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First openly gay pro-athlete and one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Innluential People” honored at LGBT Network Gala

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Out on LI: 8 LGBT Network gala honorees Out and about: 11 Spring Reading 12 Calendar

13 LGBT Network Gala journal 41 Be Scene: Night of noise 2015 42 Screen Savor Living healthy: 45 Living Healthy: make food your friend, not your enemy Living smart: 46 Finance: Creating a budget Points of view: 45 op-ed: discrimination

Living Out is produced by the LGBT Network.

is not religious freedom 46 trans-missions: restroom realities

get published!

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David Kilmnick, Publisher info@livingoutli.org

20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury, NY 11797 516.323.0011

alexis capitini, Editor/Art Director editor@livingoutli.org art@livingoutli.org

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We’re looking for talented writers and photographers to get involved in Long Island’s newest GLBT publication!

follow our lead Become a fan on Facebook at facebook. com/livingoutli or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/livingoutli

stay in the know Keep connected at livingoutli.org

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Contributors Belo Cipriani, Adam Lombardi, Chris McNamee, Mike Murphy, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jennifer Nyx, Rachel Roth, Gregg Shapiro, Gwen Smith

Cover Photo

apply to be a contributor Email editor@livingoutli.org!

Courtesy of NBA Cares

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In the news

national News

By Rachel Roth

Kentucky Marriage ban Texas court upholds ruled unconstitutional houston lgbt rights law Kentucky’s marriage ban violates the U.S. Constitution, Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate (below, right) ruled last month in a case involving two same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses. Wingate placed a hold on his decision, meaning that same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in the state, pending an expected Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality in June.

The Courier-Journal reported that Wingate wrote, however that “this Court believes that marriage, regardless of whether the union is between members of the same sex or opposite sex, is a fundamental right,” and said he “fully believes plaintiffs will be vindicated by the United States Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling.”

Two md measures await signature

Two pro-LGBT measures remain in limbo after passing the Maryland General Assembly as they undergo review by Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who has not yet decided whether to sign them into law or veto them.

The first measure deals with insurance coverage for infertility treatments for female same-sex couples, and the second deals with the issuance of new, unmarked versions of birth certificates for transgender and intersex individuals that reflect their correct name and gender.

According to the Metro Weekly, Both measures received the more than the requisite number of votes needed for an override should Hogan veto them.

In Houston, a nondiscrimination ordinance took effect after a state judge ruled that a petition seeking to overturn the ordinance through a ballot measure had failed to garner enough signatures.

“Now all Houstonians have access to the same protections,” said Mayor Annise Parker, who is openly gay. The ordinance, which passed last May, bans discrimination in housing, employment and city contracts.

Elsewhere, in the nation’s capital, A House committee has indicated that it won’t consider a resolution this session aimed at recalling nondiscrimination legislation passed in Washington, D.C. The development means that the resolution will not advance to the full House.

Students gather updates on religious exemption laws around the nation to protest “Anti-Gay Day” Students at a Pittsburgh-area high school rallied in support of the gay and lesbian community days after some students organized an “Anti-Gay Day” at the school.

Organizers told local news affiliate WXPI Channel 11 News they were gathering in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, but also to protest what they call inaction by the McGuffey School District administration. McGuffey School District Superintendent Dr. Erica L. Kolat said in a statement sent to WPXI that an investigation into the “Anti-Gay Day” – which followed the school’s observance of GLSEN’s “Day of Silence” - are ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Presidential candidates have differing marriage equality opinions Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who recently announced his presidential candidacy, said in an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation that he believes the definition of marriage is a union between a man

and a woman and said that same-sex marriage was not a constitutional right and should be decided by state legislatures, not the courts.

Meanwhile Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee for 2016, provided a statement urging the Supreme Court to rule in favor of samesex marriage. “Hillary Clinton supports marriage equality and hopes the Supreme Court will come down on the side of same-sex couples being guaranteed that constitutional right,” said Adrienne Elrod, spokeswoman for Hillary for America..

A rash of states are re-considering religious exemption bills in the wake of that backlash sparked in Indiana and other states.

Maine: In Maine, Republican Sen. David Burns announced that he is removing his “religious freedom” bill from consideration. State House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe, a Democrat applauded the decision, saying; “Maine people reject discrimination and hate. We believe in the inherent dignity of all people, whatever their background, faith, sexual orientation or gender.”

Louisiana: In Louisiana, state Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican, said he will amend his “religious freedom” bill, which has received criticism over concerns that it could lead to discrimination against LGBT people and minorities. The bill, a priority in Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal’s legislative agenda, is designed to block the government from punishing a company because of the owner’s view on marriage.

A poll released Thursday found the majority of Americans believe businesses should not be allowed to refuse services based on their religious beliefs.

The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and found that more than 50% disapprove of policies allowing businesses to deny services or refuse to hire people based on the employer’s religious beliefs.

Transgender man leads ‘Men’s health’ cover model contest A transgender man, and former employee of Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), is winning in popular votes for the 2015 Men’s Health “Ultimate Guy” contest. As of press time, Aydian Dowling of Eugene, Ore. is beating the competition by more than 30,000 votes. Dowling, a video blogger, activist and the creator of a clothing line called Point 5cc, wrote in his contest entry that he tries to find “balance” in his life and said that “as a Transgender Male, having a healthy body and mind is my ultimate goal to find peace within my soul.”

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If he wins the contest, which is open for entries until June 21, his photo will appear on the cover of the magazine’s November issue. The public votes make up 10% of the final ranking, according to the contest rules and judges select a winner from entries based on a number of criteria including fitness, professional success, healthy lifestyle and how much they give back to their community, according to USA Today.

>> READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG

international News

By Rachel Roth

Mexican supreme court rules against marriage ban The Mexican Supreme Court on announced it had found a law banning same-sex marriage “discriminatory.” The ruling is in response to a petition for legal recourse that a gay couple filed against the Sinaloan family code in April 2013.

According to the Washington Blade, the judges who considered the case posted a “strongly-worded” statement the court posted to its website justifying their decision.

The contested provisions are clearly discriminatory because the relationships in which homosexual couples engage can fit perfectly into the actual fundamentals of marriage and living together and raising a family,” reads the statement.

Vietnam might add rights for trans people Vietnam’s ministry of health is finalizing draft amendments to the civil code that will likely acknowledge transgender people for the first time.

At present, Vietnam doesn’t allow sex reassignment surgery, but Gay Star News reported that nearly 1,000 of its citizens had done the surgery abroad and are now living in the country.

Nguyen Huy Quang, head of the ministry’s legal department, said they were still collecting opinions on the issue but he personally preferred to “address the fact and solve it,” adding “this is the right to live with their true gender,” he told a news conference on 14 April. Legislators will discuss the proposed changes next month.

Guam begins debate to institute marriage equality Guam Attorney General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson issued an order to allow marriage equality on the island. It would become the first U.S. territory to do so. The decision comes in conflict with Guam Gov.

Eddie Calvo and the lieutenant governor, who have indicated that they want the issue to be decided by the public or their political representatives.

Egyptian court upholds gov. Obama addresses LGBT power to ban lgbt people Rights in jamaica visit An Egyptian administrative court in Cairo ruled Tuesday to uphold the power of the interior minister to deport people accused of homosexuality. According to a judgment obtained by BuzzFeed News, the court ruled that the interior minister has the power to protect “the general benefits, religious values, social morals of society and to prevent the spreading of social ills.”

During a recent trip to Jamaica, President Barack Obama (left) on evoked LGBT rights as he commended the work of LGBT advocate Angeline Jackson at a town hall with young leaders.

Presently, consensual same-sex acts are a crime in the Caribbean county and violence against LGBT people runs rampant.

