of “Wicked” says Oz is about finding a home

By Susan Jordan Justin Wirick has toured the world and somewhere over the rainbow in West Side Story (Euro/Asia tour), in a world class cirque production (iL CiRCo’s Viaggio!) and with The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. But, as he says, there’s no place like Oz. Wicked has played Rochester before. What can audiences expect from this production?

Justin said, “One thing Rochester audiences can expect from Wicked, whether it’s their first time or not, is they will leave wanting to see it again and again. Wicked is the untold true story of the Witches of Oz. The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz, but from a different angle.

“Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another girl, born with emerald-green skin. She is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possesses an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships, until the world decides to call one ‘good,’ and the other

27 one ‘wicked’.

“Rochester is in for a treat hearing this thrilling score, which includes ‘Defying Gravity,’ sung by our leading lady and Broadway’s, Jessica Vosk. With electrifying music, Tony Award winning costumes, mesmerizing choreography, clever script, breathtaking and goosebumpmaking moments, Wicked will transfix the Rochester audiences with its wildly inventive story and send their spirits to gravity defying heights they’ll never forget!”

Is Justin an actor, singer or dancer first – or all three? He says, “I consider myself to be a performer foremost. Whether your strengths lie in acting, dancing, and/or singing, when you are onstage you assume the responsible of a performer to transport the audience into a different world. All of the performers in Wicked sing, dance, and act. My background is in dancing and gymnastics. I grew up training in both and competing in the dance competition/convention circuit, which gave me plenty of opportunities to fall in love with performing onstage. I thank my parents for putting me into voice lessons weekly growing up. This definitely came in handy later. I also participated in cheerleading and my high school theatre productions. The larger your skill set, the more marketable you are. I love encouraging young aspiring performers to try everything!

You never know when that will get you the job over someone else.”

Show business is one of the hardest worlds to succeed in.

Justin notes, “I got my start in show business when I took a leap of faith and moved crosscountry to Los Angeles in pursuit of a professional performing career. In order to do this, I had to turn down a full scholarship at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa. I auditioned for Wicked back in August of 2007, but was not cast in the show until January 2010. I think something a lot of people don’t quite understand is there aren’t ( Wirick continues page 28)

The production of Michael Steck’s “Lipstick Massacre,” 2010

Method Machine celebrates 10 years The company that brought you Angels in America and The Lipstick Massacre is turning ten.

“Magic and Madness,” two nights of celebration at Geva Theatre in March, will highlight the company’s past works, new projects and the creative work of company members.

“Saturday night is our Variety Cabaret to celebrate the art-

ists we work with,” say Artistic Directors Marcy Savastano and David Henderson, “while Sunday will look at our site-specific work and feature a new project, ‘In the Zone.’”

Method Machine was founded in 2007 by Marcy Savastano, David Henderson and Michael Frances O’Connor as a creative outlet for performance and art.

Known for their scrappy but successful productions, the company quickly made a name for themselves with early works like

G A L L ER Y Q

Gallery Q presents Poltits: Art Coalition (PAC) on March 3 Politits: Art Coalition (PAC) is a small band of women making provocative performance and visual art, working together to take over different spaces around the city of Rochester; showing their work as a group.

This March the group is taking over Gallery Q at the Gay Alliance’s LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Join them for the opening reception, First Friday, March 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The exhibition runs through March 31.

The PAC, whose mission is to encourage the exhibition of strong local female artists, has made work specifically for Gallery Q. The PAC is meant to offer each member (and aspiring makers) support as well as a place to go for discussion and help. The main drive in starting this coalition was to bring strong female artists of Rochester together, “so that we may make together, talk to each other, and encourage each other to succeed in our pursuit of a career in the arts,” stated the PAC. 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 exhibit POST:September 11 and This is Our Youth, which played at Lux, Fusion Salon and Equal Grounds. In 2008, the company presented lesbian writer Carolyn Gage’s The Second Coming of Joan of Arc at their space on South Ave. In 2009 and 2010, Michael Steck collaborated with Method Machine to present his madcap murder mystery The Lipstick Massacre at MuCCC and Geva Theatre.

Their production of Angels in America at Geva Theatre in 2012 culminated in a one-day performance of both parts with four intermissions and a dinner break. The past few years, the company has become known for their large scale, site specific performances like Spoon River Rochester in 2014 and Grimms Mad Tales in 2016 at the Rochester Fringe.

“Magic & Madness” Method Machine 10th Birthday Celebration is March 4 at 8 p.m. and March 5 at 6 p.m. Tickets for each event are $10 and can be purchased online at www.gevatheatrecentre.org and in person at the Geva Theatre Box office.

28 ( Wirick from page 27) jobs on Broadway to just walk into. Unless a brand new show is being cast, a performer must leave a job in order to create a job opening. As you can see, it took two and half years for my Wicked opportunity. I just celebrated my seventh year anniversary with the show and don’t plan on leaving this gem anytime soon. I am humbled by and so incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

Who are the performers who inspire Justin? He said, “I am constantly inspired by the performers I am surrounded by every single day at Wicked. The last seven years have given me the opportunity to work and perform with over 150 of the most talented and diverse dancers, singers, and actors from around the country.

Wicked is an iconic Broadway blockbuster which has impacted not only my life, but my fellow cast members’ as well. We need each other every show to recreate and retell this incredible story over and over again as if it were the first time. There will always be a first time Wicked attendee in every audience. This is a talent all in itself and I have the utmost respect for my colleagues who share this responsibility with me. The show itself inspires me.”

Why do people never get tired of Oz and its inhabitants in their various incarnations over the years? What is its special magic?

Justin says, “Well, Oz has been a commercial product for over a century and an American icon since the release of the 1939 MGM film, The Wizard of Oz. Oz continues to be found in contemporary culture, whether it’s the synchronicity of The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, the various manifestations of Oz in comic books, the 1995 novel Wicked, by Gregory Maguire and his Ozian book series, the Broadway musical adaption of Wicked, or the fascination with Oz and Judy Garland by the gay community, just to throw out a few examples.

“Perhaps the basis of Oz can be found in the morals it has taught us through the different incarnations. They continue to be popular and relatable through generations.

