Empty Closet, May 2016

The Empty Closet

I’m from Driftwood… page 7

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Bronson: Budget is a step forward for the Rochester community “The final state budget is a bold step forward for the families of our state and paves the way for a brighter future for all New Yorkers,” Assemblymember Harry Bronson said. “Landmark accomplishments like paid family leave and a robust increase in the minimum wage have long been priorities of mine and New York families will greatly benefit from their enactment.”

The budget restores critical funding for public health programs and provides funding for health care infrastructure programs, including an additional $10 million to support for HIV/ AIDS programs, and funding for family planning services and the community health advocates program.

The $10 million of new End The Epidemic (ETE) funding for the AIDS Institute in New York State’s final FY 2016-17 budget, is a critical first step necessary to expand HIV testing, preven-

Avon church offers housing, training for female veterans The Rev. Kelly Ayer, STM, is pastor of Avon’s Zion Church, which offers housing to homeless female vets, including lesbians.

She told The Empty Closet, “I have been the director since 2010 before we officially opened. I am a female veteran and I served from 1995-2003 as a combat medic. I also served as a paramedic before surrendering to the call to ministry.

“Being an out lesbian in the south was problematic and I was actually dismissed from my childhood’s church’s ordination process after being outed.

However, I found the Episcopal Church and was ordained in Rochester in 2010. I know I have my dream job. A strong congregation, albeit small, and a strong outreach ministry -- Zion House.”

Zion House, a ministry of Zion Episcopal Church, 10 Park Place, is a transitional living home for female veterans and the first such house to be

A PUBLICATION OF THE GAY ALLIANCE

tion, linkage to care, treatment, viral suppression and other ETE initiatives statewide. This funding may be eligible for a Federal match of $15 million in total AIDS Institute ETE funds.

“Quality, affordable health care is a basic right, and every New Yorker deserves access to it,” Bronson continued. “Good medical care should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. I will continue to fight for the state to meet its commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020.”

In addition, the budget provides important Medicaid funding, including funding to offset the costs of medications and long-term care.

To help expand access to necessary medicines, the budget includes $20.7 million to preserve prescriber prevails, which ensures patients and their doctors have the final say in choosing medications; $6 million to reject price ceilings for blockbuster drugs; $1.8 million to prevent a reduction in reimbursement rates for specialty drugs and $160,000 to preserve the Clinical Drug Review Program (CDRP) and ensure drugs are used in a medically appropriate manner. ■

established in New York State.

Its brochure says that there are approximately 2,000 women vets in upstate New York who are treated for conditions that have led to homelessness….

“Wounds of war are not always physical.”

Zion House’s mission is “to provide female veterans with safe and supportive housing where they have the opportunity to locate and procure permanent housing and financial security, as well as educational and vocational opportunities, We serve female veterans of all faiths and traditions, including those who profess none.”

Among the resources offered is the Zion Computer Technology Center, which gives educational and vocational training.

Women can also receive peer support, financial planning, drug and alcohol counseling, transportation assistance, medial referrals and monitored care, and work re-hab. The latter involves making Boadicea Spa Products, with 100 percent of profits going to the House. For more information, see ww.zionhouseavon.org ■

MAY 2016

At the 2015 5 K run. Photo: Jeanne Gainsburg

Let the Games begin! Roc Pride Games will run July 10-17 at Cobbs Hill Park

By Susan Jordan Get into training now! The Roc Pride Games will include the traditional 5K run, as well as volleyball and tennis tournaments.

The 5K run takes place July 10 at 7 a.m. at Cobbs Hill Park.

The winners will be presented with awards that day. Games coorganizer (with Dustin Hilton) Sam Brett noted, “Usually these things are male/female, but the run includes both categories. It’s important to recognize that it’s a timed race on a USATF-certified course. We are partnering with Yellow Jacket Racing, an experienced local business that provides logistical support for races. We’re fortunate to have the experienced Jo Meleca-Voigt as our Pride lead for the 5K.” To register for the run or the tournaments, go to www.rochsterpride.com.

The tennis tournament at Cobbs Hill Park is presented in partnership with the Tennis Club of Rochester. It takes place also on July 10, at 11 a.m., with semi-final rounds and championship rounds, but the awards will be presented at the second

day of the Pride Festival on July 17. Organizer Mark Fuhry has been working to connect with the local tennis community and TCR. The grass fours volleyball tournament also takes place July 10, at 11 a.m., with finals at the Festival on July 17. Sam Brett said, “We’re also working on social volleyball—not a competitive tournament, but just for people to play in the park during the two days of the Festival, sponsored by Come Out and Play.”

Still in the planning stages: bowling (July 12, location TBA), video gaming (July 11, 6 p.m., location TBA) and a euchre tournament (details TBA).

Sam Brett commented, “It’s fun to expand the Games. The Summer Olympics are coming up this year, so it’s a big year for sports. We all like to watch the Olympics – and we can all feel part of the Roc Pride Games.”

Volleyball organizer Jeanne Gainsburg said, “This year Roc Pride Games brings together two things I am incredibly passionate about: LGBTQ/ally visibility and volleyball! Dustin Hilton and I go way back as volleyball buds,

and I am thrilled to be working with him to bring a grass fours tournament to the Pride Games this year. We will have different levels of play, along with a free skill building clinic, so everyone should feel welcome to join. Whether you are a volleyball newbie or if you have played for years, we hope you’ll join us for some fun in the sun!” ■

Dear Readers Welcome to the 500th issue of The Empty Closet.

Thanks to you and all the writers, photographers, and other volunteers who have kept this community-building newspaper going since 1972!

Inside

At Gallery Q… page 27

PHOTO: JOE ZIOLKOWSKI

NUMBER 500

Editorials....................................... 2 Interview: Nathan Manske............ 7 Making the Scene.......................... 10 Opinion: N.C. hate........................15 Health: Youth issues ...................16 LGBTQ Living: Parenting ...........17 Shoulders To Stand On ...........21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: Gallery Q.................27 Gay Alliance: InQueery .............30 Calendar.....................................34 Classifieds..................................34 Comics........................................35 The Gay Alliance is publisher of The Empty Closet, New York State’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

Perspectives The Empty Closet Editor SUSAN JORDAN

Bathroom Bill In the last two months we have seen a coordinated effort by anti-gay groups, Republican governors and state legislators (successful in North Carolina) to remove civil rights protections from trans people, especially students, using the “bathroom bill” justification. These bills, like the “Religious Freedom” bills in Mississippi and Tennessee, also attack the civil rights of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals.

As usual, conservatives are inciting and exploiting hatred of minorities in order to gain political power. Western culture has long been characterized by extreme anxiety about anything to do with the human body, especially sexuality. We are taught to feel shame about our genitalia and bodily functions.

At the same time, society is totally obsessed with those things— and not in a good way. Neurotic obsession with how disgusting our bodies are goes hand in hand with neurotic obsession with sex, and objectification of women as property.

After decades of demonizing gays (and losing), the Radical Right is now using trans and gender variant people as scapegoats. Why? Well, if gender is fluid and not always fixed, then what becomes of the male supremacy so dear to conservative men?

Their hate propaganda com-

bines sex taboos and gender taboos, throwing in taboos about bodily functions “down there” for good measure. According to them, trans women are really heterosexual males in drag, ready to rape little girls in women’s restrooms. Never mind the fact that no trans person has ever been charged with, much less convicted of raping women or girls in any women’s room in the USA.… this isn’t about women’s safety, it’s all about the politics of hate.

Education is key to defeating political propaganda. First, society must learn that it’s heterosexual, cisgender males who commit the majority of sexual crimes.

And they don’t have to wear drag and pretend to be trans….

Second, society needs to learn that trans women are women – not men. They have not experienced the same oppression that cisgender women experience, but they have experienced severe oppression as trans/gender variant, and many are feminists who understand the issues.

A conservative Christian Republican once asked me if I wouldn’t be upset to see a “man” walk into the women’s room.

I replied that trans women are women, and why would I be upset if a woman walks into the women’s room?

He didn’t have an answer for that. To him, anyone with a penis is male, even if they have known since childhood that they are female. Science is now discovering that humans are more than just our genitalia – but conservatives prefer to deny science when it threatens their p.c. line, or their profits.

The conservative extremists will continue to use hate and sexual shaming for political gain, until society understands that being trans – and being LGB – are also part of “normal” human behavior and always have been.

In the end, education overcomes prejudice. But it takes time. Meanwhile, LGBTQ people, especially trans youth, continue to suffer. ■

Gay Alliance Board of Trustees David Zona, President W. Bruce Gorman, Secretary Jason Barnecut-Kearns, Paul Birkby, Kim Braithwaite, Jeff Lambert, Jennifer Matthews, Colleen Raimond

Gay Alliance Executive Director SCOTT FEARING

The Power of Out Is it still relevant to talk about coming out of the closet?

Some propose that as our social systems become more accepting of LGBTQ people, there is less and less need for people to proclaim their identity. Some say there is less need for queers to gather together, and less need for queer-only space.

I think at times, and in some places, that may be true. But recent events in North Carolina (Georgia, Mississippi and other places) have reminded me why it is important to keep the concept of coming out part of our lives.

The North Carolina “bathroom bill,” which requires organizations to discriminate against Trans community members has captured the nation’s attention. The sound bites, the news clips the talking heads have had a jolly good time with this legislative undertaking.

It seems that when the bill arrived on his desk, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory wasted no time, and quickly signed it into law. The response he faced was equally quick.

Sure, The Boss and Ringo both cancelled concerts, but what caught my attention was the fact that the business world took note and the citizens of North Carolina are facing much more than the loss of a couple of concerts.

Over 90 corporations includ-

Name

ing names as common as Apple, Facebook, Marriott, Salesforce, and Twitter all signed onto an open letter to tell North Carolina that they got it wrong. They said that such legislation is bad for economic development, and that they would not be visiting the “first in flight” State anytime soon. Even our Gov. Cuomo banned non-essential State business trips to NC. In response to this overwhelming corporate rejection of the new legislation, Gov. McCrory commented that America’s corporate boardroom was out of touch with America’s main street. Oh really?

I think that America’s corporate boardroom is very much in touch with America’s main street, and most importantly when it comes to these particular issues, they are in touch with American main street values. America in 2016 has no choice but to value diversity. Our main streets are diverse.

Our families are diverse. Our workplaces must be diverse.

In 1987 a book titled Workforce 2000 caught the attention of corporate leaders who learned that they needed to encourage, not enforce, a diverse workforce.

This book laid the groundwork for the explosion in corporate employee resource networks that occurred in the 1990s.

The 90+ corporate giants knew that they needed to send a strong message to North Carolina. They knew they couldn’t turn their back on their employees, many of whom are out of the closet, working and openly self-identifying as LGBTQ or ally.

Gov. McCrory remains entrenched in his belief that he is doing the right thing, but let’s hope that the will of the corporate board room, stays in touch with main street, which says that no one should be forced to discriminate again a trans-identified person, or anyone else. And let’s continue to live out, honest and authentic lives. ■ 05/16

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MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

NewsFronts LOCAL AND STATE

Ron Rogge

UR online survey looks at “Finding Partners” apps

By Susan Jordan The University of Rochester is seeking participants for an anonymous online research study underway at UR. It is called “Finding Partners in the 21st Century.”

The goal is to place people’s use of geosocial apps like Grindr and Tinder in a larger context.

For instance, how does the use of these apps compare to the use of dating websites and to offline methods like going to bars or meeting people at school or work?

How do these people differ?

What are the effects of these methods including emotional, psychological, and physical effects (physical effects being things like sexual behavior)?

UR is recruiting around 6,000 people. The survey takes about 25-30 minutes to complete, and it will ask questions about participants’ background, personality, the ways they find romantic and sexual partners, their sex life, their drug and alcohol use, and their history with sexually transmitted infections. Again, the survey is anonymous, so no identifying information will be stored with their data. The survey is hosted on a secure server.

The survey is intended for those at least 18 years old.

Ron Rogge, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, is heading the research. He told The Empty Closet, “Although there are a handful of studies that have examined geosocial app use, very little is known about this social phenomenon.

This study will be the first to do several things: “Look at similarities and differences between geosocial app users and those using other methods to connect with people on a comprehensive set of background factors including things like personality, loneliness, self-esteem, sex drive, sensation seeking, and self-control.

“Look at basic motivation profiles for using geosocial apps and examine how those motivations might be similar or different from basic motivations for using other methods of connecting with people.

“Determine which types of background factors help to predict which types of motivations lead people to using geosocial apps or the other forms

of connecting with others.

“Examine how romantic and sexual activity following geosocial app use (as well as the other methods of connecting with people) might vary across different motivation profiles.

Thus, we will look at how things like casual sex and hook-ups, high risk sexual activity, and safe-sex/STI communication might differ across different motivation profiles.

“I believe that the survey will give the scientific community, geosocial app creators, geosocial app users a unique and enlightening look into this massive online community that has developed over the last seven years. It could help them be aware of risks within geosocial app use as well as the typical benefits people experience.”

So many supposedly secure sites have been hacked – how can participants be sure their information is confidential?

Ron Rogge replied, “The survey is completely anonymous. No personal identification is collected (including no IP addresses).

Thus, even if surveygizmo was hacked, individuals’ responses could not be linked back to their identities in any way. To further ensure anonymity, potential respondents are first referred to a gateway survey (in which they are informed of the risks/benefits of the study and their rights as subjects). Provided they are interested in being subjects, then they are referred to the actual survey website which exists as an entirely separate survey to ensure that no identifying information is linked to their responses.”

The Finding Partners in the 21st Century Survey is voluntary, can be completed online and is short (takes 25-30 minutes).

LINK TO THE SURVEY: https://www.surveygizmo.com/ s3/2630839/FindPartners?source =RocGayAlliance

“The Good, the Bad, and the Funny” to include “A Fist Full of Stories” The Good, the Bad, and the Funny has been a staple of Rochester Pride for a number of years.

This annual event is an Open Mic for the Transgender/Gender Expansive Community.

Some do a comedy routine.

Others use the microphone to come out of the closet. Many use the opportunity to talk about life. The stories are always wonderful and powerful.

This year, the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is proud to announce that this event is expanding to include A Fist Full of Stories. A Fist Full of Stories is an Open Mic for entire LGBTIA Community and will run Thursday evenings across the month of June. It will culminate with The Good, the Bad, and the Funny on 14 July.

A Fist Full of Stories and The Good, the Bad, and the Funny

will all be held in the LGBTQIA Resource Center at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Avenue, Rochester.

Each night will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Event Schedule: June 2: Opening night of A Fist Full of Stories. This evening will be an open mic for the entire community. This will be a public event with members of the media and our public representatives invited to hear our stories.

June 9: Open mic - A Fist Full of Stories. This evening will be an open mic for the entire community.

June 16: Open mic - A Fist Full of Stories. This evening TBD. June 23: Open mic - A Fist Full of Stories. This evening will be for our allies and advocates.

July 7: Open mic - A Fist Full of Stories. This evening will give our LGBTQI Youth a voice.

July 14: The Good, the Bad, and the Funny. This is an open mic specifically for the Transgender/Gender Expansive Community.

What’s Your Issue online survey asks youth for input The What’s Your Issue? Project is seeking youth to take an online survey.

The project is based out of the Public Science Project at CUNY Graduate Center and was created in collaboration with youth across the country.

The survey was designed for LGBTQ youth to identify the issues, dreams and experiences they’ve faced in their own words.

Anyone interested can share this information and/or the survey link (http://bit.ly/whatsyourissue) on any social media platforms that you use. Here’s PSP’s: tumblr, instagram, twitter, and facebook.

Over 40 organizations, schools and groups across the country host survey parties for the young people they work with.

The survey will be open for another month. It’s for youth between the ages of 14-24. All information is confidential and it has gone through IRB at CUNY. Youth as young as 14 can take the survey without parental permission.

NYC Pride announces Grand Marshals for 2016 On April 12, Heritage of Pride announced three Grand Marshals for the 47th NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 26.

Jazz Jennings is the 15-yearold honorary co-founder of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation and the youngest Grand Marshal in NYC Pride history. Since her first appearance with her family at age 6 on 20/20, Jazz has become one of the nation’s best known voices on the experiences of trans young people. Jazz currently stars in the TLC docu-series I Am Jazz, returning on June 8.

Her memoir, Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen, will be published by Random House Children’s Books and hits bookstores on June 7.

Subhi Nahas is a Syrian refugee who co-founded

3 Streets. In 2015, an estimated two million spectators lined the two-mile route.

The first NYC Pride March took place in 1970, on the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, considered the birthplace of the modern LGBT liberation movement. In 2019, New York City welcomes the world to celebrate Stonewall 50 and the first WorldPride in the United States.

Over 65 see “Gen Silent” film on closeted elders

Jazz Jennings, 15

the first LGBT magazine in Syria, Mawaleh. In 2015, Subhi addressed the U.N. Security Council on the plight of LGBT people under persecution in his home country. He continues to advocate for LGBT refugees around the world and is currently working with a group of LGBT refugees in Turkey, called “Tea and Talk.”

Cecilia Chung is an internationally recognized leader who has been advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and care, LGBT equality, and social justice, for more than 30 years. As a founding producer of the San Francisco Trans March, Cecilia helped organize one of the world’s first and largest annual transgender events, which has since been replicated in cities across the U.S. Chung is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and is a Senior Strategist for the Transgender Law Center.

“Our 2016 theme, ‘Equality Needs You,’ could not be better reflected than through Jazz, Subhi, and Cecilia,” said Julian Sanjivan, NYC Pride March Director. “In a post-marriage equality America, these leaders are ensuring that the barriers to LGBT people achieving true legal, health, and social equality are being broken down.”

The 47th NYC Pride March will step off at noon on June 26, at 5th Avenue and 36th Street in Manhattan. The route proceeds through Midtown down 5th Avenue, before heading west into Greenwich Village, ending at Christopher and Greenwich

By Todd Plank On March 30 over 65 people turned out for a free screening of the 2010 documentary “Gen Silent” at the Cinema Theater.

The 2010 documentary puts a face on what experts in the film call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender seniors so afraid of discrimination, or worse, in long-term/health care that many go back into the closet.

The film was followed by a panel discussion (panelists: JoAnne Metzler, trans activist; Dr. Melanie Duguid-May, John Price Crozer Professor of Theology at CRCDS; Todd Plank/ SAGE Rochester Program Educator). The event was part of the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity Spring Lecture Series.

Next spring NY Assemblyman Harry Bronson (AD 138) will be a featured presenter at the CRCDS lecture series. Cosponsors of this year’s event included Asbury United Methodist Church, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Community Christian Church/ UCC (Chili), Covenant United Methodist Church, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Lake Avenue Baptist Church, Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, Third Presbyterian Church and The Gay Alliance.

“Gen Silent” asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their lives to survive. They put a face on the isolation that experts in the film call an epidemic. And, the seniors’ decisions are captured through intimate access to their day-to-day lives over the course of a year in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Gen Silent” reveals how oppression in the years before Stonewall still leaves many elders (Gen Silent continues page 6)

Kaye Fox, trans activist, passes in South Carolina Rev. Kaye S. Fox, 74, formerly of Rochester, died March 27, in Summerville, SC. Kaye Fox led the Open Door Mission for more than 25 years as the Rev. Kenneth Fox, before transitioning as a woman in 2002.

She is survived by her spouse, Lisa Fox of Summerville, SC; a son, two grandchildren and a great grandson.

From WHAM News: “If people are angry at me, let them be angry at me,” Fox said to 13WHAM’s Patrice Walsh in a 2002

interview. “To abandon the mission at this most difficult time in our history would be unfair. It wouldn’t be fair for me to think everybody should accept it just like that, because it took many years for me to accept me.” ■

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

NewsFronts

Sen. Jenifer Branning, sponsor of the hate bill.

Miss. passes most extreme anti-LGBT bill Bobby Rae posted on pinknews.co.uk: Mississippi has passed the most antiLGBT legislation to date….

House Bill 1523 passed a vote in the State Senate on Wednesday and Governor Phil Bryant has signed it into law (after an amendment vote in the House).

The bill, which was passed by the House in March, was voted through the Senate, 31-17, and will be known as the “Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act”.

Unlike bills passed in other states, the Mississippi bill only protects people with anti-LGBT religious views.

It states that it’s acceptable to discriminate against someone who identifies as LGBT, if the view is held that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, that sex should only happen in marriage and that male and female refer only to someone’s anatomy.

Protect Thy Neighbor, a group that promotes separation of church and state, has said that the new bill could have disastrous consequences for LGBT people in the Magnolia State.

It claims that the law could see a woman fired from her job for wearing trousers, a counselor on a suicide line refuse to speak to an LGBT teenager or even an adoption agency refuse to place

a child with a family because the parents lived together before they were married.

To ensure protection for people who claim to have these beliefs, the bill protects them from tax penalties, loss of contract or benefit and from any fine or penalty.