According to the Advocate, activists had hoped Obama would not ignore rampant abuse of LGBT people while visiting Jamaica, saying “Every mickle mek a mockle” – a Jamaican proverb that translates approximately to “every little bit counts.”

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Out on LI

JASON COLLINS:

ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Jason Collins, first openly gay pro-athlete in all four major sports leagues

TO BE HONORED AT 2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA A slam-dunk for the LGBT Network! Former NBA star Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the professional basketball league, will be honored alongside lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pioneers Stuart Applebaum and Julia Robinson at the 2015 LGBT Network Gala on May 7th at The Space at Westbury.

In 2013, Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete active in any of the four recognized major North American professional team sports leagues: the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. But his activism did not stop at coming out; Collins took a giant leap forward by shedding light on behalf of all LGBT

athletes and the stigma they face everyday.

For Sports Illustrated, Collins wrote: "There are still no publicly gay players in the NFL, NHL or major league baseball.

Believe me: They exist. Every pro sport has them. I know some of them personally.

When we get to the point where a gay pro athlete is no longer forced to live in fear that he’ll be shunned by teammates or outed by tabloids, when we get to the point where he plays while his significant other waits in the family room, when we get to the point where he’s not compelled to hide his true self and is able to live an authentic life, then coming out won’t be such a big deal. But we’re not there yet."

Collins finally came out because he got tired of lying to people by saying he was straight and was ultimately encouraged by the support from his

volunteer with The LGBT Network

family and teammates; even President Obama called him to congratulate him saying he was impressed by his courage.

Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He is also a member of The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, joining several other world renowned athletes in promoting the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. As of 2014, he also became an NBA Cares Ambassador and, through this affiliation, helps further the NBA’s efforts to address social issues such as education, youth and family development, and health and wellness.

The NBA veteran played for 13 straight seasons with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. Collins was known for being a physical player when defending the post and someone who excelled at setting screens and boxing out.

“My message to other athletes is just be yourself. Be your true authentic self and never be afraid or ashamed or have any fear to be your true, authentic self," Collins said.

For his courage in coming out, Collins was among the first class of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian

Know Your Status for you and your partners Free HIV and STD/STI Testing Available during drop-in hours and by appointment at all locations of The Long Island LGBT Community Center.

It’s fun.

The LGBT Network relies on the support of their many enthusiastic volunteers to serve the Long Island and Queens LGBT community. As a volunteer, you will join the ranks of other kind, compassionate, generous, and hardworking individuals who have affected tremendous and far-reaching change for our community.

Drop-In Hours

It’s easy.

The Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury Every Thursday, 5-8pm

Becoming a volunteer for The LGBT Network is simple. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out an online application at our website, www.lgbtnetwork.org, or visit one of our centers for a copy of the application. We will match you with a volunteer position that best utilizes your time, skills and interests.

The Center at Bay Shore 34 Park Avenue, Bay Shore Every Wednesday, 5-8pm

The Hamptons LGBT Center 44 Union Street, Sag Harbor

By Appointment

Free, quick, and confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

You can make a difference.

Volunteers are invaluable to the success of The LGBT Network in the community. By getting involved, you can meet new people, greet and help the many community members that walk through our doors, assist with programs and special events, and much more.

Get started: visit lgbtnetwork.org/volunteer to apply today!

Nassau Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Ste. 110 Woodbury, NY 11797 T 516.323.0011 F 516.750.4715

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Suffolk West Suffolk Central Center at Bay Shore Center at Patchogue 34 Park Avenue Coming Soon!

Bay Shore, NY 11706 T 631.665.2300 F 631.665.7874

Suffolk East The Hamptons LGBT Center 44 Union Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963 T 631.899.4950 F 631.665.7874

Queens Center at Little Neck 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy.

Little Neck, NY 11362 T 516.323.0011 F 516.750.4715

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the HIV/STD Outreach and Testing Program at testing@lgbtnetwork.org or 631.665.2300 Nassau Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury, NY 11797 T 516.323.0011 F 516.750.4715

Suffolk Center at Bay Shore 34 Park Avenue Bay Shore, NY 11706 T 631.665.2300 F 631.665.7874

East End The Hamptons LGBT Center 44 Union Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963 T 631.899.4950 F 631.665.7874

Queens Center at Little Neck 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy.

Little Neck, NY 11362 T 516.323.0011 F 516.750.4715

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out and about

I-Read

by gregg shapiro

S pring R eading L ist

Thanks for the Memoirs I Left It On The Mountain (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), Kevin Sessums’ follow-up to his acclaimed memoir Mississippi Sissy, follows the editor in chief of Four Two Nine and dot429.com from “the high to the low and back again,” as he writes about his journey of spiritual redemption

Bettyville: A Memoir (Viking, 2015), “the last place in America with shag carpet,” is where gay writer and book and magazine editor George Hodgman has returned (from Manhattan) for his role as “care inflictor” for his 90 year old mother, the Betty of the title, in this breathtaking memoir about mother/son relationships, identity and so much more.

Flights of Fiction

The end was inevitable and beloved gay author Armistead Maupin brings his cherished Tales of the City saga to a close on a touching and tear-jerking note with a loving tribute to his most endearing and enduring character, trans legend Anna Madrigal, in The Days of Anna Madrigal (Harper Perennial, 2015). Now in paperback, the novel takes us from San Francisco to Winnemucca to the annual Burning Man celebration, and from the present day to Anna’s secret past, answering almost any question a reader of the series might ever want to ask.

Wishbone: A Memoir in Fractures (Bywater Books, 2014), the first book by lauded lesbian writer and poet Julie Marie Wade won the Colgate University Press Nonfiction Book Award in 2009 and the 2011 Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Memoir, is now available in paperback as well as an ebook.

Also set in San Francisco, albeit 1951, Blackmail, My Love (Cleis, 2015), written and illustrated (!) by Katie Gilmartin, involves “a murder, a mystery and a secret history,” as Josie O’Connor searches for her gay brother Jimmy, and encounters a cornucopia of characters in an assortment of establishments.

If you’re a fan of Joe Keenan’s style of queer farce then the fast-paced and funny Stealing Arthur (Bear Bones Books, 2015)

by Joel Perry, about the trophy theft of “55 of Hollywood’s highest awards,” will be right up your proverbial alley.

Originally published in “a slightly different version” in 2013, William Klaber’s debut novel The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), about the titular character and how “dressed in a man’s clothing, she wins a girl’s love” in the late 1800s, is now available in a newly reissued edition.

A 21st century bedtime story for the ages (and all ages) if there ever was one, You Have to F**king Eat (Akashic Books, 2015)

by Adam Mansbach with illustrations

by Owen Brozman, the sequel to the hilarious and equally profane Go the F**k to Sleep, deals with the “other parental frustration” – getting finicky kids to eat right.

Former club kid turned restaurateur Blue, the main character of Robert Levy’s debut novel The Glittering World (Gallery Books, 2015), ventures to Nova Scotia from NYC for what begins as a leisurely trip with friends and develops into a shocking voyage of self-discovery as he uncovers a mysterious, and long buried, part of his past.

Beautiful Chaos: A Life In the Theater (City Lights Books, 2015) by Carey Perloff, artistic director of San Francisco’s renowned American Conservatory Theater, and the woman who helped bring Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City musical to the stage, tells her story in this memoir.

>> READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG

Subtitled “a supermodel’s journey to finding her truth,” Straight Walk (Post Hill Press, 2015) by Venezuelan model and actress Patricia Velasquez, known as “the world’s first Latina supermodel,” writes about her upbringing, coming out and making love “in three time zones, in three cities, to three different women in one day,” among other subjects.

Straight friend of the community Daniel Handler, the author of the Lemony Snicket series who has collaborated with gay Magnetic Fields frontman Stephin Merritt, returns with his new adult novel We Are Pirates (Bloomsbury, 2015) about, you guessed it, pirates, terrorizing 21st century San Francisco.