The inhabitants/characters themselves are so diverse, which helps the audience connect with their relatable backgrounds. Having met audience members who have seen Wicked many times, I hear that they love not only the music and overall esthetic but the refreshing lessons/morals the plot delivers with a dash of humor. Don’t take life too seriously.

“Maybe The Wizard of Oz is about finding a home. They say home is where the heart is. It’s a timeless expression. Perhaps ‘home’ is our safe place and an escape from the craziness on the outside. Home doesn’t have to be a where you lay your head at night. Home can be your family, your friends, your support system, your community center, your gay bar, etc. Maybe we’re all longing for the same sense of home and belonging that Dorothy did and why not have rainbows, songs, dances and friends along the way. Oz is a place where anything is possible and your dreams can become realities. Oz is vibrant and the lessons that have been taught there through different storylines over for generations will always be prevalent.”

Justin is active in AIDS fundraising.

He comments, “Many people like to know what we do with our free time. Does the show consume all of your time? … In addition to performing eight shows a week, I’ve discovered a very fun and rewarding hobby/creative outlet out here on the road.

I coordinate our Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraising efforts and produce cabaret fundraisers such as Witches’ Night Off and Wicked After Dark. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS helps fund over 450 family health and AIDS service organizations across the country; over 100 of those being right here in the state of New York. In our National Tour’s eightyear history, we have raised over $4.3 million…. On special occasion, we’ll team up with a BC/EFA Grantee organization in a city we’re in and produce a one night only cabaret fundraiser.

“This past January in Orlando, Fla., the

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017 company members of the Wicked National Tour, along with the GLBT Center of Central Florida, teamed up and produced ‘Wicked After Dark’ which bought in $30,000+ for counseling services necessary for the community resulting from the Pulse Nightclub tragedies. We, as company members, love advancing the show’s message of acceptance, diversity, and the celebration of women…..

“For more information visit broadwaycares.org and for everything charitably Wicked, follow our efforts and events on Instagram @WitchesNightOff.”

Alliance, WXXI partner in screening of “Deep Run”

By Susan Jordan WXXI’S screening/discussion of Reel South film Deep Run, the true story of a young transgender couple in North Carolina, will take place on April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Little Theatre.

Director Hillevi Loven is a filmmaker, producer and still photographer based in Brooklyn. She is making her feature-filmdirecting debut with Deep Run. As a Sundance Documentary Fellow, she took part in the Sundance labs while completing Deep Run. In collaboration with MIT anthropologist Natasha Schull, she co-directed the documentary Buffet: All You Can Eat Las Vegas, which won Best Short from the Society of Visual Anthropology. As an artist, she has received funding and support from the NYS Council on the Arts, the Sundance Institute, New York Foundation for the Arts and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Her commercial work includes projects for Condé Nast, American Express and Time Inc. She has produced collaborative work with the Brooklyn art collectives Uniondocs, OVO, and the Brooklyn Filmmakers’ Collective.

Deep Run is the culmination of years of Hillevi’s own social justice work, which began with teaching media arts to LGBT youth at the Hetrick Martin Institute in NYC. Hillevi told The Empty Closet, “Deep Run is my first feature film; the seed of the film was planted after I spent 2004 working on youth voter mobilization and anti-Bush protest performances. I was devastated by the election results. Disenchanted with the American electorate, I began searching for a documentary subject, and I discovered the youth culture of evangelical millennials. Starting in NJ, I followed a Christian punk boy band on their tour through the south, with the idea that the music scene would provide an entry into the psyche of the influential evangelical millennials. I ended up meeting some amazing folks who had a rock venue/skate park/Christian youth center in their living room in Kinston, NC, and through that circle of rebel underground Christians I was introduced to Cole. And then I simply fell in love with Cole and his story and his spirit.

“I met Cole at 17 and followed him for four years. Periodically, I would travel down to NC when I had raised enough funds to shoot, or if something critical was happening in Cole’s life. I would get there by hook or crook. Cole was identifying as a Christian lesbian when we met in 2008; his coming out as trans was a surprise to me and the whole production team. We were filming his trans story years before the media moment for trans stories.

“I wanted to create a full-blooded por-

trait of Cole Ray Davis, the human being, with all his grit, humor and idiosyncracies.

It was important to me to film a portrait that was raw and full of human contradictions, rather than a trans character we had seen before.

“Representing a queer young person who had staked out their turf in their rural hometown, in the face of discrimination, was a story I wanted to tell. Cole wanted to stay in his home in NC rather than making the usual urban migration.

“Imagine if everyone who was an outsider in their small rural town suddenly felt like they could stay and build a life, what kind of America would we have today?”

As someone who has taught LGBTQ youth, does Leven feel things are really better for youth today? Leven said, “I taught media to LGBTQ youth at Hetrick Martin for a year, it is a dynamic and inspiring place. I don’t consider myself a spokesperson for LGBTQ youth, but I will say I think one of the greatest challenges facing youth today are the political and cultural forces which are trying to roll back the clock on LGBTQ rights. I also think this young generation is incredibly powerful and that they are bringing a whole new way of living LGBTQ identity, so they give me hope as we face new challenges.

“The LGBTQ community is amazingly resilient and creative, of course. That said, I am very concerned about the new administration, with its anti-LGBTQ leaders and the future power of a possibly very conservative Supreme Court.”

Leven has been involved with other social justice issues. She noted, “I have worked on voter advocacy in AfricanAmerican communities, on a variety of women’s issues, and currently I am working in the area of immigrants’ rights. One project in development is Vagilantes, (just a working title), a raunchy dramedy series about the escapades of a female-led underground resistance movement in a futuristic fascist state. I am also working on a series of short documentary videos exploring civic engagement in our new political era.”

Deep Run screenings come complete with discussion panels. Leven says, “If anyone wants to bring Deep Run to their organization, community or educational group, we’re happy to come lead a discussion. We want the film to be particularly useful for teachers and others in the field of education, for people of faith and students and parents.”

