The Empty Closet
Section A
New York State’s Oldest LGBT Publication
number 431 a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley FEBruary 2010
The Red Ball celebrates love, community The Red Ball, a Valentine’s Dance “celebrating community, love and friendship,” will be held
ARI-ACHC merger creates AIDS Care After more than a year of planning, preparation and perseverance, the legal merger between AIDS Community Health Center and AIDS Rochester is official. The new organization formed by this merger is called AIDS Care, located at 259 Monroe Ave. This is the only organization in the Finger Lakes region with HIV/AIDS care and support services as its sole focus and it will offer a wide array of HIV/ AIDS medical, social and prevention services. “We’ve always prided ourselves on providing all the HIV/ AIDS care, support, outreach, and prevention services people (AIDS Care continues page 3)
LOCAL & STATE NEWS
Highland offers mammograms for women 40, older
Rebecca Newberry, former CampusOut Coordinator for the Gay Alliance, and transgender activist Deborah Oppenheimer (Inset: Pam Barres). Photos: billijo wolf
Pride Agenda STAR Awards go to Newberry, Oppenheimer at first regional volunteer recognition event Gear up for first LGBT Health Month By Erik Libey The National Coalition for LGBT Health has once again chosen dates for communities nationwide to celebrate National LGBT Health Awareness Week. These dates, March 28 through (Gear up continues page 3)
SEN. ROBACH’S VOTE HURT FAMILIES: LGBT rights supporters, organized by Civil Rights Front, picketed NYS Senator Joseph Robach’s Greece office on Dec. 18 in 12 degree temperatures to protest his vote against marriage equality. See page A 18 for more coverage of local protests against Sen. Robach’s opposition to equal rights for his LGBT constituents and their families. Photo: Bess Watts
The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing partnership of businesses within our community who support our mission and vision. Gold Eastman Kodak Company; Mass Mutual Financial Group; Merrill Lynch; Nixon Peabody, LLP Silver Ace Mailing Services; Bausch & Lomb Inc.; Cor ning Incorporated; Harter Secrest & Emory LLP; Heveron & Heveron CPAs; ITT Corporation; Monroe Plan for Medical Care; Sage Advisors of Sage Rutty; St. John Fisher College; Tim Tompkins Enterprises; Xerox Capital Services Bronze Canandaigua National Bank; Edgerton Florist; Empire State College; Galaxe Pride at Work; Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church; Third Presbyterian Church; Wegmans Food Markets; The Woolbright Group Pride Thomson Reuters
NewsBriefs
By Susan Jordan On Jan. 12, the Empire State Pride Agenda hosted its first Rochester STAR Awards volunteer recognition event, honoring Rebecca Newberry, former CampusOut Coordinator for the Gay Alliance, and transgender activist Deborah Oppenheimer. Around 35 people attended. The Awards evening took place at Downtown United Presbyterian Church and was catered by Eclectic Café. In previous years this annual event has been hosted in NYC, with honorees from around the state being gathered in one central place to be recognized. This year, WNY Field Organizer Todd Plank said, the decision was made to host volunteer recognition events regionally, so that local members of the community could attend and join in celebrating the work and contributions of their area activists. Deborah Oppenheimer was honored for her exemplary role as a community activist. For more than seven years, Deb has persisted in her efforts to help pass important legislation, including the Gender Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and a marriage equality bill. She has participated in
five of the Pride Agenda’s annual statewide lobby days, commonly known as Equality & Justice Day, and has served as a meeting facilitator in Albany as well as in in-district meetings with NYS Assembly members and Senators. Deb has participated in many GENDA coalition conferences and currently serves as the Rochester regional co-chair for the (Pride Agenda continues page 3)
Pandora’s adventures in reality TV Page B1
Highland Breast Imaging Center, in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and Cancer Services of Monroe County, are celebrating Valentines Day by offering free mammograms to women 40 and older who do not have health insurance, or whose health insurance does not cover mammograms. The date is Saturday, Feb. 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Highland Breast Imaging Center, 500 Red Creek Drive, Suite 130. A Reiki Practitioner and Massage Therapist will be on hand to provide free 10-minute Reiki sessions or chair massage after mammograms. Women may schedule appointments with a friend or family member and receive a certificate to purchase one lunch and get the second lunch free at Lorraine’s Food Factory. Parking is free and refreshments will be provided. Women may call the Breast Imaging Center at 487-3300 to make an appointment in advance. Women who cannot make the screening day can be scheduled for a different day. The Breast Imaging Center is dedicated to improving the health of women in Monroe County. For more detailed information about the screening day or the services offered, contact Sue Swift, Coordinator, Patient and Community Relations, at 487-3305.
Satellite Sunday: youth go on the road Feb. 7
Photo: Mathu Andersen
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on Feb. 6, sponsored by the Gay Alliance. The dance will run from 7-11 p.m. in the Cathedral Hall, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. DJ Chuck Argento will provide music for all ages, and there will be light refreshments, desserts, a gift basket raffle and an auction. Organizers hint, “Wear red to win prizes”. Dance admission is $7 and the fee for the Ravines Cellar Wine and Hedonist Artisan Chocolates Tasting in the Beaujolais Nouveau Room is $5. Tickets will be available at Outlandish and Equal=Grounds, and online at www.gayalliance.org. Information: 244-8640.
The Youth Group is coming to a neighborhood near YOU! Starting in February, GAGV Youth will be traveling to different towns in the Genesee Valley region in an effort to improve outreach to area LGBTQA Youth. The first Satellite Sunday group is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7 at Lovin’ Cup in Henrietta. Group will run from 2-4 p.m. “We are looking forward to connecting with Rush-Henrietta’s GayStraight Alliance at this meeting,” says Jessica Cohen, Youth Services Director. (Satellite continues page 3)
Inside
Section A Newsfronts..................................4 Interview: Anne Tischer...............6 Pride Corner............................. 12 Soulforce journey.................... 17 Making The Scene................... 18 Section B Entertainment: Pandora Boxx....1 Columnists..................................5 GAGV Youth: College tours....... 10 GAGV News: Getting your marriage recognized...................... 10 Groups...................................... 13 Calendar................................... 14 Classifieds................................ 14 Ongoing Calendar................... 15
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
Perspectives From the Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan
The Vatican or loving gay families: which really harms children? The Roman Catholic church has poured millions into defeating marriage equality in California and Maine, in an attempt to destroy lgbt families, including those not of the Catholic faith. Not content with attacking gays from the pulpit, the Vatican represses equal civil rights for lgbt Americans through political lobbying. Vatican bigots claim that gay families are “harming” their own children -- merely by having them. They want to forbid gays to have children. Church leaders are allegedly purging U.S. communities of women religious, presumably going after lesbians and feminists. They threaten to cut off their D.C. charities to punish the District of Columbia for passing marriage equality, and threaten to deny communion to Catholic politicians like Patrick Kennedy, who support women’s right to choose not to have children. Meanwhile, the worldwide sexual abuse of women and children by priests, and the traditional concealment of these crimes by church authorities, are finally being revealed. “In addition to money spent to persecute non-Catholic lawabiding gay citizens, the Catholic church has spent billions of dollars worldwide enabling child rapists, concealing these heinous
crimes from law enforcement, and settling civil lawsuits by victims,” wrote Keori on pamshouseblend. com in December 2009. “Recently, the Murphy Commission in Ireland completed a three-year investigation into decades of systemic abuse and sexual exploitation of children at the hands of Roman Catholic clergy in that country. The Dublin Archdiocese covered up hundreds of cases of criminal child rape, sheltered the priests, and shuffled them to other parishes to avoid discovery, including parishes in the United States. “This is in addition to a report released six months ago detailing the endemic levels of child rape in church-run institutions since before the 1930s. Victims are urging wider government probes into the institution which for decades enabled the rape and abuse of women and children in orphanages, schools, and workhouses such as the Magdalene laundries. “The Examiner newspaper, describing the abuse as ‘satanic’, said that (the Murphy) report uncovered a ‘litany of horror’ that could ‘only be described as an active evil, a pervading darkness that poisoned lives.’ “(The) report found that the archbishops did not report abuse to police until the 1990s as part of a culture of secrecy and an overriding wish to avoid damaging the reputation of the Church and protect its assets. “One priest admitted to abusing over 100 children, another was an active pedophile – raping children of both sexes – for over 25 years.” SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, can help victims find support and counseling. Given all of this, some humility from church leaders might seem in order. But of course the men at the Vatican still see themselves as the ultimate moral authority, with the right to condemn the love, the consensual sexuality and the families of all humans born gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual. ■
Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2010, All rights reserved.
