Empty Closet, Oct 2016

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A PUBLICATION OF THE GAY ALLIANCE

OCTOBER 2016

PHOTOS: BESS WATTS

NUMBER 505

Page 27

Rochester Black Pride was a weekend of celebration

PHOTO: SUSAN JORDAN

ImageOut 2016 and a sense of community: a talk with board member Richard Porlier

Rick Porlier

By Susan Jordan Rick Porlier, who works in aerial imaging, has been an ImageOut board member for two years, and has volunteered for the Film Festival since 2008.

He had some reflections on this year’s films.

The Festival runs from Oct. 6-16, with an opening night party Oct. 6, 7-9:30 p.m. at Skylark Lounge, 40 S. Union St., and closing night party on Oct. 15, after “Pushing Dead” at the Dryden Theatre.

Programming Committee chair Michael Gamilla writes in the Festival program that all the gala screenings have death or loss as major themes, perhaps as a result of Orlando. Rick Porlier commented, “I think the choice of films was partly based on that. I’m on the Screening Committee, and we make recommendations to Michael, who brings the films to us (from his trips to festivals around the world). We watch the films twice a week.

“A lot of the films this year happened to be about death and loss. You learn what’s actual-

ly available, and a lot depends on the distributor, on whether the film is limited release and whether it might be playing in Rochester during the Festival.

Lily Tomlin’s ‘Grandmother’ film was one such example.”

Rick has some favorites among this year’s line-up. He said, “There are some I want to see again. I’ve seen about a third already. I really loved ‘Burn Burn Burn’ (Oct. 12, 6 p.m., Little Theatre 1) and also thought ‘Demimonde’ was quite good (Oct. 9, Little 2, 8:15 p.m.). It has an interesting story.

It veers into ‘All About Eve’ for a while.

“Another I like is ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ (Oct. 8, 9 p.m., Little 1). I thought it was fabulous. It’s one of the first Indian all-female casts and is all about friendships and relationships, and secrets of course!”

And which films are the most fun? Rick replied, “‘Suicide Kale’ is pretty funny (Oct. 8, Little 1, 6:30 p.m.). It’s two female couples who have been together for a while. It gets a little serious but it’s a comedy in the beginning. That would be one to check out. And I liked ‘Closet Monster,’ a Canadian coming out film (Oct. 9, Little 1, 6 p.m.). The lead character talks to his hamster a lot – the hamster is voiced by Isabella Rossellini!

“My favorite youth film? I really enjoyed ‘Slash’, directed

by Clay Liford (Oct. 14, Little 1, 5:45 p.m.).”

Rick moved to Rochester and started going to ImageOut in

The Expo and Festival was just that -- a festival for all to come and have fun. The performers on stage got the energy pumping and everyone was dancing to the beat of the music. The food vendors had a wide array of treats. There were merchandise vendors with everything from t-shirts to pride flags. The information vendors brought the vast resources that our LGBTQ community can show pride in, including the MOCHA Center and Action for a Better Community.

Miss Rickey Snowden, who will be facilitating the ongoing Inqueery class “Fistful of Stories,” greeted people as they passed the Gay Alliance booth, with her beautiful smile and a wonderful hug. It was a day filled with fellowship and PRIDE. If LGBTQ community members and allies are interest-

ed in participating in a robust dialogue that will build the road to a racially diverse, inclusive and strong LGBTQ community, I encourage you to join the conversation by attending Fistful of Stories. This is an open mic platform every second and fourth Tuesday, where trans and gender-expansive people come together in fellowship to share their individual stories. It is basically for all trans people of color, and white trans people as well, but everyone is welcome to listen and learn. (See the interview with Miss Rickey on page 7.)

Fistful of Stories is held at the Gay Alliance LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., beginning Oct. 11. “There’s a dream in the future, there’s a struggle that we have yet to win, and there’s pride in my heart, ‘Cause I know where I’m going, And I know where I’ve been.” ■

2003. He noted, “I only went to a few films the first couple of years. Then a friend who had an extra pass let me use it.

So I went to a lot more films.

I’ve always loved film. In 2008 I started volunteering and I’ve gradually gotten more and more involved. This is my second year on the board and I’m also on the Screening and Outreach committees.

“I would say to someone who is thinking about volunteering -do it! We have people who just do very specific things, like selling tickets at the door. There’s something for everyone.

“I’d say having a sense of community is one important

part of ImageOut. Being in a theater in the dark, and everybody knows each other – it’s really great. I try to welcome new people and introduce them to ImageOut. Thousands of people come to the Festival every year, and through Michael we’re now known internationally, especially because of the Cardiff Iris Prize. We’re one of only 25 festivals around the world that are on their list.

“Michael travels all over the world and has a lot of connections, and lots of filmmaker friends. We have about 15 New York State premieres this year that weren’t shown at the NYC Film Festival. And we have a few

East Coast premieres as well.

“I’ve had people tell me, ‘there isn’t anything I want to see’ – but it’s not true! There’s always something they’d want to see, among the short films, for instance.

“Another aspect is the opening and closing night parties. But we also have quieter moments – there’s something every night of the Festival, including weeknights, and also films shown during the day.

That’s something a lot of people don’t think of.”

When asked to describe ImageOut in one word, Rick smiled and said, “FUN!” ■

Inside

Miss Rickey Snowden… page 7

PHOTO: SUSAN JORDAN

Above: Burn, Burn, Burn. Below: Pushing Dead

By Jeffrey Myers, LGBTQ Resource Center Director The Black Pride Expo and Festival took place at Edgerton Park on Aug. 20. The Gay Alliance was honored to take part.

As an ally, I experienced a community joined together to celebrate their diversity and to honor their history and culture. Rochester Black Pride is relatively new. The organizers of the events celebrating Black Pride deserve a standing ovation; hopefully the event will continue to grow over the coming years.

The weekend was filled with activities, including workshops at the MOCHA Center, cocktails at Tajzes, Community Town Hall Meeting, Get Down, Old School Party, Vogue Rochester Ballroom Scene and the Black Pride Expo and Festival, which was followed by a Glo Party at the Port of Rochester.

Editorials....................................... 2 Interview: Miss Rickey................ 7 Making the Scene......................10 Opinion: SF vandalism..............15 Health: Circumcision ...............16 LGBTQ Living: Fostering ..........17 Shoulders To Stand On ...........21 Columnists ................................22 Community ................................25 Entertainment: ImageOut.........27 Gay Alliance: InQueery ............30 Calendar.....................................34 Classifieds..................................34 Comics........................................35 The Gay Alliance is publisher of The Empty Closet, New York State’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

Perspectives The Empty Closet Editor SUSAN JORDAN

Gays Against Guns The effects of last June’s massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando continue to ripple outward in our culture, like the effect of a stone tossed into a stagnant lake.

Immediately after the massacre, national responses from the LGBTQ communities centered on love. Our communities are known for reconciliation and compassion, not the knee-jerk hate shown by fanatical homophobes, gun worshippers and racists.

But many of us felt anger as well as love last June. Sometimes we’re afraid to express that negative feeling. Yet repressed anger can poison us from the inside. How to deal with this toxic emotion?

Gays Against Guns is channeling anger into work for positive change, just as ACT-UP did during the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Using our anger to non-violently demand justice, and to protect those who are vulnerable, is a way to prevent our rage from poisoning us, and those around us.

Our society is poisoned by violence. Almost every day we hear about mass shootings or bombings. The perpetrators of the violence may feel they are defending religion, morality, or their rights, and striking back at people, governments and religions which they feel have harmed them. But committing terrorist murder to make a politi-

cal point can never bring justice and resolution. Self-defense is sometimes necessary – but hate violence solves nothing.

Those at war typically pass on their rage and desire for revenge to the next generation, and the generation after that.

Anger and pride will not allow either side in a conflict to admit that they too have been wrong and have committed crimes. It’s only “the other guy” who is evil… “our side” is always noble and heroic. Or so the politicians and generals claim. It takes martyred heroes like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to break cycles of hate.

In LGBTQ history, Harvey Milk is such a figure – working in a non-violent way for justice and human rights, and paying a terrible price. But he said, “Let the bullet that kills me shatter every closet door.”

Protests like those of ACTUP, non-violently fighting indifference to gay lives, and Gays Against Guns, non-violently fighting society’s worship of violence, may be our only hope for real progress.

Limiting access to assault weapons will make a difference and save lives. But as GAG activists surely know, the many causes of violence in our culture are complex and deep-rooted -including hatred and prejudice of all kinds; the rightwing political rhetoric setting Americans against each other for the benefit of those in power; devaluation of human life, especially of people of color; desperate poverty and lack of opportunity, and the glamorization of violence that we see everywhere, with films and TV shows connecting violence with sex, and making killing seem so simple, macho, clean and righteous.

Solutions won’t be quick or easy. But Gays Against Guns, turning anger into positive change, could be among the most effective and long-lasting responses to what happened on June 12, 2016. ■

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

LGBTQ Resource Center Director JEFF MYERS

What’s new at the Gay Alliance As we approach the first year anniversary of our move to College Ave., the Gay Alliance continues to grow. Our programming has exploded over the last year and our new location offers many new opportunities for us.

With this growth we have a need to also evolve our staff.

I am proud and excited to join the staff of the Gay Alliance as Center Director. I have been working as a volunteer for the Gay Alliance as the Volunteer Coordinator for the past year. It has been a true honor to work with all of our dedicated volunteers and I look forward to working even more closely in my new role as Center Director.

As Center Director, I will be overseeing the operation of the Rochester LGBTQ Resource Center and the Gay Alliance staff and offices. I will be managing scheduling, donor relations, building maintenance, as well as planning and program-based work (including the InQueery education series and the new SAGE Veterans program). I will continue work closely with our volunteers as well as providing administrative support to the Executive Director.

The Gay Alliance is thrilled to be an affiliate of SAGEVets, a partnership between

Name

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders) to help Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) older adults who are military service veterans improve their access to VA benefits and their overall health and wellness. In addition to general assistance, SAGEVets will provide guidance to veterans impacted by the military’s policies regarding LGBTQ people.

A new program of the Gay Alliance, SAGEVets will provide outreach and education to providers and individuals in Western New York from Buffalo to Syracuse. The program will target LGBT Veterans over 50. We will be offering VA benefit eligibility evaluations, legal advice and securing representation regarding discharge status upgrades (particularly discharges related to sexual orientation).

We will be creating programming for veterans and have on hand “Know Your Rights” material available for reference.

SAGEVets will be adding another element to the work and outreach that is currently being done by Wanda Martinez-Johncox, the LGBTQ Veterans Coordinator of PFC Joseph Dwyer Program / CompeerCORPS and ROC VETS. We will be working closely with Wanda to ensure that ALL LGBTQ veterans will be appreciated for their service to our country. If you are interested in volunteering with our LGBTQ veterans in WNY, please contact me at jeffreym@gayalliance.org.

Exciting opportunities continue to come our way at the Gay Alliance. I encourage you to drop by the LGBTQ Center on College Ave. and see how the Alliance continues to be a champion for LGBTQ life and culture. Thanks to Executive Director Scott Fearing, the board of directors, the staff and our amazing volunteers and patrons, for the ongoing support. ■ 10/16

Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Gay Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100 Champion ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of _________ (check #______) Please charge my credit card in the amount of __________ To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # ____________________________Exp. Date: _______ ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged.

Benefits: Subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or work, plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

Home delivery of The Empty Closet is free with your annual membership.

THANK YOU THE GAY ALLIANCE APPRECIATES THE CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP OF BUSINESSES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY WHO SUPPORT OUR MISSION AND VISION.

GOLD Bachelor Forum City of Rochester SWS Charitable Foundation, Inc Trillium Health

SILVER Constellation Brands Empire Merchants Lake Beverage Nixon Peabody, LLP Southern Wine & Spirits Victory Alliance Waddell & Reed

BRONZE 140 Alex Bar & Grill Advantage Federal Credit Union Anderson Windows Avenue Pub Bank of America, Merrill Lynch CSEA Empire North Excellus First Niagara Fred L. Emerson Foundation Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP HCR Home Care Hedonist Chocolates Jim Beam John’s Tex Mex Joseph & Irene Skalny Charitable Trust Logical Operations New York Life NYSUT Pride at Work Prudential Rochester Area Community Foundation Rochester Broadway Theatre League Rochester Institute of Technology Three Olives Waldron Rise Foundation Wegman’s School of Pharmacy Woods, Oviatt, & Gilman, LLP

CHAMPION Bohnett Foundation Brighton Dental Canandaigua National Bank Centerlink Jimmy C. Entertainment Group Marshall St. Bar & Grill Out & Equal Park Ave Merchants Association RIT Student Association RIT Women & Gender Studies Department Rochester Kink Society Rochester Labor Council AFL-CIO Rochester Rams MC Third Presbyterian Church

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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NewsFronts LOCAL AND STATE NY Court of Appeals ends definition of parenthood requiring biological connection Nick Duffy posted on pinknews.co.uk: A court in New York has thrown out a definition of parenthood that specified a “biological” connection to a child.

On Aug. 31, the New York state Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling overturning the 1991 Alison D. v. Virginia M decision that defined a parent as someone with “biological or adoptive” connections to a child.

It follows a case concerning a former same-sex couple, when a biological mother had retained custody of children but her ex-partner waged a legal challenge for access rights.

According to the NY Daily News, the state Court of Appeals ruled that the specified “standard had become unworkable in light of society’s increasingly varied familial relationships”.

Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam wrote, “We agree that, in light of more recently delineated legal principles, the definition of ‘parent’ established by this Court 25 years ago in Alison D.

has become unworkable when applied to increasingly varied familial relationships.

“Accordingly, today, we overrule Alison D. and hold that where a partner shows by clear and convincing evidence that the parties agreed to conceive a child and to raise the child together, the non-biological, non-adoptive partner has standing to seek visitation and custody.”

The decision only impacts cases where the non-biological parent was part of the decision to conceive and raise a child.

Decisions in individual suits will still be decided on a caseby-case basis and based on “what is determined to be in the best interest of the child”.

The Center for Youth welcomes LGBTQ children, receives award

By Jake Allen At the Rochester Initiative for Scholarship and Education (RISE) Brunch on Sept. 25, the Gay Alliance’s Community Leadership Award was given to the Center for Youth.

The Center’s inclusivity is the reason why so many LGBTQ individuals feel comfortable in using the services they offer.

RISE recognizes the ongoing contribution of The Center for

ACT UP protests price hikes outside EpiPen maker Mylan’s office in NYC Neal Broverman posts on The Advocate: ACT UP/NYC took their activism to the streets this week, when members smashed an EpiPen pinata outside the offices of Mylan Pharmaceuticals to protest the company’s price hikes on their drugs, including a 1,100 percent increase for the EpiPen, which stops allergic reactions.

The pinata was filled with gold coins — a nod to the cost of an EpiPen jumping from $50 in 2004 to $600 in 2016, and Mylan CEO Heather Bresch’s recent raise, which upped her salary from $2.5 million to $19 million. ACT UP protestesters chanted, “Heather Bresch, whaddya say? How many kids have you killed today?”

ACT UP — joined by members of Voices of Community Activists and Leaders and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines — also took aim at price hikes for Gilead’s hepatitis C drug Sovaldi, which is now $1,000 a pill; Naloxone, a medication used for opioid overdoses that costs 17 times more than it did in 2014; and Insulin, which jumped 200 percent in price between 2002 and 2013.

“Since American taxpayers fund much of the research that goes into creating these medications, we can’t then hand it off to pharmaceutical companies to charge exorbitant prices that we can’t afford or that bankrupt us,” ACT UP member Mark Milano said. “High drug prices reduce accessibility and risk people’s lives.”

-See Advocate.com

Youth, and as a result, rewards the program with the first ever RISE award in this category.

The Center for Youth is a non-profit organization in Rochester that aims to improve the lives of children and young adults struggling with important life decisions.

The organization provides counseling, prevention education that utilizes after school programs to teach students about making better choices, and even an emergency shelter where youth can go if they need somewhere to stay. In addition, The Center for Youth is also a safe haven where young people are welcomed with open arms by caring individuals who strive to be positive role models.

With recent government decisions that provide more equality to LGBTQ Americans, The Center for Youth has put forth the effort to make sure children of any sexual orientation or gender identity feel appreciated, just like everybody else.

“Since the very beginning 45 years ago, The Center for Youth, in some cases, was the only place that really respected the fact that young people had strong voices that needed to be heard and that we were the lowest barrier for services,” says Executive Director Elaine Spaull.

One of the main goals of The Center for Youth is to build trust and relationships by focusing on personal care, compassion, and creating a space that provides the opportunity for just that kind of engagement.

Spaull is extremely passionate about listening to young people and what they have to say. She learns something new every day from their daily experiences. “I think the more we can listen to their voices, respect what they are telling us, and respond appropriately – the better off we will be. We often think especially as adults that we know what is good for people, that we know how to treat people, that we have ideas about what they might want and we forget to ask them and we forget to listen to them,” said Spaull.

Visiting The Center for Youth is completely voluntary and many youth discover that they can partake in an array of different fun events alongside people who truly care about them. For many youth, experiencing the encouragement and support from others is one thing. Yet seeing that they are supported works even better in hopes of making sure they feel accepted.

“We try to have visual stuff up in our offices and in our residential programs that indicate safer spaces, whether it be flags or safe zone stickers or just other visual indicators that talk about LGBTQ issues. We’ll bring LGBTQ people to specific LGBTQ events. We invite all youth to go, which is nice because a lot young people are allies now,” said Valerie Douglas, Director of Counseling &

Harry Bronson to give lecture at CRCDS on Advocates and Allies, Oct. 4 Colgate Rochester Divinity School Fall Lectures will include a lecture in the Christian Faith & LGBT Experience series: “LGBT Advocates and Straight Allies: A Collaboration of Religion, Politics, Labor and Business,” by Harry Bronson, NYS Assemblymember.

The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Strong Auditorium, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 S. Goodman St.

Runaway and Homeless Youth Services.

The Center for Youth routinely offers training for their staff to keep up to date on the latest use of language and identification when it comes to the gay or transgender community.

In order to create even more of a connection between the staff and LGBTQ individuals, The Center for Youth hires staff who are LGBTQ identified.

According to Douglas, about 300 young people in total visit their shelter each year, staying an average of two weeks or less, and around 20 percent of those youth identify as LGBTQ. “While acceptance has grown incredibly over the past decade, where some communities and some areas are accepting and welcoming and young people aren’t having to run away or be pushed out, there are other communities or areas where that is not happening. So I would encourage folks to reach out amongst their own families to make sure that everyone has a safe place,” said Douglas.

The organization, making a promise to the youth, is there to ensure that young individuals reach their full potential and make positive life choices.

The Center for Youth truly believes that young people deserve love and support as well as the opportunity to better themselves and society. By setting an example for the Rochester community, The Center for Youth seeks to touch the lives of many young people no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Their work continues to make an everlasting difference.

Susan B. Anthony Museum raises concern over political misuse of Anthony’s legacy In light of recent events in the world of American politics, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House on Sept. 19

reiterated its nonpartisan educational mission to inspire and challenge individuals, through Susan B. Anthony’s life and work, to make a positive difference in their lives and communities. ...Presidential candidate, Donald Trump announced his intention to create a “prolife coalition” headed by Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List. This coalition would work to support Mr. Trump’s previously declared commitments to the anti-abortion movement and to encourage voter turnout in key battleground states.

The Susan B. Anthony List is a 501(c)(4) organization.

Along with its affiliated political action committee, the SBA List Candidate Fund, this organization has long raised concerns for the Anthony Museum and those dedicated to protecting the legacy of the great reformer. Neither organization is in any way affiliated or in partnership with the National Susan B Anthony Museum & House.

“Not only does the Museum maintain a nonpartisan perspective,” said president and CEO Deborah L. Hughes, “but it would not be in keeping with Susan B. Anthony’s legacy to endorse a political candidate. We are pleased that this once-reviled woman has earned such a high place of honor and authority that individuals and organizations seek her as their champion, but the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is here to tell the authentic story of her life and work, rather than to use her name for a political agenda.”

The National Susan B .Anthony Museum & House, a 501(c)(3) educational entity, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Anthony’s life and work in a historically accurate and responsible manner. It is not affiliated with any other organization bearing the name of Susan B Anthony.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

NewsFronts NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

of the birth mother and does not cover the mother’s same-sex spouse.

FACT’s executive director David Fowler, who is leading the charge, is pretty much the state’s biggest anti-gay bigot.

In 2013, he argued that same-sex marriage needed to be stopped to protect children from humiliation.

He has been battling the Supreme Court’s Obergefell ruling since it was handed down. In January, Fowler said that if states had used his legal strategy in the 1950s, they could have avoided complying with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling desegregating public schools in Brown v. Board of Education.

He filed two lawsuits in separate counties to try and prevent Tennessee from complying with the ruling.

Now he seems to be continuing his battle, but on the other side of the equation, by limiting divorce to opposite sex couples.

-Read more on Towleroad.com

S. Africa blocks US killthe-gays pastor from entering country 12-year-old boy tries to block Mexican hate march Andy Towle reports at Towleroad: Across Mexico over the weekend of Sept. 9-11, thousands of “pro-family” groups protested against same-sex marriage as the country moves toward marriage equality. In one particular march in Celaya, Guanajuato, a 12-year-old boy was photographed in the middle of the street trying to block the march of 11,000 people from moving forward.

Journalist Manuel Rodriguez captured an image that is instantly iconic. As the publication Regeneracion noted, we’ve seen one very similar shot in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989. It’s reminiscent of the “tank man” image the world knows so well.

Said Rodriguez to Generacion: “At first I thought the child was only playing.” But Rodriguez interviewed the child later, who said, “I have an uncle who is gay and I hate the hatred.”