Things Which Are Not Seen: an interview with artist Margot Fass

By Rachel Leavy Gallery Q at the Gay Alliance hosted “Things Which Are Not Seen,” an exhibition by Margot Fass, last month. The colorful mixed media pieces—made up of paint, fabric, pen, and even pins—were inspired by a trip Grand Canyon, frogs, and Hebrew letters. Visitors to “Things Which Are Not Seen” were meant to view the works from right to left, in the same way that the Hebrew language is read.

Fass’s inspiration for these works came to her as she clung to a tree overlooking the Grand Canyon. While deathly afraid of heights, she was overwhelmed with the beauty and timelessness of the canyon.

That was where she decided to combine it with Hebrew letters and frogs.

Fass begins her process by creating at least three versions of a painting. The idea of three is symbolic in the Hebrew language; the concept of putting two opposites together – good and bad for example – and having them work together.

Margot Fass

St. John by Margo Fass

Once satisfied with the painting, Fass then creates a glicee with many of her works. A glicee is a high resolution printing that helps make the piece brighter and more vibrant. Then she dresses them with fabric and other materials. For her portraits, this means literally making clothes for them. For others, it means using fabric to create water, an animal, or whatever else she chooses. The effect is a stunning, colorful three-dimensional effect. The pieces can look completely different from viewing from far away, versus up close to see the tiny details.

Fass had always felt creative, but did not start painting until she was an adult.

“I always wanted to do it but I was afraid, but around 30 I progressed enough around my baggage to start my primitive work,” she said. Artist and Empty Closet columnist Eric Bellmann was her teacher in 1975 at the Memorial Art Gallery. “I had this ‘aha’ moment that I wanted to go to medical school and he was pretty pissed because he wanted me to continue making art.”

Prominent people in Fass’s life can be seen in a number of the pieces. In the work titled YHonk!, her dear friend Genevieve is portrayed holding a goose wearing pearls. Her friend John appears in St. John Francis, and John. An Unknown Future depicts Tim Wells, the former RIT professor who was convicted of strangling his wife in 2010. The piece won a Juror’s award at Bridge Gallery. Strangling the Light is the companion piece, showing Christine Sevill, Wells’ wife. The piece shows that beauty can come from terrible things, and in Fass’s words, give us hope.

In addition to her painting, Fass created a children’s book about frogs called “Froggy Families First Frolic”. The book is for young children, and a sequel can be expected soon. Frogs are Fass’s spirit animal and they make an appearance in much of her work. The love of the animal is closely tied to her concerns about climate change and the future. ■

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PHOTO: JILL FRIER

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

Ride For Pride: Now More Than Ever!

By Jeannie Gainsburg Ride For Pride is in its eighth year. If any of you missed the news flash, last year, with your support, we ended up raising $43,000 for the LGBTQ Center at the Gay Alliance!

This year our life changing work is more important than ever! Please help us reach our goal of $50,000 to fund our amazing programming, education and community support.

How can you help? Thanks so much for asking!

1) Go to our webpage at: www.gayalliance.org/ride-forpride -- click on a rider’s name and make a tax deductible donation toward one of our fabulous bikers!

2) Donate a gift certificate or gift item! Gift bags are given to the 12 riders who bring in the most in donations. If you own a shop or service, please consider making an in-kind, tax deductible donation to Ride For Pride!

Contact jeanneg@gayalliance. org for more information.

3) Call the office and make a donation! Let the office staff member or volunteer know that your donation is going to support Ride For Pride! 585-2448640 Thank you so much for supporting this wonderful event and our amazing agency! Keep the shiny side up!

LORA women’s group is now a program of the Gay Alliance LORA (Lesbians of Rochester & Allies) is a grassroots women’s organization that was founded in Rochester by Cathie and Sue Timian in 2011. LORA has become a program of the Gay Alliance in 2017.

LORA’s primary goal is to provide information about resources, groups, activities, and events for lesbian, bisexu-

al, transgender and questioning women who reside in Rochester and surrounding areas. All women and their allies are welcomed to join this group and LORA is a trans-positive/friendly space.

Even though LORA’s primary focus is on the women’s community. LORA is also a proud part of the greater LGBTQ Community and hosts a variety of community events that everyone can attend.

LORA is completely run by volunteers. The group states, “We rely on volunteers from our community who make sure that social events run smoothly and regularly. Our programs, groups, and events reflect our strong commitment to promoting, empowering and supporting our community. If it wasn’t for our volunteer facilitators and group coordinators, our groups and activities would not be as active as they are. So we would like to say thank you to everyone who helps out, this is YOUR community. You own it... we just help make it more social and fun for everyone!”

Mission: To provide a friendly space for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning women to gather; to foster an environment that promotes women’s equality and enriches the lives of all women; and to help build an inclusive and diverse community that embraces all women from all walks of life.

Anne Tischer told The Empty Closet, “LORA is alive and well!” Jeff Myers, LGBTQ Resource Director, added, “And it has found a new home at the Gay Alliance!”

A preliminary women’s focus group met on Jan. 29, made up of a cross-section of local women of all ages, including some former LORA members.

The discussion included what women want to see for programming, what’s currently available in our area for women (practically nothing) and whether women want to continue under the name LORA. Anne Tischer commented, “That got an enthusiastic YES!”

She continued, “We asked what each person would like to do program-wise, and realized that our new organizing mechanism of meet-ups is the perfect model for women’s programming.”

On Feb. 25 the planning group created a calendar of events, which will be posted on the L.O.R.A and Gay Alliance Facebook pages and groups.

Tischer says: “We encourage women to join the “closed” facebook group ‘L.O.R.A. - Lesbians of Rochester & Allies’ for best interaction with local members and the latest information on activities.

For more information please contact Anne Tischer at lora@ gayalliance.org or (585) 2448640x23 Ongoing L.O.R.A. activities including the monthly brunch and knitting group will continue. The L.O.R.A. Knitting Group will meet March 1 and 15 at Equal=Grounds and on the first and third Wednesday of the month (barring extreme weather).

The brunch group will meet the third Sunday of the month (March 19) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pixley’s Restaurant in Gates (again, barring extreme weather). For more information, contact Kerry at DressyFemme@ aol.com.