These views can also be used in court to justify discriminatory behavior if sued.

Read the full story on pinknews.com. uk On Towleroad.com: The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports: House Bill 1523 would allow clerks to deny same-sex marriage licenses to gay couples because of their religious beliefs and not face any repercussions. It would also allow private businesses and faith-based organizations to refuse services based on those same beliefs without retribution.

Sen. Jenifer Branning, R-Philadelphia, presented the bill to the Senate. Debate bill lasted over two hours.

“This is presenting a solution to the crossroads we find ourselves in today as a result of Obergefell v. Hodges,” Branning said, referring to the Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriages.

“Ministers, florists, photographers, people along those lines — this bill would allow them to refuse to provide marriage-related business services without fear of government discrimination.”

Opponents of the bill say the bill

could allow discrimination of those in the LGBT community and possibly single mothers, but Branning said the bill deals only with same-sex marriage.

Read the full story on towleroad.com Task Force responds Rea Carey, Executive Director, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, stated, “Mississippi has once again passed a law that unduly infringes on basic human rights. What Governor Bryant did was immoral. That’s why he must resign immediately. By signing this law, he is targeting some of the poorest people with the least legal protections in our nation, Mississippi’s LGBTQ community. And, he manipulated faith and cherished constitutional rights to justify this reprehensible action.

“Make no mistake: this law was knowingly designed to have the biggest negative impact on the most vulnerable. Contrary to what the Governor has said, this law makes a mockery of the basic American idea that we are guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom from religion. We believe that what he did makes his position untenable.

“Mississippi has the highest proportion of same-sex couples raising children in our nation at 26 percent. It has one of the highest percentages of Black same-sex couples. And Mississippi has the highest number of poor people in the country — many of whom are LGBTQ. These folks already face devastating discrimination and racism. With this law they are going to face more. This is what makes Bryant’s action so despicable,” said Carey.

“The state’s new law discriminates against LGBTQ people and many others in a number of different contexts. These include: the workplace, at schools, in health care settings and in public spaces such as stores, hotels or eateries by giving individuals, religious associations and private entities the right to use their religious beliefs as an excuse to “shut the door” on anyone they choose.

“The outcry against Bryant has been diverse — from people of faith who think what he did was immoral to businesses who think that his action will be a jobs killer.

“Bryant could have stopped this bill becoming law. Instead he signed it. Now it’s time for him to sign something else — his resignation letter. He must resign to do the decent thing, and to help make the Hospitality State truly hospitable again,” urged Carey.

Morocco releases jailed assault victims Joe Morgan posts on gaystarnews.com: Morocco has released a victim of a homophobic attack from jail.

Two men, convicted of homosexuality, had been attacked with a knife in their own home.

(A) terrifying video posted online… showed the two victims naked, scared, covered in blood and being beaten and kicked. During the attack, the men were

dragged outside while homophobic slurs can be heard.

Both the victims and the assailants were arrested by Beni Mellal police last month. The first victim was convicted of “acts of sexual deviancy with a person of the same sex” and “public drunkenness” and sentenced to four months. The other victim was given a four month suspended sentence for “sexual deviancy”.

For the attackers, one was handed a six month prison sentence and another received four months for “forced entry, resorting to violence and carrying weapons”.

Read the full story on gaystarnews. com

Jerame Davis

Pride at Work reacts to SCOTUS ruling in Friedrichs v. Calif.

Teachers Assoc.

On March 29, the Supreme Court voted 4-4 to uphold a decades-old ruling that threatened the continued viability of unions for workers in government, education and other public sector jobs. Pride at Work said, “This important victory will protect the rights of working people and their families.”

This outcome is particularly important for LGBTQ working people, who are disproportionately affected by workplace discrimination and do not have legal protections in more than half the country.

Pride at Work Executive Director Jerame Davis elaborated on the ruling: “This ruling by the Supreme Court upholds more than four decades of precedence in labor law and we are relieved the legal attacks on labor unions have been momentarily stalled by this ruling.

Every working person in the public sector – schools, government offices, police, firefighters, etc. – can breathe a sigh of relief that this case has ended and their unions remain strong. For LGBTQ public sector working folks, this ensures that even in states without laws protecting LGBTQ people in the workplace, a strong union contract is still a viable option to gain those protections.

“We know this fight isn’t over, however.

A split ruling in the Supreme Court means

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET this question hasn’t been settled by the Court and the plaintiffs have already indicated they plan to refile. Corporate interests will not rest until they’ve completely dismantled our ability to come together and speak with one voice in the workplace.

“Pride at Work will continue to stand with our union family and push back against these attacks on our rights. The fight to protect our jobs and our families isn’t over, but together, we can – and will – win.”

Bangladesh police arrest four gay activists, out them to families Andy Towle posted on towleroad.com on April 15: Police in Dhaka, Bangladesh arrested four gay activists during Bengali New Year celebrations. The activists were reportedly “parading with rainbow colours to promote sexual diversity and tolerance.”

The authorities then called their families and outed them.

First Post reports: “The detainees were released on Thursday night after over ten hours at the police station and after being interrogated,” a member of Roopbaan, an LGBT rights organization, told EFE news on Friday.

“The four were released after their relatives went to the police station where police officers told them their children were homosexuals and advised them to address the problem, the source added…” …In Bangladesh, homosexuality is a crime and section 377 of the penal code stipulates punishment of up to life imprisonment and although lawsuits are not successful, the LGBT community is often discriminated against.

Read the full story on towleroad.com

New La. governor orders anti-discrimination protections for state Nick Duffy posted on pinknews. uk.com on April 14: The previous Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, was one of the most notoriously anti-LGBT Governors in the US – having issued orders to protect the “religious freedom” to discriminate against gay people, and pledged to block same-sex weddings.

But Jindal’s chosen successor was ousted in last year’s election by Democrat John Bel Edwards – and Governor Edwards has wasted no time in bringing around change.

Just months into office, Governor Edwards has issued an executive order to protect LGBT people who are state employees and government contractors from discrimination and harassment.

It comes as neighbouring Mississippi and nearby Tennessee both face criticism over anti-LGBT legislation.

Governor Edwards said: “We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a

foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens.

“We respect our fellow citizens for their beliefs, but we do not discriminate based on our disagreements. I believe in giving every Louisianan the opportunity to be successful and to thrive in our state.

Our goal is to promote the opportunities we have right here in Louisiana.

“While this executive order respects the religious beliefs of our people, it also signals to the rest of the country that discrimination is not a Louisiana value, but rather, that Louisiana is a state that is respectful and inclusive of everyone around us.”

The Governor also acted to overturn Jindal’s previous orders, which had blocked anti-discrimination protections.

Read the full story on pinknews. uk.com

National groups call for rejection of Tenn. Hate Bill 1840 In mid-April, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to pass House Bill 1840, also known as Hate Bill 1840, which will permit counselors to deny services and refer clients based on the provider’s “strongly held beliefs.”

Not only is this legislation discriminatory in nature, but it is also an unnecessary government intrusion that has the potential to negatively impact Tennessee’s economy and damage the counseling profession as a whole.

Since the bill’s introduction, a growing chorus of voices has called on the state legislature to reject the legislation.

With the bill up for a final vote, national attention has turned to Governor Haslam as Tennessee seems poised to become the next state embroiled in the contentious debate surrounding LGBTQ rights and religious freedom legislation. The recent national attention on the issue further underscores the potential damage to the state outlined by the Tennessean in a recent editorial, “Is Tennessee still open for business?”

See below for a roundup of key national coverage of the bill: CNN piece featuring Barney Self, President of the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: “A spate of bills across the nation, but especially across the South, has pitted religious freedom against LGBT rights, resurrecting the specter of the civil rights movement, which saw religion and race locking horns many decades ago… Tennessee says it wants to protect the religious freedom of therapists who wish not to treat the LGBT community. […]

“If a client says to me, ‘I’m gay and you’re a Baptist; I don’t feel comfortable,’ I give them a list of other therapists that they might feel more comfortable with.

It’s a co-constructive reality.

“Tennessee’s House Bill 1840 hurts this process and creates a unilateral format that is not constructive to the client and makes them feel uncomfortable,” he

said. This bill does more harm than good in his opinion and “ultimately, it legalizes malpractice.”

Wall Street Journal: Tennessee Bill on Counselors Is Latest Battleground on LGBT Issues: …“The motivation is I think against the LGBT community,” said Lynn Linde, senior director at the ACA’s Center for Counseling Practice, Policy and Research, regarding the Tennessee bill. A former ACA president, she helped write the latest ethics code.

Counselors should refer clients when clients need services that fall outside the counselors’ scope of practice, Ms. Linde said. But that is different than using personal beliefs as a filter, she said… Even with referrals, people who need help may find themselves out of options in the wide, rural state, said Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality project, an advocacy group for LGBT people.

“It could be a real hardship for you to go to another source of counseling,” he said.

MSNBC: Tennessee the latest red state poised to approve ‘religious freedom’ bill: “This bill is an unprecedented attack on the counseling profession and endangers the health and well-being of Tennesseans,” said Art Terrazas, director of the American Counseling Association, during a press conference Tuesday. “H.B. 1840 puts the government into people’s private lives, right between a person and their healthcare provider — exactly where the government shouldn’t be.”

New York Magazine: Tennessee Lawmakers Just Passed a Bill That Would Allow Therapists to Refuse to Treat Gay Clients: “…What’s really at stake in the legislation is what the ethical code for licensed mental-health professionals in the United States will entail. The bill was drafted in reaction to the American Counseling Association’s 2014 code of ethics, which warned counselors not to impose their personal values onto their clients. Tennessee’s bill would allow the state’s mental-health professionals to reject clients — for failing to conform to their beliefs — without losing their licenses. The bill’s opponents argue that allowing therapists such a prerogative would endanger the lives of vulnerable people.”

Tennessee Counselor Leticia Flores’ column in leading LGBT publication, The Advocate: “While those behind the bill are fixated on the ‘LGBT bogeyman’ preying on their religious rights, HB 1840 is dangerous solution to a problem that — just like the bogeyman — does not exist. As counselors, we need to step up and make sure the facts are out there. Yes, HB 1840 is an unnecessary government intrusion, but in the rare instances where a desperate patient needs care, it is unnecessary legislation that may be the difference between life and death.”

-American Counseling Association

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Tenn. editorial condemns Hate Bill 1840 A new editorial in The Tennessean, Tennessee’s largest newspaper, condemns the recently passed counseling bill (HB1840/SB1556) and other discriminatory legislation as wrong for Tennessee and bad for the state’s businesses and reputation.

Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Convention and Visitors Corporation, who is quoted in the piece, worries about the impact the bill will have on Tennessee’s bottom line. Said Spyridon, “When the state starts introducing legislation that affects our ability to do business, it is not helpful and needs to be rethought. Our success in the hospitality industry is predicated on a welcoming and friendly environment. We don’t need to do anything to diminish or hinder the success that is driving the state’s economy.”

The editorial concludes with a call for Gov. Bill Haslam to veto these discriminatory bills, noting, “[Gov. Haslam will] hopefully veto any legislation that seeks to discriminate against the citizens he is charged to protect. If Tennessee is truly open for business, it would be open for business to all people, not just those deemed worthy by the majority of legislators.”

The full editorial “Is Tennessee still open for business follows below: One of the recurring themes of Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration is that Tennessee is open for business.

That attitude has led to unprecedented growth, especially in the Nashville area, leading to a boom in jobs, recordsetting tourism numbers and population growth because people want to live, work and play in Middle Tennessee.

Nashville has appeared on numerous national publications’ lists for quality of life, jobs, recreation and food, fashion and music culture.

Tourists and investors from London to Tokyo to Ottawa have sought to strengthen ties with the Volunteer State.

However, that progress is in peril if Tennessee lawmakers decide that they want to join a handful of other states seeking to humiliate and marginalize its minorities, be it because of religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

That could send the message that Tennessee is not serious about being open for business. In turn, that will have serious effects on the growing economy.

Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Convention & Visitors Corp., said it plainly: “When the state starts introducing legislation that affects our ability to do business, it is not helpful and needs to be rethought. Our success in the hospitality industry is predicated on a welcoming and friendly environment. We don’t need to do anything to diminish or hinder the success that is driving the state’s economy.”

That includes legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly seeking to (Tennesee continues page 6)

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LOCAL AND STATE (Gen Silent from page 3) not just afraid, but dangerously isolated.

Many of our greatest generation are dying prematurely because they don’t ask for help and have too few people in their lives to keep an eye on them. The film shows the wide range in quality of paid caregivers -- from those who are specifically trained to make LGBT seniors feel safe, to the other end of the spectrum, where LGBT elders face discrimination, neglect or abuse. As the film chronicles the challenges that these men and women face, each subject crosses paths with a small but growing group of impassioned professionals trying to wake up the long-term and healthcare industries to their plight. ■

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ( Tennessee from page 5) require students in public schools and colleges to use bathrooms that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificate. It is a slap in the face to transgender individuals, blatant ignorance of intersex individuals, and a burden on educators who would be effectively forced to verify the genitalia of their students before letting them use the facilities.

North Carolina is already seeing the backlash for its bathroom bill. PayPal has canceled its plan for a global operations center in Charlotte.

As quoted in the Wall Street Journal, CEO Dan Schulman said: “The new law perpetuates discrimination, and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture. As a result, PayPal will not move forward with our planned expansion into Charlotte.”

Imagine if a CEO said the same thing

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016 about Tennessee. Imagine if that led to producers of the popular TV show “Nashville” filming elsewhere even as the state is looking to invest $8 million to keep the show in the city for a fifth season. That show has helped tell the city’s story across the globe.

This will not be a proud moment in Tennessee history if we, through our lawmakers, choose to embrace a legacy of discrimination, not just because of the business the state will lose, but because it is the inhumane thing to do.

Recall the backlash that faced Indiana in 2015 over its Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which forced lawmakers and the governor to revise it and water down its effect of allowing business owners to discriminate against others based on religious beliefs.

Legislators have already effectively endorsed Christianity as the religion of the state by passing the Bible bill last week, which Haslam will hopefully veto.

He also will hopefully veto any legislation that seeks to discriminate against the citizens he is charged to protect.

If Tennessee is truly open for business, it would be open for business to all people, not just those deemed worthy by the majority of legislators.

Texas Supreme Court rules state can’t overturn lesbian marriage

Joseph Patrick McCormick posts on pinknews.co.uk: A lesbian couple has been allowed to keep their marriage, which they entered before it was legal across the US. The decision by the Texas Supreme Court was to dismiss the state’s attempts to overturn the lesbian couple’s marriage.

Suzanne Bryant and Sarah Goodfriend got married some time before the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across all 50 states, while Texas still banned same-sex marriage.

The couple were allowed to marry for

CBS video shows rightwing plan for bathroom bills Posted on JoeMyGod.com: CBS News reports: Lawmakers in state after state are passing bills to protect those who cite religious beliefs for refusing to serve or employ gay or transgender people. CBS News wondered why so many of these laws — including some that limit access to public restrooms — are surfacing now … and who’s behind all of this? We went and found out.

Demonstrators against the so-called bathroom bills were out in force in South Carolina — their chants echoing those in other states where they say legislatures have enacted laws enabling bigotry.

But while they protested, (Alliance Defending Freedom) the conservative group that’s helped author many of those measures protecting religion over sexual orientation, was working at its Orlando area office on new ways to uphold what it says is really at stake.

“The Supreme Court in the 5-4 opinion on marriage in 2015 lit the house on fire,” (Matt) Staver said. “All we’re trying to do is control the fire at this point in time.” And he is unfazed by corporate threats to pull out of states in protest against his work. “They’re not gonna follow through,” Staver said. So it’s a bluff? “It’s a bluff. They’re not leaving,” he said.

As we know, Alliance Defending Freedom is also providing support in many states.

Read the full article and see the CBS video on JoeMyGod.com

medical reasons, and a rabbi presided over the ceremony, after the marriage license was issued.

Read the full story on pinknews.co.uk

Court of Appeals says trans students can use restrooms corresponding with gender identity The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled on April 21 that under Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, transgender students have the right to use school restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

The ruling could invalidate significant aspects of North Carolina’s HB2 law with regard to transgender people using bathrooms in educational institutions. However, it leaves the majority of the law in place.

“This historic ruling is an enormous victory for the advancement of equality for transgender people — especially as it further validates the fact that discrimination against transgender people is sex discrimination. In turn, it also makes the advent of ‘bathroom police’ checking the IDs of everyone who use public restrooms less likely. The ruling could invalidate core aspects of the anti-trans bathroom measures contained in North Carolina’s HB2 and similar practices and measures in other states. However, with specific regard to North Carolina, the other pieces of HB2 would remain intact,” said Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán, J.D., Policy Counsel, Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

Anti-gay fanatic found guilty of young girl’s murder at Jerusalem Pride 2015 The Jerusalem Post reports: Yishai Schlissel, who stabbed participants in the July 2015 Gay Pride Parade in the capital, was convicted on April 19 of murder and six counts of attempted murder by

the Jerusalem District Court. The court in its ruling also slammed Israeli police apparatus for knowing about Schlissel and not stopping him. “It’s unconscionable,” the court said during the sentencing.

The stabbings horrified the country, garnered across-the-board condemnation from Israeli society, including from Orthodox religious figures, and drew international attention due to the ferocity of the attack and the footage that emerged of it. Schlissel, who was previously imprisoned for 10 years for stabbing three people at the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, was arrested during the stabbing rampage, just weeks after being released from jail.

He killed 16-year-old Shira Banki and wounded six others, who were named as Yarden Noy, Kfir Gil, Noam Eyal, Yael Belkin, Sagiv Satkolshtick and Sheli Bar Niv. Read the full story on joemygod.com

NCAVP reports eighth trans homicide of 2016 The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Shante Thompson, a Black transgender woman in Houston, Texas which occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, April 11.

According to media reports, Shante Thompson was killed along with a friend named Willie Sims. According to local blogger Monica Roberts, there was a Candlelight Vigil for Shante and Willie on April 15, at Houston City Hall.

“The Montrose Center is deeply saddened to learn that Shante Thompson was killed Sunday in Houston’s Midtown area,” said Ann J. Robison, PhD, Executive Director of The Montrose Center in Houston, Texas. “We are committed to uplifting those who knew Shante and offer our counseling services and support.”

This is the eighth* reported killing of a transgender or gender non-conforming person that NCAVP has responded to this year. Along with Shante Thomp-

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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Interview Nathan Manske of I’m From Driftwood

By Susan Jordan Nathan Manske founded the sharing our stories online project “I’m From Driftwood”, which sends the message to LGBTQ people that “you’re not alone”.

Nathan was in Rochester last month and spoke at the Gay Alliance’s LGBTQ Resource Center.

Nathan told The Empty Closet, “On Tuesday, April 19 the Gay Alliance hosted me, and I had a storytelling event. At these events I talk about the power of storytelling, and my favorite part, actually sharing several stories we’ve collected over the years. I’m hoping people will learn how important their stories are, and hopefully want to go watch and read a lot more stories at www.imfromdriftwood. org. The link to the event is here: http:// www.gayalliance.org/event/inqueery-imfrom-driftwood/ “In 2010, we did a 50-state Story Tour, where we traveled to towns and cities all across the country collecting stories. Now, we do short trips to places to collect and share stories, just like what we’ve done in Rochester.”

What is the goal of I’m From Driftwood?

“I’m From Driftwood aims to help LGBTQ people learn more about their community, straight people learn more about their neighbors and everyone learn more about themselves through the power of storytelling and story sharing.

“IFD increases empathy and empowers individuals by creating an apolitical forum for LGBTQ stories from every age, race, gender, background and culture.

The stories deepen our understanding of each other, preserve history, and open hearts and minds.

“I want to make sure that everyone can find a story they relate to on I’m From Driftwood.”

Nathan commented on one example of the story.

“Last week, we published a really important story that involved sexual abuse of a child and how the storyteller handled it and became a survivor, but also how much it affected his coming out process.

He was worried that people would blame his being gay on being abused, so he was

son, we have lost Jasmine Sierra, a Latina transgender woman (Bakersfield, CA), Monica Loera, a Latina transgender woman (Austin, TX), Kayden Clarke, a white transgender man (Mesa, AZ), Maya Young, a Black transgender woman (Philadelphia, PA), Demarkis Stamsberry, a Black transgender man (Baton Rouge, LA), and Kedarie/Kandicee Johnson, a Black, genderfluid 16-year-old (Burlington, IA) and Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum, a Black transgender woman (Los Angeles, CA).

Last year, in 2015, NCAVP responded to 22 homicides of transgender and gender-nonconforming people, 19 of whom were people of color. *NCAVP is also looking into the death of Veronica Cano, a Black transgender woman, in San Antonio Texas. As of now there is no known cause of death, however, we are continuing to monitor.

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence.”

For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org. Note: At EC presstime media reported a possible ninth trans murder.)

afraid to talk about either one. As he says in the story, ‘Sexual abuse is something we go through and not something that we are.’ I think it was very brave for him to share his story.”