Same-sex marriage is legal and recognized in all of Mexico, but only nine of the nation’s 31 states have abolished their bans. In the remaining states gay couples must obtain a court ruling in order to marry. This weekend’s marches were in reaction to President Enrique Peña Nieto having signed an initiative to amend the Mexican constitution in order to override the states which still maintain their bans. More hate events are planned, and are encouraged by U.S. hate groups.

53 anti-gay GOP legislators intervene in lesbian couple’s divorce Andy Towle posts on towleroad.com: The Family Action Council of Tennessee (FACT) is representing 53 Republican legislators who are trying to intervene in a gay couple’s divorce because they’re still trying to fight the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Sabrina Renae Witt and Erica Christine Witt are two married Knoxville women who are involved in a child custody battle.

The Tennessean reports: The motion contends the legislators’ “unique and substantial interest in the legislative power and process will be impeded, impaired, and/or nullified” if courts interpret a state law “to apply to

any persons other than a man and woman joined together as ‘husband’ and ‘wife.’ “ Knox County Circuit Court Judge Greg McMillan ruled in June that Erica Witt has no legal rights under Tennessee law to involvement with a daughter born to Sabrina Witt through artificial insemination, as reported by the News Sentinel at the time. The couple were legally married in Washington, D.C., in April 2014, when same-sex marriage was prohibited in Tennessee. There is still no state law on the books authorizing same-sex marriages, but they were validated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year.

The motion appears basically to endorse the position taken by McMillan in his ruling. The judge decided — as argued by Erica Witt’s attorney — that the relevant Tennessee statute dealing with parenting rights in cases of artificial insemination speaks only to “husbands”

Mamba Online reports: Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba has announced that American gay hate pastor Steven Anderson, and his followers, will not be allowed into South Africa.

The historic move follows a determined campaign by LGBT activists, led primarily by GaySA Radio, to stop the preacher, who calls for the execution of gay people, from spreading his shocking views in the country.

Anderson, who heads up the Arizonabased Faithful Word Baptist Church, was set to visit Johannesburg with 17 associates in a missionary style excursion on 18 September to “win souls” for his hateful cause. He and his supporters then planned to go to Botswana to set up a branch of his extremist church. (See page 14.)

At a press conference in Parliament, Gigaba said: “Steven Anderson and members and / or associates from his church are prohibited from entering the Republic of South Africa,” adding that, “Steven Anderson will be advised that he is a prohibited person in South Africa.”

Anderson made international headlines earlier this year when he publicly celebrated the Pulse Massacre.

-Read more on JoeMyGod.com

Michigan Board of Ed votes to support LGBT students’ safety Mari Brighe posts on The Advocate: The Michigan State Board of Education has taken a major step toward protecting the rights and safety of LGBT students in the state. (On Sept. 15) the board voted 6-2 to approve a new set of statewide policy recommendations for the inclusion and support of LGBT and students at K-12 public schools, including a slate of recom-

mendations focused specifically on transgender students.

The document covers a wide range of topics, including supporting inclusion of LGBT content in classrooms, encouraging faculty to engage in learning and training of LGBT students, protecting students from harassment, and collecting data on LGBT students’ achievement.

More controversially, the document also makes clear recommendations that transgender students be allowed access to bathroom and locker rooms congruent with their gender identity.

It also includes provisions for protecting the identities of transgender students by classifying their birth name and transgender status as protected information, strongly encouraging staff to respect students’ choice of name and pronouns, and protecting students who are not yet out in their home environment.

The measure was approved after the board heard testimony from members of the public, including several opposed to the measure as well as a number of transgender K-12 students who would be potentially affected by the recommendations.

-Read more on The Advocate

Ex-Marine told he can’t kiss boyfriend in “patriotic” sports lounge A Marine veteran and boyfriend have spoken out after being told they cannot kiss in a “patriotic” sports lounge.

James Lacey, a US Marine, said he and his partner were with their friends having drinks at the Original First Turn Restaurant in Port Orange, Florida.

“Kissing on the lips, hugging, holding each other. Just being like a normal straight couple, and they were pretty much offended by it,” he said.

“We were just having a good time.”

But then a manager pulled Lacey to the side, and claimed the couple were the subject of complaints.

“She said some of the customers were complaining about our PDA and were offended,” he told News 6.

“The manager told us that it’s not welcomed here.”

Angered, Lacey returned to the table and the group left.

“I’m pretty sure if you saw a man and

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET woman giving a kiss on the cheek or a kiss on lips, they’re not going to say that’s not tolerated here, that’s not welcomed. That’s ridiculous. I truly feel it’s because we’re a gay couple,” Lacey said.

-Read more on gaystarnews.com

Williams Institute report highlights LGBT older adults’ isolation, discrimination, health disparities

Neighbor arrested in murder of Kansas City lesbian and mother

In LGBT Aging: A Review of Research Findings, Needs, and Policy Implications, Soon Kyu Choi and Ilan H. Meyer provide a review of what is known about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender older adults.

Some key findings include the following: Researchers estimate that there are over 2.4 million LGBT older adults over age 50 in the U.S., with the expectation that this number will double by 2030.

Older lesbians, bisexuals, and gay men have higher prevalence of mental health problems, disability, and disease and physical limitations than older heterosexual people.

Transgender older adults are also at higher risk for poor physical health, disability, and depressive symptoms compared to cisgender adults.

LGBT older adults are also resilient and find support through chosen families and informal support networks such as LGBT community organizations and religious networks.

LGBT older adults need to be recognized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as a “greatest social need” group, opening up important funding avenues to prioritize services for this group.

Anti-discrimination legislation and expanding the definition of family to include families of choice are policies that should be taken into consideration.

LGBT older adults are a growing population likely in need of more frequent health care and social support. Culturally sensitive training for service providers could be critical in alleviating expectations and experiences of discrimination that many LGBT older adults fear when seeking help.

In addition, the LGBT Aging report was the basis for the submission of recommendations by several Williams Institute scholars to the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL is considering new guidelines for the targeting of resources to older Americans who have the greatest social and economic need.

The Williams Institute’s submission to the ACL highlighted research on the ways in which discrimination and stigma related to sexual orientation and gender identity can limit the degree to which older LGBT adults experience full inclusion in society and are able to access available services and supports.

Read the full report at: http://ucla.us6.list-manage.com/track/ click?u=a8e9cc5aaf2be7f992b2f16d8&i d=3f6c3f85c5&e=a37e706efc

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the double homicide of Danielle M. Smith, 27, and her mother, Teresa A. Jackson, 61, on Saturday, Aug. 29 in Kansas City. A neighbor, Steven Ray Endsley, 54, has been arrested in connection with the murders. According to media reports, there was an ongoing dispute between Endsley and Danielle Smith, who was an out lesbian, over her sexual orientation.

The homicides are being investigated as a possible hate crime. The family has set up a Go Fund Me page to help lay their loved ones to rest.

“Our community has endured a heartbreaking loss, and we send our deepest condolences to those who love Danielle and Teresa,” said Justin Shaw, Executive Director at the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project. “Hate violence is an all too frequent part of our daily lives as LGBTQ people. We experience it from our neighbors, at work, and in our homes. We want our local LGBTQ communities to know that if you need help, you can call 816-561-0550 day or night for support.”

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs’ (NCAVP) most recent report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, there were 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20 percent increase from the 20 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014. NCAVP’s report also found that the majority of survivors reporting hate violence to NCAVP member programs experienced violence by someone who was known to them, with the most common relationships being landlords, neighbors, employers, and family members. Of the 1,024 survivors who reported information about their relationship to the offenders, 62 percent of survivors knew the person who committed the hate violence against them.

“We are deeply saddened by the homicides of Danielle M. Smith and Teresa A. Jackson,” said Shelby Chestnut, Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City AntiViolence Project. “We have a collective perception of hate violence as something that happens randomly, and is perpetrated by strangers in public spaces, but that’s not the whole story. Hate violence for LGBTQ people is often a day-to-day reality, perpetrated by people we know -like our neighbors -- and in places where we spend most of our time, like our homes, schools and workplaces.”

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Top Model Nyle DiMarco: One advantage of being deaf is I can’t hear Donald Trump Dancing with the Stars and America’s Next Top Model winner Nyle DiMarco spoke at the Human Rights Campaign National Gala over the weekend of Sept. 10 and gave an inspiring speech about what it means to him to be deaf, and also LGBTQ. Said DiMarco: “Tonight is about embracing our identities and our differences to find confidence to do whatever we are inspired to do. My passion, personally, is being my true self while inspiring young people who are struggling with their identities to love themselves for who they are. And myself, as a sexually fluid deaf man, I know that embracing all our identities is the way to thrive and to overcome the limitations and prejudices that surround us. There is no doubt in my mind that human diversity is what colors our world. For all LGBTQ Americans, we know from experience that labels can’t hold us back. We can change the world one person at a time simply by being our true selves.”

DiMarco also joked that one major advantage he has over people who can hear is that he doesn’t have to listen to Donald Trump: “Seriously, I don’t find not being able to hear an obstacle or a boundary. For me and for many of us, it is an advantage and it’s a part of my identity in fact. It’s a huge part of who I am. And in this very turbulent political year, trust me, don’t you want to sometimes just turn the volume off completely when Donald Trump starts to rant? I have a tremendous advantage there as well. I don’t hear a thing.”

See the video on towleroad.com

Illinois Supreme Court asked to rehear ruling barring property claims by unmarried partners On Sept. 8, Eileen Brewer, represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Chicago attorney Angelika Kuehn, asked the Illinois Supreme Court to rehear its Aug. 18, 2016 Blumenthal v. Brewer decision, which barred former unmarried partners from enforcing property claims against one another when they break up.

The case arose when Brewer brought claims against her former partner, Jane Blumenthal, seeking an equitable division of the property and other assets they had accumulated together during their 26-year relationship.

The petition filed for rehearing argues that the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision fails to address a central legal issue in the case — whether it violates the constitution to penalize same-sex couples for being unmarried even though they were legally unable to marry during the entire span of their relationship. According to the petition, the Court’s ruling punishes same-sex partners “for failing to enter

into a relationship from which they were legally barred, based on laws that have now been recognized to be discriminatory and unfair.”

The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision initially addressed the constitutionality of applying its rule to former same-sex partners in a paragraph that was subsequently removed from the official opinion. In its initial decision, the court said that Brewer should have tried to marry in another state or brought a lawsuit challenging Illinois’s marriage ban. Shortly after issuing its decision, the court deleted that part of its ruling. The final amended opinion does not address Brewer’s claim that it violates the federal Constitution for Illinois to penalize same-sex couples for being unmarried, when Illinois law barred them from marriage and refused to recognize their marriages from other states throughout the entire span of their relationship.

The petition for rehearing argues that the court’s decision is also unconstitutional because it unlawfully discriminates against individuals for being in non-marital relationships even though the U.S. Supreme Court held that such relationships are constitutionally protected in (Illinois continues page 6)

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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (Illinois from page 5) Lawrence v. Texas. According to the petition, the Court’s ruling “targets unmarried couples for discriminatory treatment with pinpoint precision, based solely on their exercise of their constitutionally protected right to enter into a non-marital intimate relationship.”

“We are deeply concerned by the court’s decision, which openly discriminates against same-sex couples who were unable to marry before their relationships ended and, more broadly, against all unmarried couples,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter, who argued the case before the Illinois Supreme Court. “The Court’s decision puts our client and many other former same-sex partners in an impossible doublebind, penalizing them for failing to marry even though Illinois law barred them from the right to marry during the entire span of their relationship.”

Added Minter: “The decision also perpetuates an outdated and impermissible stigma against non-marital families. In this day and age, it is incredible—and appalling—that a state supreme court would endorse such blatant discrimination against unmarried couples. Whether a couple decides to marry or not, all of us are equal before the law. The decision is a huge step backward for Illinois, which is now dramatically out of step with the rest of the country and with basic principles of fairness and equal access to the courts. We hope the Court will reconsider its ruling and ensure that Illinois law is complying with our nation’s Constitution.”

The Court’s August 18, 2016 ruling affirmed the discriminatory policy established in 1979 by the Illinois Supreme Court in Hewitt v. Hewitt, 77 Ill.2d 49, at a time when Illinois still criminalized cohabitation outside of marriage. Hewitt held that former unmarried partners cannot enforce either written or unwritten property agreements or bring any other type of legal claims about property when their relationships end. In its recent ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court rejected the argument that Hewitt is outdated and conflicts both with the constitutional protection now given to unmarried relationships and with current Illinois legislative policies mandating equal treatment of all families.

In a strong dissent, Justice Theis, joined

by Justice Burke, said that Hewitt should be overturned: “The court’s decision in that case was clouded by an inappropriate and moralistic view of domestic partners who cohabit and founded upon legal principles that have changed significantly.” The dissent criticized the majority opinion for disregarding major changes in Illinois law, including the elimination of any criminal penalties for non-marital intimacy, and for relying on Hewitt’s “near-defamatory” condemnation of unmarried couples.

As the dissent also noted: “Illinois is a clear outlier on this issue... Hewitt must be overruled because it is outmoded and out

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016 of touch with contemporary experience and opinions on cohabitation.”

The overwhelming majority of states allow property-division claims between unmarried partners. The Court’s decision leaves Illinois among only three states that do not recognize such claims.

The lawsuit began in 2010, when Brewer’s former partner, Blumenthal, sought to retain an unfair portion of their shared home and assets. Although the couple had built a life together, intertwining their finances, sharing a home, and raising three children, the trial court applied the Hewitt decision to rule that Eileen could not bring a lawsuit for her fair share of their property because the couple had not been married.

The opinion affirms the trial court’s ruling.

NCLR and Chicago Attorney Angelika Keuhn represent Eileen Brewer. Professor Nancy Polikoff, Lambda Legal Deafense & Education Fund, and the ACLU of Illinois filed an amicus brief urging reversal of Hewitt.

Because the case raises federal constitutional claims, review by the U.S. Supreme Court is possible. Brewer is considering whether to ask the Supreme Court to review the decision.

Download the petition and learn more at www.NCLRights.org/Brewer

Aruba approves civil unions by 11 to 5 vote James Withers posts on gaystarnews. com: Same-sex couples are now eligible for civil union rights in Aruba.

The Parliament approved the measure last month in an 11-5 vote (there were four abstentions). The new regulation includes the right to make emergency medical decisions and access to pensions.

The Caribbean country is part of the Netherlands, where marriage equality is legal. Aruban couples were required to travel to the Netherlands to be married. On their return, their union was recognized.

“I would have wanted same-sex marriage,” Senator Desiree de Sousa-Croes said after the vote. “But this amendment will eliminate the need to travel to the Netherlands to marry, as our laws will soon provide rights for same-sex couples.”

The senator introduced the legislation.

Same-sex marriage is legal in the Caribbean Netherlands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, French departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique, and the Territorial collectivities of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy.

- Read more at: http://scl.io/ IHx49Iom#gs.N3ugDYE

PFLAG MEETS THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Meetings 1–3pm at the Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 707 E. Main St. Rochester, New York 14605 Questions? 585-993-3297 or rochesterpflag@gmail.com

NCAA moves seven championship events out of North Carolina to protest anti-LGBT law Nico Lang writes on The Advocate: The NCAA announced Sept. 12 that the collegiate sporting association will move seven previously scheduled championship events out of North Carolina during the 2016-2017 season in protest of House Bill 2.

“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a press release. “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships.”

This stance will result in several high-profile events being pulled from the state, including the first and second rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship, the Division I Women’s Soccer Championship, and Division II Baseball Championship.

The league stated that HB 2, a law passed in March that forced trans people to use public restrooms (in government buildings) that do not match their gender identity, is in violation of its commitment to inclusivity. HB 2 also prevents localities from enacting or enforcing LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination laws or setting a minimum wage higher than the state’s.

The NCAA further argued that the law could be a conflict of interest for schools.

“Five states plus numerous cities prohibit travel to North Carolina for public employees and representatives of public institutions, which could include student-athletes and campus athletics staff,” the league wrote. “These states are New York, Minnesota, Washington, Vermont and Connecticut.”

“This decision is consistent with the NCAA’s long-standing core values of inclusion, student-athlete well-being and creating a culture of fairness,” said G.P. “Bud” Peterson, the chair of the Board of Governors.

Chris Sgro, the executive director of Equality North Carolina, added that the decision is yet another indication that HB 2 “is hurting our economy, our reputation, and our people every day.” He said in a statement, “Pat McCrory clearly knew that signing HB 2 would not just endanger LGBT North Carolinians, but would cost us business, tourism, and events like this.”

-Read more on The Advocate

DOJ training video teaches police how to deal with trans people Mari Brighe posts on The Advocate: The Department of Justice has released a new training video intended to assist law enforcement officers in interacting peacefully and respectfully with transgender people.

The 13-minute video, produced by the department’s Community Relations

Service, features three vignettes of officers working with trans people in nonemergency situations, along with basic instruction on transgender identities and pronoun usage. It focuses on politeness and respect for trans people, and includes a nod to trans people’s access to restrooms. It also addresses some of the longstanding fears the trans community has regarding law enforcement due to decades of mistreatment.

In a press release accompanying the (DOJ continues page 11)

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Interview

PHOTO: SUSAN JORDAN

By Susan Jordan Miss Rickey Snowden will facilitate the new Fistful of Stories Inqueery class, which will be offered every second and fourth Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., starting Oct. 11. The class is open and welcoming to all, with special emphasis on trans people of color.

Miss Rickey said, “The first week is for people to tell their stories. On fourth Sundays we will be having a potluck dinner; the Gay Alliance will provide the basics.”

She added, “I am so honored for this opportunity. You don’t know how it feels to know my journey is finally open…. I want folks to know -- look at me – I am a person of color. This agency is 99 percent white but if they’re willing to open their doors, take advantage of that because you never know what will come. We’re here to open doors for all trans people of color – not just African American people. I’m talking about every person of color and we are also opening doors for white trans people to come and tell their stories. My goal is for everyone in the trans community to have the right to come to the group and tell their stories. We ALL have a hard time.”

Shauna Acevedo-O’Toole began “The Good, the Bad and the Funny” trans open mic several years ago, and this year at Pride it evolved as “Fistful of Stories”.

Miss Rickey said, “Shauna invited me to facilitate the workshop and I loved it and enjoyed the opportunity. This is not my first journey coming here.”

Miss Rickey was born in Las Vegas and grew up in Seattle, where she started her transition in 2000. At that time she had become well known as a drag diva, and although she wore female clothing off stage as well, she did not think of herself as trans. She said, “I met Vanessa Cranberry, who has a trans program, and she and I became good friends. She asked me to go to a trans retreat for the weekend.

At that time I was confused and had a problem with the trans community. I had a very hard time with that. But I went to the retreat and was so taken by the kids – young trans people – who helped me with my luggage getting off the ferry.

That night we were at a bonfire and the kids were telling their stories and putting me in my place, asking, how can you talk about us when YOU always dress as a woman? I was shocked to realize they were trans – the ones I thought were boys were girls and the ones I thought were girls were boys.

“I was cool being a drag queen and when I got off the stage I still wore feminine clothes – but I had never thought of myself as trans until I met those young people. Bringing me to that group changed my life. They told their stories as we sat around the bonfire and I got the

understanding that it’s not by choice that we are made this way. I became a counselor and overseer for the trans community at a group called People of Color Living with AIDS, in Seattle. I came to Rochester in 2008.

“I wouldn’t put (being trans) on an enemy. Trans is the most dangerous thing to be. We have no role models or places where we can be ourselves. Fistful of Stories will open doors for girls walking the street who have no place to go. This makes them feel they finally have a place where they can come and tell their stories, and I feel the Gay Alliance has finally opened its doors to people of color.

“And the door is open to people of all ages. I’m 60 and still getting my act together. I live a life of disappointments. People look down on you… you have to be a strong person. So many

become suicidal and don’t understand you can’t live your life for others. The only way you can break the mold is by letting people know they can’t push you around. You can’t please everyone and you have to stop trying to change yourself. For most femme trans girls of color, it’s hard to be accepted by other trans women of color because we look so feminine, and they look down on us.

We don’t get accepted.”

Miss Rickey got involved with Third Presbyterian Church here in Rochester, and is now a member of the congregation. She said, “Ralph Carter called me in June 2015. Third Presbyterian was having a book reading of Janet Mock’s work and asked if I’d come and talk to the group about being a trans person. I asked, ‘Are they ready for me?’ Because I’m a first class woman 24/7 and I’m a diva and worked hard to become one, but I have never looked down on anyone, because who am I to judge.

“I walked into that church and – I get watery eyed thinking about it because for the first time I felt I was where I needed to be. That day changed my life.”

Gabrielle Hermosa, trans woman and Gay Alliance LGBTQ Academy speaker, also changed Miss Rickey’s life. She said, “Gabrielle changed my life by telling me that ‘volunteering at the Gay Alliance will open doors for you in ways you’ve never experienced.’ Coming here and meeting Jeff (Myers, Center Director and Volunteer Coordinator) HAS opened doors for me in ways I never expected. That’s what brings a community together. People are finally getting it. Someone has to speak up and say ‘I’m here for you’.”

Miss Rickey’s next goal is to become a foster mother. She completed the certification process and training at one agency (not in Rochester) and was then told at the last minute, just before her children arrived, that she was “not the right person to represent their agency”. She said, “I’m working with Hillside now – my journey was not to give up.” ■

“Leadership Bring your voice to the table

“

Miss Rickey Snowden

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Pride in Leadership Development Program Thursday, October 27 The Gay Alliance Friday, October 28 100 College Avenue 8am– 4:30pm Rochester, New York A collaborative program of Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield, the Gay Alliance, and the United Way of Greater Rochester Visit the Pride in Leadership Development Program page on the United Way Greater Rochester website: https://www.uwrochester.org

The intent and design of the program is to broaden participation from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community into influential board leadership roles within the Greater Rochester area.