Alliance hosts Adoption STAR OrientationBuilding Families Through Adoption Adoption STAR, a Human Rights Campaign-approved non-profit adoption agency headquartered in Buffalo, is coming to the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., for a FREE orientation session.

The session takes place on April 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

LGBTQ+ individuals interested in adoption are welcome and encouraged to attend. Adoption STAR staff will introduce the agency’s policies and procedures, as well as the many services and programs it offers.

A Rochester area family that has adopted successfully with Adoption STAR’s help will be present to share their adoption story. With programs focused on both infant adoption and older child adoption, along with a proven track record of successful placements with many LGBTQ+ adoptive parents, Adoption STAR is an ideal resource for helping you explore your adoption options.

Please RSVP for the session by calling 716-639-3900, e-mailing the agency at info@ adoptionstar.com, or by visiting the website at www.adoptionstar.com.

Jeana Bonacci-Roth at Susan B. Anthony’s grave on election day.

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Volunteer of the Month: Jeana Bonacci-Roth Since change happened in our political arena the Alliance has received an increase in volunteers stepping up to make a difference. Many of these volunteers have been our allies, wanting to do something to help our community.

Jeana and John Roth, owners of John’s Tex-Mex in the South Wedge, have been supporters of the Alliance for many years.

They have generously shared their resources both financially and in product. Jeana BonacciRoth felt this was not enough and wanted to become involved in the day to day function of the Alliance.

In the short time that Jeana has been volunteering she has proven herself to be invaluable.

Jeana has taken on the responsibilities of a part time Admin-

istrative Assistant; no task is too big or small for her to handle. Since the Alliance move to College Ave., programming has exploded, leaving the staff wearing many hats within the agency. Jeana has stepped right in and offered support to Alliance staff.

When asked why she started volunteering here, Jeana said, “There are multiple reasons I chose to start volunteering at the Alliance. I have been a longtime supporter and advocate of the LGBTQ community. My husband and I own John’s Tex-Mex and have seen the value in supporting the Alliance financially, but I wanted to do more. I had been so angry, frustrated, and downright depressed with the state our nation. I thought it best to be proactive and channel that energy into something positive.

I also have been trying to get a better grasp of what interests me in order to make a career change and use my college degree. With

LGBTQ ACADEMY IN EL PASO: “Thank you to the Gay Alliance for providing an outstanding training for San Vicente Family Health Center staff in El Paso, Texas. San Vicente is training to become a SafeZone for our LGBTQ community.” Rowan Collins, LGBTQ Education Coordinator, and Sady Fischer, LGBTQ Academy Trainer, ran the Gay Alliance SafeZone Train-The-Trainer Certification Program there on Feb 1.

The Gay Alliance is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) people are safe, thriving, and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBTQ people to affirm their identities and create an atmosphere where the diversity can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia.

Board President: Colleen Raimond • Executive Director: Scott Fearing • Center Director: Jeffrey Myers • Development Director: Josh Steph Education Director: Jeannie Gainsburg • Education Coordinator: Rowan Collins • Database: Kat Wiggall Bookkeeper: Christopher Hennelly The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan E-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org Phone: (585) 244-9030 Designer: Jim Anderson Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030; Jennie Bowker, jennieb@gayalliance.org.

The Gay Alliance, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607 • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Phone: (585) 244-8640 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Website: www.gayalliance.org • E-mail: Info@gayalliance.org

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

GAY ALLIANCE NEWS – MARCH 2017

some time on my hands I figured I should be lending it to a cause and organization that is so close to my heart. So here I am.

“I am so honored and touched to be selected as Volunteer of the month. I absolutely love being here.

The past few months here have been humbling, inspiring, and life changing. I get the opportunity to work with some of the kindest, most dedicated, and positive people I have ever met. It has given a whole new meaning to my life and helped me to better identify my life’s purpose. I am a food server by trade but 10 plus years in the industry have worn on me.

Through my volunteering I’ve realized that I truly love to serve people, but in different respect than what I’m used to. Here my work has meaning. It’s not about making money, it’s about selflessly helping and serving others for a greater good. Through my volunteering here I have come to the realization that the nonprofit sector is my destiny.

“To be quite honest, my

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volunteering here has saved me. I suffer from depression and was in the midst of a severe bout with it. Coming into the Alliance two to three times a week not only helped me to get out of my head (and bed), but also put me amongst inspiring, positive people who sincerely and deeply care about others. Being surrounded by so much strength and compassion helped light the way in my dark time and helped me to find those qualities within myself. My volunteering at the Alliance has helped me just as much as it’s helped them.” ■

New hours at the Resource Center The Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center is now open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am- 8:30pm.

Speaking Engagements for January 2017 • LGBTQ 101 at Pittsford Mendon High School x 5 presentations • SafeZone Train-The-Trainer Certification Program at Finger Lakes Community College • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Workplaces at National Human Resources Association Rochester Chapter • LGBTQ Inclusive Schools - Preliminary Conversation at Spencerport High School • LGBTQ 101 at Mosaics Class at Greece Arcadia High School • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Agencies at Catholic Family Center • LGBTQ Inclusive Schools on WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson • SafeZone Train-The-Trainer Certification Program at the LGBTQ Academy • Panel Presentation for Leadership Rochester • Understanding LGBTQ Identities and Gender Fluidity at Real World Geneseo • Transgender Panel Presentation for the TransParent Support Group • LGBTQ 101 for the Spencerport High School GSA • SafeZone Training at Gates Chili School District x 2 trainings • Respectfully Communicating with LGBTQ Individuals for the Association of Leadership Programs Feedback From our January Presentations • “This might have changed my life. Please never stop doing amazing work. I truly, truly, truly needed this conversation.”

• “Freaking Awesome. Everything about the workshop was engaging, fun, stimulating and informative. I wish I had some constructive criticism, but it was honestly perfect. I wish the whole training was longer. I am so empowered by this training.”

• “Thoughtful. Intentional. Educational.

Compassionate. Eye-opening. Openness, genuine caring/interest in participants, friendliness, eloquence, professionalism… I will not forget this training. I hope someday I’ll be able to impact others in the ways that you have.”

• “Fabulous. I have been in the district for over 10 years and this was the best conference I attended!”