From the Executive Director Sue Cowell
Creating Community (and So Much More) at the Gay Alliance For more than 36 years, the Gay Alliance has been creating and serving the Rochester community. There have been times that the Gay Alliance has been more successful at this than at other times but I am proud to say we are stronger than ever. During my tenure as Executive Director, I have had people tell me that they do not feel a personal need for the Gay Alliance — they are grateful we are here to help others, and grateful they could call upon us if they ever had a crisis, but they feel that we play no role in their daily lives. I can understand why someone may feel that way. The programs we are most recognized for are the Empty Closet, Youth Services, the Community Safety Program and its crime victim assistance and our Speakers Bureau. Many of you may never have a reason to interact with the staff who manage these programs, but I know the work they do impacts your life by changing a variety of social systems as well as the hearts and minds of your neighbors. However, I also want to remind those that feel unconnected to our work that much more happens in our offices beyond these four major programs. The Gay Alliance is a
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporters: Ove Overmyer, Laura McSpadden Graphic Design: Jim Anderson
critically important touchstone for people who want to work with the broader LGBT community. I am regularly contacted by other service organizations that wish to collaborate and represent the interests of LGBT citizens. Collaborative efforts with others and representation of our community in the media are important activities that help change Rochester for the better. As I write this, we have just completed a wonderful event in partnership with Geva Theater. 175 people attended and participated in a dialogue after a reading of “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later.” This was a free event that was part of their Hornet’s Nest Series. Kelly Clark, Director of Community Safety, was a member of the panel discussion. (See page B 1) The Gay Alliance has been invited to participate in the 2010 National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on April 16, 2010. The Gay Alliance will participate in this effort with their Diversity Subcommittee. Locally, this effort is led by Dr. Patricia Bomba, Vice President and Medical Director of Geriatrics at Excellus Blue Cross. The Gay Alliance regularly works with many local, regional, statewide and national LGBT groups, including Rainbow SAGE of Western New York, the MOCHA Center and ImageOut. We also partner with Pride and Joy Families of Binghamton who provide family building support and activities. Our work touches all lives, and lifts the visibility and credibility of the LGBT communities every day in many different ways. Do we always get it right? Of course not. But life is better in Rochester because we have been here to answer questions, provide collaboration, and represent the needs and desires of all LGBT people and our allies. If you ever hear someone say that they have no reason to use the services of the Gay Alliance, please help me to remind them that they already do. ■
"Coming here taught me how to live."
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s you plan your end of the year giving, help to support Rochester's LGBT Future by giving to the Gay Alliance. Hundreds of area youth participate in our programs. We also provide support to schools and families. Name Address City/State/Zip Phone E:mail
Membership levels: ❏ $25-99 Advocate ❏ $100-999 Champion ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall enefits begin with a subscription to The Empty Closet ~ mailed to home or work, plus privileges at each level. Phone us: 585 244-8640 or mail to the Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605
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photo: billijo wolf
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. (www.emptycloset@ gagv.us) 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, 875 E. Main St., 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, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: emptycloset@gagv. us. Online edition of EC available at www. gayalliance.org.
– 15 year-old Youth Program participant
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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 arena, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out supposed flaws an ad 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.
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet from page 0ne
(NewsBriefs from page 1) Youth Program members unable to transport themselves to Lovin’ Cup can catch a ride on the AIDS Care Van which will leave the GAGV Youth Center at 1:15 p.m. sharp! E-mail Jess at JessC@gayalliance.org for more information or to reserve your seat. ■ (Awards from page 1) statewide GENDA coalition. In past years she facilitated at meetings of the Rochester Transgender Group. Deb has also been an advocate in the workplace. She wrote draft policies for EEO and transition guidelines at her place of employment, both of which were adopted. Oppenheimer’s activism extends beyond the borders of New York State. She has lobbied at the federal level for inclusive hate crimes and employment non-discrimination legislation. Deb has also brought transgender issues into mainstream advocacy organizations such as NOW and Planned Parenthood. In addition to her work with the Pride Agenda, she has served on the Gay Alliance board of directors since May of 2007 and has been an active member of the GAGV Speaker’s Bureau since 2005. The second honoree also has close ties to the Gay Alliance. In 2007 Rebecca Newberry founded the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley’s CampusOUT program, a social justice coalition made up of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and supportive students on five area college campuses. In the three years that Rebecca served as coordinator, CampusOUT engaged over 250 students to travel to Albany for Equality & Justice Day to advocate for increased rights and protections for LGBT New Yorkers. She conducted approximately 20 lobbying training workshops on campuses across Monroe County and estimates that through her outreach over 500 students have been initiated into community activism. Rebecca played a pivotal role in the addition of a college caucus to the Pride Agenda’s annual Albany lobby day. She helped design these forums and served as a co-facilitator. For the past two years these caucuses have proven to be a powerful means of connecting college students across NYS and providing them with an opportunity to learn from each other and, through their collective role as activists, offer fresh insights and contribute new energy to the LGBT civil rights movement. Rebecca’s passion for transgender civil rights is evident in her past involvement with Spectrum, Buffalo’s transgender group, during which time she collaborated in the hosting of the city’s first transgender film festival. In August of 2009 Rebecca returned to Buffalo to begin her graduate work in communications and leadership at Canisius College with a concentration in non-profit management. “My goals for my life,” Rebecca states, “are rooted in the values that my mother instilled in me: dedication, passion and justice.” Rebecca is currently serving as the Development Director at Buffalo First, a grassroots non-profit dedicated to economic justice, localization, and green and responsible communities. Despite the many demands on Rebecca’s time, she has maintained her ties with the Pride Agenda by attending monthly IMPACT team meetings in Buffalo and in December she returned to Rochester to co-facilitate a workshop with the Gary Pudup of the NYCLU on grassroots organizing and civil disobedience (see page A 18). Pamela Barres, Pride Agenda Foundation board member, co-hosted the evening with Todd Plank and presented the STAR Award to her friend and fellow transgender activist Deb Oppenheimer. Barres said she regretted that the two other Rochester-area board members, the Reverend Dr. Sharon Jacobson and the Reverend Jen Crowe, were not able to
be present, as “they have a great twoministers act together.” Barres praised Deb Oppenheimer for her dedication and added that the evening was also meant to honor everyone there and all the volunteers who “move the work forward toward equality for LGBT people, and for all people – that’s what it’s really about.” Barres said that GENDA, the bill to give basic civil rights protections to transgender New Yorkers, is expected to move forward this spring. She described her intense disappointment last June 8, the day when GENDA was set to come up for a Senate vote – that was the day that Republicans staged their attempted coup to regain a Senate majority. “Nothing got voted on that day,” Barres said. “The moment passed and marriage became the issue… In June, marriage equality would have been a vote of conscience for Republicans, but, in my opinion, by December it had become a political vote.” Barres said that she is confident that GENDA and Dignity for All Students can pass this year, “if we all get out there and push our senators to make it happen.” Deb Oppenheimer thanked the Pride Agenda and said that she has been inspired by the transgender people and LGBT activists she has met over the years, in Provincetown, New York City, Buffalo and here in Rochester. Todd Plank presented the STAR Award to Rebecca Newberry, stating, “I’ve never met such a natural organizer in my life. She has inspired me and taught me a thing or two about organizing.” Newberry accepted her award with an emotional tribute to her mother’s inspiring work as an activist and leader. She said, “Folks in Rochester are so welcoming and good at recognizing people’s strengths and helping them do their best… I don’t think I’d have been as successful in organizing CampusOut as I have if it hadn’t been for these people and relationships. Even if we are defeated once or twice – or more – they can’t take these relationships and this community away from us.” Both award recipients got standing ovations from the audience. Todd Plank said, “The Rochester community is very fortunate to have passionate activists and leaders like Deb and Rebecca. They inspire me and many others to continue to advance the cause of equality and justice for LGBTQ New Yorkers through education, advocacy and outreach. We are truly blessed to have these hard working volunteers as mentors and role models for the next generation of activists.” Plank continued, “The Pride Agenda has aggressive goals for 2010, which will require the enthusiastic engagement of our existing base of volunteers and the additional help of many new activists in our civil rights struggle. I would encourage anyone who is interested in getting more involved in our local community activism to contact me.” Monthly IMPACT team meetings are held at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N Fitzhugh St., 14614) on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. An activist skill-building workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27. For more details contact Todd Plank at 585-271-2420; tplank@prideagenda. org or visit www.prideagenda.org. (AIDS Care from page 1) infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS need,” says Jay Rudman, former president of AIDS Community Health Center and newly appointed president and chief executive officer of AIDS Care. “Our new tagline – The Center for Positive Living – says it all. This new organization will enable us to expand and improve the live-saving services we have more than 40 years combined experience providing to the community.” AIDS Community Health Center and AIDS Rochester decided to merge to combine their resources to prevent additional HIV infection and provide the best services possible for those already infected. (AIDS Care continues page 7 )
NewsFronts LOCAL AND STATE
BRONSON TO RUN: Harry Bronson, Monroe County Legislature Minority Leader, announced on Jan. 23 his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for NYS Assemblymember Susan John’s 131st District seat. Willa Powell, a Democrat and School Board member, has also announced her candidacy. Bronson said on Jan. 23, “I enter this race because people are demanding a new approach to state government. Citizens want results and not partisan politics.... This campaign is about achieving the results the people want, have demanded and deserve.” Above: Bronson spoke at the Gay Alliance protest rally on Dec. 3, after the NYS Senate had voted down marriage equality. For coverage of upcoming state and local marriage organizing, see page A 6; for more coverage of recent local marriage equality protests, see page A 18. Photo: Susan Jordan
Van Capelle: Ford is snake oil salesman Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, has issued the following statement on Harold Ford Jr. as a potential opponent of Kristen Gillibrand, Governor Paterson’s appointee as New York State Senator, replacing Hillary Rodham Clinton: “I know Harold Ford, Jr. just arrived to New York, but as a native and lifelong resident I know what New York values are and I know a snake oil salesman when I see one. You simply can’t claim to be proequality if you’ve twice voted to enshrine discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. “While it may be tempting for Mr. Ford to compare himself to people like Senator Chuck Schumer, the fact remains that Senator Schumer — who did evolve on his position on marriage equality — has been a longtime supporter of several pieces of legislation that are very important to LGBT people and never supported the awful Federal Marriage Amendment. Harold Ford, Jr. is no Chuck Schumer and he is no Kirsten Gillibrand.
