2
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
IN THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2016 - VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 1 COVER 3 IN THIS ISSUE IN THE NEWS: 6 NATIONAL 7 INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR OUT FRONT: 12 CANDIDATES AND LGBT EQUALITY OUT AND ABOUT: 14 Q-MUSIC: QUEERER THAN EVER 16 Q-MUSIC: DANCE FEVERISH 18 BOOKS: WINTER 2016 BOOK REPORT 20 LGBYQ+ YOUTH AND MEDIA REPRESENTATION GOOD TOGETHER: 23 FAMILY CAMP 2016 LIVING SMART: 25 HOROSCOPES 26 VIRTUALLY AFFORDABLE REALITY? POINTS OF VIEW: 27 HOMOPHOBIC HARLEM CHURCH BUILDING SHOULD BECOME LGBT HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER 29 THE LOVE THAT NOW SPEAKS ITS NAME
Living Out is produced by the LGBT Network.
LIVINGOUT 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury, NY 11797 516.323.0011
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
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
DAVID KILMNICK, PUBLISHER info@livingoutli.org MARIA BECCARI, EDITOR editor@livingoutli.org LYNN MURPHY, SENIOR ART DIRECTOR MICHAEL MURPHY, ART DIRECTOR JONATHAN CHENKIN, ADVERTISING advertising@livingoutli.org CONTRIBUTORS Anthony DeGuzman, Oriol R. Gutierrez, Jr., Adam Lombardi, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jennifer Nyx, Rachel Roth, Gregg Shapiro, Gwendolyn Ann Smith
31 WHERE WOULD MLK HAVE STOOD ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY?
GET PUBLISHED! WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM AS A MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR? WE’RE LOOKING FOR TALENTED WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN LONG ISLAND’S NEWEST LGBT PUBLICATION!
long island life LGbt culture
june 2015
vol 3, issue 5
SPECIAL PRIDE GUIDE EDITION!
PRIDE 25
Long Island Pride Parade and PrideFest Celebrates 25th Anniversary on Saturday, June 13th
facebook.com/livingoutli
connect with us
twitter.com/livingoutli livingoutli.org
APPLY TO BE A CONTRIBUTOR EMAIL EDITOR@LIVINGOUTLI.ORG! LIVING OUT
•
3
A dramatic change in mood or personality is 1 of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward doing something about it. For more information, and to learn what you can do now, go to alz.org/10signs or call 800.272.3900.
©2011 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved. 4
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING OUT
•
5
IN THE NEWS
national News
By Rachel Roth
FDA lifts ban on gay blood donors The Food and Drug Administration lifted the 30-year ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood in late December. There are still stringent restrictions that limit who can donate. In place of the ban, the FDA announced new policy barring donations from men who have had sex with a man in the previous year. While activists say the new policy is a “step in the right direction,” it still stigmatizes gay and bisexual men. The FDA considered eliminating all restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men, but concluded that would increase the transmission of HIV through the blood supply by 400%.
Indiana bill would impose fines for using “wrong” bathroom A bill has been introduced in Indiana that would fine people $5,000 for going to the bathroom. The Single-Sex Facilities Act, written by Republican Senator Jim Tomes, would effectively ban any toilets that aren’t designated “male” or “female”. The bill specifically targets schools, saying; “student facilities in school buildings must be designated for use by female students or male students, and may be used only by the students of the biological gender for which the facility is designated.” The bill could also result in a misdemeanor for a transgender man or woman to “knowingly or intentionally enters a single sex public facility that is designed to be used by [the opposite gender].”
New York will fine for willful, wanton misuse of gender pronouns The New York City Commission On Human Rights has officially banned willful misuse of gender pronouns as part of a new update to the city’s 1945 Human Rights Law. The new guidance, released on December 21, will fine employers, landlords and service providers up to $250,000 for deliberately addressing individuals by the wrong name or gender pronouns. The penalty amount will be determined based on the severity of the violation, a history of previous violations, knowledge of the NYC Human Rights Law and the violating company’s size.
Pioneering psychiatrist who shed light on homosexuality, dies Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, known for his successful effort to stop treating homosexuality as an illness died on Dec.25. According to The New York Times, Dr. Spitzer died from complications of heart disease. He was 83. In 2012, Dr. Spitzer publicly apologized for a 2001 study he authored claiming that so-called reparative therapy could be successful. Because of his work, homosexuality is no longer classified as a mental disorder in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (D.S.M.), the handbook used by health care professionals. 6
•
LIVING OUT
Alabama’s top judge tries to block marriage equality law Roy Moore, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, has ordered state officials to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite the last year’s landmark Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage the law of the land. Moore issued an administrative order saying the Alabama Supreme Court never lifted his directive to probate judges to refuse licenses to gay couples. According to the Associated Press, the majority of the judges in Alabama's 67 counties are issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, although at least three Alabama counties suspended all marriage license operations Wednesday in response to Moore's order.
SCOTUS denies parental rights to unmarried lesbian The US Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a woman who says Florida’s same-sex marriage ban deprived her as parental rights. The woman, Peggy Willis, claimed that the now defunct Florida ban on same-sex marriage stopped her from having the same rights as opposite-sex parents. A lower court in Florida had ruled that Willis had no parental right to the child conceived by a previous female partner.
School for LGBT youth to open in Atlanta A private school for LGBT youth and their allies is slated to open in Atlanta by September of this year. Pride School Atlanta is a K-12 institution designed to be an alternative for LGBT students, though the school is open to any student who feels like they’re not getting the support they need for “being different,” Pride School founder Christian Zsilavetz told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Zsilavetz, and educator for 25 years, said that teachers
will also have the freedom to “be who they are.” The school would be modeled after the Harvey Milk school in New York City and other education centers across the country designed for, but not limited to, LGBT youth. Pride School would be a so-called Free Model school with a setup more unstructured than traditional schools, where students’ interests are supposed to drive what they learn.
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
IN THE NEWS
international News
By Rachel Roth
Students receive Transgender rights activist maximum sentence for homosexuality attacked A transgender activist was attacked and received “inhumane” treatment from doctors and police officers. According to The Nation, men on motorcycles shot and injured Adnan, a member of Trans Action Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was taken to a hospital in Peshawar, where he was refused treatment for nearly two hours. Police arrested the attackers, and the two men had allegedly been harassing Adnan for months.
Jamaican activist, attorney challenges that law A Jamaican gay rights activist is legally challenging the Caribbean Island’s anti-sodomy law that criminalize consensual sex between men. The Guardian reported that attorney Maurice Tomlinson filed a claim in Jamaica’s supreme court challenging the constitutionality of the “rarely-used” 1864 laws that ban anal sex and anything interpreted as “gross indecency” between men. In addition to working with the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network Tomlinson is a senior policy analyst with the Torontobased advocacy organization.
Six Tunisian students were found guiltåy of homosexuality and each sentenced to three years in prison. The court in Kairouan also banned the men from returning to the city for five years after they complete their sentences. The young men were arrested in November and December and made to undergo anal examinations after their neighbors reported them.
First out trans candidate to run in Ireland
Lesbian woman raped and mutilated in brutal killing
Activist Ellen Murray has officially announced her candidacy for the Green Party elections in Belfast in May this year, making history as the first openly transgender candidate to run for office in all Ireland. The 22-year old woman, will stand for the Green Party in West Belfast in May’s Stormont Assembly poll.
The body of a young, South African lesbian woman has been found after she disappeared shortly before Christmas. Motshidisi Pascalina – thought to be aged between 18 and 20 – was discovered in a field close to her home in Gauteng province and was allegedly tortured and raped several times before being burned. Authorities indicated that they thought the brutal murder and assault was the result of ‘corrective rape’ – in which men try to ‘cure’ lesbian women of their sexuality by raping them. Four men have since been arrested in connection with Pascalina’s murder but have yet to be charged.
*Picture depicts staged re-enactment.
TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER MOST. At MassMutual Long Island Metro, we understand the unique financial needs of the LGBT community and can help you build financial strategies to ensure your loved ones are protected. For more than 160 years, MassMutual has helped policyowners on their quest for financial freedom.
T
Natalia M. Zimnoch Financial Services Representative MassMutual Long Island Metro 631-579-9469 nzimnoch@financialguide.com www.financialguide.com/Natalia-Zimnoch Offices in both Nassau & Suffolk.
LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES
MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. As of May 18, 2015, MassMutual received a 100% score on the Human Rights Commission’s Corporate Equality Index and was named a Best Places to Work. Insurance products are issued by MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201706-173276
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING OUT
•
7
Exciting Career Opportunities! Grow at the LGBT Network and make a difference in the lives of LGBT Long Islanders OPEN POSITIONS PrEP Outreach and Education Specialist (F/T)
Outreach and Early Intervention Specialist (F/T)
Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) has an immediate opening for a Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Outreach and Education Specialist. The principal roles of the PrEP Outreach and Education Specialist are: 1) to engage high risk young gay and bi-sexual men and adult transgender women and provide them with information about the medication Truvada (PrEP) with the aim of connecting candidates for this medication to clinicians for PrEP prescription and medication management; and 2) provide informational sessions to clinicians aimed at increasing their knowledge about the utility of PrEP in lowering the risk of HIV infection with the aim to facilitate more clinicians to prescribe the medication to high risk candidates. Qualifications: Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred in public health, social work, education or related field; 3 years of experience providing outreach and HIV/STD prevention education to individuals at high risk; significant demonstrated knowledge about PrEP medication; 3 years of experience conducting individual and group presentations to diverse audiences; commitment to and knowledge of the LGBT community and the HIV epidemic in Queens, Suffolk, & Nassau counties; Ability to multi-task and work both independently and as part of team in a fast-paced environment. Please see website for full description & requirements.
Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) has an immediate opening for a Outreach and Early Intervention Specialist (OEIS) aimed at connecting HIV positive individuals to needed treatment services and supporting their medication adherence. Responsibilities: Conduct community based, mobile, and virtual outreach engaging high risk gay and bi-sexual men and transgender women in social and community settings; Conduct on-site screenings to determine HIV risk, status and testing history; Make referrals for follow up appointments for HIV testing and more comprehensive screening/ assessments; Provide supervision and coordination to Peer Outreach Consultants. Perform comprehensive assessments of HIV+ individuals to gain an understanding of prevalent issues that may impede entering and maintaining HIV treatment. Qualifications: BA degree in Public Health, Social Services, etc; MSW with counseling experience preferred; 3 years experience in performing HIV outreach to high risk populations in nontraditional settings and using the internet as a means of connecting with and engaging with individuals engaged in high risk sex and drug activity; 3 years experience employing HIV evidence based interventions to help counsel and engage individuals in treatment. Please see website for full description & requirements.
LGBT Mental Health Counselor - Bilingual (F/T) The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Network is seeking to hire a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) LGBT Mental Health Counselor responsible for providing counseling services, facilitating support groups, and playing a pivotal role in the expansion of the LGBT Network’s mental health program. The LGBT Mental Health Counselor reports to the Director of Community Services; Provide mental health services to LGBT individuals and allies across the lifespan through individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Facilitate a variety of support groups, including Long Island Trans Experience (LITE), Parents of LGBT Children, LGBT Youth Support Groups, and others as needed. Adopt a linguistically and culturally appropriate approach to work with Spanish-speaking Latino/a and immigrant families. Deliver LGBT Cultural Competency Trainings to mental health professionals on clinical best practices when working with LGBT people and families. Participate in various community events and committees. Document, track, and monitor participant utilization for grants, funders, and organizational reporting. Perform other duties as assigned. Please see website for full description & requirements.
Van Driver (P/T) Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) is currently seeking a part time van driver to pick up and drop off youth from both Suffolk and Nassau counties for LIGALY’s programs. Van Drivers report directly to the Assistant Director of Programs; Assure safe and reliable transportation to and from LIGALY programs for youth. Maintain a Safe Space while providing transportation for youth. Refuel LIGALY’s van as needed during shift. Maintain cleanliness of LIGALY's van. Clean and valid New York state issued driver’s license. Basic automotive maintenance skills. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Flexible availability afternoon/evenings. Commitment to the GLBT youth community. Please see website for full description & requirements.
Community Program Coordinator (F/T) Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) has an immediate opening for a Community Program Coordinator. This position will report to the LGBT Training and Leadership Institute Coordinator; Coordinate and implement all aspects of the Center Families Project. Provide support services, programs, and advocacy to parents and families, including individuals interested in becoming parents through surrogacy, insemination, fostering, and adoption. Coordinate and deliver parenting and parenthood planning workshops to current and prospective parents. Coordinate networking opportunities and family play days for LGBT families, including LGBT-headed families, foster and adoptive families, and couples looking to start families. Manage the LGBT Network Volunteer Program, including monthly orientations for new volunteers as well as recruitment for Pride and fundraising events Represent the LGBT Network at relevant community events and collaborative committees. Assist with the facilitation of the weekly Friday night youth social and prevention program. Assist with special youth events, including but not limited to the annual LGBT youth prom and other social and cultural events. Assist with data collection and reporting Write and/or edit and prepare grant reports. Manage HELP Line phone calls database. Provide administrative and programmatic support as needed, including the coordination of room reservations, weekly schedules, van use/management, and monthly office supplies Other duties as assigned. Please see website for full description & requirements.
APPLY ONLINE AT: LGBTNETWORK.ORG/CAREERS (Ending January 26th)
8
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
WE KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE A FAMILY. WE HELP BUILD THEM EVERY DAY. At Long Island IVF, our team of fertility specialists are proud to help the LGBT community build the family
Melville Phone 631-752-0606
West Islip Phone 631-661-5437
of their dreams.
Brooklyn Phone 718-375-6400
Stony Brook Phone 631-331-7575
When you are ready to start, Long Island IVF
Lake Success Phone 516-358-6363
East Patchogue Phone 631-687-2229
is here to help. Please contact us to learn more.
www.longislandivf.com
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING OUT
•
9
Suffolk County's #1 Dealer!*
0 0
$
%
Payments Until April 2016
Financing Available On Select Models†
0
$
NEW 2016 SUBARU
Down†
CROSSTREK Symmetrical AWD, AC,
88 AM/FM/CD & More!
NEED AD
$
NEW 2016 SUBARU
IMPREZA 2.0i Symmetrical AWD, AM/FM/CD, AC, Rear Vision Camera, Full Power.
89
$ Robin Barrack MS, DAPA Gestalt Psychotherapist
631-513-2772 Huntington moresanity@verizon.net
‘SANE RATES’ FREE CONSULT ALL ISSUES ADDRESSED + LIFE MANAGEMENT NEW GROUP FORMING
Per Mo/36 Mo Lease†
Auto Transmmisatic sion
ALL NEW 2016 SUBARU
FORESTER 2.5i
Symmetrical AWD, AC, 17 Inch Wheels, AM/FM/CD, Vehicle Dynamics Control & More!
98
$
Individuals, Couples, Groups Successfully serving the LGBT community + allies for decades
Per Mo/36 Mo Lease†
Per Mo/36 Mo Lease†
Auto Transmmisatic sion
NEW 2016 SUBARU
LEGACY 2.5i
Symmetrical AWD, AC, AM/FM/CD, Full Power & More!
129
$
Per Mo/36 Mo Lease†
Automatic Transmission
NEW 2016 SUBARU
OUTBACK 2.5i
Automatic Transmission, Symmetrical AWD, AC, AM/FM/CD & More!
139
$
Per Mo/36 Mo Lease†
†Subject to primary lender approval. No two offers combined. Due at signing: Impreza, Legacy & Crosstrek: $2,995; Forester & Outback: $3,995, plus tax, DMV fees, 1st month payment, bank fee and registration. No security depost. Outback, Crosstrek & Forester: 7,500 mi/yr, $.25 ea add’l mile over; Impreza, Legacy: 10,000 mi/yr., $.15 ea add’l mile over. Artwork for illustrative purposes only. Sale offers expire February 29, 2016. Seven 2015 IIHS Top Safety Picks. *Carline Sales Results (020-ZONE01-DISTRICT01) as of 12/30/2015.
Competition Subaru of Smithtown 463 Middle Country Road, St. James
CompetitionSubaru.com 1.631.361.4500 10
•
LIVING OUT
CASUBA-016206 HPV FR.indd 1
>>
1/6/16 5:34 PM READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SAGE-LI OUTdoors Trip & Restaurant OUTing: Cradle Aviation Museum & Lunch Friday, February 12th, 12 p.m. Cradle of Aviation Museum Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530
SAGE-LI Valentines Day Dance Saturday, Feb. 27th, 6 - 11 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Join us for great company, good food, music, and dancing! We encourage you Join us for an interactive tour and to bring your family, friends, and loved showing of National Geographic's, Living ones. Admission is $12 per person in The Age of Airplanes, in the museum's and includes and italian, buffet style new dome theatre. dinner. RSVP and payment required by Tickets cost $14.50 per person and Thursday, February 25th. include the tour and film. Following the www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 tour we are having lunch at the Red Planet Cafe (located in the museum). The menu includes sandwiches, salads, SAGE-LI Spring Has Sprung wraps, hamburgers, soup, etc. Prices Family Potluck vary from $7-$15. Saturday, March 19th, 12-3 p.m. RSVP and payment required by Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, Thursday, February 11th. 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 It's time to put away those winter jackets and join the LGBT Network and its Center Family Project for a spring celebration! SAGE-LI Valentine's Potluck Come down to the Center at Bay Shore Saturday, Feb.13th, 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th from 12:00pm Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 3:00pm to play some games and enjoy a 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore meal together. It's potluck style, so bring We want to be your Valentine! Join the enough to share. LGBT Network and its Center Family www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300 Project for an afternoon of eating, dancing, and craft-making at The Center at Bay Shore. It's a potluck style meal, so 20 Something bring a dish to share! 2nd & 4th Fridays, 7:30-9 p.m www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Long Island Community Fellowship Presents: "My Funny Valentine" Comedy Night Sunday, February 14th Arrive by 6:30PM Governors Comedy Club 90 Division Ave Levittown, NY 11756 Long Island Community Fellowship is hosting a night of comedy at Governor's Comedy Club in Levittown on Feb 14, 2016. $20 per ticket. Showtime is 7PM. For more info visit LICF.net www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Wednesday, Feb. 10th, 4-7pm Wednesday, Feb. 24th, 4-7pm Wednesday, March 9th, 4-7pm Wednesday, March 23rd, 4-7pm Wednesday, April 6th, 4-7pm Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help for low- to moderate- income (generally $55,000 and below) individuals and families. Bilingual tax assistants are available.
Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury
Discussion and support group for LGBT people in their 20’s. A safe and affirming space to share their experiences. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Free and confidential testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis C. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
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 seniors 50+ on the East End. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
LIFE in Nassau 2nd Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury LIFE in Nassau meets every second Thursday. Open to adults of all genders and orientations with an interest in BDSM topics.