Rock, Paper, Book

That’s Entertainment Arriving in time for the 50th anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie musical The Sound of Music, Tom Santopietro’s The Sound of Music Story (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), offers readers a detailed behind-the-scenes look, including eight pages of photos, at how the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical went on to become one of the most popular and adored movie musicals of all time.

“Intoxicating” memoir Dangerous When Wet (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), the first book by gay writer Jamie Brickhouse, details his complex relationship with his one-of-akind mother Mama Jean, as well as his struggles with alcohol and coming out, all told in his distinctive voice.

Actor Keegan Allen, of ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, has been taking pictures since he was nine years old. In life. love. beauty. (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), Allen, a protégé of James Franco’s, shares his “photographic journey” including pix from his youth, his career and his travels, along with text and poetry.

Stunning coffee-table book See Hear Yoko (Harper, 2015), “originally conceived expressly for Yoko Ono…on the occasion of her 80th birthday” by “legendary rock and roll photographer” Bob Greuen, featuring interview text by Jody Denberg, spans a 41 year period, from 1971 until 2015.

Combining intimate photos of Yoko with John, with son Sean, in performance, at various events, and even posing with icons such as Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Patti Smith, and members of the B52’s, and much more for a visual treat.

In her picturefilled memoir Girl In a Band (Dey St. Books, 2015), vocalist/ bassist/founding member of the legendary and influential post-punk band Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon takes readers along on her personal journey from suburban Southern California to the art world/club scene of New York in the 1980s and 1990s to the present day and the ending of her marriage to band-member Thurston Moore. 

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show your pride

calendar of events SAGE-LI Health Series: Wellness Walk Monday, May 11th, 1p.m.

Heckscher State Park, Field 1 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip

SNAP: Sexual Negotiation and Prevention Saturday, May 2nd,10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Sunday, May 3rd,10a.m.-2p.m.

Friday, May 8th, 7-8 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore

Hampton Bays Mingle 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.

Hampton Bays Senior Center, 25 Ponquogue Ave., Hampton Bays

SAGE-LI’s bi-monthly social for LGBT We are meeting at Field One to complete seniors 50+ on the East End. SNAP is back...and you don't want to miss www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 a walk along the Great South Bay it! Sexual Negotiation and Prevention (fully paved). The park is located at 1 Heckscher State Parkway in East Islip (SNAP) is a group about friends (both old LIFE in Nassau 2nd Thursday, 7-9 p.m. and new) talking about sexual health and there is no park admission fee.

Tuesday, May 12th, 1p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, and everyday issues that impact our Syosset-Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, communities, especially stopping HIV/ Community Park AIDS. Young gay and bi men up to age 24 Suite 110, Woodbury 7800 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury will meet three Saturdays in a row at The LIFE in Nassau meets every second We are meeting at the ice rink and Thursday. Open to adults of all genders Center at Bay Shore and all graduates walking a fully paved walkway. The park get a $50 gift card to Target! RSVPs are and orientations with an interest in is located at 7800 Jericho Turnpike BDSM topics. required and sign up fast, because in Woodbury and there is no park space is limited!

LIGALY Advisory Board admission fee. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 Mondays, 6-8 p.m. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

LI Gay PTSA Meeting Monday, May 18th, 7 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore The Long Island Gay PTSA is the only chartered PTA of its kind in the nation, educating and training school-based PTAs on issues impacting LGBT students and how to take action to create safer schools. The LI Gay PTSA meets monthly and is open to all students, teachers, parents, administration and community members. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Volunteer PRIDE Orientation Tuesday, May 12th, 6 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Monday, May 18th, 6 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury

Learn how you can become a volunteer for the LGBT Network at the 25th Annual Long Island Pride Parade and PrideFest! www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

20 Something 2nd & 4th Fridays, 7:30-9 p.m SAGE-LI Movie & Discussion: Nassau: Center at Woodbury, Brokeback Mountain 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Tuesday, May 19th, 11a.m.

Suite 110, Woodbury East End: The Hamptons Discussion and support group for LGBT GLBT Center, 44 Union St., people in their 20’s. A safe and affirming Sag Harbor space to share their experiences.

This is a sweeping epic that explores the www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011 lives of two youn men, a ranch hand Advisory Board (SAGE-LI) and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the Monday, May 4th, 1-2 p.m.

Summer of 1963 and unexpectedly Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, forge a lifelong connection. Join us for 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore this award winning movie and some popcorn, followed by a group discussion. Tuesday, May 5th 1-2 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

20 Crossways Park Dr. North, SAGE-LI Restaurant OUTing Suite 110, Woodbury & OUTdoors Trip: Harbor We want to hear your voice! This group Mist & Cold Spring Harbor provides feedback on current SAGE-LI Whaling Museum programming, offers ideas for additional Friday, May 22nd, 12 p.m. programming, and helps plan future Harbor Mist events. All are welcome!

105 Harbor Rd; www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, 301 Main Street Alcoholics Anonymous Cold Spring Harbor Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.

Time to get nautical! We are having lunch Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore at Harbor Mist (105 Harbor Rd in Cold Spring Harbor) at 12pm. The menu offers Closed group for all ages. a variety of seafood, salads, sandwiches, www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 pizza, and pasta ranging from $8-$22.

Following lunch we are visiting the Cold Drop-In HIV/STD Testing: Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.

Spring Harbor Whaling Museum (301 Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor) at 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore 2pm. The museum explores the everchanging relationship betweek humans Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. and whales and emphasizes the cultural, Nassau: Center at Woodbury, scientific and environmental significance 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury of LI and the Sea. Admission is $5 per person. RSVP and museum payment By Appointment.

East End: The Hamptons required by Wednesday, May 20th.

LGBT Center, 44 Union St., www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Sag Harbor

Free and confidential testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

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LIVING OUT

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Youth help plan new programs and events at LIGALY. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

LIPSA Tuesday Night Tease Bowling League Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Bowl Long Island, 138 West Rd., Patchogue Friendliest co-ed/mixed LGBT Bowling League. LIPSAbowling@optonline.net, 516.375.9473

LITE Social and Discussion Group 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor An open discussion group for transgender people and their friends and family. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Living PositHIVly 1st & 3rdThursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury A support group for LGBT people living with HIV/AIDS. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011

Long Island LGBT Bereavement Group 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7-8 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury

Monday Mingle Mondays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore SAGE-LI’s weekly social for LGBT seniors 50+ at The Center at Bay Shore. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Nassau County Mingle Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury SAGE-LI’s weekly social for LGBT seniors 50+ at The Center at Woodbury www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011

OUTlet Fridays, 8 p.m.-Midnight Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Friday night social program for LGBT youth and their friends ages 13-21.

Themes for this month include "Back to the Future Night" (March 13th), "Green Day Night" (March 20th), "Comicon Night" (March 27th). $2 admission, transportation available. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore 1st Monday, 6-7 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury If you workand/or have engag Discussion group for parents of LGBT children. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

PEP Teams – Suffolk Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Interactive leadership program promoting sexual health for LGBT young people. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

Safe Schools Team Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Youth leadership program for young people committed to creating safer schools on Long Island. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300

SAGE-LI Evening Mingle 3rd Wednesday, 7-9 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury

If you workand/or have engagements during the day that limit you from attending the fabulous SAGE-LI daytime This group provides a safe and supportive programming, this is the program for environment for those who have you. All are welcome! experienced the loss of a loved one or www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011 friend while offering help and guidence with the grieving process. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011

SAGE-LI Women at Nassau Wednesdays, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury

(SWAN) A social and discussion group for lesbian, bisexual, & transgender women as well as women questioning their identity. There is no SWAN Wednesday, May 20th. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011

TRUE Calling Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.

Nassau: Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury

Youth Group Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.