Inqueery Classes Upcoming Classes
“The fact is, Senator Gillibrand has voted in support of LGBT equality every time she’s had the chance to during her entire career as an elected official. Kirsten Gillibrand has supported LGBT people and Harold Ford, Jr. has not. “Quite frankly, I cannot point to another member of the U.S. Senate who, in their first year in office, has been more outspoken and passionate than Kirsten Gillibrand about her support for legislation that would finally provide full equality to LGBT Americans. Personally speaking, she will have my vote and I would think that the work she has done over the past year has earned her the support of the vast majority of LGBT New Yorkers.”
Anti-gay harassment may equal “stalking” By Susan Jordan The Gay Alliance observed January as National Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking is defined as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would (Stalking continues page 7)
Q
Inquiring minds want to know...
InQueery Community Learning
BDSM: An Introduction LGBT Images from Hollywood COMING OUT: What does that mean? Beginning Knitting Introduction to ASL Bible Self-Defense Class Dog Obedience for Queers and their Canines See page 12 for more details and also www.gayalliance.org
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
NewsFronts national and international Prop 8 Trial still underway at EC press time The case challenging California’s same sex marriage ban opened Jan. 11, heard by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker. Judge Walker, who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, is known as an independent thinker. He fast-tracked the case because he believes the case raises serious civil rights claims and took the unusual step of allowing the court proceedings to be videotaped so the public could watch. The trial was to be aired on YouTube each day, but the Supreme Court ruled against that. After two weeks of powerful and often emotional evidence, the plaintiffs presented their last live witness Jan. 22. On Jan. 25, the plaintiffs rested their case, and then the defendants will have their turn. Typically, at the end of all witness testimony, the attorneys present closing arguments. On Jan. 22 Judge Walker announced that there would be a two week break before closing arguments to give the parties a chance to review the evidence. The federal trial over the unconstitutionality of Proposition 8 began with an opening statement by attorney Theodore Olson, who with David Boies lead the legal team assembled by the American Foundation for Equal Rights to litigate the case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Olson and Boies are both conservatives who oppose the rightwing conservative rejection of equal civil rights for lgbt Americans. Opening statements were followed by testimony from Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, who comprise two couples who wish to be married but who were denied marriage licenses because of Proposition 8. “This unequal treatment of gays and lesbians denies them the basic liberties and equal protection under the law that are guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the plaintiffs’ suit states. According to the suit, Prop. 8 violates the Due Process Clause by impinging on fundamental liberties; violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment; singles out gays and lesbians for a disfavored legal status, thereby creating a category of “second-class citizens”; discriminates on the basis of gender and discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation.
Olson and Boies also pointed out the “crazy quilt” of separate, unequal and unconstitutional classifications of people that Prop. 8 has compelled the California government to create: opposite-sex couples who have full marriage rights; samesex couples who have no marriage rights; same-sex couples married between May and Nov. 2008 whose current marriages are recognized, but who will be unable to remarry if widowed or divorced; same-sex couples married in other states who may petition California for recognition. The defendants have the burden of demonstrating that Prop. 8 is narrowly drawn to serve a compelling government interest. Olson and Boies planned to demonstrate at trial, however, that the initiative fails to advance even a single legitimate interest. Tellingly, when asked by Chief Judge Walker at an Oct. 14 hearing to identify any harm to opposite-sex marriage that would result from marriage equality, the defendants’ attorney answered, “I don’t know.” Several defense witnesses have maintained that gays are child molesters or are trying to “recruit” children. The federal trial over the unconstitutionality of Proposition 8 went into its sixth day on Jan. 19. During the past week, 10 witnesses, including Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo and five eminent experts, had clearly and convincingly demonstrated critical points, including the importance of marriage in American society; that Proposition 8 perpetrates irreparable, immeasurable and discriminatory harm for no good reason; and that by denying gay men and lesbians the right to marry, Proposition 8 causes grievous harm to the plaintiffs and other gay men and lesbians throughout California, and adds yet another chapter to the long history of discrimination they have suffered. The trial’s sixth day saw witnesses including Jerry Sanders, the current Republican Mayor and former Police Chief of the City of San Diego who is the father of a lesbian daughter. He testified about his decision, as Mayor, to support the City of San Diego’s participation in an amicus brief advocating against the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and why he concluded supporting marriage equality was and is in the best interest of the local government and community. Witnesses also included M.V. Lee Badgett, Ph.D., a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, who testified about the private harms caused by Prop 8 and the impact
of same-sex marriage on the marriages of different-sex couples, and Ryan Kendall, a gay man who testified about the “conversation therapy” he underwent in his youth and how he has been affected by discrimination. Witnesses on Jan. 15 included Dr. Michael Lamb, a Professor and Head of the Department of Social and Developmental Psychology at Cambridge University told the court, “We have a substantial body of evidence documenting that a child being raised by same-sex parents are just as likely to be well-adjusted as children raised by heterosexual parents.” Dr. Lamb also testified (referring to children of gay and lesbian parents) that: “For a significant number of these children, their adjustment would be promoted were their parents able to get married.” He was followed by Helen Zia, an Asian American author and a lesbian. She testified about her experiences with discrimination, the effects of being denied the right to marry and the importance of being able to be married in 2008. “My mother, an immigrant from China, she really doesn’t get what ‘partner’ is,” Zia said. “Marriage made it very clear that I was family, that we were family, and I was where I belonged.” Best sites for commentary and trial recaps: Proposition 8 and the Right to Marry. A law librarian with over 20 years experience, Michael Ginsborg has blogged on the topic since 2008 and always links to the best posts and news around the internet concerning gay marriage rights and California’s Proposition 8. Law Dork. Chris Geidner’s insights on LGBT legal developments are always spot on. He helpfully provides links to trial transcripts and court orders as well. Prop 8 Trial Tracker. A project by the Courage Campaign, a California marriage equality group, this blog is run by by longtime bloggers Robert Cruickshank and Julia Rosen. Check out their recent post that goes over the names and players in the trial. Pam’s House Blend. While definitely a political site, multiple contributors and readers insure that breaking news is always reported here very quickly. If you want to be the first to read about recent developments, this is the place to go. In fact, they’ve just added a few things to their blog to make finding breaking news about the trial even easier. Wall Street Journal Law Blog. If you’re looking for in depth legal analysis of the trial, you can’t beat the WSJ Law Blog. Don’t expect a post on the trial more often than once a day, but do expect for it to be engaging and to come with insightful comments by readers.
Ban lifted on HIV positive visitors and immigrants to U.S.A. A ban on HIV positive visitors and immigrants entering the country, first established in 1987, has now been lifted.