Nathan concluded, “Keep an eye on www.imfromdriftwood.org because we’re soon going to launch a brand new featured called our Story Map. Every story we’ve collected over the past seven years will be represented by a ‘story bubble’ on a global map. It’s completely interactive, so you can click on each bubble and watch or read the story. It’s a really nice visual metaphor of I’m From Driftwood’s central message of ‘You’re not alone’.” ■

Islan Nettles’ killer gets 12 years in prison Andy Towle posted on April 20 on Towleroad.com: James Dixon, the 25-year-old man who sent Islan Nettles to the hospital to die after punching her unconscious in Harlem in August 2013 and pleaded guilty to the fatal beating in a deal that cut his sentence in half received the expected sentence of 12 years in prison on April 19, the NYT reports: The victim’s mother, Delores Nettles, told the court she believed 12 years was too light a sentence, given the brutal beating her daughter took. “He can go home after those 12 years and see his family,” she said in tears. “It’s not fair.” Turning to Mr. Dixon, she said: “How can you sleep at night? How can you rest? I can’t rest.”

DNA Info reported on the attack on Nettles: Dixon’s blow sent Nettles crashing to the pavement, knocking her unconscious, but Dixon continued to punch her as she lay on the street, prosecutors said. Nettles was taken to the hospital, and was declared brain dead as a result of her injuries and taken off life support three days later, prosecutors said.

Dixon was arrested two years after the beating took place and charged with manslaughter.

Nettles had encountered Dixon on

His blunt response? “No, I wouldn’t.”

He added, “What I like to say is, just relax, if you don’t like what somebody is doing, pray for them. And if you feel as though somebody is doing something wrong against you, can you just for a second get over it?”

Read the full story on joemygod.com

Neo-Nazi charged with brutal murder of gay Russian journalist Islan Nettles

the street with a group of men and when Dixon hit on her and then realized that Nettles was transgender, the attack took place.

Read the full story on Towleroad.com

GOP candidate Kasich to gays: “Just get over” discrimination Joe Jervis posted on April 18 on JoeMyGod.com: This morning on CNN’s State of the Union, John Kasich was asked whether he would take steps to try to stop states from passing anti-LGBT “Right to Discriminate” laws.

Nick Duffy writes on pinknews.co.uk: A homophobe has been arrested in Russia over the murder of a gay journalist he allegedly planned to blackmail for money.

Dmitry Tsilikin, a popular arts and theatre critic who had written for Kommersant, Moscow News, Vogue and Elle, was found dead in his St Petersburg home earlier this month.

The journalist had been stabbed with a knife a dozen times – and by the time his body was found, he had bled to death in a pool of his own blood.

Though Mr. Tsilikin was not open about his sexuality, a number of Russian newspapers have posthumously outed him as gay, after 21-year-old Sergei Kosyreva was arrested over the murder.

The country’s newspapers speculated (Neo-Nazi continues page 11)

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

Making the Scene

LEIGH ANNE FRANCIS was honored at a reception at the LGBTQ Community Center on April 13. Above: Leigh Anne, center, with Jeanne Gainsburg and Scott Fearing. She was in town for the Social Welfare Action Alliance summit. Photo: Lorraine Woerner-McGowan

Photo: Gerry Szymanski

Photo: Lorraine Woerner-McGowan

HEALTH QUEST: Above top: A cooking demonstration by Sandy Baker at Health Quest in April. Bottom: A social dance class at Health Quest. Photos: Bess Watts

Health Quest II starts on May 9

HARRY AT CSEA: Discussion panel at the CSEA Region 6 Women’s Conference in Corning on poverty. Panelists Gloria Rosenthal, CSEA member at Cattaragus County DSS, Harry Bronson Assemblymember and Laura Rossman, Executive Director of ProAction of Steuben and Yates County; facilitated by CSEA Education Specialist Nisha Stillwell.

Calling couch potatoes! Monday May 9 is the start of LGBTQ Health Quest Session II and you are invited to join us on the road to better health!

The program runs Mondays, from May 9 to June 27 (except Memorial Day) 5:307:30 p.m. We will prepare and share healthy foods and learn new ways of cooking and thinking about eating. The program addresses the latest nutrition research and in particular explores a plant-based eating plan, the Mediterranean diet, the American Diabetes Association Diet and healthy Asian cooking. With curriculum reviewed by a registered dietitian, a registered nurse and certified personal trainer and yoga master we will explore simple ways to start eating better and adding more physical activity to our daily lives.

Join us... getting healthy is more fun together! There is no cost but you must register to become part of the class. Please leave your contact information (name, address, phone and email) at annet@gayalliance.org or (585) 244-8640 x23 ■

GSA ADVISORS SUMMIT: Gay-Straight Alliance advisors met at the Center on April 7 to share support and resources with advisors of local LGBT student groups. Photos: Paul Birkby

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (Neo-Nazi continued from page 6)

Dmitri Tsilikin

it was the latest in a “series of high-profile murders of homosexual men”, and noted that Kosyreva displayed an obsession with Hitler imagery on his social media pages.

A Human Rights Watch researcher who examined the case wrote: “The attacker reportedly told the police he had met Tsilikin online and planned to blackmail Tsilikin about his homosexuality but killed him after an argument. The attacker’s social network accounts contain images of swastikas and Adolf Hitler.”

Read the story on pinknews.co.uk

N.C. governor keeps bathroom bill, bans LGB discrimination; ACLU, GLSEN condemn action North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) on April 11 issued an executive order that maintains House Bill 2’s provisions that force transgender people to

use the wrong restroom while prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity for state employees.

The news follows the passage of House Bill 2, a measure that removes existing protections for gay and transgender people, blocks other localities from enacting protections, erodes existing rights for everyone under state nondiscrimination law, and forces transgender individuals to use the wrong restroom in schools and other government buildings.

In response, ACLU of North Carolina Acting Executive Director Sarah Preston said the following: “Gov. McCrory’s actions today are a poor effort to save face after his sweeping attacks on the LGBT community, and they fall far short of correcting the damage done when he signed the harmful House Bill 2 into law which stigmatizes and mandates discrimination against gay and transgender people.

With this executive order, LGBT individuals still lack legal protections from discrimination, and transgender people are still explicitly targeted by being forced to use the wrong restroom.

“An impressive and growing number of businesses, faith leaders, and public figures have come out to condemn House Bill 2 as an unnecessary and dangerous measure that unfairly targets gay and transgender people. Regardless of political affiliation, more and more political leaders also understand that discrimination is bad for business and politically toxic. The public believes in equality and fairness and House Bill 2 and measures like it are out of step with the values of most Americans.

“Efforts to divide the LGBT community by extending limited protections but leaving in place the rules mandating discrimination against the transgender community will only strengthen our resolve to fight back against this discriminatory and misguided legislative

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action. We call on Gov. McCrory and the North Carolina legislature to repeal House Bill 2 and replace it with full non-discrimination protections for all LGBT people.”

Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and the ACLU of North Carolina recently filed a lawsuit challenging House Bill 2.

The lawsuit argues that through HB 2, North Carolina sends a purposeful message that LGBT people are secondclass citizens who are undeserving of the privacy, respect, and protections afforded others in the state. The complaint argues that HB 2 is unconstitutional because it violates the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment by discriminating on the basis of sex and sexual orientation and invading the privacy of transgender people. The law also violates Title IX by discriminating against students and school employees on the basis of sex.

The Obama administration is presently considering whether North Carolina’s House Bill 2 makes the state ineligible for billions of dollars in federal aid for schools, highways, and housing. North Carolina receives more than $4.5 billion in federal funding for secondary and post-secondary schools, all of which remains at jeopardy given the state’s policy of systemically violating Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination, including discrimination against transgender students.

GLSEN response GLSEN Director of Public Policy Nathan Smith condemned North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory’s issuing of Executive Order 93 in response to the backlash against his signing of HB 2.

“Governor McCrory’s Executive Order is a weak attempt to diffuse the backlash against the General Assembly’s passing and his signing of HB 2. The Executive Order does nothing to help transgender students in North Carolina who will continue to be denied the dignity of accessing restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. It also does nothing to remove the ban on citywide nondiscrimination ordinances that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people “Instead, the Governor is attempting to distract the public by offering minor protections for the state’s lesbian, gay and bisexual employees and completely hollow ‘protections’ for the state’s transgender employees, who will still not be able to access restrooms in their workplaces. We thank all those who have opposed HB 2 and call on them to remember the impact the law will continue to have on the students of North Carolina despite Gov. McCrory’s thinly veiled attempt to save face. We also continue to call on the North Carolina Assembly to repeal HB 2 in its entirety.”

The latest edition of GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey found that LGBT students who experienced discrimination and bullying and harass-

ment at school were more than three times as likely to have missed school in the past month as those who did not, had lower GPAs than their peers, and had lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression. GLSEN has created model laws and policies for schools, districts and states to ensure LGBT students are safe and affirmed at school, including a model district policy for accommodating transgender and gender nonconforming students that complies with Title IX.

HRC announces more companies boycotting North Carolina On April 15, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Equality NC, the state organization working to secure equal rights and justice for LGBT North Carolinians, announced that executives from the American Express Company, AXA Financial Inc., Bloomberg L.P. ,Capital One, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, Campbell Soup Company, CohnReznick LLP, CrowdRise, eMaint Enterprises, LLC, Ernst & Young LLP, the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., John Hancock Financial, Kohler Co., Logitech, Plum Organics, RBC Capital Markets, REI, Strava Inc., The Hartford, Time Warner Cable, United Airlines, Visa Inc. and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. have signed onto an open letter that now includes more than 160 leading CEOs and business leaders urging Governor Pat McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly to repeal the radical provisions in the deeply discriminatory law that was rammed through the legislature on March 23.

These companies are continuing their support after Governor McCrory announced an executive order that does nothing to fix the discriminatory provisions signed into law through HB 2.

On April 14, HRC released a new video fact-checking Gov. McCrory’s dangerous rhetoric on HB 2.

While the governor’s executive order extends protections to state workers, it does nothing to fix the vile and discriminatory provisions he signed into law through HB 2. Under HB 2, transgender people are prohibited from using restrooms consistent with their gender identity in public buildings, including the University of North Carolina campus and the Raleigh-Durham Airport. Cities still cannot adopt ordinances to prohibit discrimination against their residents and visitors. And HB 2 still prevents individuals from bringing discrimination suit in state courts.

HRC is invoking the North Carolina Public Records Law to gain access to any communications the Governor, the Executive Branch, or the General Assembly had among each other or with the kind of extreme anti-LGBT special interest groups who often craft and push this language. Specifically, the organizations are (HRC continues page 12)

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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (HRC continued from page 11) demanding that the government release any communications legislators or the Governor or his staff have had with the North Carolina Values Coalition or the Alliance Defending Freedom from the office of Gov. Pat McCrory, Senate leader Phil Berger and Speaker Tim Moore about HB 2.

The copy of the updated letter, which was first made public on Tuesday, March 29, can be found below.

“Governor McCrory’s executive order does nothing more than highlight the actual problems caused by HB 2,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “These businesses understand that discrimination is bad for North Carolina, and will continue to speak out until Governor McCrory and the General Assembly repeal this heinous attack on basic human dignity.”

“North Carolina’s place as a business leader in the South is based on fairness, inclusion, and diversity,” said Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro with the original launch of the open letter.

“HB 2 does not represent North Carolina values, and it weakens our competitive edge. We are glad to see our business community in the Old North State standing up against discriminatory measures like this. Governor McCrory made a mess of our state last [month], and our businesses are leading the charge to repair our state to a place of fairness.”

Gov. Pat McCrory and state lawmakers are under increasingly intense pressure to repeal the discriminatory law in the upcoming legislative session. Mayors and governors across the country are banning travel to the state, and the New York Times editorial board called North Carolina a “pioneer in bigotry.” Major film studios and corporations, includ-

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016 ing PayPal and Deutsche Bank, have stopped investments in the state because of the new law. Last week, Bruce Springsteen cancelled a concert in Greensboro to stand in solidarity with LGBT people across North Carolina and the nation.

HB 2 has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. The legislation also forces transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity, putting 4.5 billion dollars in federal funding under Title IX at risk. It also compels the same type of discrimination against transgender people to take place in state buildings, including in public universities. Lawmakers passed the legislation in a hurried, single-day session last month, and Governor McCrory quickly signed it into law in the dead of night.

North Carolina has the unfortunate distinction of becoming the first state in the country to enact a law attacking transgender students, even after similar proposals were rejected across the country this year -- including a high-profile veto by the Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota. North Carolina school districts that comply with the law will now be in direct violation of Title IX, subjecting the school districts to massive liability and putting an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as funding received by schools from other federal agencies, at risk. This section of HB 2 offers costly supposed solutions to non-existent problems, and it forces schools to choose between complying with federal law -- plus doing the right thing for their students -- or complying with a state law that violates students’ civil rights.

The full letter to Governor McCrory and list of signatories is below: Dear Governor McCrory, We write with concerns about legisla-

tion you signed into law last week, HB 2, which has overturned protections for LGBT people and sanctioned discrimination across North Carolina. Put simply, HB 2 is not a bill that reflects the values of our companies, of our country, or even the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians.

We are disappointed in your decision to sign this discriminatory legislation into law. The business community, by and large, has consistently communicated to lawmakers at every level that such laws are bad for our employees and bad for business. This is not a direction in which states move when they are seeking to provide successful, thriving hubs for business and economic development. We believe that HB 2 will make it far more challenging for businesses across the state to recruit and retain the nation’s best and brightest workers and attract the most talented students from across the nation.

It will also diminish the state’s draw as a destination for tourism, new businesses, and economic activity.

Discrimination is wrong and we believe it has no place in North Carolina or anywhere in our country. As companies that pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to all, we strongly urge you and the leadership of North Carolina’s legislature to repeal this law in the upcoming legislative session.

Sincerely, Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Karen Appleton, Senior V.P., Box James Avery, CEO, Adzerk Brandee Barker, Cofounder, The Pramana Collective Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce Chip Bergh, President and CEO, Levi Strauss & Co. Michael Birch, Founder, Blab Ed Black, President and CEO, Computer & Communications Industry Association Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Goldman Sachs Group Nathan Blecharczyk, Cofounder and CTO, Airbnb Steven R. Boal, CEO, Quotient Technology Inc. Alex Boden, General Manager, Plum Organics Ron Boire, CEO, Barnes and Noble Lorna Borenstein, CEO, Grokker Brad Brinegar, Chairman and CEO, McKinney Michael Bronner, President, Dr. Bronner’s Craig Bromley, President, John Hancock Financial John Bryant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kellogg Company Wes Bush, Chairman, CEO and President of Northrop Grumman Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, co-CEOs, Atlassian Lloyd Carney, CEO, Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. Marc Casper, President and CEO, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Safra Catz, CEO, Oracle Brian Chesky, CEO, Airbnb Emanuel Chirico, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PVH Corp.

Ron Conway, Founder and Co-Managing Partner, SV Angel Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Roger W. Crandall, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Paul T. Dacier, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, EMC Corporation Bracken P. Darrell, CEO, Logitech Dean Debnam, Chairman and CEO, Workplace Options Mike DeFrino, Chief Executive Officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Bill Demchak, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Alex Dimitrief, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, GE Jack Dorsey, CEO, Square and Twitter Sandy Douglas, Executive Vice President & President, Coca-Cola North America, The Coca-Cola Company David Ebersman, Cofounder and CEO, Lyra Health Randy Fiser, CEO, American Society of Interior Designers Blair Fleming, Head, RBC Capital Markets, U.S. Jared Fliesler, General Partner, Matrix Partners Vince Forlenza, Chairman, CEO and President, BD Mark Gainey, CEO, Strava Inc. Joe Gebbia, Cofounder and Chief Product Officer, Airbnb Jason Goldberg, CEO, Pepo Kristen Koh Goldstein, CEO, BackOps Mitchell Gold, co-founder and chairman, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams John H. Graham IV, President and CEO, American Society of Association Executives Peter T. Grauer, Chairman, Bloomberg L.P. Logan Green, CEO, Lyft Mike Gregoire, CEO, CA Technologies Paul Graham, Founder, Y Combinator David Hassell, CEO, 15Five Charles H. Hill III, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Human Resources, Pfizer Inc. Reid Hoffman, Chairman, LinkedIn Robert Hohman, Cofounder & CEO, Glassdoor Lane S. Hopkins, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Capital One Financial Corporation Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation Drew Houston, CEO, Dropbox Stephen R. Howe, Jr., U.S. Chairman and Managing Partner, Americas Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP William H. Howle, President of U.S. Retail Banking Group, Citibank Steve Huffman, CEO, Reddit Chad Hurley, Cofounder, YouTube Dave Imre, Partner and CEO, IMRE Dev Ittycheria, President & CEO, MongoDB

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET Richard Jenrette, Founder, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust Laurene Powell Jobs, President, Emerson Collective Michael O. Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Herbalife Cecily Joseph, VP Corporate Responsibility and Chief Diversity Officer, Symantec Corporation Steve Joyce, CEO, Choice Hotels International Travis Kalanick, CEO, Uber David Karp, Founder and CEO, Tumblr Travis Katz, Founder and CEO, Gogobot Alan King, President and COO, Workplace Options Dave King, CEO, LabCorp.

David Kohler, President & CEO, Kohler Co. Brian Krzanich, CEO, Intel Joshua Kushner, Managing Partner, Thrive Capital Michael W. Lamach, Chairman and CEO, Ingersoll-Rand plc William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Jeff Lawson, Founder, CEO and Chairman, Twilio Max Levchin, CEO, Affirm Dion Lim, CEO, NextLesson Frank Longobardi, CEO, CohnReznick LLP Shan-lyn Ma, CEO, Zola Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group Vishal Makhijani, COO, Udacity Tom Mangas, CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Rob Marcus, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner Cable Bill Maris, CEO, Google Ventures Marissa Mayer, President and CEO, Yahoo Melody McCloskey, CEO, StyleSeat Douglas Merrill, CEO, Zestfinance Dyke Messinger, President and CEO, Power Curbers Inc. Chris Meyrick, Chief Diversity Officer, American Express Company Steve Mollenkopf, CEO, Qualcomm Inc. Bob Moritz, US Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Denise Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Soup Company Brian Moynihan, CEO, Bank of America Oscar Munoz, President and CEO, United Airlines Hari Nair, Vice President and General Manager, Orbitz.com & CheapTickets. com

Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Worldwide Michael Natenshon, CEO, Marine Layer Alexi G. Nazem, Cofounder and CEO, Nomad Health Alexis Ohanian, Cofounder, Reddit Laurie J. Olson, EVP, Strategy, Portfolio and Commercial Operations, Pfizer Inc. Bob Page, Founder and CEO, Replacements, Ltd. Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO, American Airlines Mark Pearson, CEO, AXA Financial Inc. Mike Pedersen, CEO and President, TD Bank, N.A. Michelle Peluso, Strategic Advisor and former CEO, Gilt Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google Mark Pincus, Founder and Executive Chairman, Zynga Hosain Rahman, CEO, Jawbone Bill Ready, CEO, Braintree Evan Reece, CEO, Liftopia Stan Reiss, General Partner, Matrix Partners John Replogle, CEO, Seventh Generation Walter Robb, co-CEO, Whole Foods Market Chuck Robbins, CEO, Cisco Systems Virginia M. Rometty, Chairman, President and CEO, IBM Corporation Dan Rosensweig, CEO, Chegg Kevin P. Ryan, Founder and Chairman, Alleycorp Bijan Sabet, General Partner, Spark Capital Brian Samelson, CEO & President, eMaint Enterprises, LLC Julie Samuels, President, Engine George A. Scangos, PhD, CEO, Biogen Charles W. Scharf, Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc. Paula Schneider, CEO, American Apparel Steve Schoch, CEO, Miramax Dan Schulman, President and CEO, PayPal Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO, Starbucks Adam Shankman, Director and Producer Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Technology Association David A. Shaywitz, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, DNAnexus Behshad Sheldon, President and CEO, Braeburn Pharmaceuticals Ben Silbermann, CEO, Pinterest Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft Arne Sorenson, President and CEO, (HRC continues on page 14)

NBA has not yet canceled N.C. All Star game Bobby Rae posted on pinknews.co.uk on April 11: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has confirmed that it has not issued North Carolina with an ultimatum, after a fake news report said it had.

The fake story claimed that the organization had taken action over the state’s recent passage of HB2, an anti-LGBT law, that has been condemned by a number of other states and businesses.

News sites, including PinkNews and the Associated Press, reported the story at the weekend and included a fictional quote from NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, that North Carolina had 30 days to repeal the law or the game would be moved out of the state…..