East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor All East End youth should come check out this new hot LGBT spot. Every Tuesday is a fun interactive youth group: hang out with others in the lounge. You won’t want to miss it! www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.899.4950

Youth Support Group 4th Thursday, 5-6p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore

For all youth under 21 to come share their LIGALY is offering a great opportunity for thoughts, problems and ups and downs black & Latino gay & bisexual youth and in a confidential, safe space. their friends to show off their skills! Sing, www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.899.4950 act, dance, or perform. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011

Women 2 Women Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore W2W is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for lesbians age 40+.

You Gotta Believe Mondays, 6-9 p.m.

Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore The Long Island LGBT Community Center has partnered with You Gotta Believe, a non-profit organization that places teenagers into permanent adoptive homes, to provide Adoptive Parent Preparation Classes! If you are interested in participating, please call 631.665.2300. www.lgbtnetwork.org

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO PROGRAMS AT ANY OF THE LGBT NETWORK COMMUNITY CENTERS ON THURSDAY, MAY 7TH & MONDAY, MAY 25TH.

THE LGBT NETWORK WANTS YOU TO SAVE THE DATE! 25TH ANNUAL LONG ISLAND PRIDE PARADE & PRIDEFEST SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH HUNTINGTON, NY ANNUAL SUMMER-KICK OFF BRIDGEHAMPTON TENNIS & SURF CLUB SATURDAY, MAY 23RD MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BBQ AT THE HOME OF EDIE WINDSOR

SATURDAY, MAY 23RD

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: LGBTNETWORK.ORG/CALENDAR

>> READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

JOURNAL >> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

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About the lGBT Network The LGBT Network (the Network) is an association of non-profit organizations serving the LGBT communities of Long Island and Queens throughout the lifespan.

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Goals: The Network’s organizations work to end homophobia and transphobia on Long Island, provide a home and safe space for the LGBT community, and advocate for equality.

Community Centers: The Network operates Long Island’s only three LGBT community centers in Woodbury, Bay Shore, and Sag Harbor and recently opened a fourth center in the borough of Queens.

National Significance: Based upon budget and number of staff, The Network is the fifth largest LGBT community center organization in the country, and one of three operating multiple locations.

The Network’s Organizations: Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY): Established in 1993, LIGALY is the original and flagship organization of The Network which works to build youth leadership, end anti-LGBT bullying, stop HIV/AIDS, and prevent suicide.

The Long Island LGBT Community Center (The Center): The Center was established in 2005 to meet a strong community need for services for LGBT people over the age of 22. Since LIGALY serves LGBT youth up to age 21, there were no additional LGBT services on Long Island. The Center serves as a social and cultural epicenter for the LGBT community.

Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders - Long Island (SAGE-LI): SAGE-LI was established in 2005 and provides LGBT older adults with the needed outlets to promote social connections, increase positive health outcomes, and advocate for equality and visibility among institutions serving older adults.

The Queens LGBT Community Center (Q Center): Recently established in 2014, Q Center offers programs and services for LGBT and allied people from all walks of life.

The organizations of the Network are the only human services organizations on Long Island whose mission and services are wholly dedicated to serving Long Island’s LGBT community.

The Network is a unique model of service delivery by which each of its organizations share administrative, fundraising, and other back-end operations as well as programming space to reduce overhead expenses, and ensure that more of each dollar raised goes directly to programs and services.

The Network and its organizations are an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. More than 80% of each dollar raised goes directly to programs and services. For more information on the LGBT Network and its services, please visit www.lgbtnetwork.org.

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chief executive officer David Kilmnick, PhD, MSW

board of directors Frank Ullman, President Owner, FCU Holdings. LLC.

Beatrice Alda Filmmaker & Hotel owner

Robert Heppenheimer, Treasurer Owner/Operator, Nesconset Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center

Thomas Maligno, Esq. Director of Career Services, Touro Law School

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

Rony Nehme, Secretary Managing Director, Greater long Island Financial group Prudential Financial

staff Robert Balzarano, LMSW Director of CARE Services Andrey Bashlyk Finance Aaron Braun Community Educator Stephanie Buxbaum Health Promotion Coordinator Alexis Capitini Communications Manager Elizabeth Chen Graphic Design & Video Specialist Jonathan Chenkin Development Officer for Corporate & Business Relations Alyssa Cottone Sage-LI Program Coordinator Ruth Davis Information & Referral Specialist Eliscia DiStefano Executive Assistant

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Keri Divanian Director of youth and family services

Lilianne Ogeka Program Assistant

Matt Grady HIV/STD Outreach & Testing Specialist

Rebecca Panarello HIV/STD Outreach & Testing Program leader

Cheyenne Grant HIV/STD Outreach & Testing Specialist

Christopher Polistena East End Program coordinator

Marian holmes Community Program coordinator

Chris Scarpati, MA Assistant Director of Development

Adam Lombardi Social Media Manager

Michael Serrano Development Officer for Database Management & Special Events

Nicole Medici, LMSW Director of community services Elizabeth Munksy LGBT Training & Leadership institute coordinator

Lyndsay Smith Safe Schools Coordinator Irene Tsikitas, MSW Director of Programs

Jeffrey Natt, MPH Chief grants, research, & Evaluation Officer

Robert Vitelli, MA Chief Operating Officer & Director of Development

Kerrie O’Neill, LMSW Director of community engagement

Christina Wilk HIV/STD Program Manager

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thank you to our 2015 sponsors Presenting Sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union Host Sponsor The Space at westbury Premier Sponsor Family residences and essential enterprises, inc. (FREE) Lessing’s PLatinum Sponsor A&Z Pharmaceutical, Inc. Martin and Lauire scheinman msc industrial supply co.

Titanium Sponsor Anonymous Forever Bungalows Bea alda and Jennifer Brooke Albert and manda Kalimian Kulka, LLC Local 1102 RWDSU UFCW Mejias Milgrim & Alvarado, P.C. Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. PSEG Long Island TD Bank Frank Ullman, FCU Holdings, LLC

Gold Sponsor Hofstra University Local 338 RWDSU UFCW Long Island IVF N.Cheng & Co., P.C. Newsday Wells Fargo Advisors YMCA of Long Island Silver Sponsor Constantinople & Vallone Consulting, LLc Resi Cooper Adam and Renee Haber Majorie J. hill, Phd and Stacey Bridgeman Hudson River Healthcare patricia mccormick Peter J. G. Maris, Jr., M.D. Charlie and Roni Robbins UFCW LOcal 1500 United Way of long island Bronze Sponsor Express Scripts Rhona and Leonard Feigenbaum Mike Sirowitz Jeffrey and Audrey Spiegel Deborah Tascone and Sheila Kennedy Dave Widmer Media Sponsors K98.3 Long Island Pulse Newsday

host committee Linda Armyn Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Dave Mejias ​Mejias Milgrim & Alvarado, P.C.

Resi Cooper

Martin and Laurie Scheinman

Gemma de Leon Local 1102 RWDSU UFCW

Dave Widmer

Alissa Marti Connoisseur Media/K98.3

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THURSDAY, MAY MAY 7TH 7TH || THE THE SPACE SPACE AT AT WESTBURY WESTBURY >> THURSDAY,

A LETTER FROM THE CEO OF THE LGBT NETWORK Dear Friends, On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the tens of thousands of people we reach and serve each year, thank you for your support, and for joining us in celebrating the LGBT Network and our honorees. Tonight we honor three individuals who are leading the way in making positive changes for the LGBT community.

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), and a national leader, has been a pioneer for the LGBT community in the labor movement. As a member of the Democratic National Committee and the Board of Directors for the Empire State Pride Agenda, Stuart has been instrumental in securing legislation to bring equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers.

Jason Collins made history in 2013 when he, as an active player for the National Basketball Association (NBA), became the first male proathlete in the four major sports leagues to publically come out as gay.