LIGALY Advisory Board Mondays, 6-8 p.m. 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
Closed group for all ages. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
LIPSA Tuesday Night Tease Bowling League David Bohnett CyberCenter Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. Bowl Long Island, Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 138 West Rd., Patchogue 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Friendliest co-ed/mixed LGBT Bowling The David Bohnett CyberCenter at League. LIPSAbowling@optonline.net, LIGALY offers hands on experience and 516.375.9473 classes in various software environments from productivity to creative design on the PC and Mac platforms. The classes LITE Social and range from introductory, intermediate, Discussion Group and advance levels. 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
For more information, and additional times and locations for free tax preparation, please contact Youth and Family Services, at 631.665.2300 or www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
>>
Drop-In HIV/STD Testing: Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury By Appointment. East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
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
A closed discussion group for transgender people and their friends and family. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Living PositHIVly 1st & 3rd Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore A support group for LGBT and allies living with HIV/AIDS. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
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. $2 admission, transportation available. Themes for December include: Quick Connections (2/12) SpeakOUT (2/26). 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 & 3rd Mondays, 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
SAGE-LI Monday Mingle Mondays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Women 2 Women Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45 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
W2W is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for lesbians age 40+.
SAGE-LI 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
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. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
Senior Advocate First Monday, 11a.m.-1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
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
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! Themes for December include: Seasonal Sweets Swap (12/22); LGBT Movie Night (12/29). www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.899.4950
A Senior Advocate from Suffolk County Office for the Aging is on-site each month to offer SAGE-LI members benefits and entitlement counseling. From Social Security to Food Stamps to Medicare Part D and everything in between, the PEP Teams – Suffolk Senior Advocate will be available during Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. the Mingle to answer your questions Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, and point you in the right direction. - See 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore more at: http://lgbtnetwork.org/content/ Interactive leadership program senior-advocate#sthash.uCvFgOxV.dpuf. promoting sexual health for LGBT young www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011 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 1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesdays are closed. during the day that limit you from 2nd & 4th Wednesdays are open. 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. attending the fabulous SAGE-LI daytime programming, this is the program for East End: The Hamptons you. All are welcome! LGBT Center, 44 Union St., www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011 Sag Harbor
Senior Focus Discussion Group Last Monday, 1-2 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Last Tuesday, 1-2 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury Part of a monthly series of coed peer-led, issue-focused discussion groups. 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 LIGALY is offering a great opportunity for LGBT youth and their friends to show off their skills! Sing, act, dance, or perform. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
LIVING OUT
•
11
OUT FRONT
What’s the next President to do?
IT’S A HIGH-STAKES ELECTION THAT COULD PUSH LGBT EQUALITY FORWARD OR BACKWARD
The fight for LGBT equality has come farther than ever
before but there’s still a long way to go and the stakes couldn’t get any higher. The next President will either set the tempo for establishing full equality for the entire nation or rollback gains made under President Obama. It’s crunch time. President Obama has already left a legacy advocating for LGBT equality that tackles some of the biggest issues with record advancements on this front. These gains are so significant; any attempt to roll back developments will set the movement back a decade. From the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to ending the legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), to signing historic hate crimes legislation via the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act making attacks based on sexual orientation and gender identity a Federal hate crime, President Obama has left some big shoes to fill. In addition to legislation passed, President Obama has signed substantial administrative actions in support of equality that go farther than any President before. In March 2011, President Obama held the first-ever White House Conference on Bullying Prevention against LGBT students. To reduce the high rates of bullying and suicide of LGBT youth, President Obama joined six Federal agencies together to establish the first-ever Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Steering Committee that will President Obama held help explore ways to provide the first-ever White House guidance on combating bullying to individuals and Conference on Bullying organizations. This was just Prevention against the beginning. LGBT students.
"
"
12
•
LIVING OUT
By Adam Lombardi
Through administrative action, Obama has ensured hospital visitation rights for LGBT Patients and their loved ones (which requires all hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds – just about every hospital in America – to allow visitation rights for LGBT patients as well as ensuring that medical decisionmaking rights of LGBT patients are respected). In addition, under his signature Affordable Care Act, insurers can no longer turn someone away just because he or she is LGBT but that’s not all. Other signature advancements toward LGBT equality made under President Obama include: • Released the Nation’s first comprehensive plan for responding to the domestic HIV epidemic. • Designed HealthCare.gov to help all consumers easily locate health insurers that cover domestic partners. • Expanded Federal benefits for same-sex partners of Federal employees to the extent possible under current law, including by allowing same-sex domestic partners to apply for long-term care insurance. • Issued a final rule to ensure that the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s core housing programs are open to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. • Under Obama’s direction, the Justice Department also issued the first-ever guidance stating that Federal prosecutors should enforce criminal provisions in the Violence Against Women Act in cases involving same-sex relationships.
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
WILL THE NEXT PRESIDENT CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LGBT MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS? LET’S TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHERE THE CANDIDATES PRESENTLY STAND.
HILLARY CLINTON
BERNIE SANDERS
DONALD TRUMP
DEMOCRAT
DEMOCRAT
REPUBLICAN
Marriage Equality: Clinton supports marriage equality. In April 2016, Clinton demonstrated her support. “On the day of the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments about same-sex marriage bans in a handful of states in April, Clinton changed her "H" logo to rainbow-colored and tweeted a message of support: "Every loving couple & family deserves to be recognized & treated equally under the law across our nation. #LoveMustWin #LoveCantWait," writes the Huffington Post. LGBT Discrimination: Clinton supports LGBT anti-discrimination laws. In July of 2015 Clinton came out in favor of the Equality Act - legislation that would provide broad civil rights protections to LGBT people by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to all areas of the Civil Rights Act. Again in July, Clinton tweeted “The Equality Act will mean full federal equality for LGBT Americans & stronger antidiscrimination protections for everyone.”
TED CRUZ REPUBLICAN Marriage Equality: Ted Cruz does not support marriage equality. According to the Advocate, when Obergefell v. Hodges was announced, Cruz openly denounced the Supreme Court’s marriage equality ruling, calling it “lawless” and “fundamentally illegitimate” during a campaign appearance with Christian right leader James Dobson in Iowa. LGBT Discrimination: According to a report by HRC, Cruz opposes both local ordinances that would have protected LGBT people in cities in Texas, and ENDA’s explicit federal workplace protections. Ted Cruz also signed a pledge promising to support legislation during his first 100 days in the White House that would use the guise of “religious liberty” to give individuals and businesses the right to openly discriminate against LGBT people, according to ThinkProgress.
What’s next?
Marriage Equality: Sanders supports marriage equality. On June 26, 2015, Sanders issued the following statement on his Senate website to commemorate Obergefell v. Hodges: “Today the Supreme Court fulfilled the words engraved upon its building: ‘Equal justice under law.’ This decision is a victory for same-sex couples across our country as well as all those seeking to live in a nation where every citizen is afforded equal rights. For far too long our justice system has marginalized the gay community and I am very glad the Court has finally caught up to the American people.” LGBT Discrimination: Sanders supports LGBT anti-discrimination laws. He co-sponsored the Equality Act to ban discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. “Sanders also supports requiring law enforcement across the nation to adopt policies ensuring fairer interactions with transgender people, especially transgender women of color,” writes NewNowNext.
JOHN KASICH REPUBLICAN Marriage Equality: Early on the campaign trail Kasich accepted marriage equality. Speaking at a GOP debate, moderator Megyn Kelly asked Kasich about what he would do if his child were homosexual. His response? “Our court has ruled and I said we’ll accept it,” said Kasich. “And guess what? I just went to a wedding of a friend of mine who is gay." And in February while at a campaign stop in Michigan, Kasich vowed that if he were to become president, he would not fight the Supreme Court’s ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. LGBT Discrimination: As the Governor of Ohio, Kasich has not adopted a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which could have been used as pretenses for discrimination against LGBT individuals by allowing businesses and medical providers to refuse service to gay couples, according to HRC. NBC reports "Kasich said he believed Ohio did not need a religious freedom law, like Indiana," said Mike Brickner, the senior policy director at ACLU Ohio. "But he also said that he didn't feel like statewide nondiscrimination laws were needed either. He want[s] to keep the status quo."
There are more questions that still need to be answered. For instance what will candidates do to stop anti-LGBT bullying? Do they support trans-inclusive healthcare? Do they believe in conversion therapy for minors? And do they support the right of LGBT Americans to adopt? The reality is that this is just the beginning.
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
Marriage Equality: Donald Trump opposes nationwide marriage equality. His position is clear, "I'm not in favor of gay marriage. They should not be able to marry." According to GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) “Trump has taken to disparaging the families of gay and lesbian couples as a tactic to get attention for his candidacy.” LGBT Discrimination: Donald Trump has been somewhat mixed on laws protecting against LGBT discrimination. “Trump has advocated for banning workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. He criticized a Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses after the U.S. Supreme Court found, earlier this year, that the Constitution protects the right of same-sex couples to marry,” according to the Advocate.
MARCO RUBIO REPUBLICAN Marriage Equality: Rubio does not support marriage equality. Rubio disagreed with the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality even suggesting his Supreme Court would roll back marriage equality, writes the Huffington Post. "I will appoint Supreme Court justices that will interpret the Constitution as originally constructed." Rubio does not believe the Supreme Court's ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage discriminate against gays and lesbians. LGBT Discrimination: Rubio does not support anti-lgbt discrimination legislation. In an interview with David Broady on the Christian Broadcasting Network, Rubio said he would reverse Obama’s LGBT executive orders that stop religious business owners from discriminating against gays. Rubio also said any transgender rights laws regarding bathroom usage must be repealed.