A regulation promulgated by the Obama administration last summer and finalized in November went into effect Jan. 1, removing HIV from the list of communicable diseases that bar foreign nationals from entering the United States. Human Rights Watch noted that the first HIV-positive people to enter the United States after the HIV travel restrictions were lifted, Clemens Ruland and Hugo Bausch, a Dutch couple, arrived at JFK airport on Jan. 7. The Dutch cultural attache, Ferdinand Dorsman, on behalf of the Dutch ambassador, and Boris Dittrich, advocacy director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch, met them. “Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity,” Dittrich said. “Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights.” “The United States of America has moved one step closer to helping combat the stigma and ignorance that still too often guide public policy debates around HIV/AIDS. Today, a sad chapter in our nation’s response to people with HIV and AIDS has finally come to a close and we are a better nation for it,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This policy, in place for more than two decades, was unnecessary, ineffective and lacked any public health justification.” In July 2008, President Bush signed into law, as part of the reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a provision that removed the ban from statute and returned regulatory authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether HIV should remain on a list of communicable diseases that bar foreign nationals from entering the country. The travel and immigration ban prohibited HIV-positive foreign nationals from entering the U.S. unless they obtained a special waiver, which was difficult to secure and then only allowed for short-term travel. The policy also prevented the vast majority of foreign nationals with HIV from obtaining legal permanent residency in the United States. The ban originated in 1987, and was explicitly codified by Congress in 1993, despite efforts in the public health community to remove the ban when Congress reformed U.S. immigration law in the early 1990s. While immigration law currently excludes foreigners with any “communicable disease of public health significance” from entering the U.S., only HIV had been explicitly named in the statute.
EEO policies to list gender identity Beginning in 2010, the Obama administration, through the Office of Personnel Management, has started to list gender identity among the classes protected by federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies. By including gender identity as a pro-
February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet tected class, the federal government is stating its commitment to protecting transgender employees and has taken a significant step toward ending employment discrimination against LGBT people in the federal workforce. Although a long-standing federal law prohibits any federal employment decisions that are not based on merit and another law prohibits sex discrimination, the new EEO policy marks the first time that gender identity discrimination has been explicitly banned from the federal workplace. The policy is now on the federal government’s jobs Web site as a link from more than 20,000 current federal job listings. The American Civil Liberties Union praised the Obama administration for initiating the change in EEO policy and urged Congress to continue to work for further protections for LGBT Americans. “This new policy is a very significant development,” said Christopher Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel. “The inclusion of gender identity in federal EEO policies is a very clear statement that the federal government will not discriminate based on gender identity. The Obama administration is demonstrating a strong commitment to an effective workforce by making clear that the federal government will not discriminate against transgender employees.” The new EEO policy protects federal employees and applicants for federal employment, but federal legislation is still needed to protect millions of LGBT employees working for businesses and state and local governments. The House and Senate currently have versions of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) pending. ENDA, if passed, would be the first-ever federal ban on employment discrimination of LBGT Americans in the workplace. “Employment discrimination can have a devastating effect on transgender Americans and the families they support,” said Anders. “With its new policy, the federal government is setting a good example for all employers. Although many state governments and businesses already provide workplace protections for transgender employees, explicit protection of transgender federal employees will likely be a catalyst for many more states and businesses to apply the federal policy. With this new policy and ENDA pending in both the House and Senate, we have an unprecedented opportunity to protect the rights of all Americans at work. When Congress returns later this month, both houses should make passing ENDA a priority.” A copy of an ACLU report, Working in the Shadows: Ending Employment Discrimination for LGBT Americans, is available at: www.aclu.org/ lgbt/discrim/31836pub20070917.html
Queer couples start marrying in N.H. At midnight on Jan. 1, jubilant gay and lesbian couples began to marry legal-
ly in New Hampshire. Governor John Lynch signed marriage equality legislation in June 2009, which was set to go into effect on the new year. “As wedding bells ring in the new year in New Hampshire, it marks a new era for the state and for America,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “Gay and lesbian New Hampshire couples today are better able to take care of each other and their families. After marriage equality became law in Massachusetts, it made a huge difference in my life and enabled me to fully care for my husband and our two children.” “As more and more Americans are coming to know and understand gay and lesbian families, the public support for equality and fairness for all families is growing. “GLAAD joins New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition and the courageous couples who shared their personal stories in celebrating today’s landmark nuptials,” Barrios said. Rightwing opponents of lgbt Americans’ families and civil rights have started a campaign to overturn marriage equality in New Hampshire.
N.J. senate rejects marriage equality On Jan. 7, despite the leadership of Garden State Equality and elected leaders such as Governor Jon Corzine, the New Jersey State Senate failed to pass a marriage equality bill by a vote of 14-20. According to journalist Michael K. Lavers, New Jersey activists continue to point the finger at incoming Gov. Chris Christie as the primary reason lawmakers defeated the bill. Christie has repeatedly said he would veto any bill that would allow gays and lesbians to marry. He reportedly pressured Republican lawmakers in both the state Assembly and Senate to oppose the measure, Lavers writes. State Sen. Brian Baroni (R-Hamilton) is the only GOP legislator who voted in support of the bill. The bill had passed out of the Judiciary Committee by a 7 to 6 vote in December. Steven Goldstein’s (Garden State Equality) response was, “This isn’t over. The 14-20 vote against marriage equality isn’t the final word on the issue. We’re going back to court. “With today’s vote in the state Senate, the New Jersey legislature defaulted on its constitutional obligation to provide same-sex couples in New Jersey equal protection, as unanimously mandated by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2006. That’s why we at Garden State Equality are here with our partner Lambda Legal, which has an extraordinary track record of advancing LGBT civil rights in the courts. “Now our organizations will announce major news. Our side is going back to court to win marriage equality.” “Today’s vote by the New Jersey Senate perpetuates a system of inequality in
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the Garden State,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Failing to provide loving, committed couples access to marriage leaves them separate and unequal – civil unions are not the same as marriage.” At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Five states — California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada — plus Washington, D.C. provide samesex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. D.C. has passed marriage rights but must wait for Congressional review. Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. New York and Washington, D.C. recognize marriages of same-sex couples validly entered into outside of the jurisdiction. Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council, said, “Today’s State Senate vote failed New Jersey’s families as well as the equality mandate of the New Jersey Constitution. There are over 16,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families in New Jersey, over a quarter of which are raising thousands of children. For too long, these families have endured secondclass status under a separate, unequal, and unconstitutional civil union scheme that even legislators who oppose marriage equality concede is a proven failure. These families, and particularly the children in them, need and deserve the recognition, respect, and security full marriage equality provides. “Despite today’s vote, full marriage equality is closer than ever before in New Jersey and it will come. The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ruled in 2006, in a case led by Lambda Legal, that LGBT families must be treated equality under the New Jersey Constitution. We look forward to supporting Lambda Legal, and continuing to support Garden State Equality, as Lambda Legal goes back to court to secure the full equality due to New Jersey’s LGBT families. “The recent passage of marriage equality in Washington, D.C. demonstrates that the national momentum for full marriage equality remains on the side of love and justice. The Family Equality Council, alongside the families we support, will continue to push for full equality until the days of partial rights, injustice, and inequality finally become a relic of the past in New Jersey and across the U.S.” Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People’s Right to Marry, said, “Today the New Jersey Senate failed to do right by the New Jersey families harmed by exclusion from marriage,
A5 and the majority of the New Jersey public who support ending the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Legislators themselves, even opponents, have confirmed that the civil union law does not work to protect and support those families, and is no substitute for the freedom to marry. Freedom to Marry applauds Garden State Equality’s and Lambda Legal’s announcement that they are going back to court to fulfill the constitutional’s command of equality and secure the freedom to marry for committed couples in New Jersey.” The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) continued media monitoring following New Jersey State Senate’s vote. GLAAD is working to ensure that local and national media outlets are accurate in reporting and ground coverage in the stories of loving and committed couples. These stories will raise awareness among New Jersey residents of the concrete harms that couples face without marriage protections. “Only with marriage can gay and lesbian families fully take care of each other and today’s vote is a painful loss for couples in New Jersey as well as across the country,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “The march towards equality is far from over. The Supreme Court of New Jersey unanimously ruled in 2006 that the New Jersey Constitution demands that same-sex couples must be treated equally and GLAAD joins Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal to continue working for equality in New Jersey.” “We urge gay and lesbian New Jersey couples and allies to share their stories with their neighbors, friends, co-workers and local media to show legislators that the public supports fairness for all couples. We also encourage media outlets to share stories of the New Jersey couples who are left vulnerable after today’s vote,” Barrios said.