In the tweet, the NBA said: “No truth to the fake abcnews account/report concerning the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

The NBA has made no new statement re: 2017 ASG.” Read the full story on pinknews.co.uk On April 18, Nita Chaudhary, cofounder of UltraViolet, a national women’s advocacy organization, issued the following statement slamming the NBA

13

for enabling discrimination: “North Carolina’s new anti-LGBTQ law is more than just ‘problematic’ - it is an extreme attack on the LGBTQ community in the State and a threat to queer people everywhere Over the weekend, Commissioner Silver wondered what kind of message it would send for the NBA to move the AllStar Game - but by refusing to stand with North Carolina’s LGBTQ community, like so many other major companies have done - the NBA is showing that they are afraid to stand up for the fans, and do what is right in the face of hate and discrimination.

“The reality is simple - North Carolina’s elected officials have made it clear that they are not going to change this draconian law and by refusing to take a strong stand against HB2, the NBA is choosing to enable discrimination and stand with those who want to spread hate and divide our country.

“If the NBA was serious about standing with North Carolina’s LGBTQ community and repealing HB2, they would set a clear timetable for legislative action - and promptly move the All-Star Game out of Charlotte unless it is met. The people of North Carolina can’t wait.” ■

14

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (HRC from page 13) Marriott International David Spector, Cofounder, ThirdLove Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO, Yelp Jerry Stritzke, President and CEO, REI John G. Stumpf, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wells Fargo & Company Julie Sweet, Group Chief Executive North America, Accenture Christopher J. Swift, Chairman and CEO, The Hartford Bret Taylor, CEO, Quip Todd Thibodeaux, CEO, CompTIA Brian Tippens, Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise David Tisch, Managing Partner, BoxGroup Nirav Tolia, Cofounder and CEO, Nextdoor Kevin A. Trapani, President and CEO, The Redwood Groups Mark Trudeau, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO, Meeting Professionals International Ken Wasch, President, Software & Information Industry Association Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman & President and CEO of the Wasserman Foundation Bob & Harvey Weinstein, Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen, The Weinstein Company Devin Wenig, CEO, eBay Tim Westergren, Founder and CEO, Pandora Media, Inc. Robert Wolfe, CEO, CrowdRise Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Facebook

Gavin Grimm

Court hands down ruling in favor of Va. trans student Gavin Grimm Neil Broverman posted on The Advocate on April 19: A ruling today by the U.S. Court of Appeals will have farreaching effects on the debate over which

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016 bathrooms and locker rooms transgender people can use.

In a 2-1 decision handed down (April19), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth District ruled in favor of Gavin Grimm, a 16-year-old transgender student in Virginia, who sued when he wasn’t allowed to use the men’s facilities at his high school.

Even though Grimm’s use of the boys’ room in his school prompted no complaints from his peers, the Gloucester County School Board enacted a policy requiring him to use a single-stall bathroom instead. With help from the ACLU, Grimm filed suit, only to see a district court side with the school board.

The appeals court reaffirmed that Title IX — part of 1972’s Education Amendments that bans sex discrimination in public education — protects the rights of transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that apply to their gender identity. The Department of Education announced in 2014 that Title IX protections extend to transgender students and their use of facilities.

With their ruling, the court has struck down part of North Carolina’s House Bill 2, which mandated transgender people must use restrooms that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate.

Read the full story on The Advocate

Uganda may revive antihomosexuality law Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament has said the Anti-Homosexuality law could return at any time.

Rebecca Kadaga, who promised to pass the law as a ‘Christmas gift’ to the population, said the bill could be brought back to be voted on at any time.

Speaking on Capital Gang, a political talk show, she said if the movers choose to bring it back she will agree to it being debated and voted on.

‘In 2014, I promised Ugandans that I will give them a Christmas gift by passing the anti-homosexuality bill, which I did.

Unfortunately, the bill was annulled by the court after President Yoweri Museveni had assented to it. However, the bill can still be deliberated on in parliament if the movers bring it back to the floor of parliament.’

During the interview, Kadaga also revealed she was given a copy of a book written by two Catholic priests on how to ‘engage in homosexuality and its advantages’. She did not take kindly to the gift.

Uganda’s anti-gay law was repealed in August 2014. Due to there not being the required amount of politicians in parliament during the vote, something Kadaga should have been aware of, it was repealed over a ‘technicality’.

The Constitutional Court put the blame specifically on Kadaga, saying: ‘The illegal act of the Speaker tainted the process and rendered it a nullity.’

The law promised life in prison as punishment for homosexuality. ■

Marriage plaintiff Edie Windsor starts coding scholarship for women via Lesbians Who Tech OUT.com editors posted on The Advocate: We all know the tech field is dominated by men. Lesbians Who Tech’s Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship is trying to change that. The scholarship will fund 12 or more queer-identified women to attend the coding school of their choice.

Vanessa Newman of Lesbians Who Tech told The Huffington Post: “Imagine what apps and software would look like if they were made by women, queer women, women of color. Imagine how integrating that kind of inclusivity into [tech] would create a more inclusive, accessible society and tech industry for all of us. That’s why being able to fund and provide this type of opportunity for queer women to attend coding school is so important, if not vital. We literally have the power to change the face of tech, if we can lift each other up, over the privileges and barriers to entry that come with learning the essential skills.”

Read the story about the Kickstarter project on TheAdvocate.com

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

15

Opinion NC anti-LGBT, antiworker law should be repealed

By Scott Simpson, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has responded to an overwhelming backlash against House Bill 2 from his constituents, the civil rights community, the faith community, and the business sector and signed an executive order that attempts to backpedal on HB 2, the abhorrent law (barring trans people from restrooms).

But it’s simply not enough. The harm done by HB2 to North Carolinians cannot be rectified by mere tweaks to this anti-LGBT and anti-worker law. HB 2 must be repealed outright.

House Bill 2 is part of a broader assault on the constitutional rights of communities across North Carolina to equal protection under the law.

Since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, removing North Carolina voting changes from federal oversight, the state has been a leader in pushing through laws intended to disenfranchise minority voters.

In North Carolina, tens of thousands of voters have been disenfranchised or burdened by voter suppression laws and the inconsistent implementation of them across the state.

Given these assaults on voting rights, coupled with North Carolina’s failures to pass the Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act or a long-overdue minimum wage increase, the passage of discriminatory House Bill 2 paints a troubling picture of a state legislature that is attacking the rights of vulnerable communities from all angles.

For centuries, those seeking to deny civil rights to others have used the same religious freedom arguments we hear today.

Freedom of religion is a fundamental American value. That’s why religious freedom is so strongly protected in the First Amendment and the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Many states have religious freedom laws that mirror the federal RFRA. But more recent religious freedom bills are going beyond the intended shield of protection for religious minorities and using religion as a sword to attack minority communities.

As more and more bills arise across the country aimed at singling out LGBT people for harm under the guise of religion, it’s important to understand the long and ruinous history of this deplor-

able tactic.

Dating back to the times of slavery, religious exemption rhetoric and legal arguments have been used to stymy civil rights to many communities. Claims of religious freedom have been used to justify support for segregation and discrimination against immigrants, women, and people with disabilities, and have even endangered religious minorities that the original Religious Freedom Restoration Act set out to protect.

A new report out from The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Striking a Balance, details the history behind the legal and rhetorical religious arguments used to subvert the rights of minority communities and provides groundbreaking insight into the ways these arguments are still being used today.

House Bill 2 is a dangerous step in the wrong direction for North Carolina. Tinkering with the language to appear more moderate is insufficient to protect North Carolinians. HB 2 must be repealed immediately.

It Goes Like This

By Shauna O’Toole I often have people ask me about my campaign for the 55th New York State Senate. Regrettably, I have had to suspend the campaign. Everyone so far has been stunned and saddened by this news. They ask why.

It goes like this.

Last summer, I was sitting back and had my feet up. Killing time. Facebook open on the computer. I was flipping between Deadliest Catch and The Weather Channel.

No judging! You watch your reality shows and I will watch mine!

Anyhow, the nurses came in every four hours to check blood pressure and listen to my lungs. Examine my legs.

Med techs would occasionally draw blood. The doctor would stop by on his rounds. We would talk over the results as he also examined my legs.

I should probably mention that I was at Highland Hospital with Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure. The CHF is still in the early stages, but it did sorta put a damper on the summer. The medical results are in and the results are conclusive. While I am not surprised, I will admit that I am disappointed. The tests show that I am not pregnant -simply full figured.

Over the past several months, I have been going back for numerous tests to check the progress of the disease. Nothing has become any worse. At the same time, nothing is really any better save for the blood pressure. It was 175/96 after hours of resting. Now, it is as low as 116/72 after a full work shift.

I thought about it for a couple days, and then talked it over with Raky and my son. We all agreed. It was far better to be a living activist than a dead candidate.

If you look at the broad picture, Governor Cuomo has enacted by Executive Order several of the key items on my Platform. Yes, we still need to codify GENDA, outlaw Reparative Therapy for our children, and other Pro-Equality legislation. Still, the Executive Orders are a good start.

Then there is alternative energy.

That, too, is making inroads into the state. Education still needs attention -not with testing but by removing these unnecessary exams. We still need to have two solid tracks through school -- one for academics and one for trades.

That, however, will be for the next round of activists-turned-legislators to institute. ■

May Schedule Forensic Science May 3, 6:30-9:30pm

Follow a CSI Investigation. Discover the structure of the Monroe County Crime Lab and the New York State Crime Lab. Explore the basics of a crime scene and how evidence is collected. This InQueery will cover everything from the Medical Examiner: The Autopsy and Forensic Toxicology; Crime Lab Selections,: Fire Arms and Ballistics, Controlled Substances; Fire Debris (Arson) ; Trace Evidence or Criminalistics; Biology/DNA. From the evidence presented you decide, Guilty or Not Guilty.

Asian Culinary May 4, 6:30-9:30pm

In this InQueery we will be preparing: Musubi, Lettuce Wraps and Asian Mushroom Soup.

Lettuce wraps – healthy, refreshing and delicious chicken lettuce wraps recipe that is better and cheaper than PF Chang’s. Lettuce wraps are an appetizer of ground chicken or pork wrapped up in fresh lettuce leaves and served with a savory and delicious hoisin dipping sauce.

Musubi - is a popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped together withdried seaweed in the tradition of Japanese omusubi.

Asian Mushroom Soup - A simple mushroom soup with an Asian-style vegetable broth. Fresh mushrooms are a low glycemic food as they contain very little carbohydrate. Foods with a low GI may help to control blood sugar levels, control appetite and lower the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.

Becoming a Foster Parent: Developing LGBTQ Families May 18, 6:30-8pm

Can I be a foster parent if I am a single Lesbian, Gay Man, Transgender or a Same Sex Couple?!? Can I adopt a child if I am single or with my same sex partner? What are the requirements to become a foster/adoptive parent?

If you have been asking yourself these questions please feel free to come the Gay Alliance InQueery on Developing LGBTQ Families. In this class you will learn what it takes to become a fully certified foster parent. There will be a media presentation with foster parents and adopted children discussing the importance of becoming a foster parent. A currently certified foster parent from the LGBT community will take part in the presentation.

We hope to see you there!

English Country Dance May 24, 6:30-8pm

Come enjoy gender-free social dancing for all ages (families too). English country dance (ECD) is an elegant, accessible and popular form of community social dance enjoyed by people all over the world. Dancers move in a number of specific “figures”, sometimes holding hands, sometimes by themselves. Each dance is prompted by a caller, so that each figure and movement is called in time to the music; you don’t need to rely on your memory alone to know what to do. A simple walking step is used and no partner is necessary.

Accounting 101: Comedy Improv in Accounting May 25, 6:30-8:30pm

Accounting, the mere sound of the word can put some people to sleep. In this InQueery learn everyday accounting technics needed for day to day living through the humor and satire of comedy. Take control of your personal finances. Explore the different approaches that make accounting interesting and fun through the humor of Christopher Hennelley.

Free Will/Moral Responsibility May 31, 7-8pm

Every day we seem to make and act upon all kinds of choices: some trivial, others so consequential that they change the course of one’s life, or even the course of history. But are these choices really free, or are we compelled to act the way we do by factors beyond our control? Is the feeling that we could have made different decisions just an illusion? And if our choices are not free, is it legitimate to holhold people morally responsible for their actions? 6 week course.

Register at http://www.gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

Health

community.”

Also on May 17, The Bridge Art Gallery, sponsored by the OMHP, will hold a reception to celebrate the two-dimensional works of high-school-age Rochester-area artists and photographers that were submitted and accepted to the gallery earlier this year for its show, Transformations. The art includes works on paper, un-stretched canvas and Masonite.

Housed within the URMC Department of Psychiatry, the Bridge Art Gallery provides a space for local artists to display their artwork and provides a comforting and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and employees. The gallery holds three shows a year with the spring show dedicated to high school artists. An internal selection committee chooses the art for each show.

For questions, contact omhpromotion@gmail.com or visit the Bridge Art Gallery’s Facebook page.

Young filmmakers from Rochester schools at OMHP.

Young local filmmakers, artists share their work on health-related youth issues at UR, May 17 On Tuesday, May 17, there will be an opportunity to see and experience the creative talents of local young filmmakers and artists at a film festival and art reception hosted by the Office of Mental Health Promotion (OMHP), within the URMC Department of Psychiatry.

This visual artist extravaganza will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Films will be showcased in the University of Rochester School of Nursing Auditorium, 255 Crittenden Blvd. The screening will be followed by an art reception in the Bridge Art Gallery space on the first floor of the Department of Psychiatry, 300 Crittenden Blvd.

The community partnered media education program, Raising 100,000 Voices, will showcase 15 films produced by local young people. The films provide a personal and realistic glimpse of what it’s like growing up in Rochester, and tackle complex social issues such as homelessness among LGBT youth, and human trafficking. There are also multiple films focused on education to inform both teachers and students how to be successful inside and outside the classroom.

This is the first year that the

“Raising 100,000 Voices” is a media education program.

project has been independently supported and coordinated by the OMHP (it was previously overseen in partnership with WXXI), which provided technical and creative guidance to the students. Collaborating organizations this year include Rochester City School District School 39, Monroe County Youth on the Move, the Dazzle School of Visual and Performing Arts, and Oswego BOCES. To date, over 40 local organizations have participated, creating more than 250 films.

“This is a powerful com-

munity education project that gives youth a voice through their films,” says Ann Marie White, Ed.D., director of the OMHP and assistant professor of psychiatry. “Not only do these young adults learn videography, but the project allows them to document the strengths and challenges they face every day on their journey to becoming healthy young adults. Their goal is that these films will help to bridge the generation gap, and inform and enhance the health-related services and programs available to youth in our

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

Two species, two viruses, and one amazing potential What do those with HIV+ and FIV+ have in common?

Both groups are stigmatized, for one. Misinformation serves as facts, for another. But Lifeline Adoptions, Inc., hopes to change that with its new “HIV for FIV” initiative.

This project pairs persons who have HIV with cats that have FIV. Its premise is a powerfual one: that shared circumstances and lives can cement lasting bonds that benefit both people and felines. Lifeline Adoptions is responsible for this project and will place some of its FIV+ felines in homes either as fosters or permanent adopted cats.

There are two important goals to this unique project; an increase in the number of FIV+ cats placed in responsible homes and the corresponding positive effect on the lives and health of both the persons and cats who are brought together. Rochester is the pilot location for this new initiative, being that Lifeline Adoptions is the only special-needs animal rescue group in this region, leading to its assistant in helping find homes for these cats. Therefore, the group is seeking creative means and solutions to help save more FIV+ kitties. If successful, there is the potential for replication in other areas.

FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) can depress or compromise cats’ immune systems, much like HIV does in humans. Cats become FIV+ primarily via deep bite wounds and mother to kitten prenatal. It cannot be transmitted to humans or dogs. Encouraging recent research and adoption data show that with good nutrition, low stress and loving care, FIV+ cats can remain asymptomatic and healthy as long as uninfected cats. Additionally, there are new options for boosting cats immune system and overall health that weren’t available, or applicable, until recently. However, should a cat develop symptoms that may be attributed to the virus, HIV+ individuals might be highly qualified to provide nutrition enhancement supplements and

treatments, due to their own responsible use of medications and supplements.

Despite slowly progressing changes in how FIV+ cats are viewed and treated, healthy FIV+ cats are often euthanized soon after their blood results are read. “HIV for FIV” offers one solution to this dismal reality.

And by no means are the cats expected to be the only winners.

Research supports that companion animals enhance human health, increase well-being, and decrease loneliness, among other things.

In addition, saving an FIV+ cat may symbolically help to heal hurts stemming from losses, discrimination, and stigma experienced as an HIV+ person. There are simply benefits derived from pet companionship that cannot be fulfilled by any other means, period. Add the fact that HIV+ persons are directly choosing to take in a FIV+ cat, the special pairing is consistent with other ones such as deaf persons adopting deaf cats or diabetic persons adoption diabetic cats. This special choice and pairing can actually help persons with HIV in fulfilling some deeply personal values and life goals.

A common adage in animal rescue asks, “Who saved who?”

Indeed.

HRC again recognizes Trillium Heath as a leading provider For six years running, Trillium Health is recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as a leading provider of LGBTcentered patient care.

The annual survey, a benchmarking tool for hundreds of healthcare facilities, encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes health care institutions doing their best work. Trillium earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave., earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information on the Healthcare Equality Index 2016 or to download a free copy of the report, visit hrc.org/ hei. ■

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

LGBTQ Living

Jason and Sydney Herbert.

Parenting

By Susan Jordan Jason Herbert, owner of Edibles restaurant on University Ave., is a single dad, father to Sydney Gianna Roberts Herbert, born on April 12, 2014. He told The Empty Closet, “Sydney’s mother and I are friends and we both decided we wanted to have a baby. We co-parent 50-50.

“Sydney lives pretty evenly between both houses, her mom’s in Brighton and mine in Corn Hill. Sydney’s mom’s and my roles are very non-traditional.

Everything is a joint decision – we don’t take for granted that we can do anything without checking with the other.”

Jason agrees with the saying that parenting is an art. He said, “I’m very into creating our own traditions. We spend Christmas at a friend’s house. I have a big party with my big support group here at Edibles for Sydney’s birthday, and a little private party on her actual birthday.

“Sydney spends time with her mother’s family here. My mom lives in Australia so we stay in touch through FaceTime on iPhone. I haven’t been to Australia for three years and my mom gets here once a year – it’s a 26-hour flight and expensive.”

As a single dad, Jason needs and has a lot of support. He is a member of Rochester Gay Dads Meet Up and also relies on Sydney’s godparents. He said, “When I chose my two godparents, I chose very, very close friends, and they aren’t just traditional distant godparents.

They are the people I can call on for guidance and help. That is very important.

“I was a stay at home dad for the past two years – she has grown up in the restaurant. I wasn’t really close to my dad, so

I love that she’s part of everything in my life. She even comes to the drag brunches. She loves Aggy (Dune) – but Aggy claims she doesn’t like kids. But I think she secretly does. Kasha (Davis) is very maternal with her.

“I always wanted to have kids. I always thought I’d have them with a partner – but when I was 42 I realized it was now or never. I’ve watched my sisters with their kids and grew up in that family structure. But I thought I could never have a family myself because I’m gay.

Things have changed a lot! And having a baby with a friend – I don’t think I’d be able to have a child without a mother and support system.”

Having a child changes a person’s life forever. What has changed most about Jason’s life?

“My hours, obviously,” he replied. “I don’t remember what it’s like to get up after 6:30 a.m.

It’s been a huge relief in a sense because it’s not about me anymore. All the things I used to worry about I don’t have time for – she’s the focus of everything.

And she has inspired me as a businessman in order to provide security for her.

“I don’t really spoil her – but she gets a lot of things! Having a child made me grow up! It made me realize how self centered and immature I was.”

Among Sydney’s favorite “things,” in addition to Aggy Dune, are her two Cairn terriers, Abraham and Lincoln. Her father says, “She’s obsessed with Elmo on Sesame Street. She doesn’t watch a lot of TV but she watches that and Daniel Tiger.

We pretty much have a routine – I’ll get a chance to do my stuff at breakfast while she’s confined in her high chair. She loves the apps on my iPhone. She can actually open up my Instagram and ‘like’

what she likes. She goes through the photos and knows how to stop videos.”

Jason can’t get over how much society has changed and how wonderful it is to be able to be a gay dad. He said, “I was thinking being a gay parent and being accepted would be hard. But not at all – like my pediatrician’s staff comes to the drag brunches. I haven’t encountered a single negative thing!

Both my straight and gay friends and acquaintances are accepting.

That’s been really cool.”

Marybeth Cerrone and Michelle Chin Marybeth and Michelle have two small children, and told The Empty Closet, “Yes, we have

17 always wanted to have children.

Although there is the fear of whether or not we knew how to be parents or whether we would be good parents.”

Marybeth said, “I always knew I wanted to have children and that was from a very young age. I loved babysitting and loved being around children. I would say that was the only thing I could say for sure that I wanted in my future. Once I realized I was gay, I was concerned about how becoming a parent would happen for me. I was concerned about raising children and the perception of what my children having two mommies would mean within society and even within my family.