The primary focus of the leadership program is the development and application of effective leadership skills and competencies in one’s professional and volunteer pursuits.

Program participation fee is $50 per individual. (class size is limited)

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

SELL SOME ADS...

MAKE SOME MONEY

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OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

SafeZone Training Description of Program: The LGBTQ Academy SafeZone Training is a 4 hour, dynamic, interactive workshop that includes activities and discussion around: LGBTQ inclusive and respectful language, the process of coming out, understanding sexual and gender identity, taking action, respectful communication in the face of resistance, where to go for help and much more. This session will give participants the skills they need to provide support and to create environments that are safe and inclusive so that all people are empowered to reach their full potential.

Date and Time: Wednesday, November 30, 2016, from 9am-1pm (check in at 8:45am) Location: The LGBTQ Academy’s Education Center (100 College Avenue.

Rochester, NY 14607). There is free parking in the lot next to our building.

Registration: Registration fee is $75 (which includes a SafeZone Manual, SafeZone sticker, SafeZone lapel pin and breakfast) To register, go to www. gayalliance.org and click on the SafeZone Training slide.

Feedback from our SafeZone Training Program (August 2016) “How lucky we are in Western NY to have this organization! I really appreciated all of it. I facilitate for a living – you two are excellent. Kudos!”

“I took home an enormous amount of useful info. I could have stayed longer.”

“The presenters – both amazing. Loved this!”

“It was great!! Tons of information – thank you for sharing personal stories.”

“Depth of knowledge, resources available. I wanted more time! Thank you so much! I learned a lot and hope to spread the awareness.”

“Great synergy between the presenters – extremely well facilitated! Cannot think of anything that could make this better. Thank you!”

100% of the participants from this training rated our workshop and our trainers “very good” to “excellent.”

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

Making the Scene

GALLERY Q First Friday opening took place on Sept. 2, with the “Diptych” show of images by Nigel Maister shared by Gallery Q and Lumiere Gallery. Photos: Susan Jordan

ROC VETS & SAGE VETS had a presence at the NYS Fair...the very first LGBTQ contingent to table & march in the Armed Forces Parade at the fair!

This was a different day from Gay Pride Day shown below. L-R: Wanda Martinez-Johncox, Latina Vega, Anne Tischer. Photo: Dawn Johncox-Martinez.

The Rochester contingent at the New York State Fair Pride Day Parade. Photo: Bess Watts

The Gay Alliance takes part in NY State Fair Pride Day Aug. 26

By Tony Perri On Aug. 26, about 30 members of the Gay Alliance attended Pride Day at the New York State Fair – the only day honoring the LGBTQ community at any state fair in the country.

The journey to Syracuse and admission to the fair were made possible by our dear friend and SAGE member Jim Moran, who graciously donated the bus and admission to the fair.

It was an extremely active day. Visits to the exhibits and the midway, and just hanging out, were only a few of the day’s events. Pride Day culminated with a Pride parade, where our Rochester contingent was the largest participant. It was also Law Enforcement Day at the Fair and we were preceded in the parade by over 80 law enforcement cars.

A fabulous time was had by all. Needless to say we headed home exhausted but happy. Thanks, Jim!

OPEN ARMS MCC celebrated its 35th anniversary on Aug. 20. Photo: Bess Watts

Rev. Lu Johnson, former pastor Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Rochester MCC founder Rev. Willie White and Provisional Pastor S. Brae Adams at the Open Arms 35th anniversary celebration.

Photo: Bess Watts

SAGE PICNIC took place on Aug. 28 at Buckland Park Lodge. Above: NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson with Pamela and Suzanne Barres. Photos: Anne Tischer and Bess Watts

PRIDE SCREENING: The award winning film “Pride” was screened at the LGBTQ Resource Center on Sept. 1 by Pride at Work. Pictured: Dawn Lepard and Ryan Tucker. Photo: Bess Watts

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (DOJ from page 6)

video, the Community Relations Service’s acting director Paul Monteiro said, “Transgender Americans, like all Americans, deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect by law enforcement officers.

The information provided in this video will help strengthen the relationship between police and the transgender community, allowing for more effective investigations and safer encounters for officers and citizens alike.”

Transgender people have a lengthy history of distrusting law enforcement, and not without cause. Monica Jones, a trans woman, made headlines in Arizona in 2014 when she was arrested and convicted for “manifesting prostitution” for simply walking down the street. That conviction was later overturned. Last year, trans woman Meagan Taylor and a friend were arrested in Iowa for simply checking into a hotel room because the desk clerk suspected they were prostitutes.

The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that more than one in five trans people have experienced harassment at the hands of law enforcement. This is particularly concerning for trans people of color, who face substantial systemic inequality, particularly poverty, homelessness, and participation in underground survival economies, all of which places them at higher risk for law enforcement contact.

The same 2011 report also found that nearly half of trans people fear seeking police assistance due to perceived bias.

Given the extraordinarily high and escalating rates of violence faced by the trans community, particularly trans women of color, it is paramount that police find ways to respectfully interact with trans people they encounter.

However, the DOJ’s video largely features white trans women, though some airtime is given to Debbie McMillan, a black trans woman affiliated with the Women’s Collective, an HIV education, support, and prevention nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. -See the video on The Advocate.com

LGBT military group honors Marine vet who saved over 70 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando Neal Broverman posted on The Advo-

cate: Marine Corps veteran Imran Yousuf is credited with saving more than 70 people during the June mass shooting at Orlando gay nightclub Pulse. He was recognized for his actions at a San Diego gala in September for the American Military Partner Association.

Yousuf was working as a bouncer at the club during the early hours of June 12; that was when Omar Mateen stormed into Pulse and began shooting. Yousuf quickly noticed a group of trapped patrons, rushed over to them, broke open a door, and allowed dozens to escape.

Officials believe that without Yousuf’s actions, the casualties of that morning — 49 murdered, 53 injured — would be much higher.

The American Military Partner Assocation — known as the largest organization advocating for LGBT military families — honored Yousuf during their September 17 West Coast gala. Yousuf served as an engineer in the Marines from 2010 to 2016, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

“Imran represents the best of America and the best of America’s military community, as evidenced by his quick and heroic actions amid the chaos and carnage of the tragedy in Orlando,” AMPA president Ashley Broadway-Mack said in a statement. “While he humbly may not consider himself a hero, his courageous actions in the face of mortal danger that saved the lives of more than 70 of our LGBT brothers and sisters say otherwise.

He is certainly a hero to our community and to all of America, and we are proud to honor Imran with our 2016 Community Hero Award at the inaugural AMPA West Coast Gala in San Diego.”

-Read more on The Advocate

Chelsea Manning ends hunger strike; Army will provide treatment Imprisoned whistleblower Chelsea Manning ended her hunger strike on Sept. 13, having secured assurances from the Army that she will receive the medically prescribed treatment for her gender dysphoria. The treatment will begin with the surgery that was recommended by her psychologist in April.

EC UPDATE: On Sept. 23, however, news broke that Manning has been sentensed to 14 days in solitary confinement to punish her for her suicide attempt.

Since she was first taken into custody in 2010, Manning, a transgender woman being forced to serve out her sentence in an all-male prison, was subjected to long stretches of solitary confinement during her court martial and has been denied medical treatment related to her gender dysphoria. On September 9, she began a hunger strike to demand, among other things, that she be treated with the medically necessary and recommended care for her gender dysphoria.

“I am unendingly relieved that the military is finally doing the right thing.

I applaud them for that. This is all that I wanted — for them to let me be me,” said Manning in a statement. “But it is hard not to wonder why it has taken so long.

Also, why were such drastic measures needed? The surgery was recommended in April 2016. The recommendations for my hair length were back in 2014. In any case, I hope this sets a precedent for the thousands of trans people behind me hoping they will be given the treatment they need.”

Chase Strangio, staff attorney with the (Chelsea continues page 12)

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Trans star Alexis Arquette dies at 47 TMZ reports: Alexis Arquette died Sunday morning (Sept. 11) surrounded by family and friends… the family confirms to TMZ. Alexis’ brother Richmond Arquette says Alexis died at 12:32 a.m. while listening to David Bowie’s “Starman.”

Besides being the sibling of David and Patricia Arquette, Alexis was known for her roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Wedding Singer,” as well as being a champion for trans rights. We’re told she’s been battling an illness.

-Read more on JoeMyGod.com On pinknews.co.uk: The Arquette family have since released a joint statement praising Alexis’ bravery and trans activism.

“Alexis was a brilliant artist and painter, a singer, an entertainer and an actor,” her siblings said.

“We learned what real bravery is through watching her journey of living as a trans woman. We came to discover the one truth – that love is everything.

“She fiercely lived her reality in a world where it is dangerous to be a trans person – a world largely unready to accept differences among human beings, and where there is still the ugliness of violence and hostility towards people that we may not understand.”

Her family also championed her determination to reject stereotypical trans roles, despite the effect it may have had on her career.

“Her career was cut short, not by her passing, but by her decision to live her truth and her life as a transgender woman,” they said.

“Despite the fact that there are few parts for trans actors, she refused to play roles that were demeaning or stereotypical.

“She was a vanguard in the fight for understanding and acceptance for all trans people,” they added.

“Alexis always had to do everything first. She left before we were ready to let her go.”

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (Chelsea continued from page 11) American Civil Liberties Union, had the following reaction: “This is a monumental day for Chelsea, who can now enjoy some peace knowing that critically needed medical care is forthcoming. This medical care is absolutely vital for Chelsea as it is for so many transgender people — in and out of prison — who are systemically denied treatment solely because they are transgender. Thankfully the government has recognized its constitutional obligation to provide Chelsea with the medical care that she needs and we hope that they will act without delay to ensure that her suffering does not needlessly continue.

“It is nonetheless troubling that the government continues to insist that they will enforce the male hair length standards against her and subject her to a disciplinary board over administrative charges related to her suicide attempt in July, which was precipitated by the government’s refusal to adequately treat her for gender dysphoria. Given the recognition of Chelsea’s health care needs, we hope that she is immediately permitted to grow her hair consistent with the standard for female military prisoners and that all charges related to her suicide attempt and the investigation that followed are dropped.” (That did not happen.)

The ACLU represents Manning in a lawsuit against the Department of Defense that was first filed in 2014 over the department’s refusal to treat Manning’s well-documented gender dysphoria.

To date, no transgender individual has received gender affirming surgical treatment in prison despite medical recommendations for such care in prisons across the country.

More about the case can be found at: https:// www.aclu.org/cases/manning-v-hagel-et-al

Police misgender murdered Chicago trans woman T.T. Mari Brighe posted on The Advocate on Sept. 13: The wave of unrelenting violence against transgender women of color has claimed another life this week. A black trans woman in her 20s, identified only as T.T., was found murdered in Chicago Sunday, Windy City Times reports.

As has become incredibly common, initial police and media reports misgendered T.T., and it wasn’t until friends spoke up publicly that it was known that the victim was a trans woman.

A vigil was held for T.T. in Garfield Park, the west side neighborhood where she was found, where local friends came to remember the woman’s life. One of those friends, Jaliyah Armstrong, told Windy City Times that T.T was a very happy person and that she was “laughing all the time.” Armstrong went on, “You could be going through a bad day, but once you saw [T.T.], she was such a happy, cheerful person, all that changed.” T.T. hoped to become a hairdresser, Armstrong added.

The Advocate spoke with Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer

Michelle Tannehill, who repeatedly insisted that the police do not currently believe that the victim was a trans woman. She said police were proceeding with investigation of the case as a the homicide of a man, and had no suspects or potential motive at this time.

T.T. is at least the 20th transgender person known to have been murdered in 2016, the vast majority of them being trans women of color. This summer has been especially deadly, with six trans women of color reported murdered since June.

Trans women of color face incredible levels of homicide in the U.S., and the number of trans women of color murdered has risen every year for the last several years. By comparison, 21 trans women were reported murdered in all of 2015, and 12 such deaths were reported in 2014.

It is believed that far more trans women of color are murdered each year than are reported in the media, as police departments often fail to disclose or document the fact that victims are transgender.

Crystal Edmonds, shot in Baltimore, is 21st known victim this year Zoe Zellers writes at Baltimore’s WBFF: Due to the severe nature of a transgender woman’s injuries from a shooting in Northwest Baltimore, homicide detectives opened an investigation to find her shooter. By Friday afternoon, she’d succumbed to her injuries while her killer remains at large.

Around 3:15 a.m. Friday (Sept. 16) detectives responded to a reported shooting on Fairview Ave. by Grantley Rd. in Forest Park. Once on scene, police found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The transgender victim, later identified as 32-year-old Crystal Edmonds, was taken to a local hospital where she was listed in grave condition before succumbing to her injuries.

-TransEquality

ACLU defends against religious groups’ attack on ACA healthcare discrimination ban FORT WORTH, Texas — The American Civil Liberties Union on Sept. 19 filed a motion to intervene in a case challenging a section of the Affordable Care Act that prohibits health care entities from

discriminating based on race, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The lawsuit, Franciscan Alliance v. Burwell, was filed by a group of states and religiously affiliated health care organizations who are suing the federal government.

The ACLU has moved to intervene on behalf of the ACLU of Texas and the River City Gender Alliance because the lawsuit seeks to undermine critical antidiscrimination measures and to allow religion to be used to harm others, including by denying medical care.

The lawsuit requests a court order permitting discrimination against women and transgender people seeking medical care. The plaintiff states and organizations spend millions in taxpayer dollars, employ hundreds of thousands of health care workers, and operate a wide network of hospitals and health care facilities. Sanctioning their request to screen patients based on religious doctrine would allow hospitals and health care centers to turn away transgender patients seeking necessary gender-confirming care or women seeking reproductive health care.

“This lawsuit aims to undermine critical protections against discrimination in health care. No one — whether they’re male or female, transgender or not — should fear being turned away at the hospital door because of who they are,” said Louise Melling, deputy legal director at the ACLU. “Religious liberty does not mean the right to discriminate or harm others.”

Kate Parrish, president of the Omaha, Nebraska-based River City Gender Alliance, said, “This lawsuit’s attempt to allow hospitals the ability to deny essential gender-confirming care is a direct attack on the transgender community’s right to function normally and safely in everyday life. It is harrowing for our members to see our rights to health care coverage and medically necessary treatment endangered simply because of who we are.”

In addition to the Franciscan Alliance, the other plaintiffs in the case are the Christian Medical & Dental Associations and the states of Texas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kentucky (through their governor), and Kansas.

The ACLU’s motion to intervene can be found at: https://www.aclu.org/legaldocument/franciscan-alliance-v-burwellmotion-intervene

Belgrade Pride Parade goes on with major police protection Belgrade’s pride parade resumed in 2014 after having been banned for several years after hundreds of neo-Nazis clashed violently with riot police in 2010. This year’s parade was peaceful thanks to the presence of 5000 cops. Balkan Insight reports: The third Belgrade Pride Parade, which took place under the slogan “Love changes the world”, was held with several hundred LGBT rights supporters, alongside Serbian politicians, participating in

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OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

13 year’s ceremony. “I’m looking forward to the day where it’s not ‘gay books,’ it’s just, ‘books,’” she said.

In a subsequent interview with National Public Radio, Albee pointed out that he was a longtime activist for LGBT rights but reiterated his assertion about art.

“Maybe I’m being a little troublesome about this, but so many writers who are gay are expected to behave like gay writers and I find that is such a limitation and such a prejudicial thing that I fight against it whenever I can,” he said.

-Read more on the Advocate

Edward Albee

Trial begins for man accused of raping, shooting teen lesbian couple in 2012 Andy Towle posts on towleroad.com: A jury trial began Sept. 19 for the man charged with murder and sexual assault in a brutal attack on a teenage lesbian couple in a South Texas park in 2012.

The horrific shooting of 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and 18-year-old Kristene Chapa, which many suspected to be an anti-gay hate crime, made national news and led to LGBT vigils around the country.

David Malcolm Strickland was arrested two years later and accused of sexually assaulting Olgin and Chapa before shooting them in the head at a park in Portland, Texas, near Corpus Christi. Olgin died but Chapa somehow survived and has undergone a painstaking recovery that allowed her to begin college last year.

Prosecutors aren’t treating the case as a hate crime, but they are concerned about possible anti-gay bias among jurors as Strickland’s trial begins in small San Patricio County.

“You may have people on the jury who

the march through the centre of the Serbian capital. The group was protected by some 5,000 police officers who had the city centre in lockdown to ensure participants’ safety.

The gay rights supporters marched behind a truck decorated with balloons and blasting music, waving rainbow flags and carrying banners bearing not only the official slogan of the event, but also those in support of refugees, including “Solidarity with refugees” and “No borders no fences”.

-Read more and see video on JoeMyGod.com

are against same-sex relationships and not tell the lawyers during jury selection. That also could have a huge affect on the trial,” First Assistant District Attorney Carlos Valdez told KRIS-TV. More from The Corpus Christi CallerTimes: …Strickland and his wife were arrested in their Helotes apartment in 2014.

Charges were later dropped against Strickland’s wife, Laura, who was accused of tampering with evidence. Portland police said she wrote a letter addressed to Chapa’s father detailing the assaults and shooting written from the perspective of a hit man.

Prosecutors have said the letter contained information that had not been released to the public.

Strickland has maintained his innocence and his defense lawyers have suggested in court documents that another man may be the perpetrator. Defense lawyers have subpoenaed the man from Nevada. That man’s DNA is the only person’s DNA found at the crime scene and he failed a lie-detector test about his alibi, defense lawyers wrote in court documents.

-Read more on towleroad.com

Playwright Edward Albee dies at 88 Trudy Ring posts on The Advocate: Edward Albee, the author of such acclaimed plays as A Delicate Balance, Tiny Alice, and most notably, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, has died at age 88.

Albee, who was gay, died Sept. 16 at his home in Montauk, on New York’s Long Island, after a brief illness, The New York Times reports. He was “widely considered the foremost American playwright of his generation, whose psychologically astute and piercing dramas explored the contentiousness of intimacy, the gap between self-delusion and truth and the roiling desperation beneath the facade of

contemporary life,” the Times reports…

Albee sparked controversy in LGBT circles in 2011 when accepting Lambda Literary’s Pioneer Award, which recognizes groundbreaking LGBT authors. “A writer who happens to be gay or lesbian must be able to transcend self. … I am not a gay writer. I am a writer who is gay,” he said at the ceremony. He observed that no one would describe Arthur Miller as a “straight playwright.”

He further commented, “I’ve written a number of plays that have gay characters in them, but I’ve never written a play that could be considered a ‘gay play’ because I consider that a lessening of the creative act, to limit oneself to one’s own sexual practices as the subject for one’s work.”

Some LGBT people thought he was denying the importance of his identity and the need to create work specific to that identity. In a blog post, author Sassafras Lowrey wrote that Albee’s message was that “writing from a queer experience was a lesser art form.” But others expressed sentiments similar to Albee’s, such as Lea DeLaria, who hosted that

Orlando man indicted for threats of anti-gay hate violence The Orlando Sentinel reports: An Orlando man accused of posting online threats toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in South Florida was indicted last month in federal court. According to court documents, Craig Allen Jungwirth, 50, posted threats against the LGBT community in Wilton Manors on Facebook on Aug. 30.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, the FBI and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force announced that Jungwirth was charged with the interstate transmission of a threatening communication.

(Orlando continues page 14)

14

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL (Orlando continued from page 13) After the threats, police in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Orange County increased patrols. Jungwirth was arrested Sept. 3 by the Florida Highway Patrol in Osceola County on an unrelated charge of driving on a suspended license. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Early this week Jungwirth was transferred from Orlando to a federal prison in South Florida, where he will be held without bail until trial. His trial date has not been announced.

-JoeMyGod.com

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016 During the speech, he said that it is not possible to argue that there is “one settled understanding of what the Bible says” on sexuality, reports the Telegraph.

Even Biblical texts often cited as condemning homosexuality, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone, could be “interpreted in more than one way”, he said.

Read as a whole, it is not possible to argue that there is “one settled understanding of what the Bible says” on sexuality and a range of other topics, he claimed.

Dr Morgan, a prominent liberal figure in the church, is stepping down in early 2017 after 14 years as Archbishop, the longest serving primate in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

In his address he cites a string of examples from both the Old Testament and New Testament in which, he said, different passages effectively contradict each other on topics as diverse as the status of eunuchs in Jewish society to the use of violence in retribution.

“What all this shows is that within the Scriptures themselves, there are radical shifts in understanding in what it means to discern the will of God. It absolutely will not do to quote texts from parts of the Bible in a simplistic way without reference to their contexts,” said Morgan.

-Read more on towleroad.com

Intersex woman held in men’s prison files $5 million lawsuit Retiring Archbishop of Wales says committed gay sex is perfectly “proper” Michael Fitzgerald posts on Towleroad.com: Dr. Barry Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, says that sex between gay people in committed relationships is perfectly “proper.”

Ahead of his retirement, Morgan spoke at his final address to the governing body of the Church in Wales. He used his speech to urge members to rethink traditional beliefs about same-sex relationships as being sinful.

Joe Morgan posts on gaystarnews. com: An intersex woman who was held in a men’s prison in Miami has filed a $5 million lawsuit.

Fiordaliza Pichardo, originally from Dominican Republic, was arrested three years ago at Miami’s international airport on a decades-old drug trafficking charge that was later dismissed.

She was initially booked as a female at the Metro West detention center. But when medical staff “examined” her, they reclassified her as a man because they determined she had “non-traditional male characteristics”.

Lawyers say Pichardo was then placed with 40 male inmates in an open cell where she was allegedly taunted and sexu-

ally harassed.

“She was humiliated,” attorney David Kubiliun told the Associated Press. “The officials acted with deliberate indifference by failing to protect her rights.”

Pichardo, a 53-year-old married mother of three, was traveling to Miami in 2013 for the birth of her third grandchild and had previously visited the US without incident.