Portugal beats the U.S. to marriage equality Portugal, traditionally one of Europe’s most socially conservative Catholic countries, approved the legalization of gay marriage on Jan. 8 with a minimum of fuss. The vote was 125 to 99. “This law rights a wrong,’’ Prime Minister Jose Socrates said in a speech to lawmakers, adding that it “simply ends pointless suffering.” With the governing Socialists and other left-wing parties enjoying a strong majority, the new law is likely to gain final approval before a visit by homophobic Pope Benedict XVI, due in Portugal in May. In contrast to Spain, where the leadup to the legalization of gay marriage in 2005 brought hundreds of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets, the bill (Portugal continues page 14 )
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photo: bess watts
Interview
Anne Tischer By Susan Jordan Marriage Equality activist Anne Tischer of the new group Equality ROC (EROC) fills us in on what is happening around NYS and in Rochester in the ongoing campaign for full equality for LGBT New Yorkers and our families. Empty Closet: What are activists across the state thinking about the best strategies for getting the marriage bill passed in the senate? Ann Tischer: The disappointing Marriage Equality vote by the New York Senate had the same effect as getting gut punched by a bully… initially it knocked the wind out of everyone, but now we are uniting, mad and targeted. The vote was useful as it’s now apparent to the average Joe in our community that full LGBT equality is not “inevitable” even in a supposedly progressive state like New York. I have seen many new faces at activist meetings. The vote also revealed our friends and non-friends in the Senate, sharpened our strategies and has set the stage for statewide collaborations. I and activists from Outspoken for Equality Buffalo just returned from New York City, where we attended the huge monthly meeting of Marriage Equality New York (MENY) and met with their leadership. MENY remains focused on the fight for marriage as the most effective means of eliminating all forms of LGBT inequality. Get marriage and 95 percent of other problems disappear – immigration, unfair taxation, survivors’ benefits, health care access. It also establishes publicly that gays are equal citizens and makes it harder to justify things like the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. MENY is actively networking statewide. Per Ron Zacchi, Executive director of MENY: “Statewide support is the only way marriage equality will pass in our state. We need Western New York, Capital Region, Orange County, Long Island, NYC, Republicans, Democrats, people of faith, people of color, elderly people, the lgbt community, our straight allies and many others, to have a fair shot at equality in marriage.” Local Rochester groups like Equality ROC will be joining MENY in Albany on Feb. 23 for Marriage Equality Lobby Day. A bus will be going from Rochester and Buffalo. Transportation and lunch will be $35; scholarships are available. Register at http://www.meny.us/med.php. Rochester will also be part of other MENY statewide actions including the
“Wedding March” in September, echoing the march across the Brooklyn Bridge done with rainbow umbrellas. EC: Why push for marriage equality now when the next vote could be 18 months away? AT: It is important to remember how long it took for women to get the vote and the number of times it failed. Finally, after 72 years, a 24-year-old Tennessee legislator cast the tie-breaking vote heeding his mother’s instructions to be a “good boy” and “support the ladies”. We need to form long term relationships with state Senators and generate the public pressure needed to guarantee victory. Replacing targeted Senators is also part of the strategy. Senator Onorato, under serious pressure, has already bowed out of running again. And Senator Hassell-Thompson changed her vote to yes based on a personal connection made with an advocate. We need this year to do the setup work required for the next vote. And don’t assume that Empire State Pride Agenda has dropped the ball on marriage equality as they publicly prioritize the passage of GENDA and Dignity for All Students legislation this year. Their fight for marriage just moved behind the scenes. EC: Can you tell us about plans for direct actions or other organizing? AT: We went to NYC specifically to talk coordinated direct action and civil disobedience tactics. Downstate groups are already at work, targeting Senator Krueger who is rumored to be gay and voted no. He is being challenged to come out in protests at his home and at his appearances. Other no-voting Democrats find their community meetings being coopted by LGBT activists who filibuster all the speaking time. Senator Robach of Rochester, a Republican, has twice been publicly challenged by protesters on his vote (see pages A 1 and A 18) and I suspect that we will see more intensity in such direct action opportunities with targeted Senators. Marriage Equality New York has a newly formed direct action component called Act Out that is being trained by veteran Act Up activists. They will be a resource statewide and will network with Rochester. Doing civil disobedience is a “sexy” concept, but it is important to remember that our purpose is to pass legislation. Political action gurus I met with expressed concern about using strong “direct action” as a first step this legislative session. What then do you do for Act II? They have advised doing progressively edgier actions. Cathy Marino-Thomas, Board President of MENY, calls for
upping the scope of community dialogue, including doing public debates and challenging “moveable middle” churches to start the dialogue about same-sex marriage. Equality ROC will be working with MENY on such efforts. We are early in the 2010 planning cycle so direct action events will tend to be “opportunist” in nature for a while, but regardless of the organization you are talking about, direct action is now on everybody’s plate as a viable tactic. EC: Do you have a sense of whether young queers are active in this campaign? AT: Active? These kids will wear you out. Young progressive groups like Rochester’s Civil Rights Front (CRF) are fearless, creative and energetic and will carry the flag for direct action. Their meetings (Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Equal=Grounds) are open to anyone and are like a shot of adrenalin to us tired old activists. They got two busloads of people to the National Equality March on Washington and have since networked with Equality Across America (EAA), who advocate for full LGBT rights with a federal focus. Currently CRF is planning a local LGBT Rights Conference at RIT on Feb. 20 to which the public is invited. They have talked about doing a “kiss-in” – sounds fun to me. EC: Who are our allies? AT: Whatever sphere you operate in, there is movement toward GLBT visibility in the wider community and that is the most effective tool we have to achieve marriage equality and full civil rights. Out & Equal, Outreach, Out for Justice, PFLAG, Interfaith Advocates, Pride at Work AFL-CIO, MOCHA, Gay Straight Alliances, Rainbow SAGE and more all play a huge role in putting a human face to the cause of equal rights. Behind the scenes the Gay Alliance goes unrecognized for the enormous support, training and resources they provide to activists and organizations who advance our civil rights. Victory will be
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achieved one changed heart at a time and we all will share the credit. EC: What can we do to get involved? AT: Organizations in Rochester are dovetailing in our efforts to cover all ways to promote LGBT equality. ESPA continues their work focusing on GENDA and Dignity for all Students now, but are always available for advice and mentoring on marriage issues. While the Civil Rights Front allies with Equality Across America and does edgy actions with a federal focus, another local grassroots group, Equality ROC (EROC) works with Marriage Equality New York from a statewide perspective. Pulling from seasoned activists, Equality ROC (EROC) meets second and fourth Wednesdays at the Gay Alliance and promotes visibility, education and advocacy. Looking forward, EROC is promoting Marriage Equality Lobby Day in Albany, Feb. 23; has an Unfair Gay Tax Day “Unhappy Hour” planned for April 15 and is coordinating the rainbow umbrella “Wedding March” in Rochester next fall. They are committed to providing support for existing organizations like the Pride Agenda as needed and will be focused on keeping a steady LGBT presence in the written media. What’s gonna work in the fight for Marriage Equality? All of the above. We need everybody working from every angle. Here is a shameless plug…. Contact me and I will make sure you get hooked up with an activist organization you can work with comfortably. Or at least get on the notification tree so you know what is happening here in Rochester this year. Contact Anne Tischer at 426-0862; atischer@frontiernet.net. LGBT Rights activists at large: EqualityROC; Civil Rights Front; Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau; ESPA Community Ambassador; PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays); Pride at Work AFL-CIO. ■
February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet (Gear-Up continued from page 3) April 3, will mark the eighth annual LGBT Health Week… during which a specific focus on the health needs and issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals will be addressed. For the past three years, the Rochester LGBT Health Coalition has participated in this annual event and brought energy and programming around LGBT health to the Rochester community. This year, however, we’re taking things to a whole new level. Obviously our community’s health is too important (and fabulous) to fit into just one week! So this year, in partnership with the LGBT Health & Human Services Network (convened by ESPA), we are proud to announce that March 2010 will be the first ever New York State LGBT Health MONTH! A calendar of events is already coming together for the entire month, including some exciting partnerships with local groups, Coalition member organizations, and other great LGBT organizations like ImageOUT. Keep an eye out for the March Empty Closet, for information about LGBT Health Month events here in Rochester. This year’s theme, “31 Ways in 31 Days,” promises to bring a myriad of engaging events and daily health tips designed to raise awareness, build community and promote LGBT health -- at both the individual and the community level. ■ (AIDS Care from page 3) In addition, the merger is expected to help provide fiscal stability in today’s challenging economic environment, to ensure the organization’s viability well into the future. “This is an exciting day, not only for AIDS Care, but also for those we serve and the entire community,” says John Wikiera, a patient and member of the Board of Directors. “This milestone has produced a win-win situation, benefiting both the health of the organization, and more importantly, patients and clients like myself.” AIDS Community Health Center, formerly known as Community Health Network, was founded in 1989 by two infectious diseases physicians, Dr. Steven Scheibel and Dr. William Valenti, as a community medical and diagnostic clinic for those who were infected with HIV/AIDS. When the doors opened in 1989, 76 patients came to receive care. By 2009, AIDS Community Health Center’s 60 staff members were serving more than 600 people. AIDS Rochester was established 26 years ago as part of the New York State Health Department’s network of Community Service Programs (CSPs). The organization started with one staff person and a one-room office. By 2009, the agency had 50 staff members dedicated to providing a continuum of prevention and social services for people living with HIV and their loved ones. The main offices of both organizations moved to one facility at 259 Monroe Ave. in October 2009, just weeks before the official merger. The new phone number for AIDS Care’s main office is 585545-7200 and the company is launching a new website at www.acRochester.org. AIDS Care also maintains satellite locations in Bath, Geneva, and on Central Ave. in downtown Rochester. ■ local and state
(Stalking continued from page 3) cause a reasonable person to feel fear.” Stalking is a crime that is pervasive, dangerous and potentially lethal. The National Crime Victims Bureau says that 3.4 million people are stalked annually in the U.S. – but most victims never report. So stalking is not only a heterosexual women’s domestic violence issue, connected with abusive husbands or boyfriends, or rejected would-be boyfriends. Nor is
it just crazed fans stalking celebrities, or rapists. In the LGBT community, the definition of stalking also fits the behavior of some bullies, as well as some types of chronic harassment from neighbors, according to Kelly Clark, Gay Alliance Community Safety Director. Clark said, “I want to look at that because I think we’re missing an opportunity for redress for some people, since we aren’t identifying harassment as stalking.” If you feel you are being stalked, or want more information, call Kelly Clark at 244-8640. If you are in danger, call 911 immediately. If you are experiencing stalking/harassment incidents or phone calls, Kelly Clark recommends keeping a log so that if you choose to contact police, you will have specific information to give them.