With high praise and support from his peers, and society as a whole, Jason’s decision has paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.

We honor him tonight for his courage and for showing the nation, especially the youth, to be proud about who you are and to continue to break barriers as we fight for full equality.

Julia Robinson is an emerging youth leader at Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY). She is just one example of how LIGALY has been a critical part in building up youth to reach their greatest potential. For over two years, Julia has been committed to making LIGALY a welcoming space for LGBT and allied youth. She is actively involved in many of the leadership programs that LIGALY offers, including LIGALY Advisory Board, Pride Empowerment Project, Sexual Negotiation and Prevention Team, and the Long Island Gay PTSA. Most recently, Julia testified on behalf of all LGBT youth to the Suffolk County Legislature in advocating for more resources to help her peers.

By coming together tonight to pay tribute to these incredible individuals you are helping the LGBT Network accomplish its work throughout the year. As the Network continues to create change and grow, we extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to all those who believe in our work and are committed to creating safer and more supportive spaces for LGBT youth, adults, families, seniors, and allies throughout Long Island and Queens. Thank you again for your support tonight and throughout the year.

With pride,

David Kilmnick, PhD, MSW Chief Executive Officer

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honoreeS advocates fighting tirelessly for equality for the LGbt community

Stuart Appelbaum became President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union on May 1, 1998. He was reelected in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. He also currently serves as an Executive Vice-President of the 1.3 million-member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Appelbaum previously served as International Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, Executive Board Member, Assistant to the President and Coordinator of Special Projects for the union.

Appelbaum is a Vice-President of the national AFLCIO and a member of the federation’s Executive Council. He also currently serves as a vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO and the New York City Central Labor Council.

Stuart Appelbaum President, Retail, wholesale and department store union (RWDSU) Executive Vice President, United food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union

He serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store International Union and Industry Benefit Funds.

Appelbaum is the President of the Jewish Labor Committee.

He is an officer of two global union federations: IUF (International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations) and UNI (Union Network International). He is a Vice President of the Consortium for Worker Education.

Appelbaum was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Regional Economic Development Committee for New York City, where he serves on the Executive Committee.

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

Appelbaum previously served as Chief House Counsel of the Democratic National Committee.

He also previously worked for the Michigan State AFL-CIO and as Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the State of Connecticut.

Appelbaum is a member of the Democratic National Committee, and serves on the DNC’s Executive Committee and the DNC’s Resolutions Committee. He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the DNC Labor Council. Appelbaum was elected a delegate to the 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions and an alternate delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention. In 2008, he served as a member of the Electoral College as an Obama elector from New York.

Additionally, Stuart has also been working for LGBT equality and social justice. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Empire State Pride Agenda since 2009 igniting his LGBT activism and working to increase the visibility and awareness of the LGBT community and its presence within the labor movement.

Appelbaum is a summa cum laude graduate of Brandeis University, where he was named a Louis Dembitz Brandeis Scholar and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. He is a member of the bar of the State of Connecticut. Appelbaum resides in New York City.

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Jason Paul Collins was born December 2, 1978, in Northridge, California. He attended HarvardWestlake School in Los Angeles where he and his twin brother Jarron won two California Interscholastic Federation state titles. Both brothers headed to Stanford University for college and spent 4 productive seasons with the Cardinals. During his senior season, Jason was named to the All-Pac-10 first team and was voted a third-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He finished his college career ranked first in Stanford history for field goal percentage (.608) and third in blocked shots (89).

Jason Collins Former NBA player first openly gay pro-athlete

Collins was selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and was traded to the New Jersey Nets on draft day for Eddie Griffin alongside Richard Jefferson and Brandon Armstrong. A key contributor on the team, Collins helped the Nets reach the NBA Finals in both of his first two seasons. A team leader, Collins was known for being a physical player when defending the post and someone who excelled at setting screens and boxing out. He continued to play an important role with the Nets until he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008.

Julia Robinson is an emerging youth leader at LIGALY dedicated to unleashing the potential of women and girls, and creating an inclusive and sustainable world for LGBT and ally youth.

Julia is just one example of how LIGALY has been a critical part in building up someone to reach his or her greatest potential. Once a shy, quiet, and reserved student, Julia has grown into a strong, confidant, energetic and most importantly, a proud young woman with LIGALY’s support.

Julia Robinson has committed to making LIGALY a welcoming space for all youth, paving the way for her peers to follow in her footsteps by setting an example; just this year she helped create a rap song for LIGALY’s Safe Schools Team that won an award through the Nassau County PTA and went on to compete in the Reflections Competition on the NY state level.

Julia robinson Youth Leader Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY)

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Collins was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves alongside Kevin Love during the 2008 NBA Draft and signed with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2009 offseason. He played with the Hawks for 3 seasons before signing with the Boston Celtics in 2012. He was then traded to the Washington Wizards in 2013 before finishing his career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.

Julia is a community builder working to make sure all new youth are welcomed and introduced to other youth in all of LIGALY’s programming such as LIGALY’s Advisory Board (LAB) where she collaborates with staff to ensure LIGALY programming is reflective of the needs of the community. She’s also become a leader in the Pride Empowerment Project (PEP)’s PEP Team, a group of dedicated young leaders who work to bring change to our communities by helping to spread information and awareness through outreach to LGBT and ally youth.

On April 29, 2013, Collins made history as the first active male athlete from one of the four major North American professional team sports to publically come out as gay. Following his announcement, Collins received high praise and support from both his peers and society as a whole for his decision. Collins was among the first class of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He is a member of The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, joining several other world renowned athletes in promoting the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. As of 2014, he also became an NBA Cares Ambassador and, through this affiliation, helps further the NBA’s efforts to address social issues such as education, youth and family development, and health and wellness.

As a member of our Sexual Negotiation and Prevention (SNAP) Team, Julia meets with other LGBT and allied youth to talk about sexual health, especially stopping HIV/AIDS in Long Island. Taking her leadership a step further, Julia is also working to bridge her education with the needs of the LGBT and ally community. As an active participant in the Gay Parent Teacher Student Association (Gay-PTSA) - the only chartered PTA of its kind in the nation - Julia utilizes monthly meetings to advocate for LGBT students in order to create safer, more affirming schools.

Julia is also an active leader in the Lindenhurst High School GSA Club. And as if that’s not enough, every Friday evening Julia comes to OUTlet, the Friday night youth social program at LIGALY where she’s become a mentor and mediator for young people from across Long Island to come to this unique, safe and substance-free space to make friends, hang out, and dance all night!

Most recently, as an enthusiastic and compassionate public speaker, Julia testified on behalf of all LIGALY youth at the Suffolk County Legislature to express the importance of LIGALY not only for herself - but also for all current and future youth who need a safe, supportive, and life-saving space in Long Island and Queens.

To this day, there’s no denying Julia’s impact on LIGALY and The Network, her transformative contributions, her dedication,and generosity of one person, Julia Robinson, has had far-reaching effects that will stand the test of time.

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BE DIFFERENT!

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah at THE SPACE will create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime!

ment you see your son or daughter’s name in lights quee to the grand entrance of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah on our nd friends will have witnessed an unqualified smash hit! Your ar on the same magical stage where their favorite concert ace creative team will tailor the Bar/Bat Mitzvah presentation of your family and collaborate with your caterer and event n outstanding event. You will love our Space, complete with e reception and gaming areas, and ample Space to seat deo screens, state of the art lighting and sound systems, 6 bars and 4 dressing rooms are among the amenities that are hallmarks of The Space.

The Space at Westbury, Long Island’s newest state of the art concert hall and special event center, is the perfect place to see your favorite stars and to stage your next special event.