“A lot of these concerns subsided once I met Michelle. We knew we wanted to commit our lives to one another and we both wanted to have children. So it seemed natural to us. I think everyone faces the same challenges in being parents, whether they are straight couples, gay couples, or single parents. It’s the most challenging and the most rewarding ‘job’ we will ever have in our lives! We would not change it for the world. But there are times when we wonder what we are doing and wonder if we made the right parenting decision or if we handled the last tantrum from our toddler in the best manner.

“Parenting is most definitely an art! We believe it takes a lot of creativity. No matter how many parenting books or blogs you may read, or how much advice you hear, we think it ultimately comes down to what works for your child(ren) and your family.

Every child is different and will respond differently. And even the same child may not respond to the same parenting techniques consistently. At times, we do have to remind ourselves to change course if our method is not working.”

Marybeth and Michelle agree with Jason Herbert (and all parents) about loss of sleep!

“We do not get nearly the amount of sleep that we used to get before our children were born. But everyone will tell you that! Prior to having children, we both worked long hours and hardly cooked dinner. We mostly had take-out or ate dinner out. We watched any and all the

television shows that we wanted and frequented the movies. We also went out a lot and traveled a great deal. We did pack in a lot of these things because we knew we wanted to start a family and knew our lives would change.

Now we are home every evening after work and have dinner together as a family. We rarely go out to eat, although take out is still a life saver! We still try to have nights out, but they are limited. We love being with the kids and we know how precious this time is when they are young.”

What would they say to couples or single people who are thinking of having kids?

“Fasten your seatbelts! It’s an unpredictable, crazy, wonderful, unimaginable, stressful, beautiful, love like you’ve never imagined … and all this in one incredible ride!”

Most families create their own special traditions, and Marybeth and Michelle do too.

Marybeth said, “Our kids enjoy having dance parties and usually that helps to get out their energy at the end of the day. We do celebrate holidays together and usually get together with our extended family for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Birthday parties were always a big deal for the Cerrone family, so we have fun attending their cousin’s birthday parties or when everyone attends our children’s parties. We also like to take them to the town parades in the summer! And we have early New Year’s Eve countdowns with them to celebrate the New Year.

“Michelle and I both love to travel and we want to share that experience with our children.

We’ve traveled a little with them so far, but we plan to make family vacations and family travel an important part of our time together.”

Also like Jason Herbert, they have not encountered homophobic bigotry.

“We have been fortunate to not have experienced any prejudice. We have surprised people who did not know our children had two mommies. We believe this surprised reaction is because we may have been the first gay family they had met. We hope that our family provides visibility and promotes the acceptance that our community needs.” ■

Michelle Chin and Marybeth Cerrone with their children Alisa, 1 and Mason, 3.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

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Shoulders to Stand On Shoulders To Stand On: HIV/AIDS Funding

By Evelyn Bailey Last month we looked at ACT-UP. This organization was on the front lines working the pharmaceutical companies, federal, state and local governments and health departments to provide resources to fight AIDS. Understanding how funding for AIDS on the Federal and State level is broken down is important in understanding the importance given to AIDS over the past 35 years by governmental agencies.

Understanding the financial allocation of resources to meet and defeat this epidemic is critical to advocacy efforts and public demand for funding for research and treatment in the general population and especially minority communities where the number of AIDS cases is increasing.

On the Federal level funding for HIV/ AIDS increased from $200,000 in 1981 when the first five AIDS cases in the US were documented to $233,793,000 in 1986 – an increase of 1168 percent. Below is President Obama’s budget request for funding for HIV/AIDS for 2016. You will note that the budget is broken down into Discretionary Spending and Mandatory Spending.

Discretionary Spending includes:

NIH – The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the principal agency of the federal government charged with the conduct and support of biomedical and behavioral research. NIH conducts research at its own 27 institutes and centers (the University of Rochester being one of them) and supports more than 200,000 scientists and research personnel working at over 3,100 U.S. institutions. Funding

for AIDS research is distributed among the NIH institutes in accordance with the scientific priorities identified in the annual comprehensive plan for AIDS research developed by the institutes along with the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) established in statute by the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993.

CDC – The Center for Disease control (CDC) is the agency that works with community, state, national, and international public health agencies to prevent HIV infection and reduce AIDS-associated morbidity and mortality through its information and education programs.

CDC also supports research, surveillance, and epidemiology studies on HIV/AIDS. CDC distributes much of its HIV funds to state and local agencies through cooperative agreements, grants, and contracts.

HRSA – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving health and achieving health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce and innovative programs. The HIV/ AIDS Bureau within HRSA administers the Ryan White program, a four-part federal grant program designed to provide emergency relief and essential health care services to patients infected with HIV. HRSA’s programs provide health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable.

OTHER DOMESTIC DISCRETIONARY includes: HIV/AIDS Minority Initiative In 1998 the White House announced a series of initiatives targeting appropri-

Program/Account FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 (USD $ Millions) (President’s

Request)

Ryan White Program ...................................$2,313.0................$2,318.0.................. $2,322.0 ADAP (non-add).............................................$900.3.................. $900.3.................... $900.3 CDC Domestic Prevention.............................. $786.7.................. $786.7.....................$799.4 (& Research) 3 National Institutes of Health..........................$2,524.0................$2,528.9.................. $2,637.8 (domestic only)4 Substance Abuse & Mental Health................. $180.3...................$180.5..................... $180.5 Services Admin (SAMHSA) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).............. $1,047.0................$1,093.0...................$1,155.0 Housing Opportunities for Persons................. $330.0.................. $330.0.....................$332.0 with AIDS (HOPWA) Other domestic discretionary5 ........................ $373.6...................$387.1.................... $386.2 Subtotal discretionary...................................$7,554.6................ $7,645.0...................$7,813.7 Medicaid..................................................... $6,200.0............... $6,600.0.................. $7,000.0 Medicare..................................................... $6,600.0................$7,000.0.................. $7,500.0 Social Security Disability...............................$2,031.4............... $2,083.0...................$2,142.0 Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI)...............$600.0.................. $605.0.................... $665.0 Federal Employees Health...............................$178.0................... $191.0.....................$200.0 Benefits (FEHB) Plan CDC Prevention and Public Health Fund............. $0.0...................... $0.0........................ $0.0 Subtotal mandatory....................................$15,609.4.............. $16,479.0................. $17,507.0 Subtotal domestic.......................................$23,164.0.............. $24,124.0................ $25,320.7 2

NOTES: (1) Data are rounded and adjusted to reflect across-the-board rescissions to discretionary programs as requered by appropriations bills in some years and some data are still considered preliminary. FY 2015 represents the President’s request only and not final enacted amounts. (2) Ryan White totals include $25 million for Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) in each fiscal year. (3) FY2014 funding levels at CDC include redistribed Business Services Support (BSS) funding to each CDC programmatic budget line and are therefore not directly comparable to prior year levels. (4) The NIH does not define HIV research as “domestic” given its broad application.

However, for purposes of this analysis, all HIV research funding not designated as “global” was considered to be domestic research.

(5) “Other domestic funding” include amounts at: DHHS Office of the Secretary, Health Resources and Services Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Indian health service, Agency for healthcare Research and Quality, and the Departments of Defence, Justice and Labor.

21 ated funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs in minority communities. The Congressional Black Caucus worked with the Clinton Administration to formulate the approach. This includes funding for the Office of Minority Health, and the Office of Women’s Health.

International HIV/AIDS Programs In January 2003, President Bush announced in the State of the Union speech a five-year $15 billion program, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).13 The five-year program targets countries with a very high prevalence of HIV infection.

U.S. Federal Funding for HIV/AIDS: The President’s FY 2016 Budget Request (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation) As you can see this “pot” of money covers many programs and many people.

The HIV/AIDS healthcare for the nation rests on these resources. Other Domestic Discretionary spending category includes the HIV/AIDS Minority Initiative. For the 2016 requested budget it is less than five percent of the total Discretionary budget.

Shoulders will look at HIV/AIDS in minority communities in the June issue even though documentation on these populations is lacking. Given the increase in HIV/AIDS cases in minority communities, we need to understand some of the barriers and restraints that effect the successful identification and treatment of members of the African American, Hispanic and women’s communities.

Shoulders To Stand On praises the efforts of the Obama administration, of Gov. Cuomo to “End the Epidemic by 2020”, of the Center For AIDS Research at the University of Rochester and of Dr. Bill Valenti to successfully treat and “end” this epidemic. These are not enough! To quote Hillary Clinton, “It takes a village.”

WE ALL NEED TO DO OUR PART!

History Corner The Empty Closet, A Monthly Publication By and For the Gay Community of Rochester May, 1977 ISSUE NO 72 FOCUS: In the April edition of the Empty Closet, differing sides of an issue were raised by two individuals (in the Lesbian Lines column and in a letter to the editor). That issue focused on the question of our tolerance of various methods of sexual expression as exhibited by other men and women in the gay community.

In our May-Feature section (pg. 6-8) another aspect of this issue is explored as we address the question of the feasibility and/or the desirability of maintaining a unified image as a gay community. Again, two views are presented: one as an editorial, the other as a response.

Another issue which is affecting our ability to maintain an ideological unity as a social change movement is presented in the front page article “Goodstein critical”. Should our efforts to secure our human rights be focused on legal reform or on direct societal confrontations? Our visibility as a force within the Rochester community will be furthered this month.

Read the Media Alert on page 5, view a segment and respond with your opinion.

Do you want to read this issue of the Empty Closet?

Here is Link: http://www.library. rochester.edu/rbscp/EmptyCloset On that page click on: Browse the Empty Closet issues Go to 1977 – May Calendar: Sun., May 8 Gay Brotherhood Meeting 8pm “Parents of Gays” Tues., May 10 Gay Alliance meeting 7:30pm Sun., May15 Gay Brotherhood Meeting 8pm Rochester Task Force Wed., May 18 Lesbian Resource Center Meeting 7:30pm “Lesbians & Therapy Sat., May 21 Gay Brotherhood Coffeehouse 10pm – 1pm Sun., May 22 Gay Brotherhood Meeting 8pm Rochester Task Force, LRC, Auction Sun., May 29 Gay Brotherhood Meeting 8pm ■

22

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

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

Growing Up MY LESBIAN ENCOUNTER

By Eric Bellmann I have a story to tell. If I bump up against political correctness, cut me some slack.

I wanted to give a gift card to a friend who was losing her job just

around the holidays.

Tired from too many errands, I hauled myself to Wegmans on East Ave., grabbed a card, paid my $50 and went home, exhausted, ready to veg out in front of the TV. I checked the card. Whoa! I have two. How did that happen?

Glumly, I suspected that most likely only one of the cards was validated by the cashier. Annoyed by the inconvenience, I put my clothes back on, got in my car and returned to Wegmans. The cashier I purchased the cards from was nowhere in sight. What to do?

There usually are employees standing around in the front of the store who will tell you which aisle you can find the item you are looking for or, sadly, that they no longer carry it (ironing board covers are the latest discontinued item I used to buy there). Indeed I see a slender youth. Ah, not a boy. A very slim, very androgynous looking young woman. Hair shorter than mine, trim trousers, no make-up. (Am I still on safe PC ground?)

One of my occasional ruminations is that if gay men affected female embellishments to the degree that Lesbians go all guy in their looks and get away with it, they’d be stoned on the spot. OK, that might be less than 100 percent PC. Anyway, this person who has declared herself a manager says she can solve my problem. We go to an empty line and she fiddles with the register and checks the validation and hands me one card. Now I make my first mistake.

“What will Wegmans do to honor my honesty in returning the second card?

You know I could have just kept it.” This request stumps the manager, it’s not part of her job description. No doubt because she is a good employee, she offers to bump the request up to her supervisor, she is nothing if not professional.

“Good idea,” I say. She disappears for a long time. She returns with one of the burliest lunks I have ever laid eyes on.

He is all smiles. He thanks me profusely, shakes my hand. Then I make my second mistake.

A good friend, a fearless combatant, once told me the way to get what you want is to never offer a solution to the problem you have raised but to stand your ground and endlessly repeat, “And what are you going to do about it?” I have of course informed the gorilla that I am tired, drove home, got in bed, realized the cashier’s goof, got dressed, got in my car, drove back [(I omit that I live three blocks away, an easy drive) and am honest, for Gods’ sake. “I just did. I thanked you!”

His face has a frozen grimace that he must think is a smile. I am not charmed.

The young woman who sought his judgment is expressionless, probably wishing she was resolving containers of yogurt.

Now my third mistake. I escalate.

Never, ever a shrewd move. I repeat every step of my heroic tale of honesty. I also now think this supervisor might think I slyly grabbed two cards and when I worried that only one was validated, came

back and was assuming they would give me the second card as a reward for my good citizenship. He thinks I’m a thief!

Also, sad to say, his butchness, his steely smile, unnerves me. He ain’t gonna give me squat. He’s a bully, the eternal enemy of all sissies and I am losing this battle. Shit! I start ranting about customer service, good will, declaring myself insulted, offended and his expression never changes. I exit, enraged, without a backward glance and no idea of what the sweet young thing who offered to help me is thinking.

As the days pass I reflect on my series of mistakes. Such a pastime you don’t want to have. In that process I think about what a crappy situation I put the young manager in. I feel bad for her, ashamed of myself. I look for her every time I’m in the store. Once I see her but she’s far off, busy and I haven’t quite resolved what I want to say to her. What I want to do is declare my tribal connectedness to her and that would involve outing myself (no biggie) and, perhaps more risky, presuming she is a Lesbian and I have no idea if that would be cool.

Month later, really, a long time, I am in a check out line and she passes by picking up shopping baskets to return to the entrance way and all of a sudden our eyes meet and she clearly recognizes me and smiles. Ah, sweet smile. Lovely lady, person, gurl... I’m at a loss for the right word.

Labels are terrifying.

I nudge her to one side and apologize.

I’m so sorry I put her in such an awkward situation. If only the bozo had offered me a cookie or a cup of coffee, that would have been enough. I over reacted. Confronting authority figures I often over react.

She is so cool. “He’s no longer with us.” Vindication, of a sort. We smile and shake hands and that is how the story ends.

Email: EricLBellmann@gmail.com

Cleaning My Closet HOUSE RULES

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger My bed is made.

Because my mother told me to. My hearty breakfast swallowed. Because my mother made me. My three glass paperweights sparkle, properly positioned in perfect triangulation. Because my father valued precision. My desk papers are stacked, edges parallel. Because my father expected order. I write my column.

Noonish, my stomach growls. I am still wearing pajamas. Way after breakfast.

Oh my stars! Pajamas! My inner-Merry pets their amethyst stripes, precious-stonepurple grosgrain ribbons, and strokes each smooth, luscious-lavender button. Ominous chills slither under Merry’s P.M. PJs. Visions of Father Rule stomp through Merry’s memories: No pajamas allowed beyond breakfast seating. But, but . . . justification cowers in deep corners of her well-preserved Rule Book.

Fast forward 2016: but wait! Is innerMerry kidding me? I am 72. I have AdultLiving-With-My-Self Freedom. For sure, no ladies, uniformed in pristine white gloves and bedecked with proper afternoon hats, will tsk-tsk at my front door.

Listen, Merry-me. Certainly Father does not reign in perpetuity.

Mother Rule: rearrange all movable objects every whip-stitch (a mother-word).

I had learned early-on about that need for change when eight-year-old I kinda sorta helped my 128 pound mother relocate our upright piano.

These many years later my very genes giggle and gyrate whenever I immerse myself in a late night pushin’ ‘n draggin’ fest. (Followed by tub-time soaking of my challenged muscles, in lavender Epsom Salts, while Merry plays bubbles and ducks.)

Mother Rule: clean. (A strict, allencompassing rule from my Dutch mother whose childhood chores included a daily scrub of their front porch plus a painstaking combing of all fringed rugs.)

Clean meticulously, quoth my mother.

Evermore.

Even now, this day in the 21st century, as I am otherwise occupied at my desk, dereliction of duty pesters me.

Floor Invaders conspicuously bunch.

What the . . . why? Interior tumbleweeds?

No. Dust Bunnies (circa 1955)? No. Dust Puppies! Yes . . . sheddings of wafting white hairs, red fur, ever-present fuzzies. I kennel them whenever they become larger than my actual dog.

After my gaze sweeps across the floor, I swivel my head. My wary eye catches sight of dastardly dust. Those ghastly, ceaselessly congregating particles that pile on all horizontal surfaces. Deeper and deeper. My mother would have a hemorrhage. (Oh yes, a mother state of being.)

Would it help if I reconceptualized dust, called it decorative moss?

I should know better. Yes, as was expected, my mother had assigned wifein-training chores. First on that hit parade: how to ply a dust cloth. (Cloth.

Mother could not abide rags.) Those lessons paid off when I took that skill set to college, qualifying me for tuitionassistance through an on-campus job. I was a Cleaning Lady (sic). (I had never thought to self-identify as a Cleaning Womyn. Never imagined I was a Person who cleans.)

But wait, I should recollect better. In her slightly tarnished, golden years, my seventy-year old mother/mentor (never able to retire from until-death-do-us-part house-wife-ing) reconsidered life’s detritus. Decided to embrace ‘don’t touch, don’t tell.’ Discarded her dust cloth.

Declared: Do Not Disturb the fine layers of my yesterdays. Ah yes, I most heartedly agree.

Agree because I have had an epiphany.

All those ubiquitous, gray molecules are Repurposed Dead People. Yes, they dwell in my very house. They cometh from Celestial Cloud Custodians who, in every nook & cranny, have sprinkled mommy and daddy et al.

And so it is. Column finished. I brew a k-cup of tea. Outside my window spring sun slants through reincarnating tree branches. I sit on the horizontal surface of my chair, snuggling with my dearly departeds. Cozy and peaceful, I am enveloped in my afternoon pajamas, audaciously.

MeredithReiniger@gmail.com

Faith Matters MASSACHUSETTS ISN’T MISSISSIPPI BUT WE, TOO, HAVE NO TRANS ACCOMMODATION BILL

By Rev. Irene Monroe Mississippi and North Carolina can now be added to the list of states codifying transgender discrimination.

To date, only seventeen states across the country have passed non-discrimination bills protecting transgender citizens in public spaces.

Shockingly, Massachusetts isn’t one of them.

With Massachusetts lauded as one of the most pro-LGBTQ states in the country my lawmakers have disappointed me with their political foot dragging and staling on our “Bathroom Bill”. Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and Attorney General Maura Healey fully support the bill. Governor Charlie Baker, however, has declined to take a stance on it.

Baker’s inaction has caused him a national embarrassment—which is a pox on us Bay Staters, too.

Just recently the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce rescinded their plans to honor Baker when the group learned of his refusal to take a stand on the transgender public accommodations legislation currently before the State House, and of his intention to attend a Las Vegas conference that would have anti-LGBTQ speakers, and a Texas minister who has said God sent Adolf Hitler for the Jews.

Baker was set to be honored by NGLCC alongside Rep. Joe Kennedy III at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C until Kennedy flat out stated he would not attend the event because of his strong support for transgender rights and the governor’s refusal to move swiftly and affirmatively on the bill that would protect transgender people as full citizens of the Commonwealth.

This sort of inaction by lawmakers makes it increasingly unsafe and difficult for our transgender denizens to engage in the simple activity of simply going out to grab something to eat, that cisgendered people can take for granted, without the angst, anguish and fear of navigating their bathroom restrictions.

Across the country, however, this sort of amped-up fear-mongering of the “predatory heterosexual male pervert” or “Peeping Tom” has halted or canned movement forward in getting needed transgender public accommodations bills passed. And obstructionists’ claims against the bill, purporting to have nothing against transgender people, state their positions are to protect women and children from countless deviant men who would pretend to be transgender.

To date, however, there is no evidence to corroborate the fear. As a matter-offact, Chief William G. Brooks III of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association said, “There is no reason to believe that individuals—whether transgender or otherwise—will use these protections as cover to enter into the restroom or locker room of the opposite sex and engage in criminal misconduct. We are aware of no such incidents that have occurred in Massachusetts communities that have already have such protections in place.”

Faith leaders across the state have now stepped in asking Baker and elected officials to move swiftly on the passage of SB 735/HB 1577.

The same week Baker’s “Best-of-theBest” award was rescinded by NGLCC Massachusetts Faith Leaders for Freedom, a diverse group of clergy from across the Bay State invited their congregations to participate in a Weekend of Faith for Transgender Non-Discrimination on April 9 and 10. Activities included prayer and action to support the passage of SB 735/HB 1577 from mentioning the bill during prayerful intentions, to hosting a letter writing party during coffee hour, to inviting a speaker during service.

A public pledge that received hundreds of signatures from faith leaders standing up for SB 735/HB 1577 stated the following: We are calling on the legislature to pass An Act Relative to Transgender Anti-Discrimination and add gender identity to existing state public accommodations law thereby extending protections to our fellow transgender and gender non-confirming citizens….