Dray Ebony wins House of Blahnik scholarship This year’s winner of the House of Blahnik Scholarship is a House/Ballroom celebrity and is affectionately known to all as the Icon, Dray Ebony. The Grandfather of the “Immortal” House of Ebony has been walking balls for 23 years and currently attends the University of Phoenix where he majors in Human Services. “I am so honored and touched to receive this scholarship that you just can’t imagine,” remarked Ebony. “As a former member of the House of Ebony and a student of Dray’s teachings, I am personally moved by his transformation and all that he is doing with LGBT youth in NYC and around the country. We could not have given this year’s scholarship to a more deserving individual,” said Damon Humes, founder and Overall Father of the House of Blahnik and executive director of Rochester’s MOCHA Center. Aside from being inducted into the ballroom Hall of Fame, winning the prestigious Icon of the Year award three years in a row, being legendary for winning many fashion awards and every realness award imaginable and having enough awards/trophies to decorate the mantels of an entire generation of ball patrons, Grandfather Ebony is a AIDS activist, inspirational speaker and leader for social and political change within the House/Ball community. In his role with FACES-NY, Dray works with the STAR Project to provide health education and facilitate support and discussion groups that target the house/ball community and the larger LGBT people of color community. The Blahnik Scholarship was established in 2006 after the house leadership had several discussions about a disturbing trend of academic failure within the ballroom community. “We couldn’t understand why so many individuals who could be so dedicated and disciplined in competition weren’t able to transfer these skills to their academic pursuits,” remembered Damon Humes, “What we were able to recognize was the huge amount of support, affirmation and encouragement that these young people received from this community when they could vogue, or walk the runway; we wanted to honor that while celebrating folks for excelling academically as well.” According to the Board President Kevin Bynes, “The real world endeavors and achievements may be valued above the artistic and social achievements, but from a human development point of view they are all equally important. The ball scene has done an amazing job of supporting the artistic and social development of individuals. Now we want to support their academic real world achievements as well!”
Kindred welcomes lgbt seniors in Rochester LGBT senior citizens in New York now have a gay-friendly option for homecare. Kindred Senior Care, an agency with offices in New York City and Rochester, is among the first homecare services ( Local & State continues on page 8)
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(Continued from page 7) in the U.S. to openly welcome LGBT seniors seeking assistance with independent living. LGBT seniors are an especially vulnerable population. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, LGBT seniors are twice as likely to live alone, four times as likely to have no children, and 10 times less likely to have someone to call in an emergency. Additionally, fears of discrimination often keep LGBT seniors from accessing the care they need within mainstream institutions. “There is a general trend for LGBT seniors to go back ‘into the closet’ when they seek health related services,” says Joe Fisher, founder and managing director of Kindred Senior Care. “At Kindred, we are proud to be a part of a welcoming community that cherishes gay and lesbian seniors as they are.” Kindred integrates LGBT sensitivity throughout caregiver screening, training, and ongoing staff development. “Our commitment to LGBT seniors is part of Kindred’s broader mission to connect seniors and caregivers with shared backgrounds, lifestyles, and interests,” Fisher stated. “By focusing on compatibility, we establish connections that are mutually enriching for clients and caregivers alike.” Kindred Senior Care is a progressive homecare agency serving senior citizens in the Rochester and New York metropolitan areas. Services span all aspects of non-medical care, such as companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, bill paying, and daily exercise. For more information, visit www. kindredseniorcare.com or contact your local Kindred office: 585-210-0296 (Rochester).
RIT writing contest is for high school students with hearing loss High school sophomores and juniors who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the power of words to express their feelings and win prizes in the fifth annual Rochester Institute of Technology SpiRIT Writing Contest. Winners will have their choice of a scholarship and travel expenses to the Explore Your Future program at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), or a $500 cash prize. EYF is a six-day summer career exploration program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students that gives them the opportunity to sample different careers, as well as college life. Entries will include creative writing, such as a short story or poem, a short writing sample and a personal reflection. Last year’s winners were Evan Brown, of Guilford, Conn., Zach Jodlowski, of St. Louis, Mo., Thomas Debraggio, of Clinton, N.Y., and Francesca Hurley, of Indianapolis, Ind. The deadline to enter this year’s competition is March 15. For complete contest guidelines and entry information, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/WritingContestNR.
Free film marks `Freedom to Marry Week Feb. 8-14 A free screening of “Preacher’s Sons” will take place at the downtown First Universalist Church of Rochester on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Clara Barton Lounge. “Preacher’s Sons” is a provocative, reallife story about the Stewarts, five troubled boys pulled from the train wreck of foster care, and the two men who are now their fathers. This intimate look at an unlikely family transcends all political convictions, ( Local & State continues on page 14)
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
Pride 2010 Welcome to “PRIDE 2010” all you LGBTQIA-ers! This is where you come to get your monthly fix and updates about PRIDE Happenings all-year-round! It is your duty to share this info with all those you love -- let’s get our straight pals involved too! First of all, if you haven’t already red lettered the following dates on your calendar, please do so ASAP! Sunday, July 11 - Flag Raising, City Hall, Time: TBA Friday, July 16 - PRIDE Kick Off - Strathallan Hotel, Time: TBA Saturday, July 17 - PRIDE Parade and Festival - Details Forthcoming Sunday, July 18 - PRIDE Picnic, Genesee Valley Park, 1-7pm We’ll have more information every month, so keep reading this section to be “in the know”. In March we will likely announce a PRIDE theme, entertainment and more events leading up to PRIDE Weekend from March on. For now hold Sunday, April 18; we will host a fun and “fashionable” (hint) fundraising event you’ll love! Take it from us – if you enjoyed last year’s PRIDE events, you, your friends and family will truly want to be engaged in and attending all our events this year! Spread the word – let’s invite people to join us July 16-18, 2010! PRIDE-fully, Your PRIDE Co-Chairs, Carrie Vernon and Michael J. Hardy P.S. We have three public PRIDE Meetings coming up; if you have some ideas and/or want to get involved, plan on coming to the GAGV Youth Center April 20, May 18 and/or June 22 in the evening after 6pm – details to be firmed up in future PRIDE Corners.
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Inquiring minds want to know...
InQueery
InQueery@gayalliance.org has it all.