-Read more on gaystarnews.com

Pastor who cheered Orlando murders is deported from Botswana The anti-gay pastor banned from S. Africa (see page 4) has now been deported from Botswana. Nick Duffy posts on pinknews.co.uk: A U.S. pastor who celebrated the Orlando massacre will be deported from Botswana, the country’s government has confirmed.

Pastor Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoenix is one of America’s most homophobic pastors.

In a previous sermon he directly called for the execution of gay people by stoning, claiming: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. That, my friends, is the cure for AIDS.” He openly celebrated the Orlando massacre earlier this year, telling his congregation: “The good news is that there’s 50 less paedophiles in this world, because, you know, these homosexuals are a bunch of disgusting perverts and paedophiles. That’s who was a victim here… just disgusting homosexuals at a gay bar.”

Praising the actions of the shooter, he said: “There is a full-on war going on! A bunch of filthy sodomite perverts are at war with us!”

The pastor planned to head to Africa this month to convert more people to his extreme cause – but his plans were hindered by travel bans issued by South Africa and the United Kingdom.

He did eventually make it to Botswana, but he was held by immigration officials amid concerns about hate preaching.

The country’s government then confirmed he would be deported, tweeting: “Pastor #StevenAnderson, a #USA citizen has been declared a Prohibited Immigrant and as such is being deported from #Botswana”.

Anderson had previously insisted Botswana, which already criminalizes homosexuality and jails gay people for up to seven years, was a “way more receptive place” for his message.

However, the country’s government reaffirmed its opposition to violence and extremism.

-Read more on pinknews.co.uk

President Obama calls for global LGBT rights in UN speech, his last address as president

Texas “ex-gay” billboards get the boot Neal Broverman posts on The Advocate: Following an outcry by activists and LGBT locals, three billboards in Waco, Texas, advertising “ex-gay” therapy — where LGBT people are ostensibly turned straight or cisgender — are coming down at the end of October.

The billboards from Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays will be removed in a month, when the contract expires. Waco LGBT activist Carmen Saenz spoke to the owner of the billboards, who agreed to not renew PFOX’s contract.

“Rather than cause a lot of drama and

create an ‘us against them’ environment, we spoke with the company and all is good,” Saenz said, according to reports.

Obviously, local LGBT people are happy with the decision, seeing the billboards as sullying Waco’s reputation.

While Waco is no Austin, it is one of the few cities in Texas that offers nondiscrimination protections for LGBT municipal employees.

Several states — not Texas — have outlawed the use of so-called reparative therapy on minors, citing risks that include increased mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, and suicidal ideation.

-Read more on Advocate.com

Trudy Ring posts on The Advocate: Barack Obama gave his last address to the United Nations as U.S. president on Sept. 20, and he once again used the platform to call for a worldwide end to anti-LGBT discrimination.

“In remote corners of the world, citizens are demanding respect for the dignity of all people no matter their gender or race or religion or disability or sexual orientation, and those who deny others dignity are subject to public reproach,” Obama said in addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.

There are barriers to such respect, he noted. “Alternative visions of the world have pressed forward both in the wealthiest countries and in the poorest: religious fundamentalism; the politics of ethnicity, or tribe, or sect; aggressive nationalism; a crude populism — sometimes from the far left, but more often from the far right — which seeks to restore what they believe was a better, simpler age free of outside contamination,” he said.

Obama acknowledged that such visions “are powerful” and “reflect dissatisfaction among too many of our citizens,” but he continued, “I do not believe those visions can deliver security or prosperity over the long term, but I do believe that these visions fail to recognize, at a very basic level, our common humanity. Moreover, I believe that the acceleration of travel and technology and telecommunications — together with a global economy that depends on a global supply chain — makes it self-defeating ultimately for those who seek to reverse this progress. Today, a nation ringed by walls would only imprison itself.”

The inclusion of LGBT rights among global human rights goals has been a hallmark of the Obama administration. Addressing the U.N. General Assembly in September 2011, for instance, Obama called for nations to “stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere.” In December of that year, Hillary Clinton, then secretary of State, told the U.N.’s Human Rights Council, “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.”

-Read the full story on The Advocate

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

15

Opinion

Violence against LGBT people is unabating, even in San Francisco

By Rebecca Rolfe On August 11 an individual shouting homophobic slurs attacked our building with a metal pipe, shattering two windows and a glass door. The person was quickly apprehended and the incident is currently being investigated as a hate crime.

The attack left me and many staffers in shock. I was angry and also sad. It was a stark reminder that even in San Francisco homophobia and violence continue to be pervasive in the LGBTQ community.

What happened that day reminded me about the importance of the Center’s work and why we must continue to do it, especially around violence prevention.

While the LGBTQ community has made historic strides in social acceptance, experiences like this are still commonplace. We hear of extreme examples like the horrific massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, but rarely about the murders of transgender women across the country (19 to date this year), street harassment, and the daily assaults on our dignity—all of which demonstrates that violence is still a fact of life for our community.

We all deserve to live a life free from violence, but the reality is different for most of us.

An assessment on LGBTQ violence that we spearheaded last year, showed that the vast majority of LGBTQ people living in San Francisco have experienced at least one significant experience of violence: 81 percent of us have experienced harassment, 68 percent have been physically assaulted, and 48 percent have been sexually assaulted. Many in our community – including transgender people, people of color, and those experiencing poverty – face disproportionately higher levels of violence.

As a result of the findings, the Violence Prevention Collaborative (VPC) was formed.

VPC is a one-year pilot program involving five San Francisco nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ community and survivors of violence. The Collaborative focuses on building a stronger network of safe spaces and community-based resources for LGBTQ people who have experienced violence.

VPC is the type of program that makes our work so vital to the community. Other Center programs, services, and resources bring over 100,000 people every year. We help people find jobs, advance their career, guide them through

their housing and financial challenges, and connect them to critical resources.

Our Youth Program helps clients get off the street and brings them back into the community.

The Center, as a physical place, is also more important now than ever because safe queer and trans spaces are disappearing in San Francisco—we have lost dozens of LGBT spaces in the span of two years due to the affordability crisis.

Homophobia certainly played a central role in the violence perpetrated against the Center, but so did a number of inescapable issues plaguing San Francisco.

The housing crisis, access to mental and health care, police violence, substance abuse problems, and the widening gap between the haves and those being displaced, have deeply impacted the most vulnerable members of our society. We need to do something about these problems.

From its very beginning, the mission of the Center has been to support and empower those in need—whomever they are—and connect them to the critical resources they need to thrive.

The Center is currently under renovations which will be finished in early 2017.

The building rededication next year will coincide with our 15th Anniversary. The new facilities will allow all of our programs and services to continue growing, and provide a home for future generations of LGBTQ people.

We are excited about our future and building on our successes.

Each time our community faces adversity we emerge stronger and more committed to not only realize equality and fairness for every member of our community, but also for every person who is experiencing injustice.

A few broken windows won’t stop us from continuing to serve our community with pride.

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Rebecca Rolfe is the executive director of the San Francisco LGBT Center. (Reprinted with permission)

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

Health

Former Rochesterian Tim Sally is a co-founder of AIDS Rochester.

On circumcision: the first of two interviews with intactivist Tim Sally

By Susan Jordan Introduction Born and raised in Rochester, Tim Sally was active in the 1970s and 80s with Dignity-Integrity, and was a co-founding member of PFLAG/Rochester and AIDS/ Rochester. In 1983 he moved to San Francisco to work for AIDS organizations and since 1985, under the pseudonym of Tim Hammond,[1] he has researched circumcision customs and advocated for protecting children’s genital autonomy. He conducted two groundbreaking surveys of long-term harm to men from infant circumcision, co-founded the National Organization of Restoring Men, produced ‘Whose Body, Whose Rights? (a PBS documentary on circumcision), and co-founded the Children’s Health and Human Rights Partnership of Canada, as well as an intactivist group in Palm Springs, Calif., where he now lives.

References for his statements and resource links to assist EC readers in examining the issue more closely can be found on a supplemental web page created for this two-part article at: www.CircumcisionHarm.org/EC2016.

Tim welcomes constructive dialogue at: circharmsurvey@gmail.com.

Can you give a (comparatively) brief example of why circumcision is harmful to male infants?

Over 100 infant boys die annually in the U.S. from shock, hemorrhage or infection. Others suffer botched circumcisions, although the American Academy of Pediatrics admits it doesn’t know exactly how many complications occur. Many who’ve watched infant circumcision are shocked by the pain and trauma it causes.

Circumcision destroys a dozen prepuce (foreskin) functions that are not taught in medical schools and most parents are unaware of. Infant circumcision typically removes one-half of the penile skin system that in adulthood constitutes around 15 square inches of inner/ outer foreskin containing over 20,000 nerve endings, the most densely nerveladen part of the penis. Anatomically equivalent to the female prepuce/foreskin (“clitoral hood”), the male foreskin is the penis’ only movable part and contributes immensely to sexual pleasure. Over 1,500 circumcised men in my two surveys of long-term harm documented tight painful erections, prominent scarring, meatal

stenosis, skin bridges, decreasing sensitivity, orgasm difficulties, a sense of loss and anger, feelings of mutilation, depression, suicidal/homicidal ideation or attempts, and other adverse outcomes. Many feel so damaged by infant circumcision that they resort to non-surgical foreskin restoration methods.

Non-therapeutic circumcision violates most principals of medical ethics (e.g. surgery without disease present and without patient consent). Legally, this constitutes criminal battery. Some international human rights agencies now recognize that infant male circumcision also violates the child’s human rights to bodily integrity and religious freedom.

When and why did the custom arise in the first place and why is it still a matter of routine?

Genital cutting of both sexes was long practiced across numerous cultures without a health rationale. For some, it differentiates the sexes by removing the male foreskin (“female remnant”) and the clitoris (“male remnant”). Elsewhere, it’s a painful passage into adulthood or establishes tribal identification. Others claim it promotes moral behavior and increased spirituality by reducing sexual pleasure.

For many it was, and still is, a sacrificial blood ritual to gain favor with an alleged supernatural power. Male circumcision was practiced among Egyptians long before Jews adopted it.

In the U.S., gender inclusive genital cutting arose during the anti-sexual Victorian era (mid-1800s) before doctors understood germ theory of disease. They attributed various physical and moral diseases to masturbation. Many intact (noncircumcised) male doctors of the era knew masturbation involved manipulation of the gliding foreskin sheath. The solution?

Cut it off! The solution for girls involved applying carbolic acid to or excising the clitoral head.

Americans eventually abandoned the female surgeries, but religion -- consciously or unconsciously -- underpinned attempts to demonize the male foreskin and to find medical reasons to justify circumcision. By the 1950s most (~90 percent) male infants were routinely circumcised in hospitals. When parental consent for “elective” newborn circumcision was introduced, social conformity pressured most parents to make this choice. With the sexual revolution, a growing wariness of unnecessary medicalized birth interventions, men’s complaints about circumcision harm, increased chil-

dren’s rights awareness, and a growing respect for choice over what happens to one’s body, more parents now keep their sons’ genitals (and choices) intact. The current national circumcision rate (~50 percent) varies regionally, e.g., 20 percent in the Western U.S.[23] No national medical association in the world recommends infant circumcision. They reject the medical arguments we Americans use to justify circumcision.

Is there any country where it is illegal or has never been practiced?

Globally, most parents never imagine having part of their son’s penis cut off.

That’s why about 75 percent of the world’s males are genitally intact and most experience no foreskin problems. Outside the U.S., people are generally shocked to learn that infant male circumcision is so common here and they scoff at the alleged medical, religious or social conformity arguments we use to defend our own male genital cutting custom.

On May 7, 2012, a court in Cologne ruled that, under the German Constitution, non-therapeutic circumcision of boys violates the rights of boys to bodily integrity and religious freedom, the first court in the world to make such a determination. However, German politicians subsequently bowed to religious pressure and, with little debate about children’s rights, legislated “protection” of male circumcision up to six months of age. Still, each year May 7 is commemorated as Worldwide Day of Genital Autonomy, on which demonstrations and other public awareness events are held in the U.S. and internationally.

[1] Why do you use the pseudonym Tim Hammond in your work?

Privacy, mostly. In 1985 I began this work under my own name. People found me in the telephone book and called to harass me. The pseudonym was useful and has endured.

Next Month - Part Two: What’s the common ground between male and female circumcision practices and what’s being done to eradicate both?

Resources and footnotes can be found at: http://www.CircumcisionHarnm.org/ EC2016

Health Coverage for Transgender New Yorkers: Navigating Private Insurance This fact sheet reflects new federal regulations that go into effect on January 1, 2017.

Trans or gender nonconforming New Yorkers – Does your health plan cover the care you need?

If you have private insurance through your job, or if you got your private insurance through the NY State of Health marketplace or an insurance broker, this fact sheet will help you find the answers. If you have public insurance such as Medicaid or Medicare, different rules will apply.

The good news is that health insurance coverage for the care that trans and gender nonconforming people need is improving. Recent changes in New York State and federal policies provide better protections for people using their coverage for trans-related health care (like hormones or surgery), as well as for sexspecific preventive and reproductive care (like Pap tests or prostate exams).

But, actually using your health coverage to get these services can still be a confusing and frustrating process. This fact sheet can help you figure out what care your plan covers, what rules it must follow, and how to appeal if you are denied coverage for the care you need.

Q: How do I find out what care my health plan covers (such as hormones or gender transition surgery)?

A: You need to read your plan’s Certificate of Coverage or the Member Handbook you got from your health plan when you enrolled. If you don’t have your Certificate of Coverage, you can request a copy from your health plan by calling the Member Services phone number on

your insurance ID card. You may also be able to find your Certificate of Coverage on your health plan’s website. (Be sure to look for the coverage information for the exact plan you have, because there may be several different plans on the website).

Q: What if there is nothing specific about gender transition in my Certificate of Coverage?

A: If it’s not clear what is included, look for what is excluded. Check the “Exclusions” portion of your Certificate of Coverage for phrases like “sex reassignment,” “gender reassignment” or sex transformation.” If you don’t find explicit exclusions listed, it is possible your plan will cover the services or treatment – keep reading to find out.

If you do find exclusions in your Certificate of Coverage, don’t give up! Things are changing quickly and your insurance company may not have updated the Certificate of Coverage with the latest rules.

Next, check your health plan’s “medical policy” or “clinical criteria” regarding gender reassignment. You can get a copy of it by searching online or calling your health plan. Be persistent. It may take some time to get this.

Q: What are the rules about the kinds of transgender health care my plan must cover?

A: New York State rules already apply to some types of plans and require coverage for medically-necessary treatment for people diagnosed with “gender dysphoria.” New federal non-discrimination rules will go into effect on January 1, 2017, and will potentially require more types of plans to cover the care that trans and gender non-conforming people need.

Figuring out what type of plan you have depends on three things: Whether your insurance plan came from your employer or you bought it yourself; Whether your policy was issued in New York or another state; Whether your insurance plan is “fully-insured” or “selfinsured.” We explain those terms below.

Here’s a run-down of the types of plans and how to figure out which one you have: EMPLOYER-OFFERED HEATLH PLANS If you have health insurance through your job, the important thing to find out is whether your health plan is “fullyinsured” (also known as fully-funded) or “self-insured” (also known as self-funded). You can call your employer’s Human Resources staff, or the plan directly, to ask which one you have.

FULLY-INSURED PLAN, issued in New York: This means your employer pays premiums to a health insurance company (and you probably pay a portion of the premiums yourself). The insurance company is then responsible for paying its share for your medical bills. Fullyinsured health plans are regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYS DFS), and must cover medically necessary treatment for people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. *There is an exception. If your health plan is fully-insured but was issued in another state, it is not governed by the NYS DFS rules. This can happen if your employer’s headquarters are in a state other than New York and they provide a health plan issued in that state for all employees. A health plan issued in another state is regulated by the insurance department of that state.

SELF-INSURED PLAN: This means that your employer does NOT pay premiums to an insurance company. Instead, when you use your insurance for medical services, your employer pays its share of the medical bills directly. In 2015, over half of private-sector workers in New York were enrolled in this type of health plan (according to a report from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). Since employers and unions often hire insurance companies just to administer self-insured health plans, it is hard to know if you have one unless you ask.

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

LGBTQ Living

James Sawers

Fostering

By Susan Jordan James Sawers is a 32-year-old single gay man who works for a national corporation and lives in Greece, where he has just bought a new house. Last month he also became chair of the Greece Democratic Committee. He said, “I hope to push for GSAs in the three Greece high schools – it’s the largest school district outside the city, but there are no GSAs.” James is especially concerned about the wellbeing of LGBTQ youth because he hopes to become a foster parent soon.

As a single parent, he will face many challenges and will need a support system.

He said, “I’ve got my family – mom and father – and my family were all complete-

ly supportive of me while I was growing up. What makes me want to be a foster parent is that I’ve always had that yearning to raise a child. I’ve always coached sports. I’ve thought about private adoption but I think the foster care system is best for me, because I see those children as the ones who need that foundation most.

“The first reason to be a foster parent is to give them a solid foundation and be able to help children in the Rochester community. The second reason is there are now a lot of children aged six and up, and especially teenagers, in the foster system who are LGBT. Many have been thrown out by their parents because they are gay or trans and it’s just sad.

“I grew up with a great support system – nobody rejected me and I have an

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“THE FIRST REASON TO BE A FOSTER PARENT IS TO GIVE THEM A SOLID FOUNDATION AND BE ABLE TO HELP CHILDREN IN THE ROCHESTER COMMUNITY. THE SECOND REASON IS THERE ARE NOW A LOT OF CHILDREN AGED SIX AND UP, AND ESPECIALLY TEENAGERS, IN THE FOSTER SYSTEM WHO ARE LGBT. MANY HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT BY THEIR PARENTS BECAUSE THEY ARE GAY OR TRANS AND IT’S JUST SAD.” aunt who is lesbian. My grandmother dealt with that really well and she and my whole family are very accepting. I thought, being a foster parent and providing a safe environment is something I can do. I’m a gay man who feels I can help kids be safe and help them define themselves as who they are.”

In order to adopt or foster, prospective parents must undergo the certification process. “It’s handled by Monroe County,” James said. “The state has foundational guidelines and each county implements them. The process is called MAPP – Model Approach to Partnership & Parenting. Monroe County opts to talk about sexual abuse – too many kids are abused by foster parents and some have been abused by biological parents or relatives.

They put me through a long, intense class about helping children cope after they have been abused. They also talk about building trust. These kids have been broken down and the foster parent’s role is to build the kids up through consistent parenting.

“With the children who have experienced abuse, you have to set down rules for your support system and others in your life. You can’t legally tell them that a child has been abused, but still you have to set boundaries for your family

and friends. Also, it’s not good to hug an abused child right away.

“At the 15th month mark, the county can motion the court to find a permanent home for the child – they’re still in foster care though, and ending their status as a foster child could take years. But foster children can remain longer than 15 months if they are happy and in a good home. The county social workers will ask the foster parents at that point, are you interested in adopting? The social workers also check in with the child every month and write a report.

“One difficult thing is visitation by biological parents, who have visitation rights unless they are sexually or verbally abusive. The social workers say it can be hell the day after such a visit, because the child can revert to where they were with the parent, who may have been a bad parent but whom they still love. Equally bad is when the biological parent agrees to visit and then doesn’t show up.”

James ended, “My new house is ready and I should have two foster children very soon. My best friend is willing to help out and offer support.” He said he is also interested in learning about local support groups for gay dads; a group is now listed in the Empty Closet Resource section.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

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OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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Shoulders to Stand On AIDS Research and Treatment

By Evelyn Bailey Research and treatment of a disease ultimately begin with its identification.

The next task is to determine cause and then how it is transmitted. Once these are determined, only then can you do the research to find effective treatments.

Unlike many diseases, but similar to STDs, AIDS is transmitted by sexual behaviors. It is not airborn, carried by insects, or transmitted through foods and/or the water supply. It is carried by human beings and transmitted by human sexual contact and by sharing needles.

Determining the cause and the modes of transmission took time. However, after these are determined, scientists began to research treatment through medicines and behavioral changes. Over the next few months we will look at each of these components. We will review how AIDS was identified, and the cause. Then we will look at the research and treatments to find effective ways to provide quality of life for those infected and the vision for a cure.

The AIDS epidemic in the United States officially began with the publication in the June 8, 1981 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the bulletin of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of a report of five cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

Dr. Michael Gottlieb, graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1973, was the first to identify the disease in 1981, and wrote the CDC about five patients, which resulted in the CDC bulletin.

When AIDS turned 20, Dr. Michael Gottlieb wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine, on June 7, 2001, the following: “Since June 5, 1981 AIDS has claimed more than 21 million lives, including more that 438,000 in the United States. “ Gottlieb refers to writer Susan Sontag, a cancer patient, who pointed out that AIDS carried a greater social stigma than cancer in her 1989 book AIDS and Its Metaphors, an extension of her 1978 book Illness as Metaphor. Susan noticed in 1978 that the cultural myths surrounding cancer negatively impacted her as a patient. Susan found that a decade later in 1989 cancer was no longer swathed in secrecy and shame, but had been replaced

by AIDS as the disease most demonized by society.

Sontag theorized that the metaphors associated with disease contribute not only to stigmatizing the disease, but also stigmatizing those who are ill. She believed that the distractions of metaphors and myths ultimately cause more fatalities. Michael Gottlieb in this article followed by stating that from the very first days, AIDS was a polarizing issue, and one that society and its institutions – including academic medicine – were reluctant to take up.

The neglect of the disease and the patients it attacked was sadly predictable; after all, this epidemic was linked to sexual behavior and intravenous drug use and affected groups that were already marginalized. Discussions of public health strategies to contain the disease aroused anxiety in the homosexual population about possible draconian measures. These understandable fears contributed to the difficulty of striking a balance between the civil rights of infected persons and the right of other members of society to be protected from a fatal disease.