Freedom Massachusetts, the bipartisan campaign working to ensure all Bay Staters equal protection under the law, spearheaded statewide action with Weekend of Faith for Transgender Non-Dis-

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET crimination. JeanMarie Gossard, Field Director of Freedom Massachusetts, shared with me her experience.

“In Church yesterday the pastor preaching started his service by saying, ‘Come if you are gay, come if you are straight, come if you are cis-gender, come if you are transgender, come. You are welcome here,’” Gossard wrote.

“Our faith leaders are our moral leaders. They have guided our understandings of right and wrong since time immemorial. They know how to put faith into action. And they did that this weekend. We hope their support can set a clear example for the legislature: all are equal in God’s love.”

These “Religious Freedom Restoration Acts” springing up across the country are a backlash to the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage and the growing fear of when the Supreme Court legalize it nationwide. They are a perversion of the Constitution and our history of religious freedom.

A Few Bricks Short THE GREAT CONVERGENCE

By David Hull I missed it. I can’t believe it, but somehow I totally overlooked it.

A few weeks ago, back on Thursday, April 7, there was The Great Convergence? OK, maybe I shouldn’t use the capital letters or the word “great” – probably “coincidentally significant conjunction” would be more appropriate in this case.

After all, this early-spring concurrence wasn’t like all eight planets in the solar system (or is it nine planets? I think it’s just eight now that we eliminated Pluto’s ancestral intergalactic bloodline) aligned at once to eclipse the sun. It wasn’t like the north, south, east and west winds all merged to blow from opposite directions simultaneously and actually managed to mess up Donald Trump’s hair. No, it wasn’t like that at all. Maybe I’m just disappointed I missed it because this April convergence is very important to me on a personal level.

You see, April 7 was National Coffee Cake Day and National Beer Day and National No Housework Day. Yep, coffee cake and beer and no housework – it’s like the trifecta of happy occasions for me to celebrate.

My husband Bernie claims that sweets, alcohol and lack of vacuuming just sound like any other regular Thursday in my life to him. Sometimes I don’t know why I ever married that man – then I remember it’s because he buys me sweets and alcohol and doesn’t nag me about housework … or lack thereof.

But, on April 7 I missed this important occurrence. Think about what I’m saying – how would a person feel if Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter all

fell on the same date and they missed it?

Well, that’s probably not a good example, since for me Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are all basically “beer days” anyway – I could never be that nice while celebrating with my family if I was sober!

But, let’s say, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Black Friday all coincided – oh wait, never mind, we already kind of have that holiday – National ComingOut Day. How about if I use this example – if Flag Day, Grandparents Day and Groundhog Day all merged on the same date, most people wouldn’t care, but to some folks it might be very important.

They would want to hang a flag and call their grandmother and get a wildly inaccurate meteorological report from a burrowing rodent all on the same day. If they missed that, they would be very disappointed. That is how I felt.

For that one day, instead of feeling guilty and embarrassed when I admit to the hot, muscular, young guys at the gym that instead of working out, I spent the day sitting around home eating coffee cake, drinking beer and not doing any housework, I’d be able to justify to them that I did not do it because I am an overindulging, alcoholic slug (which, I admit, I am) – but I did it to celebrate The Great Convergence! Or the “coincidentally significant conjunction” – whatever!

“I don’t know what you’re so upset about,” said Bernie. “These silly holidays never go well for you. Last year on Arbor Day you wanted to take a trip to the New York City Port Authority to watch all the ships sail into the Arbor.”

“I just misread what it said on the calendar,” I argued. “The print was small!

I didn’t have my glasses on! I thought it said National Harbor Day!” Living with my husband’s smarty-pants comments it’s no wonder I want to spend my days eating coffee cake, drinking beer and not doing any housework.

Well, not to worry – I’m getting organized and keeping track of all those important little national holidays from now on.

January 1 is National Sleep in Late Day. March 4 is National Potato Chip Day. March 31 is National Sit Your Ass on the Couch Day. May 1 is National Batman Day. May 25 is National Wine Drinking Day. July 6 is National Kissing Day (I’ll be sure to tell all those hot, muscular, young guys at the gym about this one!).

August 4 is National Pancake Day. October 4 is National Taco Day. October 18 is National Meatloaf Day. November 12 is National Pizza Day. And to wrap up the year, December 4 is National Cookie Day. But most important of all, April 7, the day of The Great Convergence. It shall not be missed again next year!

You can contact David at Davidhull59@aol.com

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

Safer Computing THE MOST BASIC OF BASICS

By David Frier There are three elements of safer computing: Confidentiality (keeping what must be private, private), Integrity (making sure no changes are made without your authorization) and Availability (making sure you can get to everything you rightly should). Everything I am going to suggest to you in these pages supports at least one of these elements.

There are a lot of things to talk about, and some of them need a pretty detailed discussion. But to begin, I am going to ask you to look at the most basic -- even unglamorous -- things that are just so important they should never be neglected. So let’s start right out with the most unglamorous one of all, but also the one most effective at helping you recover from the greatest variety of hazards.

Backup All your important data should be backed up, ideally in two or more different ways. For example, if you copy everything to Google Drive or Dropbox, you should also get an inexpensive removable drive like a Passport or a MyBook and copy everything to that. Backup is really cheap protection against so many hazards, everything from a ransomware infection to a house fire.

Of course, using different locations diversifies your protection. If the MyBook is in the house next to the computer when fire breaks out, it’s not likely to be usable as the backup. On the other hand, if you need to get files back quickly after a mishap like an overenthusiastic disk cleanup, a MyBook will be five to fifty times as fast as pulling data back down from the internet.

Make sure that however your backups run, they don’t require you to remember to do something every time.

You can set them to be scheduled for a certain time or choose a backup scheme that runs continuously, monitoring for new or changed files all the time and backing them up in the background.

The schedule you choose determines how much data you can expect to lose after a disaster. What this means is, if you suppose you might lose your main disk at any random time, and you have a backup that runs once a week on a schedule, then your data loss from what hasn’t been backed up can be up to seven days’ worth of changes. If that’s tolerable to you, then a weekly schedule may be just fine. But if you cringe at losing even seven hours -- never mind seven days -- of changes to your data, you should be looking for a backup that runs daily, or continuously.

A wide variety of free and low-cost backup software is available. Check out these superb write-ups from Tech Support Alert, a site that specializes in reviews of freeware. For Windows, browse to http://is.gd/WinBackup and for Mac, http://is.gd/MacBackup This month’s reader question: L.D. asks, What’s the best anti-virus product for my Windows 10 laptop?

Let me say up front, I am not going to endorse specific products for your use. From time to time, however, I will tell you what I use and why, and you can draw your own conclusions. For antivirus on Windows 10, I use Windows Defender, which is supplied by Microsoft as part of the system. I make sure that Defender’s Real-Time and CloudBased protection are both turned on.

I see no additional benefit from other anti-virus products on the consumer market, and some of them have introduced serious security problems of their own. It adds up to “not worth it” in my opinion.

Help me keep this interactive. Please

23 write to questions@safer-computing. com and I will answer at least one reader question each column.

Next month: How to avoid the spam, scams and worse coming at you daily via email.

Both Sides Now THE CLOSER YOU GET, THE MORE YOU KNOW

By Cora Treoir Duncan The news is not good. In the last six months forces have merged, converged and urged a growing number of conservative dominated state legislatures to consider and pass “Religious Freedom” acts which have effectively legitimized LGBT, and more specifically Anti-Transgender Discrimination based on any individual’s “Religious” belief system.

We learned yesterday that the lawyer who defended Kim Davis (the Kentucky County Clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples) authored the bill that was embraced by dozens of state legislatures, some enacted already and many awaiting majority confirmation.

This is a war; harbor no doubt about that. It is the vengeful reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Same Sex Marriage and a decades-long reaction to progressive change. As a Transgender Woman of a certain age, I remember well the Civil Rights struggle bent on including all in enjoying basic human rights that were guaranteed by our constitution.

It took me 50 years to qualify as a persecuted minority. When I was 10, I became aware of the disconnect that excluded me from being viewed as just another person worthy of inclusion in this society. Everywhere I looked in my pre-adolescent years I saw labels that said unnatural, abhorrent, perverse, deviant and subhuman attached to my condition.

Is it any wonder that there were so few of us willing to stand up and proclaim our state? I began a passion for authenticity that included standing up for acceptance of any marginalized group as best I knew how for 50 years.

For me, my heroes were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Johnny Cash who all inspired me through their songs and relentless commitment to those without voices. My own personal journey was silent and hidden; I suffered, beat myself up, hid in plain sight, sought and found redemption and finally stepped out right into this shitstorm that rages around us today. The closer you get, the more you know.

Until you get close enough to recognize your own reflection in my mirror, we remain at odds. We know you are scared of change. We are, too; more than you know. We are totally aware of what our lives signal: what it threatens and what it offers. No change is without pain, but our quest can be a door opening to a new humanity, the start of a brave new future.

Sometimes you know what is coming; sometimes you won’t know until you get close enough.

We need to redirect the attention away from bathrooms and bakeries and to the larger issue, which is one of violence against all things Feminine. THAT is what lurks behind this mask of Self-Righteous indignation of the perceived threat of Trans Women (and to a lesser extent Trans Men) in bathrooms and locker rooms. That distraction keeps our culture treading water in the 20th Century.

We need to be MORE visible and socially present and to engage and ignite constant conversations with every willing ear that we encounter. Let everyone who will listen know who we are, where we are going and why we believe in ourselves.

The closer you get, the more you know.

(Columnists continue on page 24)

24 (Columnists continued from page 23)

Being Well SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT THERAPIST

By John M. Aceto, LMHC You’ve reached a point in life when you think therapy might be helpful.

There could be many reasons: your relationship ended, you lost your job, you feel lost and unfocused. And then there’s good oldfashioned depression and anxiety. So how do you go about finding the right counselor for you?

Due to lack of space and time, I’m going to focus on private practitioners for this article. There are many good therapists who work in community mental health centers if you choose to go that route. All of these clinics take insurance, which many people wish to utilize. Many private therapists do as well, but have the option of private pay.

If orientation or gender is important to you, there are many LGBT therapists and allies in our community to service your needs. And if you’re more comfortable with a counselor who is more like you, by all means pursue this option. Though I can say, with all of my years in the field, that it’s also a good idea to explore someone who is unlike you; it may provide you with a different perspective on life. Any capable therapist will have the skills and compassion to meet you where you are.

Experience and skill set are important. Most therapists subscribe to a particular school of thought when it comes to the helping profession. Some are more like general practitioners, taking a more eclectic style. I like to use elements of Cognitive Behavioral and Person Centered styles, which allows me to address my client’s issues from different perspectives. It’s like choosing a specialist over a primary care giver for your medical needs.

There are different means to search for your counselor, though I find the most popular are word of mouth and online searches. If you know some one who has sought therapy, ask them their opinion of their provider, and how that provider was a good fit. The stigma of seeking therapy has lessened over the years, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Then there is searching online. This can be a daunting task. The Rochester area has A LOT of therapists in private practice (and some advertise in The Empty Closet). And trying to search online for individuals can take time and effort. The quickest way to do this is to search Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist. Many therapists have a profile on this site, complete with their philosophy of counseling, and a

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016 picture, which humanizes the effort I think. All you have to do is search according to city or zip code, and you’ll see a wide range of care providers to choose from. And the site gives you the option to call or email a provider to start the conversation.

What’s Bothering Brandon?

MEN’S RIGID WEAR FOSTERS SPRINGTIME MALAISE

By Brandon W. Brooks It’s f ina lly spring in Rochester, NY. It is the time of new beginnings, and of lilacs. It is the time for rainy days, punctuated by bright and sunny afternoons that fade slowly into late evenings. No more darkness at 4:30 in the evening. No more winter winds tightening the skin of our cheeks. No more bracing and wincing as we cross the threshold from inside to outside.

This time of year is my favorite, really. I see it as a time when all the beautiful and long days of summer are stretched out before me, not yet spent or passed. My energy level increases along with the degree of positivity in my overall worldview. I love the days when I can walk outside and just smell the earth. Everything seems to be alive again. Everything is waking up and beginning to move. Life seems good au printemps.

One side effect of spring is the reemergence of floral prints, flowing skirts, light blouses and colors, colors, colors. That is, for the woman. I often find myself dissatisfied with the fashion modes prescribed to men and boys.

This point is underpinned each spring with the arrival of more colorful and playful frocks and clothing items marketed to women and girls. Why must men dress so boringly, I ask myself in these moments. The question I should be asking myself is; why do men accept the meager options given to them?

It’s no shock or secret to hear that there are expectations for men’s and women’s dress, and furthermore that we all, to some extent or another, hold each other accountable for our gender expression. That is, we expect that displays of gender will seemingly “match” the biological sex assigned to an individual (to say nothing of the intersex community), which can be only one of two possibilities: either male or female.

The fixed structure of gender expression and representation that we have erected over centuries does, to be sure, change and evolve over time.

If not, we’d all still be wearing tunics and togas. But that does not necessar-

ily mean that the changes that have occurred are for the better, especially for men. If anything, normative gender expression for men’s dress has become more rigid, less colorful, and less flexible well over the past three hundred years.

Consider the standard three-piece suit. Sure, we can choose between pointed or notched lapels, three or two button (always two), or to cuff or not to cuff. Pinstripes or navy suits, morning dress or white-tie are also available. We do, to be sure, have options. But these options are limited to the nearly identical pieces of clothing that make each suit: the jacket, the waistcoat, the pants.

The three-piece layout has experienced no remarkable change in its design or purpose since its creation in the mid-17th century. In the court of Louis the XIV, this three-item design completely and irrevocably supplanted the doublet, becoming the modern suit’s ancestor. What may have been revolutionary at the time seems boring now. One would think that almost four hundred years of history would result in a general overhaul of men’s dress. Alas, not much progress has been made.

Why is this exactly? Women’s mode of dress has changed dramatically in the past fifty years alone. There are a multitude of options, stylistic and functional, in women’s dress. Men’s dress pales in comparison. Is the wider array of options within the wardrobes of women a result of humankind placing more emphasis and importance on the appearance of women, or is it a result of the continued efforts towards gender equality?

When it comes to traversing the gap between gender expressions, we tend to be much more comfortable, even celebratory, when women do this as compared to when men make this leap.

Women can be masculine. Women can wear pants. Women have their own

suits, following the same three-piece format of Louis XIV. Women can wear both skirts and jeans, and we see this as acceptable. Men have no such margins. We have no grey areas in dress in which to play.

Personally, I think the autonomy of women’s dress is explained when we view it through the lens of which gender expression we appreciate more, which would be the male or masculine (which are not the same). When women dress in pants or business suits, they move up in power. When men wear dresses or skirts, power is lost or at the very least, severely questioned or laughed at.

Three hundred years ago frills, lace, high-heeled (red) shoes, and huge periwigs were the go-to methods for men to demonstrate their political, economic, and gender-based dominion over others. Now it’s fast cars, beards, and the boring old blue/black suit. To be fair, the gender expression of the sexes has, indeed, changed over time. But men’s dress, with its continued reliance upon the three-piece suit format, has stayed behind in the past. And I’m bored.

Men’s dress in its current state does not allow for great personal expression or variation, unless changing the color of your tie is enough for you.

To me gender is relative to the time, the person, and the space in which it occurs. There is no fundamental dress for sexes, as we invent everything. Following this mindset, why do we not see more variation in men’s attire options?

Do we feel the penalty for gender nonconformity in men is higher than it is for women? Are we men really just a bunch of scaredy-cats, too afraid to try on a skirt and wear it without a trace of irony?

If clothing truly makes the man, what are we?

Questions, comment, or critique?

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

Joe Russo, Psy.D., CGP

nge a h oC t t ke Roc

Licensed Psychologist Certified Group Psychotherapist 25 Canterbury Road, Suite 313 Rochester, New York 14607 Phone: (585) 506-6096 E-mail: joerussopsyd@gmail.com

Addiction ▼ Anxiety ▼

Depression ▼ Grief/Loss ▼

Trauma ▼ Relationships ▼

▼ Weekly

Bi/Gay Men’s Therapy Group

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

25

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

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 Street, at the corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of May, 2016.

1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music 3rd Sunday: Episcopal Mass, quiet 4th Sunday: Prayers to start the Week, followed by a Potluck Supper 5th Sunday: Prayers to start the Week, followed by a Picnic in the Park Our Potluck Supper theme for the month of May is “Food fit for a Queen”.

Our Canadian neighbors are celebrating Victoria Day that weekend, in remembrance of Queen Victoria’s birthday. Why not join in the fun and have a royal good time with us? All are welcome!

Tradition has it that when we aren’t cooking up a Potluck supper on the fourth Sunday, we’re gathering for fellowship around a tasty coffee hour and going out to a local restaurant for dinner each Sunday. Join us anytime!

Sunday, May 24 will be our annual Picnic in the Park. Bring a dish to pass and something to grill if you’d like. We’ll meet at church for prayers to start the week and then proceed to the park. More details are on the website!

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 Camping season has started. It’s going to be another great summer at Jones Pond.

Many of our members spend summer weekends there, and a few go to Hillside in Pa. Hope you’ll join us.

During the week, members meet for supper on Wednesdays after 6 p.m. 5/4 will be the Southwedge Diner, 5/11 Sticky Lips on Jefferson, 5/18 is Carrabba’s, 5/25 is the Winfield Grill, and 6/1 is Beale Street on South Ave. Members will also get together at the GAGV Resource Center, 100 College Ave., on Saturday evening 5/14 for a potluck. All are welcome to join at 6:30.

The BEARS also meet for cards, games, movies, shows, concerts, etc. If you’d like to meet new friends to socialize with, check us out.

LORA LORA Weekly Coffee Nights are Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. LORA Knitting Group meets first and third Wednesdays, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. 6-8 p.m.

Bring supplies/your latest project! Tuition provided. For further information contact Kerry, hostess, at DressyFemme@aol.com.

LORA Brunch is the third Sunday, 10 a.m., Pixley’s Restaurant, 2235 Buffalo Rd., Rochester. Come join us for brunch and lively conversation!

OPEN ARMS MCC Join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for a vibrant and exciting blended worship experience that includes contemporary and traditional hymns, inclusive language, and a useful and timely message.

We engage the living word of God as it speaks to us as citizens of the modern world. We celebrate an open communion table -- that means that you don’t have to

be a part of our church, or any church at all, to participate. When the service ends, join us for coffee, fellowship and a snack in the Community Center.

Open Arms -- beyond open, beyond affirming, beyond welcoming -- here is where you will find acceptance and the love of Christ in everything we do!

What’s happening at Open Arms: Since the beginning of this year we have welcomed 15 new members to Open Arms!

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., our Provisional Pastor Brae Adams is leading a Bible study on the Book of Acts.

Sunday School for Teens & Tweens is on the first of each the month at 9:15 a.m. and refreshments are served.

This summer we are once again partnering with the Rochester Red Wings working the Pop/Hot Dog stand. Lots of volunteers are needed, so contact Open Arms if you’d like to participate in this FUNdraiser and come join us for fun afternoons at the ballgame!

The TRANSformative Ministry Team continues to grow and is developing a timeline of things we want to do and accomplish through this ministry.

Our vision statement is: “We are a faith community that supports and respects people of all gender identities and gender expressions.” And our mission statement: “We create ties by linking people of diverse gender identities and/or expressions, and allies, through stewardship, education, and social justice.”

We will accomplish these through worship, prayer, education, outreach, inreach and activism. All are welcome to join us on our journey toward a fuller understanding, support and inclusion of our trans friends and family members in the life of our church. Check our Facebook page for the dates and time of upcoming meetings.

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

TAGR, Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester meets on the third Saturday of each month from 3-5:30 p.m.

We have a bin in the Community Center for recycling items like empty ink cartridges, empty toner cartridges, cell phones, chargers, batteries, cords. You can also drop off your scrap metal to be recycled at Metalico Rochester and you will earn money for Open Arms. Days will be arranged for drop off at church as well. Let your neighbors and friends know they can drop off recyclable metal, too. Just mention that it is for the Open Arms MCC account and the proceeds of the recyclables will come to us.

We have a supply of non-perishable items in stock for when our neighbors stop in looking for emergency supplies. If you are out shopping and can pick up one or two items it would be greatly appreciated.

Some ideas for contributions are toiletries, including toothpaste, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, tampons, sanitary pads, and baby wipes. Non-perishable food items that require little preparation including pasta meals, canned meat/tuna, vegetables, and beans, also dry food items such as cereal, pasta and mixes. Pop-top cans are also appreciated, as many homeless persons do not have access to can openers. Pet food is also needed. We also have some clothing available -- socks, shoes, sneakers and shirts.

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

Open Arms MCC is committed to Building Bridges and Changing Lives.