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Community Learning
Inquiring minds want to know... The Gay Alliance is thrilled to announce their new program, InQueery – an easy way for LGBT and allied community members to learn about a wide variety of things together. All sessions will be part social, part educational, and LGBT to the core. Many InQueery offerings are classes, but plans are to add tours, and special events to the catalog of InQueery sessions. Have questions? Want to lead an Homophobia: More than Name Calling InQueery session? Contact Scott Thursday February 18: 6:30-8pm at 585-244-8640 or Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance ScottF@gayalliance.org. Program Director Currently most sessions are free, Location: Community Room but some classes may have special BDSM: A Guide for Lay people, fees for tickets or supplies. Please Well-wishers, and Newbies contact us for ASL interpretation Wednesday February 24: 6:30-8pm at any session at least Facilitator: Laura McSpadden, Gay 14 days before the class date: Alliance Office Administrator DeafAccess@gayalliance.org Location: Youth Center
Upcoming Classes
Transgender Issues and Parenting: A PFLAG discussion Tuesday February 2, 7-9pm Facilitaed by members of PFLAG Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church
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Coming OUT: Towards an Understanding of Self Identity Wednesday February 10: 6:30-8pm Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director Location: Youth Center
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Screening & Discussion: The Celluloid Closet Monday March 1: 6:30-8:30pm Facilitated by: Kelly Clark, Community Safety Director at the Gay Alliance. Location: Youth Center Understanding Human Sexuality Thursday March 18: 6:30-8pm Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director Location: Community Room
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet
History Corner February: The month of hearts and flowers and LOVE. So what IS love? By Evelyn Bailey The world “love” comes to us from the Middle English word “luf,” derived from the Old English word “lufu.” This is akin to Old High German, “luba,” and another Old English word, “lof,” which means “dear”. Yet another word related to love, “lubere” or “libere,” comes to us from the Romans. This Latin word means “to please”. In all words related to the word love, roots relating to dear, pleasing, and cherished may be found, hinting at the deeper meaning of the modern word. Most people think of the definition of love as a strong romantic attachment between two people, often intermingled with sexual desire and attraction. Throughout history, people defined love more broadly, encompassing many relationships. These forms of love and affection hold true today, although they may not be the first definitions that come to mind when one hears the word. For example: Love among family members; familial love, or love based on kinship ties; A mother’s love for her offspring; Love of neighbor, based on the Christian teaching of expressing concern and charity for all people; Love of country, or patriotism; Love of God, or expressive love for a deity or deities. Nearly all religions and cultures use precise language to define love. Most languages use various words to express levels of emotion, kinship, or affection. Ancient Greek, for example, uses many words to define precise levels of emotion. “Agape” means love in modern day Greek, but in ancient times referred to a pure love without sexual connotations. “Eros” includes passionate physical love full of desire and longing. “Philia”, mentioned by Aristotle, meant a dispassionate, virtuous and unselfish love. “Xenia” includes hospitality, and refers to a type of love most would consider charity or giving. Our modern language uses the word love almost too frequently. We say “I love you” to our spouses, but say “I love chocolate ice cream!” to a friend to express a much less intense feeling. Some people define love not by a feeling, but by actions. In this definition, love isn’t what you say – it’s what you do. Love would then be a verb, expressed in unselfish actions and deeds. Ref.:Your Dictionary.com Synonyms: adulation, affection, allegiance, amity, amorousness, amour, appreciation, ardency, ardor, attachment, cherishing, crush, delight, devotedness, devotion, emotion, enchantment, enjoyment, fervor, fidelity, flame, fondness, friendship, hankering, idolatry, inclination, infatuation, involvement, like, lust, mad for, partiality, passion, piety, rapture, regard, relish, respect, sentiment, soft spot, taste, tenderness, weakness, worship, yearning, zeal. Antonyms: dislike, hate, hatred. Ref:Thesaurus.com
Shoulders To Stand On: Documenting our history begins with GAGV grant By Evelyn Bailey The Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) is a statewide program established by law to provide financial support and guidance to not-for-profit organizations. DHP Grants are designed to encourage more comprehensive documentation of New York State’s history and culture by supporting projects that identify, survey, collect, and make available important records relating to groups and topics
traditionally under-represented in the historical record. DHP is administered by the New York State Archives, a unit of the New York State Education Department. The GAGV applied for and was awarded A Documentation Program Grant for Population Groups in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries by the NYS Archives Documentary Heritage Program. The Grant timeline was to be from August, 2009 to June of 2010. Due to NYS budget issues, we finally received our first installment of funds on Dec. 31, 2009. Early in January, the GAGV hired an Archival Consultant, Nicole Menarchem. Nicole is in the process of getting a Masters in Library Science at SUNY Geneseo. Nicole will be spearheading the contact with GLBT organizations in Rochester to talk about the Documentation Program. (See photo page B 11) Through this grant, the GAGV Shoulders To Stand On Program can begin documenting and preserving the history of the GLBT community in the Rochester region and its impact on New York state and the nation in advancing the cause for justice and equal rights. This project will give credibility to our community and culture, and will be available to teach and inspire future generations. Many records are in serious danger of being lost or neglected, yet they document major change in our local community. Many sources of historical record are no longer accessible or available because of the death of individuals, the loss of material through relocation of organizations, groups, individuals, and corporations, and the lack of having a repository for the records. In 2009 there are still a number of closeted individuals living secretly or in denial of their sexuality within the gay community whose contributions are unrecognized, undocumented, and necessary in order to have a complete historical picture of the community. In many records individuals are referred to by first names and last initials. In some cases pseudonyms were used for fear of loss of jobs, license and family. From a very practical view, historical records need to be kept in paper friendly environments, and can take up much needed space. Participating in this program would relieve organizations, agencies, groups and individuals of the responsibility of providing for the proper care of the records, and also free up valuable space. Just as importantly, it would allow records to be kept safe in a repository like the GAGV records held at the Goodstein Sexuality Archives at Cornell University. The preservation of these records will make GLBT history in Rochester available to the community, historians, researchers, educational insti-
tutions and to future generations. As New York State moves forward toward full civil rights, understanding the past becomes critical in strategizing for the future. Already questions have been raised about injustice and unfair treatment of members within the GLBT community. The response to these questions, found in the historical records to be identified and organized, will lay the foundation for future political and legal changes in our struggle for full civil rights. The GAGV, the recognized and visible umbrella organization for the entire community, wants to be sure that the record of the work done by these groups and their impact on Rochester and the Genesee Valley region survives as a part of New York State’s rich cultural, political, social and economic history. Because of the societal focus on inclusiveness, the GLBT community has an increased need to maintain its own identity. There is a strong need to document and preserve
WA N T E D
historical records that give definition to who the GLBT community is, and its contribution to improve the quality of life of the Rochester community by providing leadership in the areas of politics, health, civil rights, social justice, and economic growth. We are asking any and all GLBT organizations, agencies, and groups in existence, or that have been in existence, to contact Nicole Menarchem at 244-8640 x 32 with their contact information. The Shoulders To Stand On Program is asking any individuals who have been involved in these groups with information on where their records might be, their purpose and past leaders and participants to contact Nicole Menarchem as well. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Contact Nicole Menarchem at 244-8640x32 or go to www.shoulderstostandon.org to provide any information you think is helpful. ■ Gay and Lesbian Organizational Records for GLBT Community of Rochester, NY Documentation Project of GAGV Shoulders To Stand On Program
For Organizations, Agencies, and Groups Minutes of Meetings, Formal and Informal, Records - Written and Electronic, Public Relations, Financial Organizational Posters, Brochures, Information, Event Advertising Flyers, Correspondence to and from, Photographs, Ephemera. For Individual Collections Gay Civil Rights, HIV AIDS, Religious Response to GLBT Community Political Development at Local, State, Federal level. Records of Publications other than the Empty Closet are welcome. Help Preserve and Protect Our GLBT Heritage in the Rochester Region. Don’t Hibernate – Organize Contact Archival Consultant: Nicole Menarchem at e-mail: and 244-8640 ext. 32 The GLBT Community of Rochester, NY Documentation Project was made possible in part by a grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York State Archives, a program of the State Education Department.
A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 Liturgies: Thursday: 7:00 pm, Saturday: 5:00 pm
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010 death penalty. However, this hardly makes this draconian bill acceptable and would still make life unbearable for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Ugandans, said the lgbt activist organization Truth Wins Out. “This is still an intolerable, oppressive bill that is designed to terrorize and dehumanize sexual minorities in Uganda,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “While physical death is reportedly removed as a punishment, the bill still ensures a slow, emotional and spiritual death for thousands of gay Ugandans.” The Associated Press reports that President Yoweri Museveni has told colleagues he believes the bill is too harsh and has encouraged his ruling National Resistance Movement Party to overturn the death sentence provision of the draft law. In the proposed bill, anyone convicted of a homosexual act -- which includes touching someone of the same sex with the intent of committing a homosexual act -- would face life imprisonment. James Nsaba Buturo, Uganda’s ironically titled minister of state for ethics and integrity, has floated replacing the death penalty with compulsory “ex-gay” counseling, presumably from prison. This comes only months after rightwing American “ex-gay” ministers gave seminars on “curing” homosexuality in Kampala. “The death penalty is likely to be removed,” said Buturo. “The president doesn’t believe in killing gays. I also don’t believe in it. I think gays can be counseled and they stop the bad habit.” “Although the president is against some parts of the bill, the bill has to stay,” said ruling party spokeswoman Mary Karoro Okurut. “(Homosexuality) is not allowed in African culture.