Gottlieb went on to state that at teaching hospitals (University of Rochester, and others), the directors of residency programs worried that having large num-

the work she and others did to deconstruct the fear-mongering, stigmatizing and dehumanizing attitudes toward cancer and AIDS. We all must carry on this work of deconstructing the attitudes of oppression and prejudice within ourselves and those we know.

Shoulders To Stand On is grateful for all of those who have raised and continue to raise their voices in our struggle to be free and proud of who we are as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gender variant men and women.

History Corner: October 1974

bers of patients with AIDS on their wards would make it more difficult to recruit the best applicants. Some clinicians feared for their own safety in caring for patients with AIDS; indeed, the denial of care was not unusual. Over the years, however, this inglorious anxiety was diffused by the adoption of universal precautions for the handling of blood. By 2001, most physicians, including many who were trained during the early 1980s, were accustomed to caring for HIV infected patients with concern and compassion.

The stigma and fear of AIDS was, and still is, in part based on the fact that HIV in its earlier years in the United States was marked by an affliction of very specific risk groups – homosexual men and intravenous drug users – groups that society shunned, de-valued as human beings, and scapegoated for societal ills. The patient with HIV was perceived to be responsible for his own illness because of the unsafe habits that one seemingly had to pursue to contract it – “indulgence, delinquency – addictions to chemicals that are illegal and to sex regarded as deviant.” Having these defined subgroups created a distinction between the ill and potentially ill, and the general population.

AIDS was seen as a plague and as a judgment on the individuals suffering from it. Despite the fact that it is a heterosexual disease as well as a global issue, it is still often discussed as a consequence of decadence and a punishment for “deviant” sexual behavior.

Although HIV was likely not a new virus, its emergence changed attitudes towards illness and medicine. Infectious diseases have clearly not been as summarily defeated as society would have preferred to believe.

These societal attitudes were a major reason why services and financial resources were slow to come. The judgments on the illness and the patients are still implicit in any discussion today. Attitudes and perceptions do not change that much over time. Certainly the number of visible well known celebrities, activists, and political figures who are gay and/or HIV positive have altered to some degree those preconceived visceral reactions and attitudes.

Today, the fear and stigma of HIV positive people is less because of treatments that allow you to live with this disease, and the invisibility that comes with successful treatment. In the 1980s this fear and stigma were a major barrier in determining the cause. There were numerous theories regarding the cause of AIDS, many of which now seem eccentric. We will look at these, the discovery of the virus that causes AIDS and the first FDA approved drug for treatment, in future issues.

Shoulders To Stand On would like to recognize the late Susan Sontag for

The Empty Closet, A Monthly Newspaper of The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 713 Monroe Avenue, Room 4, Rochester, NY 14607 (716) 244-8640 October 1974 Number 43 GAY BROTHERHOOD OF ROCHESTER MEETING SCHEDULE SUN 6 OCT; BUSINESS MEETING/OPEN FORUM SUN 13 OCT: POTLUCK DINNER. For all area gay groups and the gay community. 6 pm, at the Regular Restaurant, Genesee Coop, call 244-0640 to

sign up for a dish you bring SUN 20 OCT: GAYS AND THE LAW. SUN 17 OCT: LESBIAN/FEMINISM. Raising gay male consciousness on Women’s Issues.

TUES 29 OCT: COORDIMATING COUNCIL MEETING. All welcome 8 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST EVERY WEEK… WEDNESDAYS: Gay Radio Programs “GREEN THURSDAY” and “LESBIAN NATION” WCMF-FM, 96.5, Weds. midnite.

THURSDAYS: GAY TASK FORCE meets. Info: 235-4961.

SUNDAYS: GAY YOUTH. 2 p.m., GAGV Office. Phone first.

THURSDAYS: GAY WAVES. WRUR 88.5 at 5:30 to 6 p.m.

THIS MONTH...

MEN’S HEALTH CLlNIC, AM-PM Club, 92 North St B-10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10. For more info: 325-9754 Do you want to read this issue of the Empty Closet? Here is Link: http://www. library.rochester.edu/rbscp/EmptyCloset On that page click on: Browse the Empty Closet issues Go to 1974 – October

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

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

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

Growing Up SHRUNK

By Eric Bellmann Once in a discussion group I related a dream in which a close, much loved friend died. I was disturbed by my dream. After the meeting broke up, a man whom I did not know came over and said, “I can help you.” He explained the dream was either a wish or a fear. And that is how I met my shrink. We have been in a relationship, off and on as relationships go, for more than twenty years. He loves me.

I like him.

I have done therapy since my early twenties. The earliest treatments were always precipitated by crisis. Trouble in college, trouble in relationships. I have had great therapists and ho hum bozos and, lest that last comment strikes you as disrespectful, I can report that one therapist, way back in the dark ages, believed he could cure me of homosexuality. And I gamely tried to play along. Not that I was sold on change. I needed to get his okay in order to be readmitted to college, from which I had been dumped. Why is beside the point. I graduated. From college and happily turned my back on that therapist.

Speaking of grim therapy situations, there was the military draft during the Vietnam war. I most definitely did not want to go and when I was called up while briefly excused from college, I paid for a sealed envelope that I carried along to my interview. Who wouldn’t steam open such a letter? Terse sentences straight out of Tennessee Williams along the lines of “This woman is morally unfit to teach children.” In my case, morally unfit to kill Vietnamese, I guess. And, you know, you believe what others say about you, especially when you are young.

In my mid-thirties, struggling with a friendship that I wished was a romance, I recall going to a new therapist and asking him how I could squeeze that square peg into a round hole. He asked me about my mother! That’s how it starts. So much excavation.

Probably like any gay person who struggled with coming out and stretched it over several years, I lived a compartmentalized life. There was work, there were the bars. There were secrets, there was shame. A rich stew. So, I told him about my mother. FYI: the square peg ignored the round hole and to this day still ignores me.

I took to therapy. I like talking. I have had kind therapists and rough ones. One, whom I saw for a couple of years during a stressful job situation, simply was so challenging and butch that eventually I realized it was all about my learning to stand up for myself and fight back. At the time it was scary but the lesson, the skill was achieved.

Back to my current therapist. Man, have I fought with him! Once he made the mistake of saying, “I understand.”

To which I replied, “Until you are a black, disabled Lesbian, do not tell me you understand me!” Point made. You can sympathize, you can console me, you can explain things and suggest strategies, but you are not me. I’m not sure I’ll even ever fully understand me, weird as that sounds. I just need to be able to live with myself.

What you end up doing is taking the

journey together, riding through good times and bad. A friend I told about my therapy, kind of wishing she would try some for herself, just muttered something about nothing being wrong in her life.

Huh? Therapy ultimately is not about fixing things that are wrong. It’s about discovering strengths.

It’s about what’s right. At least now that I’ve weathered enough downs, that is how I see it.

At some point, again after a tumultuous relationship, I started seeing my guy twice a week. After several months I asked why he hadn’t billed me. “Your insurance ran out a while back.” When I asked why he had let us continue, he said, “You were doing great work!” He treated me free for half a year, folks. Most therapists do not get to see patients improve, discover insights, change. People in crisis go for 10 weeks and then, perhaps feeling better, or perhaps not willing to dig deeper into root causes, quit. Passive aggressive types are the worst clients.

I wonder at times what it’s like to be a therapist. Not a fun romp in the park.

Most, I think, are curious about themselves, how they are wired. To understand that no one is perfect is an achievement. I worried for a while that my shrink wasn’t as smart as me. Then I realized he just had to be good enough. He is. And when I concluded that, I realized I was capable of cutting other people some slack, a good thing to figure out. Especially when you have been searching in vain for the perfect, missing parent.

And what I discovered, among other things, is that it almost never is what it’s about.

The surface shit is just that. In my case it inevitably was about childhood trauma, a missing Dad for one thing, and a deeply troubled mother. Abandonment and neglect, great baggage to haul into adult relationships. Yada yada yada. You play the cards you’re dealt. And, over time, you wise up.

Email: EricLBellmann@gmail.com

Cleaning My Closet FACT CHECK

By Meredith Elizabeth Reiniger Truth and consequences. Trees and I see our leaves falling. We realize that we have far more Was than Will Be. I’m not sure about my tree friends, but I am cognizant that I will, sooner than later, shed my bark, tip over, and reawaken as mulch.

FACT CHECK: Nonetheless, we carry on. Another October. Trees scatter colors. Stores disperse leftover giving-thanks-for orange-things. Traditional Places-of-Greed scream, “BUY-lots-anddo-it-right-now,” coloring my thoughts about required gifting of red-and-greenthings.

Over-exaggeration. Pre-December and seemingly forever, deceitfulness oozes through intrusive airwaves. (Apparently every American musician has produced a Jolly-Holly piece.) My brain jelly-fies.

(Hum along...) “You better not pout, you better not shout, you better not cry, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. He sees you when you’re naughty.”

Likewise, ‘tis the season for pre-election derangement. Rampant ridiculousness batters my littered mind. My TV

screen is smeared by Campaign Managers who cut and paste reality snippets. My gut-wrenching angst is stripped-naked by political cartoonists. But ah, the balm of sweet satire; under cover of darkness, my despair is assuaged by late-night pundits Stephen, Jimmy, Jimmy, and Seth, all fooling around with current absurdities.

FACT CHECK: Nonetheless, in glaring daylight, I plunge into shock and awe, forced to surrender my BUT YOU TOLD ME SO. (“And I believed you,” I moan to my family who art in heaven.)

At my feet I see carcasses of White Lies: that over-weight smoker down-the-chimney intruder; plus egg-delivering rabbits; and flitting fiduciary fairies. And now I fret… in November will I see another belief become a cadaver? I fear that I will witness the death of “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Truth or Dare? During the Cold War, 1951, I trusted adults who explained that Duck and Cover practice was a plan to save my pretty, pink “Lollipop” underpants. With trepidation, I reflect on 2017 possibilities. Will a wayward wagging finger gleefully push THE Red Button to launch an oh-yeah-well-I-will-show-you.

As that bully-bomb zooms toward foreigners, will the newly-elected apprentice president shout: it’s FIRED! FACT CHECK: World War II, August 1945, my I-pledge-allegiance-tomy-country did, in fact, drop two atomic bombs on civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Code-names “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” melted Japanese babies sleeping in their beds.

Theoretically, WW III is the Bully lurking in sinister minds. Technically, it is crucial for all fingers to understand that weapons of mass destruction can soar forth and back. (Don’t boo. Vote.)

Meanwhile, Mundane and Me. I buy groceries, and water nearly fried-dead flowers. I, regularly, swathe myself in a paper poncho for my doctors’ po-ke’-me searches.

And pout as needed. Like this, when I have to face another annoying medicalbackground form. Really? How many times do I have to list, not only the diseases of relatives, but the onset.

(Would this help: my father had his first stroke when I was on vacation. The date... a summer day. My sister drove down to Keuka Lake. She brought our aphasic father because she understood that I needed to witness our new reality.)

And like this. I scowl. Another @#$%&* form. Don’t doctors’ keep records? If-I-told-you-once-I-told you-a million times, I cannot bring to mind when I started or stopped menstruation.

(Would this help? One day circa 1957, I had “... blood coming out of [me] -wherever.” High school. Pool day. Roll call. I answered “regular,” code-word for thank-goodness-I-don’t-have-to-getmy-hair-wet due to “I have code-word My Period.” (More accurately, I had My Exclamation Point.) Insensitive Instructor shouted aloud: “It’s about time!” As though fourteen-years-old I had deliberately postponed joining Club (code-name) Sanitary Napkin, those @#$%&* minimattresses stuffed between my legs. PS: better than the literal rags my mother had to endure. And wash.)

FACT CHECK: I don’t mean to wax sentimental, but I do remember that special mother-daughter moment. “Oh. The Curse. Here’s a belt.” She handed me a Kotex box.

Truth in Advertising (as if). Which leads me to Annoying Commercials. I am sick-and-tired of seeing a horny man in one bathtub floating above ocean waves, next to another tub containing the object of his inflation.

I am tired of animations illustrating blocked or bloated intestines, gas bubbles, toilet paper usage, leaky bladders. Sick of women, sheathed in white, flaunting their freedom from telltale stigmata. Really disgusted by words, said aloud, that I have never even whispered while alone in the woods. Erectile Dysfunction. Bowels, irritable or otherwise. Monthly flow.

FACT CHECK: I was never ever alone in the woods.

Worshiping Up-grades. I have venerable things with wires. ROFL. I have learned some txt abbreviations. OMG, so here’s the thing. I transfer that skill-set to my Kindle. FYI, Most Holy Emperor Spell-Check abhors abbr. So he just guesses what word he thinks I meant. (Sometimes I remember to proof read.)

But when I press a single computer key, no translation. WTF? FACT CHECK: Reading my book, in a cozy chair . . . as alliterative crickets chirp, frogs do that croaking thing. I have to provide my own light. I cradle a hard-cover copy of Japanese Lover. OMG (OK, so I only know five abbr.) Ah, the tactile thrill of a real book. I manually turn its pages. I decide to look up a word definition. I press my finger on the page.

LMAO! Coloring outside the lines. I chose to stay awake until 4:33 in the morning to finish a coloring book page. Friday I colored three pictures. FYI, when you have lunch with me, I will bring my current adult coloring book so I can describe every detail of every mastered-piece and brilliantly executed coloring-outside-thelines additions.

FACT CHECK: Psychologists discovered that coloring fractal patterns as seen in nature can reduce stress up to 60 percent.

Choices. Mumble and rake. Or. In the palm of your hand, cradle an autumn leaf that the tree has colored for you.

FACT CHECK: Seasonally defoliated trees are elegant black sculptures.

MeredithReiniger@gmail.com

Faith Matters SWIMMING UPSTREAM FOR BLACK VOTES

By Rev. Irene Monroe Black votes matter!

So, too, the black lives many politicians pander to in order to get them. However, exploiting cultural markers -- like Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump did by reading a scripted text in a black church or like Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary R. Clinton did by giving a shout-out on an a.m. urban radio show stating she, too, always carries hot sauce around with her -- not only infuriates most African Americans, it also insults the political intelligence obviously both politicians think we don’t have.

The stereotyped black church stands front and center for many white politicians looking to woo if not win our votes.

The perception that all a white politician needs to do is merely show up the Sunday before election day Tuesday when we cast our ballots is not only a hackneyed campaign strategy in 2016, but it’s also a clear indication that this politician has nary a clue nor a sincere concern for the parishioners he stands before.

When Donald Trump spoke at a megachurch in Detroit with native son Dr. Ben Carson in tow, it provided a good optic for a brash candidate whose pitch to us a week before at a predominately white rally was remarkably unfiltered and unapologetic: “You live in your poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 percent of your youth is unemployed. What the hell do you have to lose?”

While Hillary Clinton’s more measured steps toward the African American community don’t paint us as an urban blighted monolith, her past actions — creation of the 1996 “super predator” myth to depict black youths caught up in her spouse’s crime bill that precipitated mass incarceration and still felt today -- makes her appeal, especially to African American millennials -- dead on arrival.

“What am I supposed to do if I don’t

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET like him and I don’t trust her?” a millennial black woman in Ohio asked. “Choose between being stabbed and being shot?

No way!”

Adding insult to injury when it comes to African Americans’ troubled relationship with this country’s penal system, Clinton acknowledges the too frequent and discriminatory use of the death penalty, but she doesn’t want it abolished.

“I think there are certain egregious cases that still deserve the consideration of the death penalty, but I’d like to see those be very limited and rare.”

Clinton, a former attorney, knows that many poor people spend countless years in jail for a crime they did not commit because of ineffective counseling and poor legal representation. And the presumption that African Americans and Latinos are more capable of a crime because of the color of their skin makes her campaign pitch to Black Lives Matter activists -where prison reform is a key tenet of their platform – ring hollow.

Since the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Voting Act there have been ongoing tactics to suppress minority voting, such as changing polling locations, changing polling hours or eliminating early voting days, reducing the number of polling places, packing majority-minority districts, dividing minority districts, and the notorious voter ID laws that disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters. North Carolina’s 4th Circuit Court of Appeals just recently overturned the requirement to show photo ID because it was instated “with racially discriminatory intent.”

These ongoing tactics, along with candidates, like both Trump and Clinton, who pop up in perceived and stereotypical black spaces, will catch a few of us swimming upstream. But they would do enormously better pitching a consistent campaign message that’s heard at every one of their pit stops, rather than giving African American voters a wink with a tepid appearance at a black church or “sistah” shout-out about toting hot sauce.

A Few Bricks Short MISS COMMUNICATION

By David Hull I’m always jealous of all the beautiful, talented women out there who win those fabulous pageant contests, like Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe and, of course, the drag queen pageant, Miss Gay America.

I’m even envious of the women who win that second-rate, has-been Miss Congeniality award. My husband, Bernie has told me I’d never win in that category either unless I stop calling people “bitch.”

Well, I don’t need those lousy awards anyway. A long time ago Bernie nominated me for a very special award he calls Miss Communication. Unfortunately, one wins the Miss Communication pageant not by being a beautiful, talented communicator, but because you constantly misunderstand most of the communication your husband is passing along to you.

And I’ve been the undefeated champion of the pageant for the past decade – that Miss Communication crown is mine!

Like last Sunday, Bernie got off the phone from talking with his aunt who lives in California and I asked him what she had to say.

“Oh, not much,” Bernie reported.

“Mostly she was just complaining about her neighbor’s dog that keeps peeing on her palms.”

“Oh, that’s gross,” I replied. “Why would your Aunt let a dog urinate on her hands?”

“No,” Bernie said, rolling his eyes.

“The dog pees on her palm trees – not the palms of her hands!”

“Oh, okay,” I said. “That’s a totally different thing.”

Another time I came home from the grocery store to find Bernie sitting at the kitchen table with paperwork spread out in front of him.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Just fretting over the bills,” Bernie said with a sigh.

“Well, don’t worry.” I patted him on the shoulder. “There’s always a chance they’ll make it to the Super Bowl next year.”

“Not the Buffalo Bills,” Bernie replied.

“The utility bills – electric, gas, cable – you know, the kind you pay with money.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” I said. “Because I totally lied; I don’t think there’s any chance of the Buffalo Bills making it to the Super Bowl.”

Not long ago I asked Bernie; “So, did your brother and sister-in-law have a good time on their camping trip?”

“Actually, they didn’t even go,” Bernie explained. “There was some sort of mixup with their reservations and they lost their site.”

I gasped. “Oh my God – they’re blind?! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“No, their eyes are fine,” said Bernie.

“They lost their camping site at the park, they didn’t lose their vision!”

One of Bernie’s favorite channels is Animal Planet and one night a few weeks ago when I came downstairs I assumed that was what he was watching and I asked: “What’s on tonight?”

“A show about guerrilla warfare,” he replied.

“That’s terrible,” I groaned. “I can’t believe that people can be so cruel as to use gorillas to fight their wars!”

“Wrong,” said Bernie. “It’s a documentary about paramilitary terrorist groups, not about big monkeys.”

I didn’t realize he was watching his second favorite network; the History Channel. Plus, he was wrong anyway because gorillas are actually apes, not monkeys! Ha! Earlier this fall, my nephew hadn’t been doing well at school (luckily, he’s steadily improving now) and I was complaining to Bernie about it one night over dinner.

“The kid didn’t turn in a bunch of homework assignments, he failed a quiz,” I said. “And he’s blaming everyone else.”

Bernie nodded. “Yeah, he doesn’t seem to understand that it’s the principle.”

“No, I don’t think so,” I replied. “The school principal seems nice enough – he doesn’t have anything to do with it. It’s my nephew’s fault.”

“Oh, David,” said Bernie. “Your Miss Communication crown is sparkling again.”

The other day I discovered the weirdest thing; words that have the same pronunciation, but different spelling and meaning – like site and sight, or gorilla and guerilla, or principle and principal – are called homophones. Huh, I never knew that.

And, if during the interview segment of the Miss Communication pageant I had been asked why I think homophones are important, I would have cheerfully responded: “Homophones are important because all homos should have cell phones.”

You can contact David at Davidhull59@aol.com

Safer Computing CLOUD STORAGE

By David Frier The Cloud! It sounds so… ethereal. We’re all going to have computers floating around in the air? What’s going on here, really? This month we’re going to look at data storage in the cloud and how we can use it more safely.

A sticker on my laptop says, “There is no Cloud. It’s just someone else’s computer.” At its most basic, that’s what we mean when we talk about “the Cloud” for any

23

computing or data storage need. We can host the website on a server we buy and maintain, or we can pay someone to host it on their server. We can store our photos and music on disks we buy, connected to computers we own, or we can pay someone to store them for us.

When we pay for the service in money or personal info or both, then we’re users of “the Cloud.” If you keep music, video, pictures or documents in Google Drive, DropBox, SpiderOak, OneDrive or iCloud, you’re a cloud user. If you host a website on SquareSpace, Weebly, GoDaddy or any similar services, you’re also a cloud user.

Of course, the fact that it’s someone else’s computer means that we don’t have as much control as we might over how the data we store there gets handled. This is where the security considerations require more thought. Every cloud service will tell you how secure they are. Every one will tell you about their use of encryption.

Encryption matters, a lot. But what matters more is a careful consideration of the “What-Ifs”.

It’s what we security guys call “threat modeling.” You have to imagine the ways in which your information could get compromised, and see if the security measure in place actually protect against the threats you care about. So when DropBox tells me that they have strong encryption I have to think, what is encrypted, and how are the keys handled? So I poke a little further and I learn that they encrypt the data I send there “in transit” and “at rest.”

“In transit” means, when I send the data from my computer to Dropbox’s, it travels over an encrypted connection.