Upcoming Attractions at The Space at Westbury

From corporate meetings to holiday parties, product launches to weddings, we welcome you to make The Space your space, the venue of your dreams. The Space is proud to be the Host Sponsor of the LGBT Network Spring Gala. For updates and information: www.thespaceatwestbury.com

g memories that will be cherished for a lifetime

Make an appointment to Be Different. Call 516.283.5577 or email info@thespaceatwestbury.com ost Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 • 516.283.5566, 250 Post Avenue Westbury, NY 11590 ent to see The Space and reserve your dates www.thespaceatwestbury.com

516.283.5570 ; frank@thespaeatwestbury.com www.thespaceatwestbury.com Attraction tickets available online at

Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. Tickets can be purchased for all shows at the Box Office 2 hours before showtime.

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National Foundation for Human Potential

Congratulates LGBT Network On Transforming the Landscape for Long Island and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community

and This Year’s Honorees Stuart Appelbaum Jason Collins & Julia Robinson for their Long History of Advocating for the Rights of Working Communities and LGBT Communities

National Foundation for Human Potential 191 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road Old Bethpage, NY 11804 www.nffhp.org . Phone: 516-870-1600 26

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LGBT Equality

Acceptance Leadership

Diversity Excellence

Community WE SALUTE THIS YEAR’S LGBT HONOREES AND ALL WHOSE TIRELESS EFFORTS HELP BUILD A STRONGER, SAFER AND MORE EQUITABLE COMMUNITY.

Top manufacturers trust MSC to deliver with more than 600,000 ready-to-ship items including top brands from 3,000+ suppliers and the industry’s best technical expertise.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

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PROUD TO SUPPORT

THE DAVID BOHNETT CYBERCENTER AT LIGALY And At 62 Other LGBT Centers Nationwide.

David Bohnett CyberCenters offer a safe and inviting space to learn new skills, make new friends, or just check your email!

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

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The Board, Officers and Employees of

New York Community Bancorp, Inc. are proud to support the

LGBT Network Gala in their important work with

Visit us at NYCBfamily.com 32 LIGALY • journal 2015ad.indd LGBT1 NETWORK GALA

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY 4/21/2015 11:56:17 AM

PASSION

CHANGES THE WORLD The NBA congratulates Jason Collins and we are proud to support the LGBT Network.

For more information visit NBACares.com

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

@nbacares

#NBACARES

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ART is my life.

Long Island is my place.

Long Island Pulse is my magazine.

—Artist Jerelyn Hanrahan

Long Island Pulse Proudly Supports LGBT Network

Sophisticated, successful professionals who live, work and play in the Hamptons, Gold Coast and boutique communities of Long Island subscribe to Long Island Pulse Magazine to catch up with the who’s who and find out where to go and what to do.

Join this influential readership.

Subscribe today at lipulse.com/subscribe.

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PulseAd_March15.indd 1

631.289.4315 | lipulse.com

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY 2/26/15 12:00 PM

Being yourself is just being human.

Everywhere. Every day.

We’re with you.

We Bank Human and celebrate the LGBT community.

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“Building Strength in our Communities” Gemma deLeon President

Alvin Ramnarain Secretary – Treasurer

Thomas Rowland Assistant to the President/ Recorder

Ryan Brunet Executive Vice President

Local 1102 RWDSU UFCW · 311 Crossways Park Drive · Woodbury, NY 11797 · (516) 683-1102 · www.local1102.org

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

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LGBT-Friendly. Dog-Friendly. Eco-Friendly.

beach passes • bike rentals • “Hello” lounge • wi-fi • péntanque courts

765 Rt. 114 Sag Harbor, NY • (631) 591-0512 • ForeverBungalows.com

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO

The LGBT Network for its service to Long Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and to

HONOREE

STUART APPELBAUM

Howard Capell Robert S. Barnett Gregory L. Matalon Stuart H. Schoenfeld Joseph Milano Renato Matos Counsel to Professionals, Businesses, Individuals and Not-for-Profit/Religious Corporations 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 233, Jericho, New York 11753 Phone: 516/931-8100 Fax: 516/931-8101 225 West 35th Street, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001 Phone: 212/661-1144

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Congratulations to

Stuart Applebaum Jason Collins Julia Robinson

Thank you to each honoree and to the staff of the LGBT Network for your tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for the LGBT community.

With greatest respect and admiration, Frank C. Ullman FCU Holdings, LLC

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

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We are Proud to Support the

LGBT Network at the

2015 Network Gala

James D. Garbus and your friends at

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. I 990 Stewart Avenue I Garden City I New York 11530 ALBANY I GARDEN CITY I NEW YORK CITY I WASHINGTON, D.C. I www.msek.com I Tel: 516-741-6565

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2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

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2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

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Newsday

salutes

the works and accomplishments of the LGBT NETWORK Newsday would like to congratulate this year’s gala honorees Stuart Appelbaum,

Jason Collins and Julia Robinson

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO THE

LGBT Network on the occasion of its

2015 LGBT Network Gala

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2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

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HONORING THE GOOD WORK OF THE LGBT NETWORK Roger Tilles

Stands the Test of Time...

Nardy Honda Smithtown Proudly Supports The LGBT Network We congratulate tonight’s honoree

Stuart Appelbaum We commend the LGBT Network for its commitment to unite Long Islanders of different backgrounds and identities Lawrence Levy, Executive Dean National Center for Suburban Studies 42

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2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

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Farmingdale State College

Honors the

LGBT Network 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735 FAR MINGDALE.EDU

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

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all proceeds of the gala benefit the lgbt network

nassau: center at woodbury | 20 crossways park dr. n., suite 110, woodbury, ny 11797 | 516.323.0011 suffolk West: center at bay shore | 34 park avenue, bay shore, ny 11706 | 631.665.2300 Suffolk East: the hamptons lgbt center | 44 union street, sag harbor, ny 11963 | 631.899.4950 queens: center at little neck | 58-20 little neck pkwy., little Neck, ny 11362 | 516.323.0011

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2015 LGBT NETWORK GALA

>> THURSDAY, MAY 7TH | THE SPACE AT WESTBURY

be scene Night of Noise

Friday, April 17th, 2015 | The Center at Bay shore more than 200 youth attended the annual night of noise block party held by Long island gay and lesbian youth (LIGALY) at the center at bay shore. lgbt and allied youth took part in a macaroni and cheese eating contest, speakout, and bake sale. Youth waited patiently on line to spray paint the wall of hate with words they have been bullied with and ended the night by breaking down the wall of hate with a sledgehammer.

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4/16/15 9:49 AM

living healthy

wellness

by jennifer nyx

Make Food Your Friend, Not Your Enemy T

ake a few minutes to conjure up in your mind the image of two women. One thing they have in common is that they both love to eat. The first woman loves the food she’s known all her life – Big Macs from McDonald’s with the side of fries and the extra-large Diet Coke, of course. It might be Wendy’s another day, Kentucky Fried Chicken the day after that. More often than not, she grabs her food in a bag handed to her through a drive through window, and will have finished the meal before she gets home.

She doesn’t cook – she’s usually too hungry when it’s mealtime to take the time to cook, and anyway, the food tastes better soaked in lard and fried in grease. She may socialize with comfort food, fried chicken and potato salad at a church social, followed by apple pie or some other sort of cake that the women used to bake at home, but more likely tend to pick up at the grocery store these days, where they’ve been sitting prettily on the shelf thanks to the preservatives used to keep them looking good. This woman’s approach to food, the food she loves, is almost frantic.

She loves it so much; she just can’t wait to eat it. During the day, she may curb her hunger between meals with a Snickers bar or maybe even a “healthy” granola bar or serving of sugary

yogurt. She can’t go to bed without a helping of Ben and Jerry’s – that stuff is to die for. She eats it as if she would die without it, and the fact is, she’s dying because of it.

Can you picture her? She may be skinny, but more than likely she’s overweight. For sure her skin isn’t as clear and bright as it could be. She isn’t grounded. Food rules her life, and she loves this food. But it doesn’t love her back.