local and state
( Freedom continued from page 7) revealing the struggles, humor and love that unite all families. Filmmaker C. Roebuck Reed provides an illuminating real life commentary on the contemporary topics of the non-traditional family, racism and gay adoption. Light refreshments will be served. The church is located at 150 S. Clinton Ave. Contact Todd Plank at tplank@prideagenda.org; 585-271-2420. ■ national and international
(LGBT continued from page 5) in Portugal has provoked only muted opposition, even from the right. While normally vocal on the role of marriage and the family in society, which they claim would be threatened if same sex couples had equal rights, in Portugal the Catholic Church has refused to mobilize on a subject which, according to Lisbon’s Cardinal Patriarch Jose Policarpo, is “parliament’s responsibility”. Portugal has offered civil unions to same-sex couples since 2001, but they did not provide some key benefits that come with marriage involving pensions, inheritance and the sharing of names. Legally married same-sex couples will still not be allowed to adopt, however. -pamshouseblend.com
Uganda’s AntiHomosexuality bill may not kill gays—just break their “bad habit” Media reported on Jan. 7 that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni would soften the country’s controversial AntiHomosexuality Bill, promoted by American evangelicals, by getting rid of the
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We have to protect the children in schools who are being recruited into homosexual activities.” “The idea that homosexuality can be prohibited in Africa is as absurd and unrealistic as banning oxygen,” said TWO’s Besen. “Gay people are not a threat to children. We do not recruit them. It is clear that the Ugandan government is awash in ignorance and trying to legislate based on false stereotypes and misinformation. Unfortunately, American evangelicals and ex-gay organizations are responsible for spreading these lies and propaganda in Africa.” Concerned by what he calls the “barbarity” of Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill (“kill the gays bill”), U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a strong letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Wyden is Chairman of the Senate
Finance Committee’s subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness. Wyden says that passage of the bill would violate the terms of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through which Uganda is permitted by the Unites States to export its goods duty-free to the United States. AGOA requires that beneficiaries not engage in “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.” Uganda has enjoyed the AGOA plumb since 2000. Wyden said in the letter to Clinton and Kirk: “I strongly urge you to communicate immediately to the Ugandan government, and President Yoweri Museveni directly, that Uganda’s beneficiary status under AGOA will be revoked should the proposed legislation be enacted.... Before us is a concrete opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to ending violence and
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet discrimination against LGBT persons worldwide.” The senator’s letter also states that Uganda benefits from a trade relationship with the European Union similar to AGOA. So far only Sweden has explicitly stated that continuation of aid will be tied to adherence to basic human rights. Sen. Wyden says he intends “to sponsor legislation to amend U.S. trade preference programs, including AGOA, to make clear that failure to appropriately respect sexual orientation and gender identity as human rights shall preclude a country from benefitting from any U.S. trade preference scheme.” Uganda already outlaws homosexuality. Hopefully the senator will consider such laws in conflict with the definition of respect he outlines in the new legislation. The United States Congress held a hearing in mid-January to discuss the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which is due to be debated in the Ugandan Parliament this month. The hearing was held under the auspices of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. “We hope to have a good panel of witnesses, including human rights workers from Uganda as well as international NGOs, and State Department officials,” Representative Tammy Baldwin, who is due to chair the Commission hearing, told UK Gay News Jan. 14. “The hearing on Capitol Hill is for an update on the situation in Uganda… and we hope that this will raise further awareness of the situation in Uganda,” she added. Rep. Baldwin described the “Kill the Gays Bill” as “frightening and hostile” legislation. ■
You Deserve To Have Your Marriage Blessed & Celebrated Rev. Denise Donato • revdenise@rochester.rr.com • 585-329-0895 14 years experience preparing and celebrating gay & straight marriages
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2009 Meetings First Tuesday Potlucks 6-8pm, Social & Networking St Thomas’ Episcopal Church 2000 Highland Avenue Rochester 14618 Third Sunday Meetings 2-4pm, Support & Education Auditorium Theatre 5th Floor 875 East Main Street Rochester 14605 Visit : PFLAG@gayalliance.org
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
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February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet
Soulforce Rider Journey of a Soulforce rider: first in a series By Andrew Langdon The last few months have been truly life-changing. I applied to be a part of Soulforce’s Equality Ride back in October, and finally got to go to a week of training in Austin, Texas during the month of January. The Equality Ride, first started in 2006, has made visits to Christian colleges and universities across the country, which actively discriminate against those of us with a queer gender identity or sexual orientation. This year, the Ride makes stops to schools of Methodist, Baptist, Adventist and various other faith traditions during the months of March and April. Of particular note for me and for the local community is that we will be making a stop at Houghton College, a liberal arts college of the Wesleyan Church located about 70 miles south of Rochester. Houghton is the school that I attended for several years right out of high school, and I can testify to the fact that those of queer identity have much trouble here. Houghton is bound up in my coming out story, and as I return to it this March it will continue to be a part of my growth as a gay man of Christian faith. I will now be able to tell those on this campus that cisgenderism and heterosexism have no place in a place professing the Christian Gospel. However, I do recognize that the presence of these attitudes are merely due to the fact that many just have never experienced these minorities, and that with acquaintance will eventually come acceptance and affirmation. This is what gives me hope, and I know that Houghton and the many other colleges on our jour-
Andrew at training in Austin
ney can change if we give them opportunity to. Having just come back from the training as I write this, I feel strongly identified with the words of the Prophet Isaiah that Jesus Christ quoted in Nazareth, “The Spirit... has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” That is the work that we will be engaged in for this Ride. So many queerfolk are imprisoned and oppressed, and we all have an obligation to work for the change that Jesus proclaimed. Children of God are hurting; we must go and witness to them that there is hope. Children of God are suicidal, we must go and witness that there is a reason to live. In the coming months, I hope to share much more with you about the wonderful work that I will be doing. Look in future editions of The Empty Closet for my thoughts on my trip. Also check out my
blog, http://thewayfarerscreed.wordpress. com, which will hopefully be a place that I can share with you on a day-to -ay basis. And finally, I must make the plug for financial support. All projects require money as we all know, and the Equality Ride is no different. For every Rider, we must raise $3500. To help out in this way I’d ask you to go to http://www.soulforce. org/andrew to find out how to contribute. And if you decide that you are not able to contribute in this way, I’d like to also let you know that any personal connections that you can make for us in our stop communities and elsewhere are appreciated just as much. I leave you with these words that we sing in my local Mennonite congregation, and I hope that someday the Church and society as a whole might join in: “How can we be silent when we are the voice of Christ, speaking justice to the nations, breathing love to all the earth?... None can stop the Spirit, burning now inside
us. We will shape the future. We will not be silent!” Soulforce schedule:
Mar.5-Valley Forge Christian College, Phoenixville, PA Mar.9-Houghton College, Houghton, NY Mar.15-Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL Mar.17-Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC Mar.18-Campbell Univ., Bules Creek, NC Mar.22-Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL Mar.25-Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA Mar.29-Belhaven College, Jackson, MS Mar.30-Mississippi College, Clinton, MS Apr.6-Baylor University, Waco, TX Apr.8-Hardin Simmons University, Abilene, TX Apr.9-Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX Apr.14-Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO Apr.16-Union College, Lincoln, NE Apr.21-Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN Apr.23-Malone University, Canton, OH
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010
Making the Scene
STARRY NIGHT: Rebecca Newberry and her parents at the Pride Agenda STAR Awards on Jan. 12 at Downtown United Presbyterian Church. Photo: billijo wolf
PICKETING ROBACH’S OFFICE: Although it was 12 degrees on Ridge Road in Greece on Dec. 18, lgbt community members and allies picketed at Sen. Joseph Robach’s office to protest his vote against marriage equality. Above: Pam Barres and Dave Garrison. Protester Anne Tischer told The Empty Closet, “Senator Robach saw us and ducked!” Photo: Bess Watts
Pam Barres, Deb Oppenheimer and Todd Plank at the STAR Awards. Photo: billijo wolf
PROTESTING ROBACH’S VOTE: Around 25 LGBT activists, some of them constituents of NYS Senator Joseph Robach, picketed at a SEAC fundraiser on East Ave. on Dec. 4, demanding to know why Sen. Robach voted against marriage equality. The senator did not speak with protestors. The picket line was organized by Civil Rights Front. Photos: Susan Jordan
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS. Rebecca Newberry, former CampusOut coordinator for the Gay Alliance (above), and Gary Pudup, NYCLU, gave a workshop on planning effective public demonstrations on Dec. 8 at the GAGV Community Room. Rebecca’s organizing work was recognized by the Pride Agenda on Jan. 12. Photo: Bess Watts
Courtney Michie told The Empty Closet, “I live in Sen. Robach’s district… and now I will be the first to sign up to work for his opponent in the next election!” Photo: S. Jordan
SHOP ‘N WRAP: Many thanks to the Gay Alliance for allowing Galaxe to once again organize the annual Shop & Wrap event at the GAGV Youth Center to benefit clients of AIDS Community Health Center. Between 120 and 170 gift boxes were wrapped and delivered in December to ACHC (now AIDS Care). Photos: Ralph Carter
February 2010 • number 431 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet
Making the Season Bright
The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus gave their winter concert on Dec. 4 and 5 at Hochstein. Photos: Tony Correa
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The Empty Closet
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the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 431 • February 2010