That’s good. But my “what-ifs” didn’t seriously include, “What if someone eavesdrops on my network connection while I upload the file?” What I did wonder was, “What if someone hacks access to Dropbox’s data center and can go wandering around their servers looking at stuff?” The fact that my data arrived there safely last

week doesn’t help me now, does it?

So now I consider the fact that they also do “at rest” encryption. That means the data is encrypted while stored on their disks waiting to be retrieved. OK, that’s pretty good. But then one more thing bugs me: DropBox controls the keys needed to open those encrypted files and retrieve them in their original state.

If those files are my tax returns, or sexy shots of my lover, I certainly don’t want anyone with access to the keys to be able to look at that! Yet, in this hacker-in-theDropBox-servers scenario, that is exactly what becomes possible, because the same baddies who can get to my at-rest data can also probably get to those keys.

When I decided to use DropBox (or any of the similar services), I considered these kinds of things. A compromise I made when I decided to go ahead and use their service was, accepting that the data I stored there would indeed be vulnerable to this kind of threat. I also knew I had two ways to mitigate the risk, and I use a combination of both.

The first and most important is, I am simply cautious about what I put in there.

I put things there that I want to share, that I want available from my mobile devices, and that I don’t care that strongly if they were disclosed. No tax returns, and no cheesecake shots of my sweetie. Yes to pictures of my cats, social media memes or raw materials for my blog.

The other mitigation is what I apply to the few things that do need protection but also need to be more widely available: I add my own encryption. If you think of encryption as a secure box and you hold the key, then you’ll see why this helps. I encrypt my secret data -- I put it in a box and lock it. Then I send it to DropBox. DropBox gets a file from me, encrypts it with their key, and stores it. Now, it’s a box within a box. If someone hacks DropBox’s data center, they can open the box locked with DropBox’s key only. When they get to what’s inside, it’s still locked (Columnists continue on page 24)

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24 (Columnists continued from page 23) with my key. And I never sent that to DropBox, so my secrets are safe.

Encryption is a lock. Who holds the key, that’s what really matters.

The easiest way to add your own encryption to a file or several is to use one of the widely available utilities that create “Zip” or similar archives out of files or batches of them. All of these, in their latest versions, have the option to encrypt the resulting archive with a very strong and reliable system called AES -- Advanced Encryption Standard. Just make sure you create a good strong passphrase as I wrote about in the August issue. And record that passphrase anywhere but in the cloud service where you store the resulting archive.

No letter this month, but I will make it up to you next month, I promise! Please continue send your amazing questions to questions@safer-computing.com. No question is silly!

Both Sides Now LET’S TALK VULNERABILITY!

By Cora Treoir Duncan For most people vulnerability appears as weakness, never being enough or acting with uncertainty.

We tend to avoid it, fearing the public exposure and censure will lead to fatal judgment we will never recover from completely.

In fact, a serious decade-long study has shown a surprising truth; that “daring greatly”, operating in a vulnerable state, opens us to purpose and meaning.

In her book “Daring Greatly,” author Brene Brown calls it “leading a Wholehearted life.”

By comparison, we all have either seen or experienced ourselves the unwillingness to share an unpopular decision, to ask for help, to say “I Love You”, to attempt something new, to admit fear, to ask forgiveness to take risks or to say “No.” I am sure each of us can identify dozens more situations that we fear and avoid in the pursuit of NOT being seen as vulnerable: for to do so would invite shame to occupy our life.

We have internalized shame most often due to a media-driven idealization of perfection, which the reasoned mind will tell you is non-existent and a false idol that leads its adherents to lives of scarcity or dysfunctional abundance. The accompanying loneliness, emptiness and despair will never satisfy our hearts the way vulnerability can.

It seems counter-intuitive at first glance, but being open and vulnerable actually fills our soul with a creative fire and passion borne out of the public struggle we present, exposed for all to see. It is exactly that uncertainty of success we seek, fraught with inevitable failure, that

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016 also leads to redemptive triumph with perseverance. From the press box we can hear the shallow critics’ voices that hound us, highlighting our failures and touting the skill of others above our own, suddenly appear anemic faced with the person covered in blood, sweat and dust, “daring greatly,” who has spent themselves in pursuit of their worthy cause. Their crowning achievement shines all the brighter in victory and defeat stands as a noble partner in the final measure.

I have come to understand vulnerability as being capable of being wounded and carrying on, while weakness by definition is the inability to withstand attack or wounding. It should be plain that weakness is in fact generated by a lack of vulnerability, which may in fact lessen the attack’s damage.

The positive effect of embracing vulnerability is linked with accepting imperfection, being worthy and always enough, scared AND excited and connected to the humanity of everyone we meet. We are loving, loved and lovable precisely due to our vulnerability. It shines through our exercise and expression in art, music, literature or dance every time we take the stage, traversing the tightrope suspended above the net of uncertainty.

When we share our stories of struggle and strength, as individuals or parents, we will laugh and cry, face fear and grief, sing and dance and creatively share our passions. We will feel and live and love Wholeheartedly, see and be seen through the lens of vulnerability.

What’s Bothering Brandon?

WHITE LADIES AND CRUMBLING CASTLES

By Brandon W. Brooks It’s Halloween time in Rochester.

This, for me, is the only saving grace of summer’s end.

Cool breezes turn into chilly winds, and the leaves turn brown and gold in their betrayal. Pumpkin-spiced this or that monopolizes the consumer spaces around us all, and those inane “basic bitches” eagerly buy into it. Yes, it is autumn.

Besides the ever-approaching election next month, there are plenty of other things of which to be afraid, all located in Rochester, NY. No, there is no government agency raising buzz-headed little girls with telekinetic powers and frequent nose-bleeds, nor is there (sadly) any sign of Barb Holland (no one even cared to look for her!).

To be sure, this October I am speaking about the so-called White Lady’s Castle, located on the coastline of Irondequoit.

If one travels to Durand-Eastman Beach, the ruins of this “castle” may be found amongst the windy slopes of grasses and

sand. These ruins, being all that remains of this aforementioned stately castle, stand solitary and cold. Only a small staircase remains, curling up between some lonely and crumbing ramparts.

Now the lady herself, it would seem, is even more desolate. The tale itself asserts that a fine widow and her young society daughter resided on the once glittering and rambling estate on the shores of Lake Ontario. This daughter, who cared not for the conventions and expectations of her station, was pursued most fiercely by a desire of suitors. One suitor in particular (and of course the one suitor of whom the girl’s mother disapproved) caught her eye, and they ran away together. Her mother is reported to have believed her daughter drowned in the lake. Others say that this girl’s mother knew all about her romantic absconding, and was stricken with shame and grief by it.

Either way, the story always ends with this eponymous lady wandering the grounds of the estate, looking for her long-lost daughter. She appears as a pillar of white mist, slowly making its way through the small dunes and hills, peering around the stones of the ruins, and wailing like a banshee. She is, apparently, terrifying to behold and often manifests flanked by two dark hounds, ready to attack those who would dare to approach.

Certainly not just a lake-dweller walking their dogs in the night.

I was brought up with the story of The White Lady and her castle, and was warned never to go there with my friends after dark, lest I had a yen for ghostly encounters. As I grew into young adulthood, the truth became clearer. This crumbling estate is, disappointingly, anything but. The foundations that can be seen at this site are those of a former early 20th century beachside dining hall.

Some sources have stated that the refectory was once called Three Lakes Pavilion, and fell into disuse following the Great Depression. Photographs of its former understated splendor are scarce, but still locatable online. The actual pavilion itself, having been made of wood, suffered an onslaught of vandalism and was soon after removed.

It would appear that this resident phantom woman is nothing more than the collective manifestation of our hopes for something, beyond. But this is not unique to Rochester. The “white lady” troupe appears throughout the United States, from small towns to large cities – we all seem to have our own white lady to fear.

This Halloween, if you dare, go to the ruins and light a candle for The White Lady and her missing daughter.

Questions, comment, or critique?

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

Legal name change?

Birth certificate amendment?

You’ll need those forms notarized!

Our Notary can help!

Schedule a free appointment today!

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

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Community DIGNITY-INTEGRITY Since March 1975, Dignity-Integrity Rochester has been welcoming all who come through our doors, worshiping every week at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., at the corner of Broad St. We have the following services and activities for the month of October, 2016: 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing Service, with music 2nd Sunday: 41st Anniversary Celebration, Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music 3rd Sunday: Episcopal Mass, quiet 4th Sunday: Prayers to start the Week, followed by a Potluck 5th Sunday: Catholic Eucharist, with music.

The theme for the October potluck is “Octoberfest”. Bring a tasty German dish or perhaps a favorite recipe and enjoy a wonderful potluck supper. There is always plenty to share, so don’t worry if you’ve no time to shop or cook. After each service during the remainder of the month we’ll be gathering for fellowship around a tasty coffee hour and going out to a local restaurant for dinner. Join us anytime!

SAVE THE DATE: We’ve got a special event coming up, so be sure you’ve got it on your calendar!

Sunday, Dec. 18: The Annual Christmas Hymn Sing is being planned. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season. Sit back, sing along and join us afterwards for a scrumptious reception of punch and cookies. Don’t miss it!

Remember that you can always call the Hotline at 585-234-5092 or check our website at www.di-rochester.org/ for updates on services and activities.

OPEN ARMS MCC On Saturday, Aug. 20, about 60 people came together to party, dance, sing, and reminisce, as we celebrated our 35th anniversary!

There was lots of laughter as groups of people gathered around a video slide show of events in our history. They looked through the old scrapbooks, telling the stories behind Rev. Jim dressed as Moses, or shaving his head or in drag, or talking about our many Pride floats and old friends from years and years ago.

There were people who see each other every Sunday and those who come less regularly, all greeting each other with the familiarity of family.

New relationships were forged on the dance floor and around the tables of amazing food. It was 35 years ago when John White and Bert Balt answered an ad in The Empty Closet to start an MCC Metropolitan Community Church

ON GARD

here in greater Rochester. In those 35 years Open Arms has occupied locations throughout the city and we have welcomed hundreds of LGBT people and their allies in affirming God’s love for all people.

Please join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for an exciting and vibrant worship experience! We blend contemporary and traditional hymns and inclusive language for a timely and useful message that engages the living word of God as it speaks to us as citizens of the modern world. We celebrate an open communion table -- that means you don’t have to be a part of our church, or any church at all, to participate. When the service ends, you can join us for coffee, fellowship and a snack in the Community Center.

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

Here’s what’s happening at Open Arms for the month of October: Sunday School for Teens & Tweens is on Oct. 9 during the service and refreshments are served.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, we are continuing with our monthly Life and Faith Study group which is based on the documentary “The Story of God” hosted

by Morgan Freeman. The subject for our discussion this month will be “Creation”.

We will meet in the Open Arms Community Center from 7-9 p.m. This study program will continue throughout the fall and is open to the public. Feel free to come for any one or all sessions.

Thursday Bible Study is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Our TRANSformative Ministry is now entering its second year. Through this ministry, we support and respect people of all gender identities and gender expressions. We create ties by linking people of diverse gender identities and expressions, and their allies, through stewardship, education, and social justice. Contact us to learn more and check our Facebook page for the dates and time of up-coming meetings.

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

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

We have a bin in the Community Center for recycling items like empty ink cartridges, empty toner cartridges, cell phones, chargers, batteries, cords.

You can also drop off your scrap

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

25

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

metal to be recycled at Metalico Rochester and you will earn money for Open Arms. Days will be arranged for drop off at church as well. Let your neighbors and friends know they can drop off recyclable metal, too. Just mention that it is for the Open Arms MCC account and the proceeds of the recyclables will come to us.

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

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

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

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

Our provisional pastoral leader, Brae Adams, has office hours on Thursdays, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and by appointment. (Please call first to make sure she’s available.) Open Arms regular office hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and our phone number is (585) 271-8478.

ROMANS Rochester Male Naturists (ROMANS) has started its winter schedule with regular meetings held monthly at a member’s home.

From October to April, we join Naturist Rochester at its indoor nude swim at a great facility in Rochester and support its Men Only nude swim that happens three times a season in November, January and March.

The end of August weeklong nude camp organized by Gay Naturists International was a wonderful experience for many ROMANS members and everyone is already looking forward to next year’s. Our September meeting was held at a member’s home with a hot tub that allowed many members to have a relaxing soak after the meeting.

ROMANS is a gay and gay-friendly nude social club established to promote nudism as a healthy lifestyle. Please check out our website at www.wnyromans. com for more information about the club and our activities. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact us via email at wnyromans@yahoo.com, or by regular mail at PO Box 92293, Rochester, NY 14692 or call us at our message line 585281-4964.

SAGE MEN’S GROUP It is with pleasure that SAGE and the Gay Alliance announce they will be reinstating a SAGE Men’s Group. This group is for LGBTQ men over the age of 50.

This will be a safe place where we can discuss issues that affect us as Gay men and where we can socialize and get to know each other. This is not a therapy group. Group will be limited to 10 men.

If we have more interested, another group can be started.

Group will meet on the first and third Tuesdays and our first group will be Oct. 4 at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., at 7 p.m. For more information and to sign up for the group, please contact Tony at rtony13@aol.com. ■

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

InQueery is back this fall with a whole host of new classes!

Inquiring minds want to know...

Join us at the Gay Alliance’s LGBTQ Resource Center this fall for fun new learning opportunities through InQueery.

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

Check out our exciting fall line-up below!

OCTOBER sees InQueery bringing in a great

selection of classes and meetings!

Fistful of Stories with Miss Rickey Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from October onwards will see the triumphant re-imagining of Pride’s beloved transgender series Fistful of Stories.

Hosted by Miss Rickey, this program will offer an open mic session to the community for sharing coming out stories or stories relevant to our LGBTQ community.

We will discuss issues that are relevant under our LGBTQ Spectrum. The 4th Sunday of the month will also include a potluck dinner! (Tuesday 10/11, 10/25 and so forth from 6:30-8pm) Homosexuality and the Bible with Dr. Lon Berry LGBTQ people face discrimination because of societal attitudes. Unfortunately, these attitudes are often taught by churches and, sadly, the Bible is frequently used as a weapon to “bash” LGBTQ people.

It is important to remember that such hurtful things are not a reflection of Christ, or the way God wants the church to be, or even what the Bible really says.

Dr. Lon Berry will be discussing the topics of homosexuality in Hebrew Scripture as well as in the New Testament. He will also introduce us to suspected LGBTQ persons in the Bible and how they were celebrated.

October 18, 6:30-8pm.

Geocaching Geocaching could easily be called a worldwide treasure hunt. With a handheld gps or an app on your smart phone and an observant inquisitive mind, you can easily be on your way to finding treasure.

Everywhere you go becomes new adventure in exploration. Part sleuthing and part technology, this hobby captivates more than 10 million people worldwide. This class will enable you to: Understand the basic concepts, lingo, and etiquette of geocaching. Access and navigate a geocaching website and app. Find and log a geocache.

October 5, 6:30-8pm.

SAGE Euchre Social & Campy Classic Cinema At the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. All card players welcome; instruction available.

Oct. 9 movie: “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

(Bette Davis). $3 donation. 2-5pm. Second Sundays each month.

NOVEMBER allows us to delve deeper into

our understanding of ourselves and others with two dynamic workshops on sexuality and communication that you won’t want to miss!

Human Sexuality with Damiene Denner Damiene offers an interdisciplinary social-scientific approach to analyzing past and current research and historical and cultural perspectives on contemporary American sexuality. This workshop will examine the broad range of attitudes, behaviors, knowledge, practices, and myths pertaining to sexuality.

Interpersonal Communication with Shira May, MCC Professor Some of the many topics Shira can cover include assertiveness, listening skills, responding to criticism, and conflict resolution. If you’ve ever wondered if your communication style or skills were holding you back, could use a brush-up, or are simply curious about building better communication – this class is for you!

Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and The Empty Closet for details on each class as the fall progresses. Sign-ups for each class will be available on our website (www.gayalliance.org). Any questions or concerns please send to: jeffm@gayalliance.org or call 585-244-8640.

Come one, come all to InQueery – learn and grow together in community!

Rochester LGBTQ Resource Center

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

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Arts & Entertainment

Dance and party at the Haunted Mansion on Oct. 22 Pushing Dead

24th ImageOut Film Festival to screen 77 films from 22 countries, Oct. 6-16

Demimonde

The 24th annual ImageOut Film Festival, New York State’s largest LGBT film festival, has announced its 2016 program lineup, running Oct. 6 to 16.

The Festival will feature 77 films from 22 countries screened over 11 days, as well as 40 programs. The two Rochester venues hosting the screenings are The Little Theatre and Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House.

With annual attendance of more than 10,000, ImageOut continues to draw diverse audiences regionally and beyond.

To pre-screen and secure the best available films, ImageOut members attend several festivals throughout the year, including Sundance, Cannes, and Berlin.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is the most courageous program I’ve ever put together.” said Michael Gamilla, ImageOut programming director. The festival will feature opening and closing parties as well as public discussions with guest artists affiliated with this year’s films.

Ticket prices range from $7 to $15, with $2 in-person discounts for young adults age 24 and younger and seniors age 65 and older. In addition, films that are part of the Next Generation Film Series are free to anyone under the age of 21. New this year: tickets for the festival can be purchased online all the way through the festival at imageout. org. More news and insights can be found on the festival blog at

imageout.blogspot.com/ Movie Highlights Taking our Narrative Centerpiece spot this year is the British road trip dramedy Burn Burn Burn starring Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith of TV’s Downton Abbey) traveling with her lesbian best friend to scatter the ashes of a third friend all over the UK. So many people have been asking about the documentary Strike A Pose featuring Madonna’s former male backup dancers from her Blond Ambition Tour.

ImageOut is highlighting it as 2016 Documentary Centerpiece.

Perhaps the sexiest films in the Festival, Lazy Eye, about two reuniting hunky former lovers, and Summertime, about two beautiful liberal women facing small-mindedness in rural France, are our Spotlight Features.

Do not be misled by the Closing Night title Pushing Dead -- which is actually a quirky, dark-ish comedy with something important to say. It stars familiar faces like James Roday, Danny Glover, Khandi Alexander, and Robin Weigert. It’s a must-see considering that it has limited festival participation right now.

ImageOut doesn’t shy away from films with darker themes (Demimonde from Hungary) or from sexy films -- because there’s a lot more non-porn male frontal nudity in the lineup.

Speaking of nudity, the ImageOut There! films this year are a fine combination of sex and

young love. They are not to be missed.

Events and Festival Parties The 2016 ImageOut Opening Night Celebrations run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Skylark, 40 S. Union, Rochester, ImageOut’s Closing Night Party on Saturday, Oct. 18 will be at George Eastman House, 900 East Ave., immediately following the closing night screening of Pushing Dead at the Dryden Theatre.

Accessibility ImageOut remains committed to keeping the Festival accessible. Single ticket prices, prior to young adult or senior discount, will range from $7 to $15.

Discounts for In-Person Ticket Purchases: a $2 discount is available to individuals over the age of 65 or under 25 for most films shown during the Festival.

The Next Generation Series, featuring films for and about LGBT young people, is free to anyone under 21.

Quick-Response (QR) codes give festivalgoers access to ImageOut’s Mobile website. This website will have the entire program lineup, film descriptions, trailers, and other information to help those on the move take advantage of all the festival has to offer. Look for QR codes in the ImageOut printed program as well as at festival venues.

ImageOut Tickets for on sale online At ImageOut office, Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St.Saturday, Sept. 17 12:30 – 4:00pm; Wednesday, Sept. 21 6:00 – 8:00pm; Sunday, Sept.

25 12:30 – 4:00pm; Tuesday, Sept. 27 6:00 – 8:00pm; Saturday, Oct. 1 12:30 – 4:00pm and Tuesday, Oct. 4 6:00 – 8:00pm.

General Public Contact Information for ImageOut: (585) 271-2640; office@ImageOut.org ; ImageOut.org; Blogs: imageout.blogspot.com/; Twitter: @imageout; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImageOut

Calling all goblins, vamps, witches and creatures of the night… it’s time to party!

The Haunted Halloween Community Dance will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6-11 p.m., at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., Suite 100. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets are available at Equal=Grounds and at www.gayalliance. org. The dance is sponsored by the Gay Alliance, SAGE, LORA, Pride at Work and the Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester.

All those 21 and over are welcome to visit The Haunted Mansion – if they dare!

DJ Mikey P will provide hot sounds, and there will be a costume contest, light appetizers and adult beverages. Please check your zombies at the door.

Christine Dwyer

From Broadway to Rochester: find the magic of Neverland this month at the Auditorium Theater

By Susan Jordan Christine Dwyer plays Sylvia Llewellyn Davies, mother of the original “Peter Pan”, in “Finding Neverland”, at RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre this month.

She told The Empty Closet, “Audiences can expect lots of magic and a beautiful spectacle of a show with a pure and sweet heart at the center about friendship and family and finding your inner child again.

“The film version is just grounded in the reality of J.M Barrie and his relationship with Sylvia Llewellyn Davies and her four boys, which caused the inspiration to write the story of Peter Pan. We have all of that in the musical, plus the magic of actually bringing the (Neverland continues page 28)

28 ( Neverland from page 27) characters of Peter Pan to life and physically showing the audience J.M. Barrie’s imagination through beautiful music, stunning visual effects, and amazing choreography.”

“My role is Sylvia Llewellyn Davies who is the mother of the four boys that J.M. Barrie befriends. The biggest challenges so far have been making sure I don’t cry during the songs! They are so moving and always get me choked up. But the best part of Sylvia is her strength to move forward with a positive attitude and live each day to the fullest.

So I have to force myself to fight through it and not actually break down! The biggest reward is getting to work with the children.

They are so fun and incredibly talented. It’s easy to get into the hopeful and youthful spirit of the show with them around.”

Finding Neverland is on a national tour. What is that like?