BEN CARSON REPUBLICAN Marriage Equality: Ben Carson does not support marriage equality. According to GLAAD, while speaking on Fox News neurosurgeon Ben Carson equated gays with bestiality and the North American Man/Boy Love Association: "Marriage is between a man and a woman. No group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality, it doesn't matter what they are. They don't get to change the definition." LGBT Discrimination: During the February Republican debate, Carson said that giving the LGBT community equal rights would actually give them extra rights. LIVING OUT
•
13
OUT AND ABOUT
Q-music
by gregg shapiro
Queerer ever Queerer than than ever On his exceptional debut album Blue Neighbourhood (Capitol), gay multihyphenate Troye Sivan – YouTube sensation, actor, singer/songwriter – comes off like a cross between Perfume Genius and a queer male Lorde. Sivan touches on serious subjects including faith and coming out, on this multi-hued disc, beginning with opener “Wild,” which sounds of the moment with its female choir chanting “wild.” The same holds true for “Bite”’s synth beats and snaps, as well as “Fools”’ `80s keyboard play. Sivan is joined by Broods on the thumpier “Ease,” co-written with the sibling duo. Fellow YouTube marvel Betty Who can be heard on the divine “Heaven.” Sivan is at his most Lorde-ly on “Youth” and “Talk Me Down” approaches Sam Smith territory. There’s really not a clunker to be found here and the deluxe edition, which features six more tracks, including the XXYYXX remix of “Wild” is the way to go.
Troye Sivan performs on March 1 & 2 at Webster Hall in NYC.
Queer Icelandic-transplant John Grant’s second album Pale Green Ghosts was one the best albums of 2013 (if not the best). His 2010 solo debut Queen of Denmark was no slouch either. Grant’s new disc Grey Tickles, Black Pressure (Partisan) is also something special, although it falls short of the brilliance of Pale Green Ghosts. Not as immediately accessible as its predecessors, the first couple of songs – the title cut and “Snug Slacks” -- may take a few spins to get used to. Don’t be deterred because the rewards of “Down Here,” “Global Warming,” “Voodoo Doll,” “Geraldine” and “Black Blizzard” are plentiful. Grant also has a history of working with remarkable female artists – Sinead O’Connor can be heard on Pale Green Ghosts and also covered Grant’s song “Queen of Denmark.” On Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, Grant is joined by Tracey Thorn on the incredible “Disappointing” and Amanda Palmer on the difficult “You & Him.”
Language Barrier (Church Key/SugarQube) by Shirlette Ammons has the ability to wow listeners in precisely the same way that the Grant and Sivan discs do. Ammons, a true original, doesn’t sound like anyone else on this fantastic album. Whether she’s venturing into hip-hop (“Earth Intro Segue” or with German rapper Sookee on “Language Barrier Segue”), making the kind of punk that would make Sleater-Kinney jealous (“Earth Intro” with the aid of Indigo Girls) or leaving her mark on dance-funk (with Meshell Ndegeocello on “Dear Nora”), Ammons is resplendent. The combination of outstanding guest performers (Hiss Golden Messenger, Heather McEntire of Mount Moriah and Aurelia Meath of Sylvan Esso) and the sheer variety of the music, exemplified by “Aviator,” “On The Road” and “Travel Light,” should eliminate any potential barriers to enjoying the work of Shirlette Ammons.
14
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
OUT AND ABOUT
Q-music
by gregg shapiro
Shearwater performs on March 12 at The Bell House in Brooklyn Shearwater, a side-project led by Okkervil River’s Jonathan Meiburg, returns with the impressively new wavy Jet Plane and Oxbow (Sub Pop), easily an early contender for one of the best albums of 2016. Stylistic avenues and shifts aside, what’s really on display here is stellar musicianship (listen to “Backchannels” and “Wildlife In America”). But it’s hard to resist the call to dance to `80s-inspired tunes such as “Quiet Americans,” “Radio Silence” and “A Long Time Away,” as well as the Death Cab For Cutie meets Bowie of “Filaments.” Queer Irish duo Zrazy (Maria Walsh and Carole Nelson) could (and should) write a book about their experiences in the music world. For example, Come Out Everybody, their 1997 domestic debut (a repackaging and re-ordering of their 1996 second album Permanent Happiness) arrived just as the major-labels’ interest in `90s queer music was peaking with acts such as Jill Sobule, Melissa Ferrick and others. Sadly, suits and execs have short attention spans and soon Walsh and Nelson were back to releasing their work on their own label. The Art of Happy Accidents (Alfi), Zrazy’s sixth album (and first in 11 years !), was worth the long wait. “You Make Me Happy” is proof positive that Zrazy hasn’t lost its singular touch, and is sure to put a smile on your face. Also recommended are “Down With Jazz,” “Snow,” “Heaven Is Here” and “Night Crossing.” Queer UK trio Mr. Strange (featuring Mr. Stench, Mr. Stirling, and of course, Mr. Strange) cites influences as vast as Lady Gaga and Nine Inch Nails. After listening to Electric Pornography (mrstrangemedia.com), you might want to add Queen and early Ministry to that list. Mr. Strange makes old school electro/ industrial (remember those genres?) and it’s kind of refreshing. Electrifying tracks include “Do It Like Pete Burns,” “Stormtrooper In Drag,” “Deviant Ritual” and “Tension.”
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
Openly gay male hip-hop acts were unthinkable just a few years ago. Sure, there were deeply indie underground acts such as Tori Fixx, Tim’m T. West, Johnny Dangerous and Rainbow Flava, to mention a few, but their crossover appeal had limitations. In recent years, artists such as Big Freedia, Cazwell and Frank Ocean have kept the floodgates open, allowing for performers such a Le1f to make a fulllength debut such as Riot Boi (Terrible). You have to give Le1f credit for giving the album the title he did – as if to declare that now that riot grrrls have been sanitized for public consumption, gay rappers can’t be far behind. Like the aforementioned Ammons, Le1f is comfortable incorporating a variety of elements into his sound and style, with standout tracks such as “Water,” “Taxi,” “Change,” “Rage,” “Koi” and “Umami,” being the best examples. Heartache City (cocorosiemusic.com) the new disc by freak folk/electro duo CocoRosie (Casady sisters Sierra and queer Bianca) is as accessible as a CocoRosie disc gets. The colorful balloons and scary clown costumes of the cover are indicative of what’s inside. “Lucky Clover,” “Forget Me Not,” “Un Beso,” the folk-blues of “Big & Black,” and even the spoken-word fantasias of “Lost Girls” and “Tim & Tina,” should appeal to longtime fans as well as those looking for a musical experience out of the ordinary. Emily Wells’ Promise (Thesis + Instinct), lives up tom and exceeds, the promise of her 2012 albumMama. A multiinstrumentalist known for her violin skills, Wells delivers an album of dreamy chamber pop that should be sipped slowly like a hot beverage. Theatrical, bordering on the operatic (listen to “Los Angeles”), the album is at its most accessible on “Pack of Nobodies,” “Antidote,” “You Dream of China,” “Come To Me” and “Richard.” If the above-mentioned Wells has a flair for the operatic then the theatrical bent of The Random Hubiak Band’s The Bleached Bones of Titans (reverbnation.com/ therandomhubiak) is more `70s show-tuney. Still exhibiting a strong Billy Joel influence, prolific front-man Rand Hubiak is a confident enough songwriter to include a three-part songcycle – “Jaffa I: Naked On the Rocks,” “Jaffa II: Stoned at the Gate” and “Jaffa III: Erased by Time and Sea” as the disc’s centerpiece.
LIVING OUT
•
15
OUT AND ABOUT
Q-music
by gregg shapiro
DANCE FEVERISH These days, dance music is showing up in some unexpected places. Of course, the title of Glaswegian group Belle and Sebastian’s splendid new record, Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance (Matador), should have been a clue as to the direction they’ve taken at the moment. Belle and Sebastian are no strangers to danceable pop, but a number of the songs on Girls In Peacetime… are downright clubby. The exhilarating electro of “Enter Sylvia Plath,” for instance deserves to be a tea dance standard, beginning now throughout the end of the summer season and beyond. “The Party Line” is a sexy and throbbing number sure to set booties to bumping and hips to shaking, and folks jumping “to the beat of the party line.” The seven and a half minute “Play For Today” and the funky and flirty “Perfect Couples” are also enchanting. Don’t be put off by its name because Night Terrors of 1927 is a riveting live act. The mixed gender band, led by the unlikely pairing of Jarrod Gorbel (of emo act Honorary Title) and Blake Sennett (of hipster band Rilo Kiley), also makes unexpectedly dancey music on its debut album Everything’s Coming Up Roses (Atlantic). Songs such as “Perfect Day,” the funky rock of “When You Were Mine” (featuring Tegan and Sara) and the active motion of “Running In Place,” are custom made for loft dance parties in up and coming neighborhoods swarming with urban pioneers. What makes Night Terrors of 1927 especially interesting is the way that Gorbel’s emo vocals work so well within the dance framework. Like Night Terrors of 1927, with which it has toured, Joywave is an exciting band to catch in concert. Joywave is the perfect name for this great electronic dance band fronted by Daniel Armbruster, whose hipsternerd appearance belies the electro genius within. The question in Joywave’s debut album’s title, How Do You
Feel Now? (Hollywood/Cultco) is easy to answer after the first listen. Elated, mesmerized and addicted are three words that immediately come to mind. Dance-floor delights such as “Carry Me,” “Tongues” (featuring Kopps), “In Clover,” “Feels Like a Lie” and “Now” deliver swells of ecstasy. Big Data, aka Alan Wilkis, has lots of cool friends and isn’t afraid to call on them as you can hear on his debut album 2.0 (WB/Wilcassettes/ Crush). The coolest thing about the collaborations with the guest artists is that they are heard on the songs they co-wrote with Wilkis. Joywave makes an appearance on “Dangerous,” co-written by the previously mentioned Armbruster. Other collaborations of note include “Clean” with Jamie Lidell, “The Business of Emotion” with White Sea, “Get Some Freedom” with Dragonette and “Sick For Me” with Bear Hands. Faceless corporate prog-rock confection Imagine Dragons (starting with that name!) incorporated electronic and dance elements into the songs on its 2012 debut breakthrough Night Visions. On the follow-up, Smoke + Mirrors (Kid In A Korner/Interscope), ID wastes no time in hitting the dance-floor on the appealing opener “Shots.” “Gold” makes interesting use of samples and rhythms. “I’m So Sorry” has a stomp worthy of vintage Billy Squier, while “I Bet My Life” imagines Mumford & Sons as a clubbier act. “Friction” warms up the strip-club grind/vibe. Olly Murs’ fourth album Never Been Better (SYCO/Columbia/Modest!) is better than his previous albums, especially if you like to dance. The focus has been shifted from pre-fab Brit-pop (thanks Simon Cowell!) to more straightforward dance-pop (there’s a difference!). There’s less stylistic borrowing and more innovation. You can hear it immediately on the club strut of “Did You Miss Me?” and the bouncing beat of “Stick With Me.” For the most part, though, Murs hasn’t completely abandoned his carefully and commercially manufactured sound as you can hear on duets with Travie McCoy (“Wrapped Up”) and Demi Lovato (“Up”) and ballads such as “Tomorrow” and “Hope You Got What You Came For.” Sam Smith he’s not.