SAGE MARCH Claire Parker with Sharon Rosenblum, winner of the Best Valentine Cake contest at SAGE. Photo: Anne Tischer

Thursday March 2 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom ($5); 11:30am-2pm, First Thursday Movie: Brown bag it or pizza & a movie - “Bound”. Corky, a tough female ex con and her lover Violet concoct a scheme to steal millions of stashed mob money and pin the blame on Violet’s crooked boyfriend Caesar. The movie is directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski.

Tuesday March 7 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm “Cake Day” celebration of March birthdays, catered lunch, “Tell your story” discussion. $3 donation; 5:30-6:30pm Multilevel Mat Yoga with Tom at the LGBTQ Center ($15 fee); 7pm Men’s Discussion Group at the Center hosted by Tony & Chuck.

Thursday March 9 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom; 10am-noon Breakfast Club at Denny’s (911 Jefferson Rd, Henrietta ) Please RSVP to Audet by Mar 7 at 585-287-2958 or email aprice002@aol.com .

Monday March 13 6:30-8pm SAGE Vets & ROC Vets planning group for PRIDE and other events. All veterans & friends are welcome. LGBTQ Resource Center Tuesday March 14 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2 Catered lunch: St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage. Join us for Irish Karaoke with Christopher.

5:30-6:30pm Multilevel Mat Yoga with Tom at the LGBTQ Center ($15 fee) Thursday March 16 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom in LGBTQ Resource Center; Friday March 17- St Patrick’s Day 7pm “Pick Up a Cup” of coffee at Equal Grounds (750 South Avenue, Rochester 14620). Roza hosts.

Saturday March 18 5-8pm Saturday Pot Luck & Bingo Bash. All are welcome, LGBTQ Resource Center $3. donation toward token prize Sunday March 19 2-6pm “OUT in the Sticks” Intergenerational Potluck & Program at the Fearless Hook and Ladder in Dansville, NY (26 Clara Barton Street 14437) $3. donation, all are welcome. For information contact Outreach@GayAlliance.org or 585-244-8640x23 Tuesday March 21 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom; 11:30am Catered lunch, $3. donation, Equinox with Sharon, spring plantings. Participants will plant their own basil; Mara from Lifespan will be present for anyone needing resources; 5:306:30pm Multilevel Mat Yoga with Tom at the LGBTQ Center ($15. fee); 7pm Men’s Discussion Group at the Center.

Thursday March 23 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom in LGBTQ Resource Center.

Friday March 24 5:30pm Fabulous Fish Fry at South Wedge Diner, 880 South Clinton Ave. 14620 please RSVP to Audet by March 23 at aprice002@aol.com or 585-287-2958.

Saturday March 25 11am Treasure the Memories: The Alliance celebrates those we have lost Rev. John Hogan will officiate a non-denominational memorial service for community members we have loved and lost. Reception to follow, Bring remembrances and memorabilia to add to a book. If you have someone to celebrate contact Anne: annet@ gayalliance.org or (585) 244-8640x23.

Tuesday March 28 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom, Lunch, 11:30-2pm, Chili and Cornbread Cook Off, bring a pot of your best! $3. donation; LGBTQ film short with discussion to follow. 5:30-6:30pm Multilevel Mat Yoga with Tom at the LGBTQ Center ($15. fee) Wednesday March 29 5-7pm Happy Hour at the Avenue Pub (522 Monroe Avenue 14607). Pizza and drink specials.

Thursday March 30 10:30-11:30am Senior Yoga with Tom in LGBTQ Resource Center.

SAGE Rochester is a program of the Gay Alliance designed for LGBTQI people over 50. SAGE operates at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Avenue. All programs are open to the public and all are welcome. Yoga is $5. per person and is offered every Tuesday and Thursday unless specified in calendar. All programs are subject to change and all members are responsible for their own transportation and meals. Become a SAGE member or get more information at: sage@gayalliance.org or 585-244-8640 x23. We are also on Facebook as: SAGE Rochester a program of the Gay Alliance

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Resources Check our Monthly and Ongoing Calendar and Community section for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance, 244-8640 or visit: www. gayalliance.org. More SAGE and Gay Alliance Youth Group info: pages 30-31.

BISEXUALITY RESOURCES AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisexuality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual Network; ; BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Fenway Health’s Bi Health Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; The Bi Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource Center (email brc@biresource.net)

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

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus www.thergmc.org Open Arms Community Center Available for parties, events, meetings. 707 E. Main St. Parking. Accepting and welcoming of all.

271-8478.

DEAF SERVICES Deaf Rainbow Network of Rochester See Facebook.

Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance RIT/NTID student group. <SpectrumComment@ groups.facebook.com ASADV Our mission is to provide support to the Deaf community and to Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, families, and children who are or have been victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. A safe and supportive environment of advocacy, empowerment, community education, and training services. All staff are Deaf. All staff, advocates, and volunteers are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). It is our vision that the various components of ASADV be Deaf-run and be advocates within institutionalized systems. We work cooperatively with various Deaf and hearing-based agencies. PO Box 20023, Rochester, NY 14602, www.asadv.org. 585/2862713

ELDERS Gay Alliance SAGE Rochester Many monthly get togethers, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640; SAGE@gayalliance.org. See page 31.

FAMILY Adoption Place at JFS Jewish Family Service of Rochester 441 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. You can adopt! Adoption Place at Jewish Family Service of Rochester provides adoption consultation, home studies and post-placement supervision to the entire community regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. Laura Glasner, LCSW-R, Adoption Director, 585-461-0110; lglasner@jfsrochester. org; www.jfsrochester.org Rochester Gay Dads The meetup.com website is: https://www.meetup.com/RochesterGayDads/ Resource or starting point for gay dads in the area to reach out for support, questions about starting a family, etc.

Open Arms Community Center Open Arms Community Center available for parties, events and meetings; 707 East Main St. Plenty of parking. We are inclusive, actively accepting, welcoming of all people. 271-8478 openarmsmcc.org CNY Fertility Center Integrative Fertility Care. Support meetings, webinars, workshops. Information: cbriel@cnyfertility. com; www.cnyhealingarts.com Rochester Gay Moms’ Group Support group for lesbian mommies and wannabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding areas.

Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com.

Catholic Charities Community Services 1099 Jay Street, Building J (585) 339-9800, www.ccsrochester.org . Offers: Families in Transition services for HIV positive parents with small children, short term/long term housing assistance, employment services, supportive case management, health education and behavioral health education and peer navigation for substance abuse linkages.

Lesbian & Gay Family Building Project Headquartered in Binghamton and with a presence throughout Upstate NY. Claudia Stallman, Project Director, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; 607-724-4308; e-mail: LesGayFamBldg@ aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG’s threefold mission: supporting parents and family members in coming out process; educating the community; advocating on behalf of LGBT family members. rochesterepflag@gmail. com; 585-993-3297.

Adoptive Parent Support Group Monthly potluck lunches. For information, location, call Shari, 350-2529.

HIV/AIDS Free testing for HIV exposure is available from New York State Department of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at (585) 423-8081, or 1 800 962-5063. Deaf or hearing impaired people should call (585) 4238021 (TDD.) Available from NY Dept. of Health: HIV and STD resource testing site. Rapid testing in only 10 minutes. STD testing provided by Bullshead Clinic, 855 W. Main St., Rochester. Contact: Narissa @ Rochester hotline.

Volunteer Legal Services Project (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org. 1 West Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14614. Free legal services for low-income HIV positive clients.

No criminal cases. Appointments: scheduled at medical provider locations or at 295-5708.

Trillium Health Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Onsite services include HIV testing and limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Contact Information: Website: www.trilliumhealthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545-7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258-3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456.

Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier Office: Buell St. Box 624, Bath, NY 14810 607776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-454-5556.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Referrals to physicians and service agencies.

(585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org.

Victory Alliance University of Rochester Medical Center. One of several research sites worldwide that comprise the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site conducts research vaccine studies sponsored

by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-7562329; www.vaccineunit.org.

Threshold At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confidential HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, ages 12-25.

Sliding fee scale, no one denied, most insurances accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-5pm; Tues., Thurs., 9am-7pm; Sat. 10am-2pm. www.ThresholdCenter.org Center for Health and Behavioral Training of Monroe County 853 W. Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration of Monroe County Health Department and U.R. Provides year-round training in prevention and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, such as domestic violence and case management. (585)753-5382 v/tty.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Tollfree Helpline: 1 866 600-6886. Offers confidential HIV testing and information. Ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of resources and services to the upstate New York community. Their offices are located through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also provides medical literature and newspaper clippings, as well as demographic and statistical data for use in developing health care services. (585) 461-3520.

The MOCHA Center of Rochester Our mission is to improve health and wellness in communities of color. Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education, support groups, computer lab, referral services and more. 189 N. Water St., lower level. (585) 420-1400.

Monroe County Health Department at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

(585) 753-5481. Hours: M-W 8:30-5:30; R: 8:30-11 am; F 7:30-2:30.

Strong Memorial Hospital provides a complete range of HIV medical care, including access to experimental treatment protocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual and group psychotherapy. Training of health care professionals also available. Infectious Disease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training Project, (585) 275-5693.

Planned Parenthood of Rochester and Genesee Valley Offers testing and information (585) 546 2595.

Rural HIV testing Anonymous and confidential, in Allegany, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1 800 962-5063.

Action Front Center (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV, STD, viral hepatitis prevention counseling, risk reduction counseling. Tailored programs available to incarcerated, ex-offender individuals.

Services for people living with HIV; case management, peer support groups, United Colors support group for MSM of color, educational groups, peer educator training and leadership development, multicultural, bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., 2nd floor, Rochester 14604. Office hours M-F 8:30 am-5 pm. 585-262-4330.

Anthony Jordan Health Center Jordan Health’s Prevention & Primary Care Department provides personalized care designed to address and treat the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C; and services focusing on the prevention of those diseases.

Bilingual staff serves both English and Spanishspeaking patients. HIV and hepatitis C virus (HVC) rapid testing as well as HIV and HCV education and counseling. Walk-in testing at all Jordan Health Sites. Prevention & Primary Care Department hours are Mon – Fri 830a – 5p.

HIV Clinic hours are Tuesday and Friday 830a – 400p. HCV Clinic hours are Wednesday and Friday 100p – 500p. The Prevention & Primary Care Department has two sites: Anthony L. Jordan Health Center 82 Holland Street, Rochester 14605 585.423.2879, fax 585.423.2876 and Woodward Health Center, 480 Genesee Street, Rochester 14611, fax 585.295.6009 Jordan Health’s Prevention and Primary Care Department is now providing PrEP services. For more information please call 585.436.PREP (7737). We are accepting new PrEP patients at the following sites: Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, Woodward Health Center and Jordan Health at Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave. 585.436.3040 x1764 - 585.454.7530 CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail address: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.

Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Monroe County 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orientation, HIV status, etc.

Public Interest Law Office of Rochester 1 W. Main St., Suites 200 & 300. Free legal services to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilingual advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in PILOR. 454-4060.

Westside Health Services Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254-6480); Woodward Health Center, 480 Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more.

McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Health’s Connection Clinic (585) 368-3506, 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kearney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of services, regardless of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and convenient.

Geneva Community Health 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV testing, HIV specialty and primary care for residents of Ontario and surrounding counties. M, W, R, F 8am-8pm. 315-781-8448.

LGBT HEALTH Huther Doyle Healthcare, chemical dependency treatment.

585-325-5100; www.hutherdoyle.com Trillium Health See www.trilliumhealthny.org LGBT Healthy Living: Veterans Canandaigua VA, second and fourth Tuesdays, 10-11am, Building One, 2nd floor, room 245.

Matt Cokely 585-393-7115.

HCR Home Care We provide a full multidisciplinary team consisting of nursing, social work, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as home health aides who have completed the eight-hour cultural competency program provided by the Gay Alliance. More information: 585-272-1930 or visit us online at HCRhealth.com.

TRANSGENDER Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester (TAGR) Support/educational group for gender variant people and allies. Last Saturday, 3-5:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Trans Lifeline Hotline for transgender people experiencing crisis.