Christine said, “The best part of life on the road is how close you become with the people you’re touring with. You’re exploring new cities together and traveling together. So much life happens back home and we all end up really becoming our own family and helping each other with all of the changes that inevitably happen when you are away from home.”

What moves Christine the most about the play? “Finding Neverland is really a story for everyone. The biggest thing I noticed when I saw it on Broadway is how it affects everyone in the theatre in a different way. The kids in the audience get to see kids just like them running around and playing with dogs and telling stories. Parents and grandparents connect to the relationships with their sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters.

People who have formed unlikely friendships or romantic relationships can relate to that aspect of the show. There is truly something for every single person in the audience that will move them, make them laugh and hold their loved ones a little tighter when they leave the theatre.”

Christine Dwyer has appeared on Broadway in Wicked (Elphaba) and in NYC/ National Tours/Regional: RENT (Maureen), Murder Ballad (Sara), Tinyard Hill (Aileen), New Hopeville Comics (April), The Who’s Tommy (Tommy), Two Very Dangerous People (Ginny). Christine’s voice can be heard on Lyons&Pakchar’s debut album #LOVE Live and Ben Roseberry’s solo debut album “The Fractured Years” both available on iTunes. She also had the honor of representing the United States at the Hannover Messe, performing for President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. www.deangelisanddwyercoaching.com @cteendryer: instagram and twitter.

Halloween reading list: queer urban fantasy, local authors’ sci fi

By Susan Jordan If you enjoy “urban fantasy,” with its realms of kick-ass Amazons, witches, fae, vampires, were creatures, dragons, goblins, gargoyles, ghouls and ghosts – and much more – you may be searching for some suitably spooky reading this time of the year.

THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

Lesbian, gay and bi characters often appear in this genre. There must also be some books featuring trans or genderqueer protagonists, but if so this reviewer has not yet encountered them.

However, there are books featuring supernatural beings who can shift genders and species as the fancy takes them – they are definitely beyond the binary!

LGB characters are less difficult to find, but often they are sidekicks to the straight heroes.

Yasmine Galenorn, however, has her Otherworld series, starring the three D’Artigo sisters – one of whom, Menolly, is a bisexual, half-fae vampire who is consort of a vamp prince, but who is wed to the love of her life, beautiful lesbian werepuma Nerissa.

In “Darkness Raging” (Berkley Books, 2016), the D’Artigo sisters are (as usual) fighting an evil Demon Lord in both this world and the Otherworld. On the eve of war, Nerissa is captured and the enemy demands the surrender of the powerful spirit seals or Nerissa will be killed. Menolly will do anything to save her, even if it means leading an army of vamps into the depths of the Subterranean Realms….

Looking for a book featuring gay male characters? Victoria Laurie’s “A Ghoul’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Obsidian, New American Library, 2016) features ghost-busting filmmakers MJ Holliday, her new husband Heath and her BFF Gilley, a gay man about to be married to his hot cameraman boyfriend Michel. Gilley is so caught up in the wedding preparations that he thoughtlessly loans a magical artifact the three have been keeping under lock and key to a museum, in order to promote their latest film. Unfortunately, the artifact is a dagger belonging to a very nasty Turkish general ghost and his gigantic pet demon… and it suddenly disappears….

Two local sci fi authors Rochester-area writer Octavia Davis (her pseudonym) has published her novel “The One Taken From the Sea of Stars” on Smashwords, where it can be ordered.

Set in 2040 London, England, “The One Taken from the Sea of Stars” is the first installment of a three-part series chronicling Martin Keating.

Since the death of his longtime girlfriend and fiancé five years prior, 32-year-old Martin Keating has ceased socializing for the most part. When he is not at home drinking and watching television, he sits in front of his computer answering IT questions or visiting a customer’s home to repair computers.

But his life takes an interesting detour when he finds a tiny Shuluan woman named Lianna in his messenger bag after visit-

Jen Richards

Trans actor to play trans character on “Nashville” Joseph Patrick McCormick writes on pinknews. co.uk: A trans actor, Jen Richards, has been cast in a recurring role in the drama Nashville.

Richards, who is also an activist for trans rights, will play the role of Allyson Del Lago.

The physical therapist character will appear in the upcoming fifth season.

She will be tasked with helping one of the main characters through a difficult challenge, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Being cast in the role means Richard represents the first out trans actor on the network, as well as the first transgender character.

ing an exotic shop selling captive extraterrestrials. What follows is a series of events that involve alien rights activists, an underhanded exotic pet owner, and a powerful alien trafficker only known as The Baron.

Shauna Marie O’Toole has published several books online.

“Recycled” is available only as hard copy – order on lulu.com or Amazon.com.

“Recycled” takes us to a dystopian America where radical environmentalists have taken over the government. If you are found guilty of causing too much pollution or taking up too many resources, you can find yourself recycled into your basic components. This leads to a second Civil War and a third War of Independence.

“Exodus” is the first book in Shauna’s new sci fi series. It will soon be available at Amazon. com, where hard copies can be ordered, and will also be available in the future as an ebook at lulu.com or Amazon. Shauna will hold a book signing event for “Exodus” at Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave., on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

“Exodus” Part One deals with two astronauts stranded on Mars.

They have supplies but every rescue attempt is being sabotaged.

(By whom? That would be telling!) The only way to get home is to cobble together their supplies and fly themselves back to Earth before they run out of air – and before somebody kills them. All they have to do is survive....

Gallery Q seeks innovative designers/artists Gallery Q is seeking 3-10 designers/artists to make condom creations for a benefit auction that will take place December 2.

Any proposal for a home décor or fashion accessory item will be considered, so put on your thinking cap and figure out a creative way to make a floral arrangement, wreath, pair of earrings or other item made out of condoms and/or dental dams!

The benefit auction will

The hit series was brought back by Hulu and CMT back in June after ABC cancelled the show after four seasons.

The new season will premiere on 5 January on CMT. The country music drama is co-produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment.

Richards was nominated for an Emmy for writing, producing and co-creating the digital series “Her Story”. She previously starred in “Violet,” set in Los Angeles it featured the star as a trans woman who deals with her own same-sex attraction.

G A L L ERY Q benefit the Gay Alliance and coincides with AIDS Awareness Month. Interested designers/artists should contact the Gallery Q committee at GalleryQ@gayalliance.org for more information.

Gallery Q plans exhibit for AIDS Awareness Month An opportunity to view the artistic response to the AIDS epidemic through the medium of poster art will be presented by Gallery Q to mark World AIDS Month in Rochester this December.

The gallery will display a selection of AIDS education posters from the extensive collection of the University of Rochester’s River Campus Collection of Rare Books and Special Collections.

The exhibit will illustrate poster art’s ability to communicate, often with humor, to educate, inform, and entertain in a colorful and sometimes in a provocative, in your face manner.

The University’s AIDS poster archive, considered to be the largest in the world, houses over 8,000 posters dating from 1982 to the present. The collection represents posters in over 60 languages and dialects from over 100 countries.

The poster exhibit opens First Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. That evening at 7 p.m. the Gay Alliance will also present a screening of the unforgettable documentary We Were Here. Called by the New York Times “an unblinking chronology” of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco, five people recount friends, lovers, and politics during the “gay plague” in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Several other events are planned in Rochester during

World AIDS Month; see the November and December-January Empty Closets for more information. Gallery Q is located inside the Gay Alliance’s LGBTQ Resource Center at 100 College Ave. and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Photo: TINA MACINTYRE-YEE/ @tyee23/staff photographer; use courtesy of MuCCC.

Trans woman Penny Sterling tells her story at MuCCC on Oct. 5 The Multi-use Community Center (MuCCC) will present “Spy in the House of Men”, with Penny Sterling, who relates the very true story of her fictitious life as a man, and her true life as a transgender woman, on Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.

Jeff Spevak wrote in the Democrat & Chronicle: “Rochester comedienne, parent, TV producer/director, improv artist, storyteller, and now informant, Penny calls the spoken-word performance — a blend of comedy and serious self examination — ‘Spy in the House of Men.’”

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Travel Enjoy what Queens County has to offer

By Merle Exit If you fly into New York City you will most likely land at either LGA or JFK, both located in Queens County. This is a great time to visit and there is much to do.

Here some of the highlights.

Performing Arts: Queens Performing Arts Center located on the campus of Queensborough Community College. http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/QPAC/. Kupferberg Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Queens College. http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/QPAC/. Flushing Town Hall, located in Flushing is a multicultural visual and performing arts center. Take advantage of the area as it is the Chinatown of Queens. www.flushingtownhall.org Museums: Queens Museum, located at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. This building has been here since the 1939 World’s Fair. It was later used as the General Assembly for the United Nations. In 1964 this was the site of the New York City building in the World’s Fair. The museum has an exact build panorama of New York City on view. www.queensmuseum.org.

Museum of the Moving Image, located in Astoria. Movies, movies, movies and some with events that include the writer or even one of the stars. www.movingimage.us. Louis Armstrong House and Museum, located in Corona. www.louisarmstronghouse. org. New York Hall of Science, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park www. nysci.org.

Long Island City has three art museums: Socrates Sculpture Park, www.socra-

tessculpturepark.org MOMA PS1, part of the Museum of Modern Art, www. momaps1.org and Noguchi Museum. www.noguchi.org.

Attractions: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. www.usta. com. Queens Zoo, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. www.queenszoo. com Resorts World Casino, located in Ozone Park. http://www.rwnewyork.com Fathom Events holds their events at the College Point Multiplex Cinemas. If you schedule it right you can watch a live streaming at the Metropolitan Opera for about $25. Free parking and you don’t have to get dressed up. www.fathomevents.com Food: You name the cuisine. Queens has it! Too many to recommend. Neighborhoods to point out. Jackson Heights is the LGBT area, mostly Latino. Long Island City and Astoria are the most artsy areas with great waterfront views along the East River that look out on the Manhattan skyline. You can hop a ferry.

Hotels: Most are located at or near the airports, many of which have free shuttles.

One that’s new and looks to be of interest is the Hotel de Point, located in College Point with a great view and is “Green”.

There is a rooftop bar and lounge. I will make it a point to visit. www.hoteldepoint.com. Probably the most perfectly located hotel is the Sheraton LaGuardia East in downtown Flushing, a block away from the subway which will take you straight into midtown Manhattan. I have not stayed here, so I cannot recommend.

The Long Island Railroad is a few blocks from here, the heart of “Chinatown”, will take you to Manhattan’s Penn Station.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

than others do, despite our external label, is loud and clear. If I had a gender expansive student in my class, this is the book I would read.

1) The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf: 80 years old and this amazing book is still going strong and is just as relevant as ever. Many consider it the best children’s book of all time. Ferdinand, the biggest and toughest bull of all refuses to fight, no matter how much he is taunted. Wonderful for starting conversations around gender expectations and staying true to ourselves.

“So they had to take Ferdinand home. And for all I know he is sitting there still, under his favorite cork tree, smelling the flowers just quietly. He is very happy.”

Enjoy!

Children’s Book List: Happily Ever After

By Jeanne Gainsburg, Education Director In 2016 the LGBTQ Academy has been pummeled with requests for our “Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Schools Training.” We are very busy and extremely thrilled!

Often, when we discuss “normalizing” LGBTQ identities and families by bringing them into the everyday curriculum, we are asked if we can recommend any books for young children, Pre K – 3rd grades.

Although there are many LGBTQ children’s book lists that can be found online, I felt that if the LGBTQ Academy at the Gay Alliance was recommending books, it was my responsibility to read through them first. So I hit the Monroe County libraries and spent at least a few of my summer hours reading through piles of LGBTQ themed children’s books. And I’m glad I did! Some of the books were charming! Some were just “OK.” And some were downright disturbing.

If you’re a Pre K – 3rd grade teacher, a parent of a little one, or a friend looking for a great children’s book as a gift, please take a look at my top 5 picks below. Starting with number 5 and ending with my favorite, these wonderful books are beautifully illustrated, upbeat and fun and they depict different types of families and/or characters who blow those rigid and narrowly-defined gender-roles right out of the water!

5) King and King by Linda de Haan: Two princes end up marrying in a surprise ending. Fun story, nice illustrations and no identity drama.

4) A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager: A child’s friends ask him which mommy does which things with him. Very cute, with bright, eyecatching illustrations. Also features a multiracial family. I like this one better than A Tale of Two Daddies, but they are both good.

3) Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang: Excellent depiction of different types of families using cartoon animals. Included are: a family with two mommies, an unmarried couple, and a single parent family.

2) Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall: Utterly charming and beautifully illustrated book about a “red” crayon that can only color in blue. Although the word “transgender” is never used in the book, the message of knowing ourselves better

Alice Carver-Kubik

Volunteer of the Month: Alice Carver-Kubik If you have visited Gallery Q and have admired the exhibits there, our October volunteer of the month is one of the people you should thank. Alice Carver-Kubik has worked tirelessly along with the Gallery Q team to provide the gallery space at the Gay Alliance that we are certainly proud of.

Alice says: I first came to Rochester to study at the George Eastman Museum in the photographic preservation and collections management masters program. I’m originally from a little town in northern Indiana called Michigan City (it’s right on Lake Michigan). After graduate school I moved to Washington DC for an internship at the National Gallery of Art. I returned to Rochester a year later to pursue love. I decided I needed to get involved in my new community in order to have a sense of belonging and to make friends. I answered an ad in The Empty Closet to help with the Shoulders to Stand On project. My partner and I made a finding aid and organizational system for the Empty Closet photographs so that they would be accessible for the documentarians. We continued to volunteer with the Library and Archives for several years working on a variety of projects.

Simultaneously, I also began to volunteer with ImageOut, becoming co-chair of the art exhibition committee. I help to organize an exhibition every year in coordination with the film festival. When the Alliance announced they were moving and would be keeping the gallery in the new space, I jumped at the opportunity to coordinate exhibitions for the new Gal-

lery Q as part of my ImageOut role. The experience was so positive that I agreed to be the gallery coordinator for Gallery Q. I love that Gallery Q brings a diverse range of people to the Alliance that may not otherwise have a reason to come. I enjoy meeting people at the openings and describing all the amazing work the Alliance does for our community. I also love bringing great art to our community.

Damiene Denner will lead November Inqueery class on human sexuality

By Roy Hamlin Damiene Denner will lead a sixsession course for Inqueery, where our expanding definition of sexuality and ever-encroaching technology coincide.

The November course is free to the public; see the November EC for the exact date.

Damiene admits her unusual first name marked something of the stubborn rebel in her parents. Fans of the film “The Omen”, they were determined their child would share the name of the central character, even if more conventional relatives warned the moniker was too devilish. Her mom even added the extra vowel at the end, given her daughter’s cisgender femininity, to further establish how singular their child would be. Though still charmingly unique, Damiene promises that her course will not live up to either the Satanic cinematic heritage, or the source name’s original meaning. There will be as much discussion of all genders and orientations as there will be whip-cracking from the “tamer of men—I don’t plan on taming anybody!” she said.

Damiene holds a Masters of Education from Widener University, after taking a double Bachelor’s in biology and psychology (along with matching twin minors in chemistry and women’s/gender studies) from the College of Brockport. Continuing her studies at Widener, Denner has created a PhD program for herself to become a hybrid sexologist, operating at the intersection of physiology, traditional psychology, and sociology. Given her penchant for melding actual and cyber realm experiences, she notes, “(her mentor Professor) Barb LeSavoy from Brockport and an admirable online sex therapist, indicated Widener, and all roads IRL and digital led there.”

Despite all the academic trappings of her studies so far, Damiene predicts a much more lively experience at Inqueery. While the currently available pre-syllabus will be supplemented by resources for further study, the sessions will be enlivened by the approaches of an “experiential way with a lot of group stuff, where attendees don’t have to participate if they don’t want to, as well as kinesthetic stuff such as maybe sculpting some anatomy models to remind people what they are.”

Given her charming, fresh personality -- that of the best pal capable of giggling with you over anything -- her past inspiration for the field is shown also in her sense of play (as well as fair play).

When asked what inspired her to create her own course of sex-ploration, she said that she was “a resident assistant (after) an alleged assault on the College of Brockport campus affecting someone who was very close to me, that some-

Damiene Denner

one who didn’t feel comfortable telling me about it. The person decided to opt out of going to college anymore, rather than staying in an environment where I thought maybe I could have mitigated it to keep her enrolled. The human sexuality course I was taking at the time also had a professor seemingly very uncomfortable with certain words and various sexualities. I wanted to explore this frustration to become a better role model. It just was not OK.” Denner has devised an intuitive way of averting any participant’s discomfort about sexual matters. Besides the session synopses for each upcoming meeting, she hopes to “demystify incorrect things you may have heard about your body and sexuality and impart how normal it actually is, going with ‘safer spaces’ for possible triggers, but with a working agreement with resources given upfront in case anyone felt a need to withdraw from the discussion.”

She plans that all contributors will find “everything done with good intention”; in point of fact, previous public classes make her even more determined to be diverse and inclusive. “My heart broke to think how many women sit at the back of (discussion) sessions, where no one spoke about them…like a student at SUNY where I spoke, who wanted to make sure this was going to be for lesbians, because a lot of these don’t talk about lesbians.”

As she continues her quest to become a hip, cybersavvy evolution of the veteran Dr. Ruth, Damiene plans to use these sessions to further her determination to connect technology to peer counseling.

While she concedes that most sexologists practice as sex therapists, her goal is a more “holistic approach, with the internet as a means to open up a lot of networks and resources.” She seems determined to blow the dust off the existing literature tomes that crowd boring academic library stacks and patrician psychiatrists’ office bookshelves, and facilitate a much more involved and interactive engagement, as well as a highly personalized one: her Widener dissertation takes the intriguing topic of “videogames and best practices behind them to broaden the reach of sex educators and tailor their study to each individual.”

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

Board President: David Zona • Executive Director: Scott Fearing • Center Director: Jeffrey Myers • Education Director: Jeanne Gainsburg Education Coordinator: Rowan Collins • Office Administrator Julia Acosta • Database: Kat Wiggall Bookkeeper: Christopher Hennelly The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan E-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org Phone: (585) 244-9030 Designer: Jim Anderson Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030; jennieb@gayalliance.org.

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

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

GAY ALLIANCE NEWS – OCTOBER 2016

Fall events feature GSA best practices, Trans Youth Support Day This fall will see two Professional Development gatherings at the Resource Center. One is a full day conference with registration fee so those who wish to take part will need to follow their school’s procedures for attending. Jeanne Strazzabosco and Paul Birkby, GSA Consortium Coordinators, are the orga-

nizers.

The GSA Mixer is Oct. 20, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gay Alliance, 100 College Ave. It is FREE and will feature sharing best practices for GSA clubs.

The Nov. 10 event will observe Trans Youth Support Day, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Resource Center. Registration is $75 (includes lunch). Speakers: Rowan Collins and members of the Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau, Dr. Emma Jones Forbes and more!

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SAGE OCTOBER

At the SAGE picnic on Aug. 20 at Buckland Park. Photo: Bess Watts

The Gay Alliance table at the Black Pride Expo on Aug. 20.

Photo: Bess Watts

CORRECTION: The Gay Alliance Library recently received a very special donation to its collection from Mr. Eugene Kramer, in honor of his wife Carol.

The donation was a first edition of Volumes 1 and 2 of Magnus Hirschfeld’s 1930 landmark publication, Sittengeschichte Des Weltkrieges. Hirschfeld’s Institute of Sexuality Research opened in Berlin, Germany in 1919 and strongly advocated for the rights of women, “homosexuals” and gender variant people.

His extensive library and archive of sexuality related items were burned and destroyed by the Nazi party in 1933. Above: Gerry Szymanski, lead librarian, with David Kramer and his father Eugene Kramer and Gay Alliance Board member Colleen Raimond. Photo: Bob Pease

Speaking Engagements and Tabling Events in August 2016 • Trans Panel Presentation at Gates Chili School District • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Schools at West Irondequoit School District • LGBTQ 101 and Respectful Communication at IberoAmerican Action League • SafeZone Training at the LGBTQ Academy at the Gay Alliance • Meeting the Health Needs of LGBTQ Clients at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES Clinical PN Program (three sessions) • Tabling at HCR Home Care Resource Fair • SafeZone Training at Eastman School of Music • SafeZone Training at Hobart and William Smith Colleges • Tabling at Rochester Black Pride • SafeZone Training at Monroe Community College • Tabling at the Trans Wellness Fair • Creating LGBTQ Inclusive Schools at Victor High School (2 sessions) • Meeting the Health Needs of LGBTQ Clients at URMC Center for Health and Behavioral Training

Feedback from Speaking Events in August 2016 • “The speaker was very captivating, interactive and extremely knowledgeable. I don’t think the presentation could have been better, it was wonderful. Please come back – people need to be educated on this!”

• “I learned proper terminology to use when interacting with others. The presentation was excellent.”

• “I took home an enormous amount of useful info. I could have stayed longer.”

• “How lucky we are in Western NY to have this organization! I really appreciated all of it. I facilitate for a living – you two are excellent. Kudos!”

Monday October 3 1:30pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof”. Free to seniors. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Schedule: https://eastman.org/film-series/senior-matinees Tuesday October 4 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm, “Cake Day” celebration of October birthdays, catered lunch, “Tell your story” discussion. $3 donation. Hosted by Jessie & Anne.

Wednesday October 5 5:30-7pm SAGE Leadership Council, LGBTQ Resource Center Thursday October 6 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm, Brown bag lunch & a movie: “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, LGBTQ Resource Center, hosted

by Gerry.

Sunday October 9 2-5pm InQueery Euchre Social & Campy Classic Cinema at the LGBTQ Resource Center. Choose your activity! All card players welcome. We’ll teach you to play! Movie: “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (Bette Davis). $3. donation. Second Sundays.

Tuesday October 11 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; Catered lunch $3 donation, 12:30pm speaker: Brian Bennett, Citizens for Disaster Preparedness.