Smallpools put a distinctly sunny L.A. spin on the dance-pop heard on its debut album Lovetap! (RCA). With the hand claps and shouts of “hey” on “American Love” you might be tempted to dance the kazatsky, but please resist. “Killer Whales” draws on the Cars playbook, while “Dreaming” has more of a club vibe. “Street Fight” goes for a stadium-sized dance feel, “Over & Over” brings the suburban white funk and “Admission To Your Party” invites a great big beat. Even if you don’t understand a word that Stromae says – he sings and raps en Francais – he wants one thing and one thing only from you; that you danse (translation: dance!). Stromae gives us plenty of opportunities to do so on Racine Carée (Casablanca). Just try not moving to rhythmic tracks such as “Ta Fête” (“Your Day”), “Papaoutaí,” “Bâtard” (“Bastard”), “Tous Les Mémes” (“All The Same”), “Humaín Á L’eau” (“Human To Water”) and “Sommeil” (“Sleep”). Just a few short years ago Brit twosome The Ting Tings were riding high on the success of their 2008 debut album We Started Nothing, a disc that spawned hit singles such as “That’s Not My Name,” “Great DJ” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” But the 2012 follow-up Sounds From Nowheresville failed to maintain the momentum. The Ting Tings are back with Super Critical (Finca), a nine-track disc that has them moving in a decidedly dance direction. They flash a sense of humor and history on “Wrong Club.” “Do It Again” is good enough to listen to again and again. “Only Love” and the title track are reminders of why we listened to the duo in the first place, while “Communication” sounds like a fresh start. Canadian club music duo Humans leaves its mark with the hypnotic full-length pop-tronic debut Noontide (Hybridity). British trance trio Above & Beyond hits new heights on We Are All We Need (Anjunabeats/Ultra). The third time’s the charm for French DJ Etienne De Crécy as he revives his Super Discount series with the aptly named Super Discount 3 (A+LSO/Sony/Pixadelic). German electro artist Fritz Kalbrenner’s new studio disc is titled Ways Over Water (Suol/BMG). SPC ECO raises the bar on the beats on The Art of Pop (Saint Marie/Kaboom).
Joywave performs on 3/11 at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. 16
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
A local Long Island company serving Long Islanders since 2003! SUNation is a proud supporter of the
We welcome and support the LGBT community and invite you to join our solar family
RESIDENTIAL • MUNICIPAL • COMMERCIAL
We’ve installed solar on over 1,250 Long Island homes…
Let our family help yours too.
Install solar with SUNation and we’ll donate to your favorite organization! CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION
BUY, Don’t … d Lease an VERY E PAY LESS r your o f H T N O M and electricity he increase t our value of y property!
1 2 1 7 M O N T A U K H I G H W AY • O A K D A L E , N Y 1 1 7 6 9 • 6 3 1 - 7 5 0 - 9 4 5 4
www.sunationsolarsystems.com >>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING OUT
•
17
OUT AND ABOUT
book REVIEW
by gregg shapiro
Winter 2016
Book Report Poetry shelf Notes on a Past Life (BlazeVOX, 2016) by David Trinidad, as dishy and revealing as the best literary memoirs, picks at old scabs, slashes new wounds, spills the beans on contemporary poetry-world wars, ignites new feud fuses and drops names like F-bombs. This book is so hot; it should come with its own flame retardant gloves and fire extinguisher.
politics, subjects that take on considerable weight particularly during an election year.
Fiction in action Jed, a gay, black expat “earning a living” in Europe in the 1980s is the gripping main character in Black Deutschland (FSG, 2016), the highly anticipated second novel by award-winning writer Darryl Pinckney.
Alexander Chee’s epic and long-awaited second novel The Queen of the Night (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016) takes readers back to the Second French Empire in which Lilliet takes the Paris opera by storm while also trying to discover the mysterious person threatening to lift the veil on her true identity.
Winner of two Lambda Literary Awards when it was first published, the expanded 25th anniversary Selected by Denise Duhamel One of the most celebrated edition of The Gilda Stories as winner of the Felix Pollak debut novels of the year, (City Lights, 2016/1991) Prize in Poetry, The Book What Belongs To You by Jewelle Gomez with a of Hulga (University of (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, new foreword by the author Wisconsin Press, 2016) 2016) by Garth Greenwell, and an afterword by Alexis by Rita Mae Reese, with evolving from the author’s Pauline Gumbs, tells the tale of the titular illustration by Julie Franki, novella Mitko, is a stunning vampire Gilda, beginning in 1850 Louisiana. “speculates on a character achievement in the way that Flannery O’Connor that it tells the story of Counternarratives (New envisioned but didn’t live long enough to write,” a teacher living in Bulgaria who begins an Directions, 2015), John brought forth with a combination of “humor, unusual and intimate relationship with a young Keene’s well-received tenderness, and a brutal precision.” hustler named Mitko. collection of novellas and short fiction, features a Matters of the Sea/Cosas Hide (Bloomsbury, 2016), varied array of pieces del mar (University of the debut novel by Matthew spanning in time from the 17th century to the Pittsburgh Press, 2015) Griffin, is relevant and present day and “crossing multiple continents.” by Richard Blanco, son of timely, in the way it relates Cuban exiles and Barack the tale of Wendell and The Scarlet Letter (Penguin Obama’s inaugural poet, Frank, a gay male couple Classics, 2016/1850) by written for U.S. embassy who have been together Nathaniel Hawthorne, newly in Havana’s ceremonial since after World War II reissued with an insightful reopening, is a bilingual chapbook-length poem. and addresses the couple’s foreword by Tom Perrotta, history in alternating past and present and featuring notorious chapters, including the way gay men face Like Blanco, United States adulteress (see the red A) every aspect of the aging process. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Hester Prynne, is as timely Herrera is the son of as ever, given the rise of immigrants, and his poetry public shaming. collection Notes on the Assemblage (City Lights, For more movie reviews, please visit 2015), touches on the migrant experience and livingoutli.org and click on “Out and About” 18
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
The whole queer truth Set in a college town in 1979, and centering on friends Kyle, Craig and Justin, Dale Boyer’s debut novel The Dandelion Cloud (daleboyerworks.com, 2016), described by the writer as “a labor of love for a long time,” asks and answers a question many have asked at one time or another, “What is the difference between friendship and love?” Mystery novelist Susan Wittig Albert delves into one of the greatest love stories of the 20th century in Loving Eleanor (Persevero Press, 2016) in which she “recreates” the enduring narrative of the relationship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok, told in “Hick”’s distinctive voice.
Now in paperback, Based on Lindsay KingBettyville: A Memoir Miller’s online column on The Hairpin, Ask A Queer Chick: (Penguin, 2016/2015), A Guide to Sex, Love, and “the last place in America Life for Girls Who Dig Girls with shag carpet,” is where (Plume, 2016) promises to gay writer and book and “help readers through major magazine editor George life milestones, from coming Hodgman has returned (from out to breaking up, from your Manhattan) for his role as first really gay haircut to walking down the aisle.” “care inflictor” for his 90-year-old mother, the Betty of the title, in this breathtaking memoir about mother/son relationships, identity and so In his eighth book, The Fate much more. of Gender: Nature, Nurture and the Human Future (Bloomsbury), gay writer Timothy Stewart-Winter’s Frank Browning, a former academically-inclined tome science reporter for NPR, Queer Clout: Chicago and takes an in depth look at the Rise of Gay Politics “human gender geographies (University of Pennsylvania around the world,” in this Press, 2016) serves to book that foretells “a wave of cement the Second City’s gender variance and sexual fluidity…just visible place in queer history on the horizon.” and culture, putting it in perspective for readers and followers of the trajectory of the LGBT community’s impact on the world at large.
6 1 0 2 LGBTFamily RAINBOW Camp weekend The LGBT Network, in collaboration with the Samuel Field Y, is excited to announce the LGBT Rainbow Family Camp. llage, telle Lewis Vi Camp Poyn , Poyntelle, PA 18454 Road 584 Cribbs
Friday, June 17th - Sunday, June 19th
Know Your Status for you and your partners Free HIV Testing, Hep C Screening, and STD/STI Screening. Available during drop-in hours and by appointment at all locations.