Picture the second woman. She loves her food, too. But she loves it in a wholly different way. She strolls through the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. She takes her time inspecting and admiring the fruits and vegetables in the produce bins. She loads her basket with carefully chosen greens, carrots, onions, peppers and potatoes. She loads another basket with fresh strawberries, kiwi, melons, and apples. She might choose a little lean meat from a grass fed cow or a free range chicken (and some cage free eggs from the same farmer), perhaps some raw cheese just

thick in the middle if she’s middle aged. But she’s not obese. She’s not frantic. She’s at peace with herself, and with her food. The two go hand in hand.

Now – who loves food more? I mean, truly loves it? Respects it? Honors it? And enjoys it in a peaceful, dignified, grounded way?

The first woman claims she loves food, but the food is her enemy.

It controls her...she would easily see food as an obstacle to her goals. brought in from Wisconsin. She talks to the farmers, asks about their crops and harvests.

At the edge of the fair, she buys a small loaf of 100% whole grain bread, and even a small scone to go with a cup of organic tea she’ll have the next morning. Whatever she can’t find she picks up the local grocery store – a little quinoa, some whole grain oatmeal and spices, a bottle of organic red wine. Perhaps she even has her own garden, where she grows her own eggplant and bib lettuce. When she gets home she takes her time marinating a little bit of free range chicken in a homemade vegetable broth, cuts the onions and carrots and puts them in the crockpot with the meat and some kale and spices, and lets the house fill with the aroma. She makes a salad, warms the bread, and pours some wine. Her company arrives to a meal they’ll all share and savor together. I’m sure you can picture this second woman, too – a healthy glow to her skin, a genuine smile and a peace and serenity about her. She might be thin, or maybe she’s a little

The first woman claims she loves food, but the food is her enemy. It controls her, and if she wanted to “diet,” to lose weight or otherwise get control of herself, she would easily see food as an obstacle to her goals. Right now, food is something she is panicked about, desperate for, and grabs when she feels she is empty and needs to fill herself up – very much like a dysfunctional relationship, in fact! If she wanted to change her habits, food would be something she’d have to manage, deprive herself of, conquer, and defeat. It would be a constant struggle, because of her mindset, but she can change her ways.

The second woman already sees food as her friend, and she doesn’t seem deprived at all – does she? She takes her time, appreciates the food – the way it looks, feels, smells. She takes her time with it, cooks it carefully, and serves it in the midst of joy and happiness. And what is the best part? The food she loves does love her back! She’s healthy and happy, and the food fuels her. When she eats, she spends more time thinking about what she’s putting in her body so she can live and thrive, not what she’s depriving herself of. Food – real, whole, nourishing food – is your friend. Think of these foods that way. Go to the market and find them, discover the ones you love, and they will love you back.

Because food changes everything. 

About the author: Jennifer Nyx is a Holistic Health Coach and Personal Trainer dedicated to support her clients with their health goals and empower them to make lasting changes in their behavior and lifestyle. you can find her at talkwithjennifer.com

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living smart

finance

Creating a Budget Many consumers today may have used a map at some point in time (or in our modern age, a GPS!).

In either case, it is important to have it for directions to get to a desired destination. Just like maps, creating a budget can be extremely beneficial for us to help reach our financial goals, be it saving for a new car, a wedding, or perhaps a new home. Here are some tips to help create a monthly budget from scratch.

Establish Your Goals

In establishing a monthly budget, you may have a set goal in mind. In most cases, it will be saving money. It’s important to keep your goals in mind while you design your budget, as in the end, everything involving your budget is for that goal. You can start with something small such as saving X amount of dollars each month, then make your goals bigger as you are able to, such as saving for a new TV, car, home, and other big purchases.

Determine & Track Your Monthly Expenses

Determine Your Income

This of course is simple, but sometimes overlooked; it’s important to consider how much income you’re receiving in a monthly basis.

Depending on your income, you can figure out exactly how much you need for your monthly expenses, if you have extra money to work with, or if you have too much in expenses. If you have too many expenses, it’s crucial for us to take a look at them and see what’s important and what expenses can be cut down on.

Prioritize Your Expenses

Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

We all know it – there are areas where we can probably cut down on expenses. When buying groceries, for example, we can probably buy the store-brand food and it will still be just as good as the name-brand products. In addition, some of us may be able to cut down on that cup of coffee or iced latte in the morning. On a more serious note, reviewing your bills is a great way to see what you are paying for, and perhaps you can decrease your payments by taking out services you do not use. For example, if you have X minutes on your cell phone plan, but only use a half of it, you could save some money monthly by changing your plan.

...if you have X minutes on your cell phone plan, but only use a half of it, you could save some money monthly by changing your plan.

The second thing you would need to do to figure out your monthly expenses. Keep in mind everything that you may spend money on – groceries, medical costs, going out to eat, gas, car insurance and mortgage/rent are just a few things to consider. Other costs may include utility bills, cell phone bills, gym membership, a Netflix subscription, and clothing. Last but not least, don’t forget to include any money you use for recreational activity as well!

Unfortunately, going out to the movies, getting drinks with friends, or a trip to the mall may cost something as well. The best way to get a general idea of your monthly expenses is to keep all receipts you have for any purchases you make in a month. If it is something that comes out of a bank account automatically, be sure to keep record of it as well.

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After determining monthly expenses, we need to prioritize them. What are absolutely necessary expenses month to month? Basic necessities of course would be food and water (groceries), utilities (electric/gas), shelter (mortgage/rent), and clothing. On top of that, other necessary expenses may include medical expenses, and transportation. Do you own a car? You’d have to determine how much you spend on gas each month by estimating since gas prices change on a daily basis. On top of that, you’d have to budget for car insurance costs, as well as costs for registration and/or inspection. In addition, there may be a cost for any maintenance you need on your vehicle. Are you a commuter? You have to consider how much you spend on your commute to work if you travel by taxi, bus, or train.

Continue to Monitor Your Budget

Monthly budgets are always changing based on changing expense costs for things such as gas, utilities, and groceries. While the reason these costs change may be beyond our control, it’s important to adjust our budget accordingly so we are ready to continue reaching our goals! 

>> READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG

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points of view op-ed

Discrimination Is Not Religious Freedom

A movement is afoot in state legislatures across the country to disenfranchise LGBTQ Americans.

There is a surprisingly number of bills being introduced in state legislative session, which outright sanction and enforce LGBTQ discrimination.

These bills are called “Religious Freedom Restoration Acts” (RFRA).

But don’t be fooled, these lawmakers are looking to codify LGBTQ discrimination. By April a lot of the decisions will be known.

The Georgia Senate, with a vote of 37-15, approved their controversial RFRA (House Bill 1023).

The bill doesn’t want the state’s Christian religious conservatives, fundamentalists and evangelicals to “substantially burden” their personal religious practices and beliefs.

What, you may ask, could possibly be such a burden to Christians in Georgia that a state law is necessitated?

Burden, according the bill, is defined as: “‘Burden’ means any government action or implementation or application of any law, including, but not limited to, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies, whether statutory or otherwise, that directly or indirectly constrains, inhibits, curtails, or denies the exercise of religion by any person or that directly or indirectly pressures any person to engage in any action contrary to that person’s exercise of religion, including, but not limited to, withholding benefits, assessing criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, and exclusion from government programs or access to government facilities.”

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

– can easily be subject to egregious forms of discrimination, bigotry and hate crimes under the guise of religion.

For example, the Atlanta-based family-owned fast food fried chicken chain Chick-fil-A can now with the state’s sanctioning of House Bill 1023 openly and legally discriminate in their hiring practices of Jews, divorcees or LGBTQ people based on their Southern Baptist beliefs.