You are welcome, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or religious beliefs. We are located at 707 East Main St., across from the Delta Sonic. 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.

Our provisional pastoral leader, Brae Adams, has office hours on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment. (please call first to make sure she’s available). We are also open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. Our phone number is (585) 271-8478.

ROCHESTER BUTCHFEMME CONNECTION SUPPER CLUB The Rochester Butch Femme Connection supper club will have one dinner event in May 2016. On May 7 we will meet at Peppermints Diner on Rte. 15 South at 7 p.m.

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

ROMANS Rochester Male Naturist (ROMANS) had a wonderful winter with indoor nude gatherings and swims. For spring, we will continue our monthly meetings, many with special themes to add fun and boost attendance.

Our April meeting featured a hot tub and a massage table! ROMANS offers its members the opportunity to network with other like-minded naturists in a safe and healthy environment. We have a variety of outdoor nude events planned for the summer months; join us if you are interested and you can find out more about us at http://www.wnyromans.com./ ROMANS is a social club for gay and gay-friendly male nudists over 21.

Our nude meetings are held mostly in the Rochester neighborhood. In August, many of our members attend the well known Gay Naturists International’s annual Gathering in the Pocono mountains. We get to experience living clothes free 24 hours a day at the camp for 10 days. You can contact us via email at wnyromans@yahoo. com, by regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692 or call us at our message line 585-281-4964. ■

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

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

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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Arts & Entertainment

Jesse Carrey-Beaver

Jesse Carrey-Beaver is the “awkward white boy” in “Dirty Dancing” at RBTL “I was always in love with performing and expressing myself.

Being able to be in choir, dance class, and acting classes always felt like the right place to be, and I didn’t want to do anything else. I also was surrounded by a really supportive group of family and friends who allowed me to express myself and I never felt pressured into anything, so it allowed me to solidify my love for the arts without the pressure of being good at it.

“I always loved acting, dancing, and singing equally growing up, although I excelled at dance the quickest because I enjoyed the physical challenge of being perfect. However, I grew to love acting when I went to Baltimore School for the Arts because I had to throw that out of the window and learn to love my mistakes and flaws. For the

Cast member Terri Cook, author of the book and blog titled “Allies and Angels” (alliesandangels.com), which tells an honest and loving story about her child’s transition at age 15.

“Listen to Your Mother” on May 7 The national movement Listen To Your Mother (LTYM) is back in Rochester for the second consecutive year for a onenight-only performance at The Lyric Theatre on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. In celebration of Mother’s Day weekend, 13 local writers will present a live, stagedreading of their stories of motherhood.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2513158 for $18.50 or at the door for $25.

There is also a link to purchase tickets on the LTYM: Rochester show website: www.listentoyourmothershow.com/rochester.

Proceeds from LTYM Rochester will benefit two local organizations that support women and children, including the Society for the Protection and Care of (Listen continues page 28)

G A L L ERY Q

&

PHOTO: JOE ZIOLKOWSKI

By Susan Jordan The stage version of “Dirty Dancing” is coming to RBTL May 10-15. For tickets, go to Ticketmaster.com, call 800-7453000, visit RBTL.org, or purchase at the box office at the theatre.

Cast member Jesse CarreyBeaver hails from Baltimore, Maryland and was last seen as the lead in the world premiere of a new musical To Dance; he was awarded a FringeNYC Overall Excellence Award in Acting. Past credits include The Producers, White Christmas (Fulton Theater), Skimbleshanks in Cats, Spamalot, 42nd Street (Pittsburgh CLO), Gergard Malanga in Pop! Who Shot Andy Warhol (City Theater).

2013 Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Acting/Musical Theatre. www.jessecb.com Jesse told The Empty Closet,

first time, getting an A meant making mistakes and learning from them, and now I cherish those moments, for that is when I know I am actually growing and learning.”

Many have seen the film “Dirty Dancing”. How will the stage experience differ from the film? Jesse said, “To me, watching something live is so much more thrilling. You are sharing the same experience as thousands of other people in one big room, and that energy is tangible both in the audience and on stage. I would say expect a new and fresh version that makes you reminisce but also understand the characters in a way you can’t see on film. For example, Neil Kellerman has more of a role in the stage version than in the film, and I think a lot of people can relate to his desire to fit in and follow his heart, not what he’s told he should be doing.

“I definitely love getting to do the classic ‘awkward white boy dancing’ as Neil. It’s pretty fun to dance as badly as I can (especially growing up as a dancer). I also love how much I relate to Neil in the show, more than I thought when I first auditioned for the role. I shared a lot of his inner turmoil growing up, and I enjoy exploring what that is like as Neil each night. This way, he is not two-dimensional and unlikable, but a character with real needs and desires, just like Baby and Johnny. The most challenging part about the role is not getting to partake in all the fun dance numbers. The choreography is so great and the chemistry that the dancers have is amazing, but I guess I’ll just have to step and clap my little heart out!” ■

Rochester Women’s Community Chorus gives spring concert on June 4 at Clover Center for Arts & Spirituality

The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus (RWCC) will present its spring concert on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at

a new venue: The Clover Center for Arts & Spirituality, 1101 Clover St. This concert, entitled “Songs of the Earth,” will feature nature songs – including the very entertaining Little Mermaid tune, “Under the Sea,” the popular Beatles favorite “Blackbird,” the poetic “Sky Dances,” the beloved Woody Guthrie standard “This Land is Your Land,” and much more.

Concert tickets may be purchased at the door: $12 adults,

$10 seniors and students, $6 children under age 12. As always, the performance will be sign language interpreted and wheelchair accessible.

In addition, the RWCC will once again hold its annual “garage sale” at the Rochester Public Market on Sunday, June 26, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Booths 81 & 83).

For more chorus information, call (585)234-4441 or find RWCC on the web at: http:// www.therwcc.org. ■

First Friday: Joe Ziolkowski’s “Nocturnal” opens at Gallery Q on May 6 Award-winning photographer and educator Joe Ziolkowski’s Nocturnal, a retrospective spanning three decades, capitalizes on the ability of photography to record time, capture space. Culled from thousands of vintage black and white silver gelatin prints, the work focuses on images drawn from exhibitions including The Numbered, Silence, and Pressure.

The Nocturnal reception will take place from 6-9 p.m. on First Friday, May 6. The show, co-presented by ImageOut Film Festival, will run through May

27 at the Gay Alliance’s Gallery Q, 100 College Ave., Suite 1110.

Call 585-244-8640 for more information.

From Silence emerges a soliloquy on communication. In looking at these photographs, we see our own history, or witness the history of others and consider the ever-present emotional response to any given situation. “All judgement is loss, and at a decisive moment, we become vulnerable to all the elements.” When addressing difficult situations wearing blinders

(Ziolkowski continues page 28)

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016 words; poetry limit: 2,000 words). Submissions should seek to capture some aspect of LGBTQ lives. Electronic submissions only (.doc, .docx, .rtf. or .txt file attached to email) in 12 pt, double-spaced font, to OutWrite@imageout.org, Submissions should include a separate cover sheet with author’s name, street address, email, title of submission, and author bio (50 words max). There is no fee to submit original work. Rights revert to author after publication. Authors whose work is selected for publication will be notified by August 1, 2016, and will receive 1 hard copy of the magazine as payment. For more information, visit http://www.imageout.org/imageoutwrite.php. ■

(Listen from page 28)

Children and Parenting Village.

LTYM is an acclaimed series created by founder and National Director Ann Imig in 2010. LTYM is now in 41 cities—nationwide and Canada—that will be hosting similar events on or around Mother’s Day, and all 41 shows will be videotaped for LTYM’s YouTube channel.

LTYM: Rochester is organized by a team of local women, including co-producers Emily Horowitz (Brighton) and Corrie Spike Carter (Fairport) and codirectors Sarah Fitzgibbons (Rochester) and Monica Gebell (Brighton). The show is being held this year at The Lyric Theatre, located at 440 East Ave. at Prince Street, in Rochester.

The cast of the 2016 LTYM: Rochester show includes Elizabeth Bell (Rochester); Sally Bittner Bonn (Brighton), author of oscar-go.org; Theresa Bowick (Rochester), Terri Cook (Westfield, Chautauqua County), author of alliesandangels.com; Jami Lerner Cummings (Pittsford); Robin L. Flanigan (Rochester), author of thekineticpen.com; Monica Gebell (Brighton), author of www.apronsandblazers.com; Tokeya C. Graham (Rochester); Christine Lasher (Fairport), author of finallyquiet. com; Linda Lowen (Syracuse), author of lindalowen.com; Stephanie Paredes (Rochester); Fran Reed (Brighton); and Sara Treadwell (Brighton).

This community event would not be possible without support from local sponsors, including (Ultra-Megaphone) Sharon Stiller, Esq., Attorney at Law (Megaphone) Debra Wallace Photography, Martino Flynn, and Writers & Books (Microphone) Bodywork by Bobbi, Karen Craft Photography & Designs, and Nox (Podium) Balsam Bagels, Get Caked!, Lighthouse Gardens, One Hip Chic Optical, Pittsford Pediatric Dentistry, Sara Silvio Handcrafted Jewelry, The Lyric Theatre, and Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester.

Sponsorships are still available. If interested, please call 303.880.8296. For more information about LTYM: Rochester, visit http://listentoyourmothershow. com/rochester/. ■

(Ziolkowski from page 28)

and traveling through time and space in silence, through metaphor and image, Ziolkowski asks What makes an individual?” This question is explored through staged scenes, objects and opportunities.

In the Numbered Series, over 100 people were photographed in the “floating” state created during the time people, gay and straight, waited for HIV test results.

At the beginning of the series, in 1988, Illinois mandated all couples to take an HIV test before they could be issued a marriage license. Those tested were given a number to ensure anonymity. Many friends reported experiencing trauma as they awaited results.

In ArtForum, James Yood states that Ziolkowski “managed to blur individuality emphasizing instead a kind of psychic abandon”. Yood notes that the photographs show humans “[a]bandoned to an extreme physical state and a personal and self-induced intoxication, these figures convey a heady sensuality that makes distinctions of race, age or even gender secondary”.

Pressure captures the state of mind and body experienced when forces collide. In looking at the moment of pressure, for some there is pleasure and for others devastation. Ziolkowski says, “The deconstructive nature on the physical and emotional nature of each individual cannot be measured. But we do share a common factor of internalizing those events, and either allow decay, or build on the events to create a more positive attitude.”

Ziolkowski’s study and celebration of the human form, Yood says, depict “the dictates of the body even when—especially when—its psyche is absent or confused”. The suspended bodies, arrested in mid-whirl, “suggest an unexpected path toward a strange, personal freedom”. ■

Rice is life with Lotus Foods Photo: Manuel Pena

Manuel Peña’s “Roadside Attraction” will be at Gallery Q in June

“Roadside Attraction” will be on display for the entire month of June at Gallery Q. Don’t miss opening night on First Friday, June 3. Stop by any time between 6-9 p.m. ■

By Jeanne Gainsburg Manuel Peña is an artist, a friend, a beach volleyball doubles partner, a visionary and one of the kindest people you will ever meet. As the coordinator of Ride For Pride, I am extremely excited about his upcoming show “Roadside Attraction” featuring the Ride For Pride bikers. Below is a brief interview with Manuel.

1. Who is Manuel Peña? I’m the guy with the camera always taking pictures. I love volleyball and I can still win a tournament once in a while. I love happy, positive people but will listen if you’re having a rough day.

2. What makes you come back every year to Ride For Pride as either a rider or support staff? I remember my very first year feeling anxious about meeting so many new people and then having that feeling go away as I was literally embraced by everyone as a new rider. I keep coming back because I am a part of the LGBTQ community. I understand the need to support the Gay Alliance and the importance of Ride For Pride as a fundraiser.

Ultimately, the thing that keeps me coming back is the amazing people that ride every year.

3. Favorite Ride For Pride moments?

There are so many fun moments, but two stand out. Shotgunning a beer with Pam after finishing my first Ride For Pride and getting “rescued” by Jeanne when I got lost on my second ride!

4. Tell us about your upcoming gallery event in June. The show is part of the citywide First Fridays gallery night and I’m very excited to be among the first artists showing work at Gallery Q in the Gay Alliance’s new location. It’s a great space and the show is meant to be a fundraiser.

Coinciding with Ride For Pride, 100 percent of sales from this show will go to support the Gay Alliance.

5. What was your inspiration for the theme and/or the pieces you created?

Many of the images in the show are snapshots that document Ride For Pride over the course of several years. While planning the show, the black and white portrait shown here, which I shot for one of our riders, was suggested as the promotional image for the show. Initially, I was unsure this image would work, because it was so different from the pictures that had already been shot. Ultimately this image became the inspiration for a second set of photographs. Working with the riders, I shot black and white portraits that present a more intimate peek into the identity of the riders and complements the original body of work.

6. What will people be missing if they don’t come to see your exhibit? They will miss the opportunity to see, in my humble opinion, some really great work. They will miss the opportunity to support a very important cause, and they will miss the opportunity to meet some amazing people!

ImageOutWrite Vol. 5 celebrates five-year milestone Back in 2012, ImageOut expanded its mission (to present LGBT arts and cultural experiences showcasing films, other creative works, and artists to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and build community) to encompass the writing community. ImageOutWrite was born.

Launched under the editorship of Brad Craddock, this new creative writing branch of ImageOut has served to bring forward the fiction, non-fiction, and poetry writing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Straight-Ally (LGBTQA) authors.

“It’s been thrilling seeing a new art form take shape under the ImageOut umbrella,” says ImageOut Board Chair Paul Allen. “The ImageOutWrite Literary journal really compliments the Film Festival and the ImageArt visual arts programs in a vibrant new way.”

For the 2016 volume, Craddock passes the editor torch to Gregory Gerard, an ImageOut volunteer of many years, who is no stranger to the written word. Gerard’s 2009 memoir, In Jupiter’s Shadow, relates the story of a McQuaid teen struggling with forbidden attraction in 1980s Rochester. In 2014, Gerard launched The Big Brick Review, a narrative non-fiction journal dedicated to “building on the narrative of our lives, one brick at a time.”

As a past member of PFLAG Rochester’s Speaker Panel and a current member of the GAGV’s Speaker’s Bureau, Gerard understands the importance of preserving the stories of LGBTQA lives.

“I teach creative writing at Writers & Books, and I always tell my students,” Gerard said, “that writing is a gift — not just to ourselves, we who have the desire to write. It’s a gift to the reader. To those who might find something relatable and meaningful the words of others. Words can have the power to change people’s lives.”

Call for Submissions: ImageOutWrite Volume 5 (2016) ImageOut seeks previously unpublished fiction, non-fiction, and poetry entries for the 2016 ImageOutWrite literary journal celebrating LGBTQ authors/ allies. Volume #5 (editor, Gregory Gerard) will be published during this year’s ImageOut Film Festival (October 2016).

ImageOut presents LGBT arts and cultural experiences showcasing films, other creative works, and artists to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and build community.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submissions accepted from April 15 – June 15, 2016. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Straight-Ally authors are encouraged to submit original literary work (fiction/non-fiction limit: 8,000

By Merle Exit Lotus Foods has become famous for their “Rice is life”. It is not just your average white rice, the staple has been taught in many parts of the world to produce the healthiest varieties.

Caryl Levine and Ken Lee are the owners of this amazing company that started when they tasted a black rice in China now referred to as Forbidden Rice. After marketing the various rices they came up with a newer product -ramen noodles made from rice and other healthy grains. Then came the packet of noodles along with the miso soup. A bowl of the soup could sustain a meal and even better by adding some extra veggies or a few ounces of protein. Their most recent is the rice crackers, a snack food.

“Water smart and women strong way of growing rice” is their goal. “Almost four billion people eat rice daily to survive,” Caryl said. “Yet, growing rice uses more fresh water than any human activity.

If we’re going to grow and eat that much rice around the world, we’re going to have to grow it more sustainably. We have been teaching farmers how to grow using 50 percent less water, 50 percent less seed and without chemicals. The result is that they are getting double and triple the yield.”

Here are some examples: Bhutanese Red Rice has more potassium than Gatorade, and a significant amount of magnesium that has a complex, nutty, earthy flavor, soft texture and beautiful russet color.

Forbidden Rice increased health and longevity. “Legend tells us that this ancient grain was once eaten exclusively by the Emperors of China. Our most popular rice is fabled to enrich health and ensure longevity. This medium-size heirloom rice is treasured for its delicious roasted nutty taste, soft texture and beautiful deep purple color.” I got this from the website. Then there is Volcano Rice and Organic Pearl.

Grab a rice bowl, heat it up and add whatever you desire as the rice is already cooked. It’s a large portion. I have been adding pieces of cooked meat, vegetables and soup stocks for Pacific Foods. For breakfast I add two eggs as I heat it up.

I’ve never been too fond of ramen noodles until now. They have two types one of which is simply a pack of four “cakes”.

You would never know that they are made from rice. I cook the noodles while pan frying a protein with a few veggies (and a Pacific Foods soup stock). After draining, I add the noodles to the pan and stir.

The second type has single packs that include the powdered soup that contains herbs, spices, and one that even has seaweed. Great to add to a meal or just have the soup as a snack.

Speaking of snacks… their rice crackers are delicious and nutritious. Organic rice, baked rather than fried. No artificial flavors or colors. Three kinds: Shoyu Arari, the least “spicy”; Sweet and Savory Thai Arari, still not spicy; and Sriracha Arara, just the name tells you! These are all great to add to a salad as croutons, make a trail mix, or even use as soup crackers.

Where can you buy Lotus Foods? I would imagine that for the best and freshest… go to their website of www.lotusfoods.com ■

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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GAY ALLIANCE NEWS – MAY 2016

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

Todd Gordon

Volunteer of the Month: Todd Gordon If you have been in the LGBTQ Resource Center, you have seen the handiwork of our May Volunteer of the Month, Todd Gordon.

Todd was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the joy of his parents and his two older sisters.

When just seven months old, his father’s job moved the family to Tioga, North Dakota. “As a kid, I liked the snow,” he recalls, “but I missed my grandma and other family who were all back in Oklahoma.”

Born legally deaf, he worked hard to integrate into his family and life. He taught himself lip reading to augment what he could hear with various amplification devices. When it came time to start school, his mother fought to keep him from being put into the special education class. “At the time, special ed students were isolated in a room by themselves, and there was no integration with other students,” he explained, “and my mother wanted me to learn how to be part of the larger community.

“I have older Deaf relatives who never really learned to communicate, and at family gatherings they would sit by themselves and no one would be able to talk to them. I’m sure my mom saw that and didn’t want that to happen to me.”

At the age of 19, Todd began to wrestle with questions about his sexual orientation. Hoping to find answers he went to a college library to look up articles on homosexuality. Much to his horror he found articles that referred to homosexual feelings as a psychological disorder. In his heart

he knew that his feelings were not wrong, and the books must be. Little did he know that in a few years he would be active in the fight for LGBTQ liberation and marriage equality.

After high school, Todd struggled to find a career where he could use his skills and talents and not let his deafness interfere. “Technology has changed so much,” he added, “back then there was the TTY for the telephone, and that was about it. Communications were a challenge.”

Because of his proficiency with lip-reading, he decided that he needed to find a profession where he could have one-on-one communication with people. At the time, he had an aunt and a sister who were hairstylists.

The creative aspects of the job appealed to his artistic nature and the stereotype of gay men as hairdressers also fueled his decision to enroll in the “Shampoo Academy of Hair.”

Eventually Todd moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and opened a hair salon with a man he was dating. While the salon was successful, the relationship wasn’t.

When he left both behind, he met with a vocational counselor for career assistance. The counselor happened to be a graduate of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and he suggested Todd check out the options the schools offered.

So, he applied to and was accepted at NTID/RIT. As he began making plans to leave Minnesota, through a mutual acquaintance, Todd met and started a relationship with Scott Fearing. Together they decided to move to Rochester.

Enrollment at NTID/RIT began Todd’s second com-

ing out journey. He met other Deaf people and learned more ASL and began to understand Deaf culture and his own identity. RIT’s School of American Arts and Crafts ignited Todd’s passion for woodworking and other crafts. He now shares a workshop with four other graduates and he works as a freelance woodworker, designing custom wood furniture and cabinets.

He loves complicated tasks such as reconstructing and matching elements from different time periods in furniture, as well as architectural details. He is a perfectionist, making sure every detail is just right.

Todd has been active in the LGBTQ communities where ever he has lived. His first volunteer job with the Gay Alliance was to haul stuff out of the old building on Elton Avenue.

“Seems fitting that I helped to haul stuff into the new building,” he joked.

He has marched in both Roc Pride Parade and the Puerto Rican Parade with the Gay Alliance; he has prepared food for the Ride for Pride fundraiser.

(Being a “Smokin’ Okie,” he is known for his smoke house and BBQ skills.)