JOIN US FRIDAY NIGHT FOR A FAMILY SERVICE
Our family camp weekend will create exciting family experiences that will last a lifetime by spending a gorgeous 3 days in the Pocono Mountains. Family camp weekend is open to LGBT-headed households (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) and their families. Come experience the warmth and spirit that has made Samuel Field Y’s Premier Jewish Residential Camp, Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village, a special place for nearly 70 years. During the action packed weekend, LGBT Rainbow campers will take part in every activity Poyntelle has to offer, including a SPECIAL Friday Night Family Service. Events will include: boating, swimming, field games, arts and crafts, zip lining and many more fun activities, and what camp experience would not be complete without….s’mores at an evening campfire!
SPACE IS LIMITED – Registration is required by May 27th, 2016
registration
Drop-In Hours The Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury Every Thursday, 5-8pm
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, Hep C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea.
Register at: lgbtnetwork.org/rainbowcamp If you have questions regarding The LGBT Rainbow Family Camp, please contact the LGBT Network by phone: 631.665.2300 or by email: programs@lgbtnetwork.org. Cost: $150/Adult (ages 11+), $75/Children (ages 4-10), Free/Kids (age 3 & under). Payment is required upon registration in order to secure your reservation. For payment options please contact the LGBT Network.
facebook.com/liglbtnetwork
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the HIV/STD Outreach and Testing Program at testing@lgbtnetwork.org or 631.665.2300
@LGBTNetworkNY
lgbtnetwork.org 631.665.2300 • 516.323.0011
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
@LGBTNetwork
LGBTNETWORK.ORG
Nassau Center at Woodbury 20 Crossways Park Dr. N., Suite 110 Woodbury, NY 11797 T 516.323.0011 F 516.750.4715
Suffolk West Center at Bay Shore 34 Park Avenue 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
LIVING OUT
•
19
LGBTQ+ YOUTH AND MEDIA REPRESENTATION In today’s ever evolving and progressive society, LGBTQ+ youth are still being underrepresented in the media. With the Supreme Court’s ruling same sex marriage in all fifty states, many looked at that as the fight has been won, the war is over. That isn’t the case, not by a long shot. When many youth were asked if they felt they were represented in media, many felt underrepresented and others feel flat out ignored. in media K yle, ma k Faceboo source is agram. and Inst y extremel He feels d e resent underrep “I would in media. ee more lik e to s e me people lik d portraye in media.”
Ashely, m ain media so urce Faceboo k and Tumblr. “I feel represen tation has impro ved over the years but there will alwa ys be room for improvem ent.” ain Ethan, m f media source o k. “There Faceboo e more should b tation represen one. of every I feel able comfort my getting picture tak en.”
20
•
LIVING OUT
Peyton, m ain source o f media, Faceboo k. “I really lik e getting my pictur e tak en but I don ’t think there is a ny represen tation o f LGBT and gender nonconf orming individua ls.”
Eli, main media source is Tumblr, Facebook and the news. “We are marginalized more to look like we are merely statistics. There are also stereotypes or negativity portrayed in media.”
Chrissy, main source of media Tumblr. “Most people don’t understand gender non conforming individuals, they tend to be overlooked.”
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
Angelica, main source of media is Facebook. “I feel like there is barely any representation of gender non conforming people in today’s media.”
, Christina main media source is k. Faceboo
Liam, ma in source o f media is Faceboo k. When ask ed if he felt represen ted in media, he rolled h is eyes.
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
, a Madeline ribed self desc t “differen breed of bird. LGBT ls individua e r are mo ted represen ly in but usual pical stereoty s.” situation Courtney , main so urce of media Tumblr a nd Faceboo k. “I feel that there is n ot enoug h represen tation a n d when there is it ’s not al ways positive. These ch a racters are ofte n portra yed as promis cuous or ostraciz ed or eve n killed off. We n eed to in stead show the bravery w e put forward everyday.” in source Ryan, ma Tumblr. of media place, “In that e es becaus Tumblr, y ntrol I can co s on my what goe not in dash, but .” real life
Lexie, main source of media twitter and tumblr. “Not enough, most of it is misrepresentation stereotypes and the main picture in the media of ‘LGBT’ is a white, gay man. Meanwhile there should be a lot more attention paid to gender nonconforming, POC, and trans people.” LIVING OUT
•
21
PRIDE NIGHT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016 • 7:10PM PRIDE NIGHT PRID SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016
New York Mets San Diego Padres LGBTNETWORK.ORG
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016
SATURD
LGBTNETWORK.ORGvs.
LGBTN
A portion of ticket sales at mets.com/pride Benefits the LGBT Network’s anti-bullying programs in long island and NYC Schools
l
G
G
OR
TN
B
.
LG
B
ET W ORK
t B ul
g
g
LG
TN
STRIKE OUT BULLYING!
e Ou
OR
l
Stri k
t B ul
y in
e Ou
mets.com/pride
y in
Stri k
Get your tickets now!
ET W ORK
.
Commemorative t-shirts and Sponsorships available at
lgbtnetwork.org/pridenight I DE R P
‘ 16
LGBTNETWORK.ORG
22
•
LIVING OUT
facebook.com/liglbtnetwork
@LGBTNetworkNY
@LGBTNetwork
youtube.com/liglbtnetwork
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
GOOD TOGETHER
YOUR FAMILY + THE LGBT NETWORK + SFY
by ryan peters
Family Camp 2016 We are excited to announce that the Samuel Field Y (SFY) has partnered with the LGBT Network to create a unique Family Camp Weekend for LGBTQ headed families! Thanks to a grant from UJA Federation of New York your family can enjoy a magical experience together with other LGBTQ headed families at beautiful Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village (CPLV) in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. This action packed family weekend will be a non-stop thrill ride of activities including, water-sports on our 70 acre exclusive lake, 500’ zipline, 45’ climbing wall, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, arts and crafts and much more! SFY, also known as “The Everybody Place” is a non-profit, multiservice agency with flagship sites in
Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, and 33 additional locations throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 35,000 people each year – enhancing the quality of individual, family and communal life through the provision of high quality programs and services to people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. The Samuel Field Y also operates Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village, a premier Jewish sleep-away camp located in the Pocono Mountains. As the Director of CPLV, I am personally excited to welcome you and your families. We invite you and your family to celebrate the first Family Camp in the UJA Federation Network geared specifically for the LGBTQ community from Friday,
June 17th-19th, 2016! Please call us or register today at . Family cabins are still available! Whether on our adventure ropes course, on a sailboat in our 70 acre private lake or while sitting around a campfire, your family is sure to create lasting friendships and memories. We can’t wait to share this special experience with you and look forward to making memories that will last a lifetime!
give yourself the gift of a new
career this season Professionalism, teamwork, excellence and innovation AXA Advisors is a client-focused financial services leader offering financial protection, wealth management and estate planning services to individual and businesses through customized strategies, investment services and disciplined risk management. AXA Advisors has been supporting the LGBT communities for decades.
David Halstead Vice President - Northeast Region Tel: (631) 385-5331 david.halstead@axa-advisors.com www.davehalstead.com AXA Advisors, LLC 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 300 Woodbury, NY 11797
If selected, you can look forward to: • • • • •
High earnings potential Extensive training and support Rewarding long-term relationship Competitive and comprehensive wealth building and benefits package Advancement and management opportunities
AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member SIPC, is an Equal
>>
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY), an AXA Advisors affiliate, has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), recognizing the company as one of the “Best Places to Work for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Equality” for 2015.
Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. AGE-108962 (11/15)(Exp. 11/17)
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING OUT
•
23
EAST END
WEDDINGS
W IN E & SPIRITS
Brunch TO U R S
COCKTAILS HAMPTONS
Pt and
FRIEND LY
GETAWAY
1830 WEST MAIN STREET ROUTE 25 RIVERHEAD, NY 11901 P. 631.369.2200
indigoeastend.com
24
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
LIVING SMART
HOROSCOPES
February 2016
HOROSCOPES
Aries – Ruling planet in 8th house – be creative, move furniture or add touches of pictures or flowers to beautify your environment. Your taste for luxury and fine foods will be accented. A parent or parental figure wants to help you in a project.
Taurus – Ruling planet in 9th house – pay debts, bills and make a clean sweep of financial obstacles. The key is to look at the big picture, finding a new source of back-up cash. Someone with a daring competitive manner will show you the way – be receptive. Former burdens are no longer yours to carry.
Gemini – Ruling planet in 9th house – the accent is on success, prestige and an intense love relationship. You’ll gain through association including more material resources. Someone, to whom you are attracted to, is on the way up and will reveal strong ambitions. A Capricorn figures in the picture.
Cancer – Ruling planet in 12th house – pay attention to new technologies and work methods. A complete change of pace is on the agenda including a fascinating change of scenery. A meeting of minds may be needed to foster cooperation. You’ll work beside someone who stimulates romantic fancies and dreams.
Leo – Ruling planet in 7th house – make adjustments in partnership matters. Sentiment will surge to the forefront but shouldn’t be allowed to rule the situation. Someone with a stubborn manner and distinctive voice figures prominently.
Virgo – Ruling planet in 6th house – a nostalgic journey is on the agenda. Feelings will be uppermost greatly influencing where you go and what you do. Old friends, neighbors and distant relatives will welcome you warmly. Belief systems, historical facts and family genealogy are accented.