In June 2012 controversy arose when it was disclosed that the company’s founder S. Truett Cathy and his family donated millions of dollars to groups across the country opposing same-sex marriage. S. Truett Cathy through The WinShape Foundation, the chain’s charitable organization, flatly barred same-sex couples from participating in the foundation’s marriage retreats.

“Religious Freedom Restoration Acts” like Georgia’s are springing up around the country. And the bogus claims look like this in justifying denying services to same-sex couples:

But let’s be clear, the only religious folk lawmakers hope to protect from a “substantially burden” is Christians. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and other non-Christian Georgians don’t merit protection. As a matterof-fact, these demographic groups – along with atheists and LGBTQs

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A family-owned bakery in Gresham, Oregon called “Sweet Cakes by Melissa” wanted to “practice their Constitutional right to religious freedom;” a florist in Washington state wanted to maintain her “relationship with Jesus;” and a photography company in New Mexico would “gladly serve gays and

lesbians” by taking portraits. But photographing same-sex marriages or commitment ceremonies would “require them to create expression conveying messages that conflict with their religious beliefs.” Sweet Cakes by Melissa closed the family shop and moved the business to their home making it clear LGBTQ dollars are not wanted.

“They don’t have a right to be served in every single store,” said Mr. Silk, the Oklahoma state senator, referring to gay people. “People need to have the ability to refuse service if its violates their religious convictions.”

While South Dakota and Arkansas’s RFRA failed to advance in their state’s legislative sessions North Carolina and Alabama’s bill did. In same-sex marriage equality states (like North Carolina and Alabama) state judges, state employers like justices of the peace can refuse to officiate samesex nuptials and private businesses can refuse services to same-sex couples citing it violates their religious belief.

The argument cited by religious conservatives for discrimination against LGBTQ Americans is not confined geographically. And the last place one would expect to not see this type of discrimination rearing its head is liberal Massachusetts. But it has.

Gordon College, a small conservative Christian college on the North Shore, prides itself on upholding the tenets of religious freedom. And in so doing, the college tested its boundaries with the recent Supreme Court case “Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.” The “Hobby Lobby” case ruling of last year allowed family-owned corporations to cite religious objections to opt out of the nation’s Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA required employers to cover certain contraceptives for women. Gordon’s President D. Michael Lindsay – along

with 14 influential religious leaders from across the country – asked President Obama for an exemption banning discrimination in hiring on the basis of sexual orientation. (Immediately following the “Hobby Lobby decision the Supreme Court granted Wheaton College, another evangelical Christian liberal arts college outside of Chicago a temporary injunction allowing the college to refuse providing contraception.)

Lindsay and his band of homophobes framed their request to the president, by email, c/o Melissa Rogers, Executive Director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, under the guise of religious freedom.

This was hardly, though, the first time a Massachusetts school has tried to paint discrimination as religious freedom.

As recently as January of 2014, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed a complaint against Fontbonne Academy, a religious college prep school in Milton, MA, when the school fired Matt Barrett – after offering him employment at the school as Food Services Director – when he stated on a form that his spouse was a male.

“If I’m planning and making meals for students, I’m not sure what my being gay has to do with the job,” Matt says “I’ve always done well in my work, and was excited about working at Fontbonne. All I did was fill out the form honestly.”

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

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points of view Trans-missions

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Restroom Realities Being transgender means having to hurdle over challenges that few others face, all for the sake of being one’s true self.

Perhaps the obvious one is having negotiate and get medical care to transition, including having to have therapists declare you sane enough to be diagnosed with a gender identity disorder to seek surgical intervention. Then again, the fact that your entire identity is reduced to our medical choices by the nontransgendered should be just as obvious.

While all disenfranchised groups face name-calling, harassment, and systemic discrimination both overt and otherwise, there are elements unique to being transgender. We face similar forms of misogyny and sexual harassment, with the added assumption that our bodies are somehow questioned and mocked by anyone who views us as less than a perfect example of our assumed genders.

Oh, and yes, all trans men and women may face misogyny, whether is it male to females facing “traditional” assaults upon their gender identity, female to males being assaulted for not being “feminine,” or any number of other examples of anti-woman sentiment. Ours is a culture that often subjugates women as soon as our first breathe.

Yet some of our biggest hurdles are those of our own legitimacy.

When we come out as transgender, we have to fight to have our very identities accepted as “truth.”

All around us become judge and jury over the realities of our lives, determining for themselves if the actuality of our existence is one they can choose to bear or not.

As transgender people have gained a voice in public discourse, and as we have seen rights involving gender identity and expression included more and more, another angle on this has emerged. Not only is our existence brought into question, but also the assumption that “allowing” us to be treated fairly could lead to greater risk of harm to nontransgender people. In short, the argument is that “giving into our delusion” would lead to harmless innocents being victimized.

I speak of the mythological sexual predator who will claim to be 54

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transgender in order to gain unlawful access to people in restrooms and other public accommodations.

The assumption seems to be that sexual predators will be able to get away with their crimes by simply calling themselves transgender: as if law enforcement would be unable to apprehend a rapist simply because they purchased a dime store frock.

Yet the “bathroom meme” remains a strong hobgoblin in many nontransgender minds. Even though there is no basis to believe that molesters will be flocking to women’s rooms, the notion is put forth again and again as a reason to halt the

“When we come out as transgender, we have to fight to have our very identities accepted as ‘truth.’” equal rights of transgender people.

The Kentucky Senate recently approved a bill that will require transgender students to use bathrooms that match their biological sex versus their gender orientation. The bill would also award other students $2,500 every time they discovered a transgender student in a school restroom, a move that would obviously begin a transgender witch hunt.

Republican State Senator C. B. Embry, Jr., who calls this a “common sense” bill to protect the safety of students, sponsored the bill.

Again, the argument is that the rights of transgender people pale in comparison to a threat that simply has not been shown to exist.

Thankfully, the bill has little support in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and will likely die before it has a chance to be taken up.

Florida has opted to take things onestep further than Kentucky. House Bill 583, introduced by Republican Representative Frank Artiles would criminalize restroom use by transgender people. If a transgender person were caught in a single-sex restroom that did not match their gender assignment at birth, they would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, and could face a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. It would even open the owners of the facility used to civil lawsuits by others who use the same facilities.

Artiles claims that he doesn’t mean to punish transgender people, but just wants to protect the safety of the general public. “It’s not that the transgender or the gender identity community is dangerous by any means,” he told the Miami Herald, “but [the ordinance] creates a giant loophole for criminals, sexual predators to walk into a shower, a woman’s locker room under the cover of law.”

Texas was not about to be outdone by Florida. House Bill 1748, introduced by Republican Representative Debbie Riddle, would make restroom use by transgender people a Class-A misdemeanor, subject to up to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail. The owner of the restroom could face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Representative Riddle further proposes that DNA tests be used to assure that the “actual” gender of the perpetrator be determined.

Because apparently Riddle feels that costly DNA testing is a rational and simple response to the complicated issue of gender. The bill even spells out what gender is based on simple X and Y chromosomes in a way that would further affect intersex individuals.

Civil rights battles seem to always face issues with bathroom accommodations, and the transgender fight seems to be no different. Yet transgender people face an extra wrinkle on the whole affair, facing the assumption that our very basic biological needs must be criminalized for the “public’s safety” in the face of fairy tales.

It is time for this nonsense to end, and for sanity to prevail in the face of fear and panic.

Gwen Smith will just have to hold it, I guess. You can find her on Twitter at @gwenners

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PRIDE 25

25 Years of Long Island Pride Saturday, June 13th Parade: 12pm PrideFest: 1pm – 6pm Huntington | Heckscher Park JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNUAL LONG ISLAND PRIDE PARADE AND PRIDEFEST WITH AN ALL STAR LINE-UP INCLUDING:

Amber

David Hernandez

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