As the resident handy-person for the Gay Alliance and the LGBTQ Resource Center, Todd has helped to paint walls and hang lights and is responsible for the rainbow-colored doors throughout the Center. The staff and volunteers at the Center all know if something needs fixing, they can call Todd.

Todd says that volunteering has helped him to grow in his own life and by giving back he can begin to repay the kindness that he has received. Todd added that he is “very proud to help the Gay Alliance, and I am thankful that the [LGBTQ Resource] Center is here to provide a safe and inclusive place for others.”

Gay Alliance hosts “Crunch” for gender variant youth and families, May 13 at Center Neka Williamson facilitates the Gay Alliance Gender Identity Support Group for trans and gender-variant youth. An event called “Crunch” is coming up this month for trans youth and their families.

Neka said, “Crunch is an evening of dinner and stories for trans children and youth 0-20 and their caretakers. The event is at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., on May 13 from 6-8 p.m.

There will be a catered dinner the first hour, followed by three trans speakers of various gender identities. The speakers will share their personal stories of finding and living as their authentic selves.”

what the obstacle.

Our prom is a time for all of us to celebrate! We hope everyone from 13 to 20 will join us on June 4.

May Inqueery classes include Asian cuisine, forensic science

“Coming Out Under Fire” screens at the Center, May 26 “Coming Out Under Fire”, an award-winning film about unforgiving military policies toward gays and lesbians in WWII, will be screened on Thursday, May 26 at 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Speakers and a panel will follow the screening. Light refreshments will be served. The event is facilitated by Wanda Martinez-Johncox. All are welcome.

The Big Name Change

By Justin Rios & Tihanna Thornton, members of The Big Queer Prom Committee Throughout the years, The Big Gay Prom has been a safe place for LGBTQ youth to have fun in an environment where they are able to truly express themselves.

Over time, we have come to understand that the title “The Big Gay Prom” may not appeal to all who are part of the LGBTQ family, including those in the transgender community whose sexual orientation is not gay, lesbian or bisexual.

So, we are proud to announce the new name for this beloved event – “The Big Queer Prom”.

The name change from “Gay” to “Queer” is a way to be more inclusive for our trans brothers and sisters, to let them know they are not overlooked within our community. We know that “queer” may be defined as strange or odd, but many in the LBGTQ community have embraced it to mean someone who is not afraid to be who they are -- no matter

Inqueery classes continue this month at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College St. Forensic Science: May 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Follow a CSI Investigation.

Discover the structure of the Monroe County Crime Lab and the New York State Crime Lab. Explore the basics of a crime scene and how evidence is collected. This InQueery will cover everything from the Medical Examiner: The Autopsy and Forensic Toxicology; Crime Lab Selections,: Fire Arms and Ballistics, Controlled Substances; Fire Debris (Arson) ; Trace Evidence or Criminalistics; Biology/DNA. From the evidence presented you decide, Guilty or Not Guilty.

Asian Culinary: May 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

In this InQueery we will be preparing: Musubi, Lettuce Wraps and Asian Mushroom Soup.

Lettuce wraps – healthy, refreshing and delicious chicken lettuce wraps recipe that is better and cheaper than PF Chang’s.

Lettuce wraps are an appetizer of ground chicken or pork wrapped up in fresh lettuce leaves and served with a savory and delicious hoisin dipping sauce.

Musubi - is a popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped together withdried seaweed in the tradition of Japanese omusubi.Asian Mushroom Soup - A simple mushroom soup with an Asian-style vegetable broth.

Fresh mushrooms are a low glycemic food as they contain very little carbohydrate. Foods with a low GI may help to control blood sugar levels, control appetite and lower the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.

Becoming a Foster Parent: Developing LGBTQ Families May 18, 6:30-8p.m.

Can I be a foster parent if I am a single Lesbian, Gay Man, Transgender or a Same Sex Couple?!? Can I adopt a child if I am single or with my same sex partner? What are the requirements to become a foster/adoptive parent?

If you have been asking yourself these questions please feel free to come the Gay Alliance InQueery on Developing LGBTQ Families. In this class you will learn what it takes to become a fully certified foster parent. There will be a media presentation with foster parents

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: David Zona • Executive Director: Scott Fearing • Education Director: Jeanne 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; 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

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

GAY ALLIANCE NEWS – MAY 2016 of the word can put some people to sleep. In this InQueery learn everyday accounting technics needed for day to day living through the humor and satire of comedy. Take control of your personal finances. Explore the different approaches that make accounting interesting and fun through the humor of Christopher Hennelley.

Free Will/Moral Responsibility: May 31, 7-8 p.m.

Every day we seem to make and act upon all kinds of choices: some trivial, others so consequential that they change the course of one’s life, or even the course of history. But are these choices really free, or are we compelled to act the way we do by factors beyond our control?

Is the feeling that we could have made different decisions just an illusion? And if our choices are not free, is it legitimate to hold people morally responsible for their actions? Six week course.

Register at http://www.gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery ■

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS March 2016 • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Schools at Gates Chili High School • SafeZone Train-the-Trainer Certification Program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine • LGBTQ 101 at the Pittsford Rotary Club • Intro to Inclusive Schools at Spencerport Central School District Administrative Council • Transgender Healthcare Panel at Wegmans School of Pharmacy • SafeZone Training for Western NY Labor Leadership • LGBTQ 101 at Gates Chili High School GSA • LGBTQ and Faith Panel Presentation at the Global Citizenship Conference • LGBTQ 101 at Barker Road Middle School GSA • SafeZone Training at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Schools at Erie #1 BOCES • SafeZone Train-the-Trainer Certification Program at Southwestern College in California • Shoulders To Stand On Film and Discussion at the Pride and Joy Families Conference • Communicating Respectfully with Transgender Clients at Enterprise Holdings • Understanding LGBTQ Identities for Social Work Students at Roberts Wesleyan College • Meeting the Health Needs of LGBTQ Clients at the LGBTQ Academy at the Gay Alliance • Who’s Who Panel at St. John Fisher College • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Campuses at Nazareth College • Meeting the Health Needs of Transgender Clients at Rochester General Hospital • Meeting the Health Needs of LGBTQ Clients at Nazareth College • Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ Older Adults at the Alzheimer’s Association • Suicide Prevention Panel at SUNY Brockport • Meeting the Mental Health Needs of the LGBTQ Client at Nazareth College • Trans Healthcare Panel at Rochester General Hospital Feedback: • “Nothing could have made this presentation better.

The presenter was AMAZING! This training was incredible!”

• “Awesome, educational, emotional, empowering, lifechanging. The trainers were very open and engaging.

Very knowledgeable and eager to share. The manual was perfect for the workshop! I would absolutely recommend this class to a friend or co-worker!!”

• “Barefaced honesty. Gave our class a perspective that we may have not been accustomed to deal with.

Thank you for being open about your experiences.”

• “Informative, relatable and enriching. Thank you. This was phenomenal.”

SAGE MAY

PHOTO: SUSAN JORDAN

and adopted children discussing the importance of becoming a foster parent. A currently certified foster parent from the LGBT community will take part in the presentation.

We hope to see you there!

English Country Dance: May 24, 6:30-8 p.m.

Come enjoy gender-free social dancing for all ages (families too). English country dance (ECD) is an elegant, accessible and popular form of community social dance enjoyed by people all over the world. Dancers move in a number of specific “figures”, sometimes holding hands, sometimes by themselves. Each dance is prompted by a caller, so that each figure and movement is called in time to the music; you don’t need to rely on your memory alone to know what to do. A simple walking step is used and no partner is necessary.

Accounting 101: Comedy Improv in Accounting May 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Accounting, the mere sound

31

Anne Tischer and Jeff Myers prepare the weights for yoga sessions at SAGE and Health Quest.

LGBTQ Health Quest Session II: Mondays, from May 9 to June 27, 5:30-7:30pm. All are welcome to this free health & wellness program encouraging better eating habits and increased physical activity. You must pre-register at annet@gayalliance.org or (585) 2448640 x23 Tuesday May 3: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm “Cake Day”: Celebrate May birthdays with catered lunch and cake, $3. donation, games & conversation.

Hosted by Jessie, LGBTQ Resource Center.

Thursday May 5: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom in LGBTQ Resource Center, 5:30pm: SAGE Leadership Council meets.

Friday May 6: 7-9pm, SAGE Coffee Hour: Pick up a Cup! Gilda’s Club Comedy Show starts at 8pm. Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave, 14620 Hosted by: Roza Sunday May 8 - Mother’s Day - no Euchre Monday May 9: 1pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. Film screenings are free to seniors. Film begins at 1:30pm. Arrive by 1pm to sit together. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Learn more: https://eastman.org/film-series/seniormatinees Tuesday May 10: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm, Catered lunch & discussion: PRIDE Float Planning $3. donation. Hosted by Anne, LGBTQ Resource Center.

Thursday May 12: No Yoga. 10am-12noon, Breakfast Club at Denny’s (911 Jefferson Rd, Henrietta). RSVP to Audet at (585) 287-2958 no later than May 9.

Saturday May 14: 9-12noon, “What’s Next for SAGE?” Planning Retreat. Hands on development and prioritization of next SAGE initiatives, looking at communication, outreach, transportation, housing, social services, friendly visitor & calling programs. All in the community are welcome to become actively involved in the expansion of services. annet@gayalliance.org (585)244-8640 x23 Monday May 16: 1pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. Film screenings are free to Seniors. Film begins at 1:30pm. Arrive by 1pm to sit together. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Tuesday May 17: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm: Catered lunch, LINQ presentation on local bus tour trips. $3 donation. LGBTQ Resource Center Wednesday May 18: 5-7pm, Happy Hour & Trivia at 140 Alex, 140 Alexander St. Food & drink specials. All are welcome.

Thursday May 19: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom, LGBTQ Resource Center.

Sunday May 22: 2pm-5pm Euchre Sunday Social at the Center. All are welcome – learn to play! $3. donation towards refreshments. Donations of munchies & baked goods are appreciated!

Monday May 23: 1pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. Film screenings are free to Seniors. Film begins at 1:30pm. Arrive by 1pm to sit together. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Tuesday May 24: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm: Catered lunch, People’s choice: The Life of Harvey Milk. $3 donation. LGBTQ Resource Center Thursday May 26: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom, LGBTQ Resource Center.

Thursday May 26 Special Event: 6:3-8:30pm SAGEVets hosts a free screening of award-winning “Coming Out Under Fire”. Explores the unforgiving U.S. military policy regarding gay and lesbian soldiers during WWII. Speaker panel to follow viewing. Light refreshments. All are welcome. Facilitated by Wanda Martinez-Johncox.

Tuesday May 31: 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom, 11:30am – 2pm Catered lunch, games & crafts. $3. Donation.

SAGE Rochester is a program of the Gay Alliance designed for LGBTQI people over 50.

SAGE operates out of the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Avenue 14607.

All programs are open to the public and all are welcome. Yoga is $5.00 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. Donations help defray our costs but we understand if flexibility is needed - please contact Anne Tischer.

Become a SAGE member or get 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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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

Resources Check our monthly and ongoing calendar and community section for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance, 2448640 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

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

FAMILY 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, the Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families.

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.

Angel Food Ministry Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance.

Menu changes monthly. For information and distribution sites, call 585 861-4815.

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 are scheduled at area medical provider locations or by calling 295-5708.

Trillium Health Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/ AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

On-site services include HIV testing and limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium Health is also a leader in providing services and education to members of the LGBT community. 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: 585244-6456. Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303.

Southern Tier Office: Buell St. Box 624, Bath, NY 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585454-5556.

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. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of resources and services to the upstate New York community. Their offices are located through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also provides medical literature and newspaper clippings, as well as demographic and statistical data for use in developing health care services. (585) 461-3520.

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, multi-

cultural, 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 – 500p.

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. (2546480); Woodward Health Center, 480 Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more.

McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Health’s Connection Clinic (585) 368-3506, 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, www.everybodysgood.com 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. For more information, contact us at 585272-1930 or visit us online at HCRhealth.com.

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory under “Health” for Gay Alliance referrals to physicians and service agencies.

CNY Youth Group Bi-Polar Support.

Second Monday of every month. 315-428-9366.

Q UNDER 40 Q<40 Special Events for LGBTQ people and friends over 20 and under 40. Info at GayAlliance.org

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. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs callers might have. The Trans Lifeline number is (877) 5658860. Additional info is available at www.translifeline.org.

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 legal services for lowincome 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. Conversations range from topics regarding family life, personal experiences with regard to medically/ socially transitioning and how life is going in general. Contact Adrian at abartholomeo@gmail.com.

WOMEN L.O.R.A Late Bloomers Group E-mail info@loragroup.org Website: www.loragroup.org; L.O.R.A (Lesbians of Rochester & 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 at our office. Community speakers available! 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, now in development, with text trained counselors for support and crisis intervention.

CNY Youth Group Bi-Polar Support.

Second Monday of every month.

315-428-9366. ■

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • 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. Wed. 6-8pm 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 The Social Grind 10am-12noon and again 7:30-9pm at Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Email: DHutch457@aol. com for information Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30, Open Arms MCC Community Center, 707 E. Main St. 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) LORA Coffee Social Equal=Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave., Tuesdays 6:30 pm. The LORA Women’s Group is open to everyone, all races, sexualities, and genders. For more info visit www.loragroup.org

WEDNESDAYS Identity Group The Identity Group is for 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 of the group is to provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, share personal experiences and increase selfesteem. The group is facilitated by Delaina Fico.

LMSW. For more information, please contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmonroe.org or 585271-0661 ext. 1552.

LORA Knitting Group 6:00pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. L.O.R.A. Knitting group meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month from Equal Grounds Coffee House. Join Us! Bring your supplies and a sense of adventure! 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 100 College Ave. 6-8pm.

Empire Bears Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at various venues. www.empirebears.com

THURSDAYS 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.

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. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 NLIST Transgenger Support Group 5-6:15pm, Trillium Health. Must pre-register.

LORA Late Bloomers Group 4th/Last Thursday of the month. Coming out group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women of all ages and backgrounds! Last Thursday of each month in a safe private location. For more info visit: www.loragroup.org or contact Jessica Cohen at LGBTHealth@trilliumhealth.org or email us at info@loragroup.org 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 Gay Men’s 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. LORA GaYmes Night Meets 4th Friday of the Month, 7-10pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. Rochester. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly. Email: irishfemmerochester@yahoo.com. Phone: 585.943.1320. More Info: www.loragroup.org.

Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ L.O.R.A.14464/ Monthly LBTQ Womyns Bingo Night Third Fridays, 7 pm, at Empire Bingo. Contact: Christine, IrishFemmeRochester@yahoo.com; 585-943-1320 text/talk.

SATURDAYS 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 PFLAG (Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) 585 993-3297; rochesterpflag@gmail.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. Rochester, 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 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 Now open at its new location at 100 College Avenue, 9am-5pm and on Wednesday evenings, 6-8pm.

Check out our ten thousand-volume library, along with the Bohnett Cyber Center. Contact us with questions at: library@gayalliance.org or at 585-244-8640.

34

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 500 • MAY 2016

May 2016 SUNDAY 1

May Day Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www.di-rochester.org/

TUESDAY 3

Inqueery class. Forensic science, 6:30-9:30 pm. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Register at http://www. gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

WEDNESDAY 4

Inqueery class. Asian culinary, 6:308 pm. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Register at http://www.gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

THURSDAY 5

Pride in Leadership Development Program, United Way. Also May 6.

Also sponsored by Gay Alliance, Excellus. www.uwrochester.org/Getting-Involved/ Leadership-Development-Programs

FRIDAY 6

First Friday opening of Joe Ziolkowski “Nocturnes” at Gallery Q, 100 College Ave. 6-9 pm. Sponsored by Gay Alliance and ImageOut Film Festival.

SATURDAY 7

Butch Femme Connection supper club. 7 pm, Peppermints Diner, Rte. 17 S. For further information, contact Kerry at DressyFemme@aol.com.

SUNDAY 8

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. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www.di-rochester.org/

MONDAY 9

SAGE Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. Films free for seniors. Arrive at 1 pm to sit together. Film 1:30 pm.

Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@ gmail.com Learn more: https://eastman. org/film-series/senior-matinees LGBTQ Health Quest Session II: Mondays, from May 9 to June 27 (except Memorial Day) 5:30-7:30pm. All are welcome to free health & wellness program encouraging better eating habits and increased physical activity. You must pre-register at annet@gayalliance.org or (585) 244-8640 x23

THURSDAY 12

Out & Equal Networking at Out at Geva reception, 5:30 pm. Followed by performance of The May Queen. Tickets to show include reception, $40 ($5 of each sale benefits Out & Equal). To order call Geva box office, 585-232-4382 & mention “Out at Geva”.

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community Town Hall. 5:30 pm Meet & Greet with refreshments.

Town Hall Meeting 6-9 pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Organized by NYS Trans & GNC Town Halls Project.

FRIDAY 13

Crunch event for trans/gender variant youth and parents/caretakers, 6-8 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Catered dinner, three speakers.

244-8640.

SATURDAY 14

What’s Next for SAGE? Planning Retreat. Hands on development and prioritization of next SAGE initiatives, looking at communication, outreach,

transportation, housing, social services, friendly visitor & calling programs. 9 am-noon, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College St. All are welcome to become actively involved in the expansion of services. annet@gayalliance.org (585)2448640 x23.

Empire Bears potluck at LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., 6 pm.

SUNDAY 15

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass, quiet. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www.di-rochester.org/

MONDAY 16

SAGEWorks two-week boot camp: May 16-27, weekdays 9 am-1:30 pm at LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Eligibility Requirements: 40+ and currently engaged in a job search.

Register online at www.gayalliance.org, Email: toddp@gayalliance.org or call 585.244.8640 X23 Empty Closet deadline for June issue.

244-9030; susanj@gayalliance.org

TUESDAY 17

Young filmmakers event, hosted by URMC Office of Mental Health Promotion (OMHP), within the Department of Psychiatry. 5:30-8pm, University of Rochester School of Nursing Auditorium, 255 Crittenden Blvd. Free, open to public.

Screening will be followed by an art reception in the Bridge Art Gallery space on the first floor of Department of Psychiatry, 300 Crittenden Blvd.

WEDNESDAY 18

Inqueery class. Becoming a Foster Parent: Developing LGBTQ Families.

6:30-8 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Register at http://www. gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

SUNDAY 22

Dignity Integrity. Prayers to Start the Week, followed by a Potluck Supper: Food Fit for a Queen. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www. di-rochester.org/

TUESDAY 24

Classifieds Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 100 College Ave., Rochester, New York 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Host an AFS exchange student!

Choose from 90 countries. A chance to learn more about a new culture and share yours. To see students coming to your area, contact Jemma at jpowell@afsusa. org or 585-410-2017.

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.

HELP WANTED

Sell ads for The Empty Closet.

Must be energetic and reliable. 30 percent commission. 244-9030.

SERVICES

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

tive. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction.

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

Handyman: Simple repairs or full renovations, no job is too large or small.

Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interior & Exterior. 35 years experience. Call Alan & Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304517-6832.

Martin Ippolito master electrician.

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

585-266-6337.

TL’s Home Repair Service. Electric, plumbing, home remodeling. Cell: 585224-6279; office: 585-473-7205.

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.

Inqueery class. English Country Dance, 6:30-8 pm. Register at http:// www.gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

WEDNESDAY 25

Inqueery class. Accounting 101: Comedy Improv in Accounting. 6:308:30 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Register at http://www. gayalliance.org/programs/inqueery

THURSDAY 26

“Coming Out Under Fire”. Documentary on US military discrimination against LGBT soldiers in WWII. Speakers, panel and discussion to follow film. Light refreshments. 6:30-8:30 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Facilitated by Wanda MartinezJohncox.

SUNDAY 29

Dignity Integrity. Prayers to Start the Week, followed by a Picnic in the Park. Bring a dish to pass. Meet 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www.di-rochester.org/

SUNDAY 31

Inqueery class. Free Will/Moral Responsibility. 7-8 pm. LGBTQ Resource Center. Every day we seem to make and act upon all kinds of choices: some trivial, others so consequential that they change the course of one’s life, or even the course of history. But are these choices really free, or are we compelled to act the way we do by factors beyond our control? Is the feeling that we could have made different decisions just an illusion? And if our choices are not free, is it legitimate to hold people morally responsible for their actions?

Six-week course. 7-8 pm. Hotline at 585-234-5092 or website at www.dirochester.org/

JUNE THURSDAY 2

A Fist Full of Stories opening night. These trans open mic events, and The Good, the Bad, and the Funny, will be held in the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., 7 to 8:30 p.m. A Fist Full of Stories on June 2 will be an open mic for the entire community. For the other June and July trans events see article, page 3. ■

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

PFLAG MEETS 3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Meetings are held at the Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 707 E. Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 from 1 to 3pm.

Questions? 585-993-3297 or RochesterPFLAG@gmail.com Join us!

MAY 2016 • NUMBER 500 • 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 © 2016, 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 500 • MAY 2016