Libra – Ruling planet in 4th house – emotions run high this month as the lunar cycle sweeps upwards. You’ll be in the right place at the right time and will have positive support from a family member who believes in you. Be gentle with those near and dear. >>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
BY PSYCHICDEB
Scorpio – Ruling planet in 3rd house – your personal body image is in the spotlight. Your sense of style and fashion is heightened. Others will put you on their best dress list. Travel, parties and popularity could draw you away from more routine pursuits. Have fun. Your lucky number is 3. Sagittarius – Ruling planet in 10th house – work with the materials at hand. A career project gains from a steady pace and willingness to learn the rules before you break them. Be practical, shrewd and willing to learn through former mistakes. A person in authority has eyes on you. Your lucky number is 4.
Capricorn – Ruling planet in 12th house – remember, no one is perfect. Get the inside story before you sign a mutual agreement. You’re looking for someone to idolize but could be fooled by your own high expectations. Play the waiting game where legal or marital matters are concerned.
Aquarius – Ruling planet in the 3rd house – develop a creative project in private. You’ll have unique ideas and can work best alone or with someone who encourages your originality. Strong bonds of love are felt. This person wants only the best for you and will be generous with all your requests.
Pisces – Ruling planet in 1st house – a high powered romance is on the agenda. Intense feelings and long-range plans are involved. An attraction is strongly physical. Daring new attitudes will make love more exciting. You’ll share secrets and psychic awareness with your loved one. Your lucky number is 1. IF YOU KNOW YOUR RISING SIGN, CONSULT THE HOROSCOPE FOR THAT SIGN AS WELL. Psychicdeb has been a professional astrologer for over 25 yrs. Self-taught, she began her studies in astrology when she was 8 yrs. old learning what she could from her mother’s astrology magazines. As she got older and learned geometry, she searched for books on Astrology and taught herself how to construct a chart. She teaches Astrology for a nominal fee. Psychicdeb also uses the tarot to do psychic readings channeling her spirit guide Helen. Reiki is one of her obsessions. She is a Reiki Master and loves to teach others the benefits of Reiki. Namaste. You can find her at the Original Psychic Fairs on Sundays. A listing of the Fair dates can be found on her website at: www.astro-mate.org LIVING OUT
•
25
LIVING SMART
What’s the t?
by Adam Lombardi
VIRTUALLY AFFORDABLE REALITY? It’s Finally Here The Oculus Rift is the next generation of affordable virtual reality. It can bring you to foreign lands straight from the comfort of your living room. Want to visit Narnia and be guided by a mystical Lion? Visit friends in far away lands? You’ll soon be able to do this and more.
Oculus Rift will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand straight up. The content is amazing and the possibilities endless. Of all the virtual reality gadgets that have hit the market in the past five years, Oculus by far has shown the best and biggest variety of VR content. Variety is the key to surpassing the competition paying homage to Facebook’s seemingly endless supply of content (Facebook bought Oculus VR, a small VR startup two years ago in a $2 billion deal).
“After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a court side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face -- just by putting on goggles in your home.” The design is quite nifty too. The Rift has a single display split between two screens, featuring a combined screen resolution of 2,160 x 1,200. The Rift also uses sensors such as a magnetometer and an external Constellation tracking system, which pundits say will provide a better experience than the rival PlayStation VR. The headset also uses HDMI and USB for display and interface connections with builtin speakers for 3D audio. This technology works in tandem to give users an unparalleled sense of audio and visual immersion. The Oculus Rift is the next generation of affordable virtual reality - and at $599, it’s going to be one of the best consumer electronic values for what you’re paying for.
So whether you’re cruising across the galaxy or playing a modern version of Pong (you can practically feel the ball hit the paddles that are included), this could be a generation-defining experience. So far, by many first hand accounts, Oculus has knocked the socks of all competition including the Samsung Gear VR, Sony PlayStation VR, HTC Vive Pre, Microsoft Holo lens, and many others. In demos peppered across YouTube and social media, you can view 20 (give or take) demos to play – about half of these use the wireless Xbox One gamepad that’s included with the shipped set, and the other half use the Oculus Touch (a slimmed down controller) for a deeper spatial presence which is set to ship later this year (sorry not included). But like many new games, some are way better than others, and while not all are Rift exclusives, gaming is just the beginning. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company plans to expand Oculus beyond what we’ve come to know of virtual reality: 26
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
POINTS OF VIEW
by rev. irene monroe
op-ed
WHY HOMOPHOBIC HARLEM CHURCH BUILDING SHOULD BECOME LGBT HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER Gentrification of neighborhoods always disrupts existing communities within them. In the past several years, Harlem’s empty lots and burned-out buildings have sprung up luxury condos, upscale restaurants, boutique shops, hotels, B&Bs, and unimaginable improved services in an area the city had long forgotten. And the resentment of this shift has targeted both Harlem’s recent and life-long LGBTQ communities. “Look out black woman. A white homo may take your man” a towering sign hung for months outside of ATLAH World Missionary Church on West 123rd and Lenox. The pastor of ATLAH, Rev. James David Manning opposes the gentrification going on in Harlem and has implored its residents and his congregants to boycott the new luxury condos, upscale restaurants, boutique shops, and hotels. According to Rev. Manning the boycott would maim the “white homo” where it hurts him the mosthis pockets. And Manning expounded why on the church’s online video. “He’s usually got money -- a white homo usually has an American Express card. He usually has an opportunity at the theater -- homos love the theater. They love to go out to dinners, parties, they love that kind of a thing... “ Next month Manning’s church is scheduled for a public foreclosure auction due to over $1 million dollars in debt. The tragedy here is not in seeing Manning leave but rather the many life-long residents of Harlem and congregants of Manning’s church who are now forced to, resulting in the permanent dislocation not only of a people but also of the inimitable culture, lifestyle and worship space they created.The query raised by many Harlem residents is why is their neighborhood that has been long
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
forgotten and completely disinvested from both public and private real estate interest suddenly a hot land grab? The prevailing thought today in the area of urban development and city planning is that if you want to revitalize a decaying city and get rid of its urban plight you create gayborhoods. And new studies reveals that these enclaves have overall positive economic and cultural effects.
Gays have often “been at the forefront of gentrification in New York City and elsewhere in the nation, said Charles Kaiser, author of The Gay Metropolis, a History of Gay Life in New York who’s quoted in “Harlem Journal: Gay White Pioneers, on New Ground.
”
In February 2014 HuffPo Live did a show “ Why We Still Need Gayborhoods.” On the show was Janice Madden, a Professor of Regional Science, Sociology, Urban Studies, and Real Estate at Penn, to discuss her new book “Gayborhoods: Economic Development and the Concentration of Same-Sex Couples in Neighborhoods Within Large American Cities.” Madden revealed that gay white men on the Northeast and West coasts had significantly greater income to created gayborhoods that are “ lose to or have easy access to the downtown and had older housing.” But white gay men are not the culprits gentrifying Harlem, although the number of whites in Harlem in the last decade has nearly doubled from 9.9 percent to 16.6 percent. Harlem is unquestionably a
community in transition—and not only with its new residents. In June 2010, Harlem saw its first Pride. But Harlem still remains as both a complicated open and closeted queer social hot spot. Harlem’s transgender community wrestles more than any of us LGBQs with Harlem’s homophobia. With a new black and visible LGBTQ face emerging in Harlem in the last decade so too is a white one. When rents became prohibitive, especially in Greenwich Village— NYC’s gay mecca— many Manhattan LGBTQs took either a bridge over to Brooklyn or a train up to Harlem. These new LGBTQ residents in predominately poor communities and communities of color have brought unimaginable improved services to the area the city has long forgotten, like police protection, Starbucks, Wholefoods, and boutique shops, to name a few. But their presence has also created great resentment by those who were forced to relocate from these communities, but also those left to see the uncomfortable changes. Many life-long residents wonder what will become of Manning’s imposing edifice that’s been in the community since 1957 as one of the revered Harlem churches in its day. Some of Harlem’s land grab, however, can render not only good outcomes but also redemptive ones.
fathom for the church space is it becoming NYC’s, largest homeless shelter and resource center for LGBTQ African American youth. And the Ali Forney Center (AFC) has launched a fundraising drive to grab the space. Ali Forney, who the center is named after, was African American who identified as both gay and transgender and was murdered in December 1997. Needless to say, Rev. Manning will be outraged should the Ali Forney Center win its bid. But I’m reminded of the prayer Forney recited - and no black pastor heard - before his death at his favorite event of the year: Talent Night at Safe Space, a program for homeless youth in NYC. “I believe that one day, the Lord will come back to get me. Hallelujah! All my trials and tribulations, they will all be over. I won’t have to worry about crying and suffering no more, because my God, hallelujah is coming back for me.” Many black churches, especially in Harlem like Manning’s, continue to both unapologetically and unabashedly closed its doors to its LGBTQ population. And despite the fact these kids looked to the church for help these youth have neither a chance nor a prayer for assistance. The Ali Forney Center would be their answer.