Staffed by transgender people for transgender people. (877) 565-8860. Additional info is available at www.translifeline.org.

TransParent Support group for parents of trans children. Third Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Empire Justice Center Milo Primeaux, Esq., Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellow, Empire Justice Center, LGBT Rights Project, Telesca Center for Justice, 1 West Main Street, Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14614. (585) 295-5721 Fax (585) 454-2518, mprimeaux@ empirejustice.org, www.empirejustice.org.

Volunteer Legal Services Project (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14614. Free legal services for low-income clients seeking a name change. Other services for low-income clients include family law issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance hearings, wills and advance directive documents for clients with serious illnesses.

Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group First Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 100 College Ave. Ages 13-18. 244-8640 Genesee Valley Gender Variants Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. GVGenderVariants@yahoogroups.com Guys’ Night Out Trans* group, 1pm second Saturdays at Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Transmen and those identifying with trans-masculine experience (including questioning individuals) welcome. Contact Adrian at abartholomeo@gmail.com.

WOMEN Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585487-3341. Specializing in breast health, diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and mammography outreach and education.

Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester 1048 University Ave., Rochester NY 14607 585-473-8177; www.bccr.org; info@bccr.org Programs and services for those diagnosed with breast or GYN cancer. Programs include support and networking groups, Healing Arts classes, book club, writing workshop, monthly evening seminars and a group for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Comprehensive lending library. All programs and services FREE. Center for Community Health (585) 224-3050. Comprehensive breast cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured women.

Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic 170 Sawgrass Drive. 442-8432. Mammograms.

Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer (SHARE) Breast: 866-891-2392; Ovarian: 866-537-4273.

Willow Domestic Violence Center 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men welcome.

Victim Resource Center of Wayne County Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1172; office (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189.

Mary Magdalene House Women’s outreach center for HIV positive women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30pm.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll-free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Parenthood has led the way in providing high quality, affordable reproductive health care since 1916. All services are confidential. Accept most insurances; including Medicaid. You may qualify for low- to no-cost family planning services. When you make your appointment, ask about our sliding scale fees. No one turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Women’s Shelter YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-5820.

YOUTH Gay Alliance Youth Group Monthly Special Events 100 College Ave. 2448640; Ages 13-20. www.gayalliance.org. Check Facebook.com/GayAllianceYouth Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Social/Support Group First Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., Ages 13-18. 244-8640 Trevor Project The Trevor Project offers 24/7 Lifeline with trained counselors, 1-866-488-7386; Trevor Chat, instant messaging; TrevorSpace online where youth can talk to each other, and Trevor Text with text trained counselors for support and crisis intervention.

CNY Youth Group Bi-Polar Support.

Second Monday of every month. 315-428-9366 Teen Clinic at Planned Parenthood 114 University Avenue Rochester. Birth control, condoms, HIV testing, counseling. Weekly, Tuesdays 3-7pm..

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Ongoing Calendar DAILY

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 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 Women’s Coffee Social Equal Grounds Coffee House 750 South Ave. Monday evenings. 7 pm. 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 Born That Way Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group.

First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516.

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

Just Poets workshop Third Tuesdays thru May, 6:30-8:30pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640.

The Social Grind 10am-12noon and again 7:30-9pm at Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Email: DHutch457@aol. com for information Teen Clinic at Planned Parenthood 114 University Avenue Rochester. Birth control, condoms, HIV testing, counseling. Weekly, Tuesdays 3-7pm.

Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30, 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 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, 5-8 pm. 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 5:30-6:30pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Ages 13-20. 244-8640.

SAGE Rochester 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually 10:30am at venues including LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640. (See page 31) SAGE Men’s Group 50+ 7pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 1st, 3rd Tuesdays. rtony13@aol.com

WEDNESDAYS Identity Group LGBT identified individuals who have a developmental disability diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 pm 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.

LORA Knitting Group 6pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. LORA Knitting group meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month from Equal Grounds Coffee House. For more info visit www.loragroup.org or Contact Kerry Cater: dressyfemme@aol.com or email us at info@loragroup.org

Lifetime Care LGBT Bereavement Support 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. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives 6:30-8:30pm (Also Tues. and Thurs.) 100 College Ave. Empire Bears Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at various venues.

See Empire Bears Inc. on Facebook.

THURSDAYS Safe Space Discussion Thursdays, 7-9 pm, at LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640.

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

Out & Equal Second Thursdays Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm.

Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outandequal.org Genesee Valley Gender Variants 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV GenderVariants@yahoogroups.com SAGE Rochester 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually 10:30am at venues including LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave, 244-8640. (See page 31)

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 GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations.

RochesterGLBTIQbikers@yahoo.com; 467-6456; bmdaniels@frontiernet.net.

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. 5:30-6:30 pm, Saturdays. 2448640.

Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Sapphic Singles – Professional Women’s Group http://www.meetup.com/Sapphic-Singles-Rochester/. Contact: Patty: Email: pattyrdn11@gmail. com. Phone: 585.223.6743. 3rd Saturday of each month. Monthly Dinner Socials for single professional women at various locations in and around Rochester NY area! Join us!

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, 6:30 pm.

Men’s Cooking Group Third, fourth Saturdays. 585-355-7664; mcgofrochester@aol.com.

SUNDAYS Campy Classic Cinema Free movies and popcorn, second Sundays at 2 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. “Celebrating LGBTQ culture through film”. An Inqueery event. For movie line-up call 244-8640.

PFLAG (Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) 585 993-3297; rochesterpflag@gmail. com.

LORA brunch Third Sundays. For location, time 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.

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

Closed meeting ■

33

ROCHESTER AA/NA MEETINGS

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

TUESDAYS Narcotics Anonymous 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS.

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

SATURDAYS The Repair Shop AA meeting at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 5:30-6:30pm, Saturdays. 244-8640.

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

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

SUNDAYS Step in the Right Direction 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using.

Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each week features a reading from NA literature, followed by discussion.

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

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

GAY ALLIANCE LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

100 College Avenue, 9am-5pm and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm.

Check out our ten thousand-volume library, along with the Bohnett Cyber Center.

Contact us: library@gayalliance.org or at 585-244-8640.