Thursday October 13 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom in LGBTQ Resource Center; 10am-noon Breakfast Club at Denny’s (911 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta). RSVP to Gerry at (585) 730-8772 gkraus@rochester.rr.com no later than October 10.

Saturday October 15 5-8pm Pot Luck & Bingo Bash. All are welcome, LGBTQ Resource Center, $3. donation toward token prizes.

Monday October 17 1:30pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. “Boom”.

Free to seniors. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Schedule: https://eastman.org/film-series/senior-matinees Tuesday October 18 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am-2pm: Catered lunch, 12:30pm Games & hand crafts, $3. donation. LGBTQ Resource Center Wednesday October 19 5-7pm SAGE Happy Hour at Marshalls Bar & Grill, 81 Marshall St., 14607. Food & drink specials. Bring a good joke!

Thursday October 20 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom, LGBTQ Resource Center Saturday October 22 6-11pm, Haunted Halloween Community Dance, all 21+ welcome, DJ Mikey P, costume contest, appetizers and adult beverages. $10 advance, $15 at door.

Monday October 24 1:30pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. “Secret Ceremony”. Free to seniors. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Schedule: https://eastman.org/film-series/senior-matinees Tuesday October 25 10:30-11:30am Yoga with Tom; 11:30am: Catered lunch, 12:30pm: Speaker: Sharon Rosenblum, “Fall Gardening: Putting Your Garden to Bed”. $3. donation.

Thursday October 27 10:30am-11:30am Yoga with Tom, LGBTQ Resource Center Friday October 28 5:30-7pm – Fabulous Fish Fry, Bay Front Restaurant, 1075 Empire Blvd. RSVP by Oct 24 to Jim Z. at (585) 354-8009 or by email at Jimz7875@aol.com.

Monday October 31 1:30pm – Monday Movie Meet Up at the Dryden. “Matewan”.

Free to seniors. Contact Roger & Dave by email: rcfdjm@gmail.com Schedule: https://eastman.org/film-series/senior-matineesBecome a SAGE member or get information at sage@gayalliance.org or 585-244-8640 x23. We are also on Facebook as “SAGE Rochester a program of the Gay Alliance”.

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

We are also on Facebook as: SAGE Rochester a program of the Gay Alliance

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Resources

Check our monthly and ongoing calendar and community section for more groups and events.

For further information, call the Gay Alliance, 2448640 or visit: www.gayalliance.org. More SAGE and Gay Alliance Youth Group info: pages 30-31.

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

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

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

271-8478.

DEAF SERVICES Deaf Rainbow Network of Rochester See Facebook.

Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance RIT/NTID student group. <SpectrumComment@ groups.facebook.com

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

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

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

Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com.

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

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

Claudia Stallman, Project Director, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; 607-724-4308; e-mail: LesGayFamBldg@aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No criminal cases. Appointments are scheduled at area medical provider locations or by calling 295-5708.

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

On-site services include HIV testing and limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium Health is also a leader in providing services and education to members of the LGBT community. Contact Information: Website: www.trilliumhealthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545-7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258-3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; Fax: 585244-6456. Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303.

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

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Referrals to physicians and service agencies.

(585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org.

Victory Alliance University of Rochester Medical Center. One of several research sites worldwide that comprise the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site conducts research vaccine studies sponsored

by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-7562329; www.vaccineunit.org.

Threshold At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confidential HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, ages 12-25.

Sliding fee scale, no one denied, most insurances accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-5pm; Tues., Thurs., 9am-7pm; Sat. 10am-2pm. www.ThresholdCenter.org Center for Health and Behavioral Training of Monroe County 853 W. Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration of Monroe County Health Department and U.R. Provides year-round training in prevention and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, such as domestic violence and case management. (585)753-5382 v/tty.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Tollfree Helpline: 1 866 600-6886. Offers confidential HIV testing and information. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.

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

The MOCHA Center of Rochester Our mission is to improve health and wellness in communities of color. Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education, support groups, computer lab, referral services and more. 189 N. Water St., lower level. (585) 420-1400.

Monroe County Health Department at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

(585) 753-5481. Hours: M-W 8:30-5:30; R: 8:30-11 am; F 7:30-2:30.

Strong Memorial Hospital provides a complete range of HIV medical care, including access to experimental treatment protocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual and group psychotherapy. Training of health care professionals also available. Infectious Disease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training Project, (585) 275-5693.

Planned Parenthood of Rochester and Genesee Valley Offers testing and information (585) 546 2595.

Rural HIV testing Anonymous and confidential, in Allegany, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1 800 962-5063.

Action Front Center (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV, STD, viral hepatitis prevention counseling, risk reduction counseling. Tailored programs available to incarcerated, ex-offender individuals.

Services for people living with HIV; case management, peer support groups, United Colors support group for MSM of color, educational groups, peer educator training and leadership development, multicultural, bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., 2nd floor, Rochester 14604. Office hours M-F 8:30 am-5 pm. 585-262-4330.

Anthony Jordan Health Center Jordan Health’s Prevention & Primary Care Department provides personalized care designed to address and treat the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C; and services focusing on the prevention of those diseases.

Bilingual staff serves both English and Spanishspeaking patients. HIV and hepatitis C virus (HVC) rapid testing as well as HIV and HCV education and counseling. Walk-in testing at all Jordan Health Sites. Prevention & Primary Care Department hours are Mon – Fri 830a – 500p.

HIV Clinic hours are Tuesday and Friday 830a – 400p. HCV Clinic hours are Wednesday and Friday 100p – 500p. The Prevention & Primary Care Department has two sites: Anthony L. Jordan Health Center 82 Holland Street, Rochester 14605 585.423.2879, fax 585.423.2876 and Woodward Health Center, 480 Genesee Street, Rochester 14611, fax 585.295.6009 Jordan Health’s Prevention and Primary Care Department is now providing PrEP services. For more information please call 585.436.PREP (7737). We are accepting new PrEP patients at the following sites: Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, Woodward Health Center and Jordan Health at Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave. 585.436.3040 x1764 - 585.454.7530 CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail address: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.

Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Monroe County 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orientation, HIV status, etc.

Public Interest Law Office of Rochester 1 W. Main St., Suites 200 & 300. Free legal services to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilingual advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in PILOR. 454-4060.

Westside Health Services Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254-6480); Woodward Health Center, 480 Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more.

McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Health’s Connection Clinic (585) 368-3506, 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kearney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of services, regardless of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and convenient.

Geneva Community Health 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV testing, HIV specialty and primary care for residents of Ontario and surrounding counties. M, W, R, F 8am-8pm. 315-781-8448.

LGBT HEALTH Huther Doyle Healthcare, chemical dependency treatment.

585-325-5100; www.hutherdoyle.com Trillium Health See www.trilliumhealthny.org, www.everybodysgood.com LGBT Healthy Living: Veterans Canandaigua VA, second and fourth Tuesdays, 10-11am, Building One, 2nd floor, room 245.

Matt Cokely 585-393-7115.

HCR Home Care We provide a full multidisciplinary team consisting of nursing, social work, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as home health aides who have completed the eight-hour cultural competency program provided by the Gay Alliance. For more information, contact us at 585-272-1930 or visit us online at HCRhealth. com.

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

CNY Youth Group Bi-Polar Support.

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

TRANSGENDER Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester (TAGR) Support/educational group for gender variant people and allies. Last Saturday, 3-5:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St.

Trans Lifeline Hotline for transgender people experiencing crisis.

Staffed by transgender people for transgender people. (877) 565-8860. Additional info is available at www.translifeline.org.

TransParent Support group for parents of trans children. Third Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Empire Justice Center Milo Primeaux, Esq., Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellow, Empire Justice Center, LGBT Rights Project, Telesca Center for Justice, 1 West Main Street, Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14614. (585) 295-5721 Fax (585) 454-2518, mprimeaux@ empirejustice.org, www.empirejustice.org.

Volunteer Legal Services Project (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14614. Free legal services for low-income clients seeking a name change. Other services for low-income clients include family law issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance hearings, wills and advance directive documents for clients with serious illnesses.

Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group First Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 100 College Ave. Ages 13-18. 244-8640 Genesee Valley Gender Variants Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. GVGenderVariants@yahoogroups.com Guys’ Night Out Trans* group, 1pm second Saturdays at Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Transmen and those identifying with trans-masculine experience (including questioning individuals) welcome. Conversations range from topics regarding family life, personal experiences with regard to medically/ socially transitioning and how life is going in general. Contact Adrian at abartholomeo@gmail.com.

WOMEN L.O.R.A Late Bloomers Group E-mail info@loragroup.org Website: www.loragroup.org; L.O.R.A (Lesbians of Rochester & Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585487-3341. Specializing in breast health, diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and mammography outreach and education.

Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester 1048 University Ave., Rochester NY 14607 585-473-8177; www.bccr.org; info@bccr.org Programs and services for those diagnosed with breast or GYN cancer. Programs include support and networking groups, Healing Arts classes, book club, writing workshop, monthly evening seminars and a group for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Comprehensive lending library. All programs and services FREE. Center for Community Health (585) 224-3050. Comprehensive breast cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured women.

Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic 170 Sawgrass Drive. 442-8432. Mammograms.

Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer (SHARE) Breast: 866-891-2392; Ovarian: 866-537-4273.

Willow Domestic Violence Center 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men welcome.

Victim Resource Center of Wayne County Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1172; office (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189.

Mary Magdalene House Women’s outreach center for HIV positive women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30pm.

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ Syracuse Region 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll-free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Parenthood has led the way in providing high quality, affordable reproductive health care since 1916. All services are confidential. Accept most insurances; including Medicaid. You may qualify for low- to no-cost family planning services. When you make your appointment, ask about our sliding scale fees. No one turned away for lack of ability to pay.

Women’s Shelter YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-5820.

YOUTH Gay Alliance Youth Group Monthly Special Events 100 College Ave. 2448640; Ages 13-20. www.gayalliance.org. Check Facebook.com/GayAllianceYouth Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Social/Support Group First Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., Ages 13-18. 244-8640 Trevor Project The Trevor Project offers 24/7 Lifeline with trained counselors, 1-866-488-7386; Trevor Chat, instant messaging; TrevorSpace online where youth can talk to each other, and Trevor Text with text trained counselors for support and crisis intervention.

CNY Youth Group Bi-Polar Support.

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

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

Ongoing Calendar DAILY Free confidential walk-in HIV testing M/W 9am-5pm, T/Th 9am-7pm, F 9am-12:30pm Trillium Health 259 Monroe Ave. 585-545-7200 Gay Alliance Library & Archives 9am -5pm. Wed. 6-8pm 100 College Ave. Walk-in HIV testing At all Anthony Jordan health center sites including 82 Holland St. (See Resources)

MONDAYS Women’s Coffee Social Equal Grounds Coffee House 750 South Ave. Monday evenings. 7 pm. Contact: Regina Altizer: reginaaltizer@gmail.com Crystal Meth Anonymous Meeting Every Monday 12-1pm. Huther Doyle, 360 East Ave., Rochester. Starting Monday Oct. 5.

Rochester Historical Bowling Society 7pm. Empire Lanes Born That Way Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group.

First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516.

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

Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave.

TUESDAYS The Social Grind 10am-12noon and again 7:30-9pm at Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Email: DHutch457@aol. com for information Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) First Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30, Open Arms MCC Community Center, 707 E. Main St. TransParent Support group for parents of trans youth. Third Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. LGBT Healthy Living Veterans support. 2nd, 4th Tuesdays, 10-11am Canandaigua VA, bldg. 9, room 8, Library conference room. 585 463-2731, 585 205-3360.

Testing Tuesdays at Trillium Health FREE HIV Testing for everyone, STI/STD testing FREE for women and MSM. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave, 5-8 pm. 585-545-7200 Women’s Community Chorus Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street. 2344441, www.therwcc.org Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Group 5:30-6:30pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Ages 13-20. 244-8640.

SAGE Rochester 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually 10:30am at venues including LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640. (See page 31) SAGE Men’s Group 50+ 7pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 1st, 3rd Tuesdays. rtony13@aol.com

WEDNESDAYS Identity Group LGBT identified individuals who have a developmental disability diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623).

The goal is to provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, share personal experiences and increase self-esteem. Facilitated by Delaina Fico.

LMSW. Contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmonroe.org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552.

LORA Knitting Group 6:00pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. L.O.R.A. Knitting group meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month from Equal Grounds Coffee House. Join Us! Bring your supplies and a sense of adventure! For more info visit www.loragroup.org or Contact Kerry Cater: dressyfemme@ aol.com or email us at info@loragroup.org Lifetime Care LGBT Bereavement Support Group For loss associated with any type of relationship.

Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 5:30-7pm at Center for Compassion and Healing (3111 Winton Rd S). No fee. Please call 475-8800 for more details.

Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, 100 College Ave., 244-8640

New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open.

COAP Come Out and Play Wednesday game nights. 7-10pm.

Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. coap.rochester@ gmail.com Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Positive Warriors Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Positive Divas Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Gay Alliance Library & Archives 100 College Ave. 6-8pm.

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

THURSDAYS Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Pride at Work & AFL CIO First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 1354 Buffalo Road, Rochester 14624, 426-0862.

Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Youth and young adults. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. dbsa.monroecounty@gmail.com GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb) Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 conference room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 NLIST Transgenger Support Group 5-6:15pm, Trillium Health. Must pre-register.

LORA Late Bloomers Group 4th/Last Thursday of the month. Coming out group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women of all ages and backgrounds! Last Thursday of each month in a safe private location. For more info visit: www.loragroup.org or contact Jessica Cohen at LGBTHealth@trilliumhealth.org or email us at info@loragroup.org Out & Equal Second Thursdays Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm.

Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outandequal.org Genesee Valley Gender Variants 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV GenderVariants@yahoogroups.com SAGE Rochester 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually 10:30am at venues including LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave, 244-8640. (See page 31)

FRIDAYS Gay Men’s AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Gay Alliance Youth

Monthly Special Event, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave., 244-8640; Ages 13-20. youth@gayalliance.org. Check Facebook.com/ GayAllianceYouth GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations.

RochesterGLBTIQbikers@yahoo.com; 467-6456; bmdaniels@frontiernet.net.

Boyz Night Out Drag king revue. First Fridays, The Firehouse Saloon, 814 S. Clinton Ave. LORA GaYmes Night Meets 4th Friday of the Month, 7-10pm, Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. Rochester. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly. Email: irishfemmerochester@yahoo.com. Phone: 585.943.1320. More Info: www.loragroup.org.

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

SATURDAYS Rochester Rams Bar Night Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Sapphic Singles – Professional Women’s Group http://www.meetup.com/Sapphic-Singles-Rochester/. Contact: Patty: Email: pattyrdn11@gmail. com. Phone: 585.223.6743. 3rd Saturday of each month. Monthly Dinner Socials for single professional women at various locations in and around Rochester NY area! Join us!

Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester Support/educational group for gender-variant people, allies. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. rochesterfrontrunners.org.

Guys Night Out GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. Men and women. Open meeting.

Sophia’s Supper Club First, third Saturdays, 25 Bernie Lane, 6:30 pm.

Men’s Cooking Group Third, fourth Saturdays. 585-355-7664; mcgofrochester@aol.com.

SUNDAYS PFLAG (Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) 585 993-3297; rochesterpflag@gmail.com.

Dignity-Integrity 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to start the week, followed by potluck supper.

Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church 707 E. Main St. Rochester, Services at: 10:30am.

271-8478.

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

Closed meeting ■

33

ROCHESTER AA/NA MEETINGS

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

TUESDAYS Narcotics Anonymous 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS.

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

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

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

SUNDAYS Step in the Right Direction 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have a desire to stop using.

Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each week features a reading from NA literature, followed by discussion.

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

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

GAY ALLIANCE LIBRARY & ARCHIVES Now open at its new location at 100 College Avenue, 9am-5pm and on Wednesday evenings, 6-8pm.

Check out our ten thousand-volume library, along with the Bohnett Cyber Center.

Contact us: library@gayalliance.org or at 585-244-8640.

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016

October 2016 SUNDAY 2

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

MONDAY 3

Monday Movie Meet-up at The Dryden. 1:30 pm. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. Every Monday, free to seniors. See page 31.

TUESDAY 4

Assemblymember Harry Bronson gives Christian Faith & LGBT Experience lecture at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Strong Auditorium, 1100 S. Goodman. 7 pm. Topic: “LGBT Advocates and Straight Allies: A Collaboration of Religion, Politics, Labor and Business.”

SAGE Men’s Group. Social group for men over 50. First meeting, 7 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Group will meet first, third Tuesdays. Info: contact Tony at rtony13@aol. com

WEDNESDAY 5

Geocaching Inqueery class. 6:30-8 pm. LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8640.

Spy in the House of Men with Penny Sterling relates the very true story of her fictitious life as a man, and her true life as a transgender woman, on Oct. 5 at 8 pm.

Admission $10. MuCCC, Atlantic Ave.

THURSDAY 6

ImageOut Film Festival Eve party.

7-9:30 pm, Skylark Lounge, 40 S. Union St. Special guest Mrs. Kasha Davis. Film screenings begin Oct. 7, run through Oct. 16. Ticket information page 27, or at imageout.org

SUNDAY 9

Dignity Integrity. 41st Anniversary Celebration, Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Inqueery Euchre Social & Campy Classic Cinema at the LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. All card players welcome; instruction available. Movie: “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

(Bette Davis). $3 donation. 2-5 pm, second Sundays.

TUESDAY 11

Inqueery Fistful of Stories. For the trans community, with Miss Rickey Snowden. 6:30-8 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. 244-8460.

Meeting every second and fourth Tuesday. Potluck fourth Sundays.

WEDNESDAY 12

Open Arms MCC monthly Life and Faith Study group: “Creation”. 7-9 pm, 707 E. Main St.

THURSDAY 13

Out & Equal Second Thursdays networking. oenyfl/google groups.com; fingerlakes@outandequal.org

SATURDAY 15

ImageOut Film Festival Closing Night Party. George Eastman House, following “Pushing Dead,” the closing night film at the Dryden Theatre. George Eastman’s Mansion will be open as well as the Museum galleries. Desserts and hors d’oeuvres, cash bar.

SUNDAY 16

Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass, quiet. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

Classifieds Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 100 College Ave., Rochester, New York 14607.

Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone.

Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither

will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement.

The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or phone number.

No personal home addresses or names allowed. Classified ads are not published on The Empty Closet page of our website. However, each issue of the paper is reproduced online in its entirety at ww.gayalliance.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children’s Ministry thriving at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for vibrant, inclusive, progressive worship on Sundays at 10:30 am, 707 E. Main St. info@openarmsmcc.org; (585) 271-8478.

SERVICES

Rochester’s Best Man to Man Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV negative. My 10-plus years experience guarantees your relaxation and satisfaction. Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call in your residence. Reasonable rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home).

Martin Ippolito master electrician. Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. 585-266-6337.

Wedding Space and clergy services available. Celebrate your special day at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 707 E. Main St. info@openarmsmcc.org (585) 271-8478.

Out Night at Geva. 6 pm reception for LGBTQ community included in $25 ticket for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”. 585-232-4382.

Mention OUT when calling to buy tickets. Out at Geva nights continue in January, February, March, May and June.

TUESDAY 18

Homosexuality and the Bible Inqueery class with Dr. Lon Berry.

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

WEDNESDAY 19

SAGE Happy Hour at Marshall’s Bar & Grill, 81 Marshall St. 5-7 pm.

THURSDAY 20

GSA mixer. 3:30-5:30 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. Sharing best practices for school Gay-Straight Alliances. Free.

SATURDAY 22

Haunted Halloween Dance. DJ, costume contest, light refreshments, adult beverages. 6-11 pm, LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 College Ave. $10 in advance, $15 at door. Tickets available at Equal=Grounds and www.gayalliance. org. Sponsored by the Gay Alliance, SAGE, LORA, Pride at Work, Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester. Everyone over 21 welcome.

SUNDAY 23

Dignity Integrity. Prayers to start the Week, followed by a Potluck. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

THURSDAY 27

Pride in Leadership Development Program. “Bring Your Voice to the Table”. 8 am-4:30 pm, Oct. 27 and 28 at LGBTQ Resource Center, 100 CollegeAve. Program to broaden participation from the LGBTQ community into influential board leadership roles within Greater Rochester area. Primary focus is development and application of effective leadership skills and competencies in professional and volunteer pursuits. Program participation fee is $50 per individual (class size is limited). A collaborative program of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, The United Way of Greater Rochester. Visit the Pride in Leadership Development Program page on the United Way Greater Rochester website. https://www.uwrochester.org

FRIDAY 28

SAGE Fabulous Fish Fry, Bay Front Restaurant, 1075 Empire Blvd. 5:30-7 pm. RSVP by Oct. 24 to Jim Z. at (585) 354-8009 or by email at Jimz7875@aol. com

SUNDAY 30

Dignity Integrity. Catholic Eucharist, with music. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St.

MONDAY 31

Halloween, Samhain. Ancient Celtic feast of death and rebirth. Sacred tree: Ivy. Queen: The Winter Hagge, Lady of the Wilderness and the Underworld.

OCTOBER 2016 • NUMBER 505 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 100 College Avenue Rochester, New York 14607 © 2016, All rights reserved.

Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Ad Sales: Jennie Bowker (jennieb@gayalliance.org) Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homophobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused.

All political advertisements must contain information about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out supposed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, including the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas.

Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in person to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee.

244-9030, susanj@gayalliance.org Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (December and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approximately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further information, please write to The Empty Closet, 100 College Avenue, Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emptycloset@gagv.us.

The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay-related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help promote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate.

Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consideration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life.

The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad.

In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney.

Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the editor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 100 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607; e-mail: susanj@gayalliance.org. The online edition of EC is available at www. gayalliance.org.

Bed & Breakfast

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THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 505 • OCTOBER 2016