The last thing Manning would ever LIVING OUT
•
27
Quality Healthcare Services for Individuals with Special Needs and the Community at Large
Audiology *Dental *Dermatology *Endocrinology *Gynecology *Neurology Occupational Therapy *Optometry *Rehabilitative Medicine *Physical Therapy Podiatry *Primary Care *Psychiatry *Psychotherapy *Speech Therapy
Comprehensive and Caring Medical Services Lunchtime, Evening & Weekend Hours Medicare, Medicaid, and Some Major Health Insurance Plans Accepted Sliding Scale Available for those Eligible Most Credit Cards Accepted
Family Wellness Center
120 Plant Avenue Hauppauge, NY 11788 Appointments: (631) 851-3810 www.familyres.org fwcinfo@familyres.org
You are not alone, you are…FREE To Be FREE To Be is a community of men and women dedicated to socialization, advocacy, and education. We support a network that provides a safe environment to grow together. Socialization/Group Meetings FREE To Be provides an engaging space for GLBTQ individuals and friends, and we encourage all who are interested to come and join us. Meetings Include Inspirational guest speakers, workshops, open discussions, social events, and community involvement. Next Meeting Date: February 23, 2016 Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm Location: FREE, 191 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road Old Bethpage, New York 11804
To learn more about FREE TO BE or to become a member, please contact us at freetobe@familyres.org Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. 191 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road l Old Bethpage, New York 11804 www.familyres.org l 516-870-1637 28
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
POINTS OF VIEW
op-ed
by rev. irene monroe
THE LOVE THAT NOW SPEAKS ITS NAME Valentine’s Day is for lovers - including LGBTQ Americans. Until last June’s historic Supreme Court ruling — Obergefell v. Hodge — that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states “the love that dare not speak its name,” which publicly outed Oscar Wilde at his “gross indecency trial” (Regina v. Wilde) in 1895, is finally and forever out of the closet. We were told by religious conservatives if the U.S. legalized such an ungodly act as same- sex marriage not only would it bring out the death the institution of marriage but it would also bring about the demise of civilization. Many also said the righteous hand of God would be in that defining moment to stop same- sex marriage with ugly protests, with town clerks- like Kim Davis—the now infamous Kentucky County clerk who not only refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couple but she also forbade her co-workers to do so, too - engaging in civil disobedience by refusing to issue licenses, and with just those last minute unavoidable and inexplicable legal snafus. But last year’s ruling never stopped us from publicly revealing our affection for one another. For example, during the repressive 1950’s McCarthy era Gladys Bentley(1907 -1960)- a talented pianist and blues singer, and one of the most notorious and successful African American lesbians in the U. S. during the Harlem Renaissance- sang raunchy and salacious lyrics to popular tunes. Bentley not only openly sang about heterosexual and homosexual sex but she also lived and celebrated openly her sexual orientation as an out lesbian. Known to perform in her infamous white tuxedo and top hat, Bentley’s gender -bending would label her by today’s term as a transgendered lesbian commonly known in lesbian parlance a “Butch.” As troubling as that was especially given her public lesbianism, Bentley’s most disturbing behavior was her active participation in this country’s racial and gender obsession: interracial marriage. Had her “woman-friend” been African American or another woman of color their coupling would have clearly been subjected to condemnation and jeering, but it would not have conjured up the wrath, fear and disgust that interracial marriage does. And with anti-miscegenation laws operating in all 50 states until 1967 when the U.S. Supreme court ruled in the historic case, Loving vs. Virginia, stating that anti -miscegenation laws were unconstitutional, and with same-sex marriage not granted in all 50 states until June 2015, Bentley single-handedly performed a coup d’etat against the institution of marriage and the prohibition against miscegenation: she married her white girlfriend in a civil wedding ceremony.
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
The precedent for same-sex marriage was set by an African American woman named Mildred Loving (1942- 2008 ).Mildred Loving gained notoriety when the U.S. Supreme Court decided in her favor. Married to a white man, Mildred Loving and her husband were indicted by a Virginia grand jury in October 1958 for violating the state’s “Racial Integrity Act of 1924.” But the laws of Virginia didn’t stop their love for each other. When asked by the prosecuting attorney “What is “the Love that dare not speak its name?” Wilde stated the following: “The love that dare not speak its name” in this century is such a great affection of an elder for a younger man as there was between David and Jonathan, such as Plato made the very basis of his philosophy, and such as you find in the sonnets of Michelangelo and Shakespeare. It is that deep spiritual affection that is as pure as it is perfect. It dictates and pervades great works of art, like those of Shakespeare and Michelangelo, and those two letters of mine, such as they are. It is in this century misunderstood, so much misunderstood that it may be described as “the love that dare not speak its name,” and on that account of it I am placed where I am now. It is beautiful, it is fine, it is the noblest form of affection. There is nothing unnatural about it. It is intellectual, and it repeatedly exists between an older and a younger man, when the older man has intellect, and the younger man has all the joy, hope and glamour of life before him. That it should be so, the world does not understand. The world mocks at it, and sometimes puts one in the pillory for it.” History, however, has shown us that people will fight for love’s integrity, even when it is against popular opinion, violating both state and federal laws, and possibly causing them their lives. Case in point: the beheading of St. Valentine in Rome in 270 A.D. When Emperor Claudius II issued an edict abolishing marriage because married men hated to leave their families for battle, Valentine, known then as the “friend to lovers,” secretly joined them in holy matrimony. While awaiting his execution, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and in his farewell message to his lover, he penned “From your Valentine!” May the “Loving -spirit” of Mildred and Oscar Wilde and the justice acts of St. Valentine and Obergefell v. Hodge be with us on this day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
LIVING OUT
•
29
30
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
POINTS OF VIEW
op-ed
by rev. irene monroe
Where would MLK have stood on marriage equality? This MLK holiday reminds me how Alabama has always been a troubling state when it comes to upholding the civil rights of its denizens. Martin Luther King’s civil rights activism began in the unwelcoming “Heart of Dixie” in 1955 when on a cold December evening Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat to a white passenger, birthing the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott was the first of what would be many historic marches and protests that would catapult King onto a national stage. His acts of civil disobedience in the 1950’s and 1960’s help elevate the country’s moral consciousness as Alabama struggled with hers. Sadly, in 2016 Alabama is still struggling. So, when on January 6th the state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore ordered all probate judges to cease issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in spite of last June’s historic Supreme Court ruling — Obergefell v. Hodge — that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states I wasn’t surprise. Rather, I was immediately reminded of Governor George Wallace’s 1963 famous inaugural speech when he unabashedly uttered “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” in defiance of SCOTUS’s historic “Brown vs. Board of Education” ruling upending this country’s “separate but equal” doctrine adopted in “Plessy vs. Ferguson” When on January 8th the Mobile County Probate Office reopened its marriage window and resume issuance of marriage licenses I remembered I was asked by an editor from the UK “what would be MLK’s thoughts about the modern LGBTQ movement and the place of people of color in it?” As I comb through numerous books and essays learning more about King’s philandering, sexist attitude about women at home and in the movement, and his relationship with Bayard Rustin, I, too, wonder would King today be a public advocate for LGBTQ rights? King’s now deceased wife would say yes. In 1998, Coretta Scott King addressed the LGBT group Lambda Legal in Chicago. In her speech,
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG
she said LGBTQ rights and civil rights were the same. “ I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King’s dream to make room at the table of brother and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people,” she said. Speculations on what King views would be vary within African American LGBTQ communities. But an overwhelming number in these communities look more to Bayard Rustin- then and now- than to King as a spokesperson for supporting our civil rights. “I tend not to worry much about what MLK would do. I tend to look at someone such as Bayard Rustin as one prime driving force in civil rights and other activism. Rustin was there before WWII. And he never wavered, always looking for something new. It was Rustin who schooled King in Gandhi’s ideas. Rustin has simply said that the GLBT movement is the inheritor of civil rights activism in the US.....I’ll stick with Bayard,” a blogger wrote me.
But is it fair to query whether King would have spoken out on LGBTQ justice when our civil rights movement had not begun? Sadly, Bayard Rustin, the gay man who was chief organizer and strategist for the 1963 March on Washington that further catapulted Martin Luther King onto the world stage, was not the beneficiary of King’s dream. In the Civil Rights movement Bayard Rustin was always the man behind the scene and a large part of that had to due with the fact that he was gay. Because of their own homophobia, many African American ministers involved in the Civil Right movement would have nothing to do with Rustin, and they intentionally rumored throughout the movement that King was gay because of his close friendship with Rustin.
I contend that we must understand King within the historical context of the homophobic Black Church, his waning popularity with the African American community and President L.B. Johnson, and his actions toward Bayard are enough to convince me King would not have spoken up on our behalf. However I, like so many within the African American communitystraight or gay, cannot fathom King marching against same-sex marriage as his youngest daughter, Rev. Bernice King, did. On speculating about her father’s viewpoint on marriage equality, Bernice said,“I know in my sanctified soul that he did not take a bullet for same-sex marriage” while standing at her father’s gravesite in 2004 with thousands of protesters. But is it fair to query whether King would have spoken out on LGBTQ justice when our civil rights movement had not begun? “King was assassinated over a year before the NYC Stonewall Riots. Gay issues had not reached the level of being a “bona fide” national issue yet, and for King to have made a major public pronouncement regarding GLBT rights would have been historically premature. Note the flak he took even for speaking out against the Vietnam War — it was charged that he was overstepping his role and the war “was not his issue,”’ another blogger wrote chiming in on the debate.
If King were with us today he would be 87 years old. And had he not by now evolved on the issue of marriage equality, I think the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice barring same-sex couples marriage licenses would remind him of back in the day of the three Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 when the state was the battleground in the fight for it’s African American denizens’ constitutional right to vote. “Had [King] lived long enough, he would have taken some form of enlightened viewpoint regarding gay/lesbian rights. Personally, I speculate that probably he and his wife had private conversations regarding this issue, and I believe that Loretta’s unwavering support of GLBT rights throughout the rest of her life reflects the direction of those discussions,” a friend told me emphatically.
Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) has been helping LGBT youth across Long Island for more than 22 years. Please call 631.665.2300 or 516.323.0011 or visit lgbtnetwork.org for more information regarding programs and services and how they can help you or someone you know. The LGBT Network is an association of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with locations in Nassau, Suffolk, the Hamptons and Queens. LIVING OUT
•
31
32
•
LIVING OUT
>>
READ MORE AT LIVINGOUTLI.ORG