34

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017

March 2017 WEDNESDAY 1

LORA Knitting Group, 6-8 pm, Equal=Grounds.

Empire Bears dinner at The King and I. 6 pm.

Dignity Integrity Lenten Taizé service. 7 p.m. St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Artwork by Robert Monegan and Mark Thaddeus Williams, opening 7-10 pm at The Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. Proceeds from art sales to Michael Fox Foundation, finding a cure for Parkinson’s.

FRIDAY 3

Gallery Q First Friday: Poltits: Art Coalition, We the Tits. Opening reception, 6-9 pm., LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave.

SATURDAY 4

Method Machine 10th Birthday Celebration, 8 pm, Geva Theatre. Also March 5 at 6 pm. Tickets $10, available online at www.gevatheatrecentre.org and in person at the Geva Theatre Box office.

SUNDAY 5

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 7

Campy Classic Cinema InQueery @ LGBTQ Resource Center 7–9 pm. March Movie is The Celluloid Closet.

WEDNESDAY 8

Empire Bears dinner at Yummy Garden/Hot Pot. 6 pm.

THURSDAY 9

Trillium Health Trans Family Planning event. 259 Monroe Ave.

SATURDAY 11

Empire Bears potluck at LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 6:30 pm.

Butch Femme Connection. Dinner 7 pm at Grand Super Buffet, E. Henrietta Rd. DressyFemme@aol.com Name Change Clinic InQueery @ LGBTQ Resource Center, 9am – 3 pm.

Empire Justice Center’s LGBT Rights project is hosting free legal Name and Gender Change Clinics in Rochester.

Participants will be able to meet with an attorney at no cost in order to complete their legal and gender name change documents. To register for a clinic please call 585-295-5737.

SUNDAY 12

Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. PrEP to Get Lucky Ball. 140 Alex, 8-10 pm. Sponsored by Trillium Health.

MONDAY 13

SAGE Vets & ROC Vets planning group for PRIDE and other events. All veterans & friends are welcome. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 6:308 pm.

WEDNESDAY 15

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

Ask the Doctor Inqueery. Dr. Bill Valenti and Dr. Michael Mancenido of Trillium Health answer your health questions. 6:30-8 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Empire Bears dinner at Carrabbas’.

6 pm.

LORA Knitting Group, 6-8 pm, Equal=Grounds.

Classifieds

WEDNESDAY 22

THURSDAY 16

Transgender Rights workshop with Milo Primeaux from the Empire Justice Center. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Open Arms TRANSformative Ministry, noon-1:30 pm. 107 E. Main St.

FRIDAY 17

Bisexual/Pansexual Social. Sponsored by Trillium Health. 5:30-7:30 pm, Equal=Grounds Coffee Shop.

SATURDAY 18

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. “A Narrow Bridge”. Tickets and info at 4230650 or online at www.thergmc.org

SUNDAY 19

OUT in the Sticks intergenerational potluck and program. Fearless Hook and Ladder Fire Hall, 26 Clara Barton St. in Dansville. 2-6 pm.

LORA Brunch 10 am-noon at Pixley’s Restaurant in Gates. DressyFemme@ aol.com Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Mass. 5pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

TUESDAY 21

Just Poets InQueery @ LGBTQ Resource Center 6:30-8:30 pm. Focused on LGBTQ writers and led by seasoned poets Colleen Powderly, Dwain Wilder, Jonathan Everitt and Bart White; each workshop will include time for writing, sharing, and critiquing of work among a small, relaxed group. Every participant can look forward to coming away with new work, insightful feedback, and the inspiration to revise and refine their writing. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Send your name, contact info, and a poem you’ve written to colleenpowderly@gmail.com

Empire Bears dinner at Winfield Grill. 6 pm.

SAFE Journey. Path to spiritual wellness. 6:30 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave.

SATURDAY 25

Treasure the Memories: Rev. John Hogan will officiate a non-denominational memorial service for community members we have loved and lost. Reception to follow. Bring remembrances and memorabilia to add to a book. If you have someone to celebrate contact Anne: annet@ gayalliance.org or (585) 244-8640x23.

Pride and Joy Family Fun Day, May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, Syracuse. A day of learning, sharing, empowerment for LGBTQ families. Info at prideandjoyfamilies@gmail.com.

Final day to register for CampusOut, April 8 at St. John Fisher College. Register online at https://www. trailblz.info/gayalliance/eventcomplete. aspx?eventid=1288 or contact Dr. Lisa J. Cunningham, lcunningham@sjfc.edu

SUNDAY 26

Dignity Integrity. Prayers to start the week followed by potluck. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

WEDNESDAY 29

Empire Bears dinner at Texas Roadhouse. 6 pm.

SAGE Happy Hour at Avenue Pub, 522 Monroe Ave. Pizza & drink specials.

7 pm.

THURSDAY 30

Out at Geva. Reception for LGBTQ community before performance of “Private Lives”. 6 pm. Mention OUT when buying tickets.

FRIDAY 31

Dignity Integrity. Lenten Taize service. 7 pm. St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

You can adopt!

Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 100 College Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.

Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement.

The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or phone number. No personal home addresses or names allowed. Classified ads are not published on The Empty Closet page of our website. However, each issue of the paper is reproduced online in its entirety at ww.gayalliance.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children’s Ministry thriving at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for vibrant, inclusive, progressive worship on Sundays at 10:30 am, 707 E. Main St. info@openarmsmcc.org; (585) 271-8478.

SERVICES

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

Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Dis-

cretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home).

Sacred, loving interfaith presence to mark your life’s special days and help you to navigate your way. Weddings, memorials, baby blessings, house blessings, spiritual counseling. Reverend Gaioma Bair (585)494-1795.

Martin Ippolito master electrician.

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

585-266-6337.

Wedding Space and clergy services available. Celebrate your special day at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 707 E. Main St. info@ openarmsmcc.org (585) 271-8478. ■

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

MARCH 2017 • NUMBER 509 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emptycloset@gagv.us.

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

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

The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad.

In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney.

Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the editor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607; e-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org. The online edition of EC is available at www. gayalliance.org.

Bed & Breakfast

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 509 • MARCH 2017