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FEBRUARY 2018 - VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 1 COVER
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OUT ON LI: 5 LGBT NETWORK AND THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS HOST PRIDE NIGHT 5 22ND ANNUAL LGBT CONFERENCE RETURNS TO STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
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IN THE NEWS: 7 NATIONAL 10 INTERNATIONAL OUT FRONT: 13 LGBT NETWORK OPENS COMMUNITY CENTER IN LONG ISLAND CITY
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CALENDAR BE SCENE: 18 QUEENS LGBT CENTER GRAND OPENING 20 2018 PRIDE NIGHT WITH NY ISLANDERS
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DAVID KILMNICK, PUBLISHER info@livingoutli.org LYNN MURPHY, EDITOR editor@livingoutli.org MICHAEL MURPHY, ART DIRECTOR ZACH GOLDSTEIN, ADVERTISING advertising@livingoutli.org CONTRIBUTORS LGBT Network, Gregg Shapiro, Chris Azzopardi, Psychicdeb
21 GSA BOWLING MIXER OUT AND ABOUT: 24 Q-MUSIC: GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD 27 SCREEN SAVOR: NO LOVE LOST 29 SCREEN SAVOR: MOVE TO THIS
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LGBT Network and the New York Islanders host Pride Night On February 3rd, the LGBT Network and the New York Islanders hosted Pride Night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Thousands filled the arena with rainbow flags in-hand, to cheer on the Islanders and show their pride. Before the Islanders took the ice, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth alum, Angela Reteguiz kicked off the fireworks with a stunning performance of the National Anthem. The arena’s video screens and scoreboards lit up in rainbow colors throughout the night as the Islanders one-upped the Columbus Blue Jackets, winning 4-3. Pride Night ticket holders received a complementary Islanders Pride Night scarf and were invited onto the ice after the game for an opportunity to commemorate the occasion with a group photo. To learn more about the LGBT Network’s Pride Nights, or its efforts to provide safe and welcoming spaces where LGBT Live, Learn, Work, Play, & Pray, visit www.lgbtnetwork.org
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22ND ANNUAL LGBT CONFERENCE RETURNS TO STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY The LGBT Network is hosting its 22nd Annual Long Island LGBT Conference on Wednesday, March 21st at Stony Brook University from 8:30am-2:00pm.
community members each year to discuss the unique needs of the community, learn how to become better advocates, and create positive change.
The annual Long Island LGBT Conference is Long Island’s only LGBT-specific conference that seeks to educate and empower students, educators, health and human service providers, and other members of the community to address the needs of LGBT people throughout the lifespan in their schools and communities.
To learn more about or register for the 22nd Annual LGBT Conference, visit www.lgbtnetwork.org/conference.
The Long Island LGBT Conference offers attendees a broad range of workshops. These interactive and innovative workshops address bullying, health promotion and prevention, advocacy, LGBT history, and social justice. Hundreds attend the day-long event each year. Since 1996, The Long Island LGBT Conference has provided an opportunity for thousands of middle, high school and college students, educators, higher education professionals, health and human service providers and
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U.S. top court turns away Heterosexual employees can’t challenge to Mississippi LGBT claim reverse discrimination when federal law doesn’t law shield gays, lesbians - judge WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ended the first legal challenge to a Republican-backed Mississippi law that permits businesses and government employees to refuse to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people because of their religious beliefs. The justices left in place a June ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the plaintiffs - same-sex couples, civil rights advocates including the head of the state NAACP chapter, a church and others - did not have legal standing to bring the lawsuit. The law, passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature and signed by Republican Governor Phillip Bryant with the backing of conservative Christian activists, has not yet been implemented and more legal challenges are expected, according to gay rights lawyers. “We will keep fighting in Mississippi until we overturn this harmful law, and in any state where antigay legislators pass laws to roll back LGBT civil rights,” said Beth Littrell, a lawyer with gay rights group Lambda Legal. People who are refused service once the law is in place may be more likely to be judged to have legal standing to sue. The 2016 law was passed in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Supporters call it a religious liberty law that protects the sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions of individuals and businesses. Opponents said it authorizes discrimination against LGBT people in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection under the law and the separation of church and state. Conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom is helping the state defend the law. ”Good laws like Mississippi’s protect freedom and harm no one,” said Kevin Theriot, one of the group’s lawyers. Mississippi’s law was one of a series of measures proposed in socially conservative, Republican-dominated states that gay rights advocates viewed as an attempt to undermine the high court’s gay marriage ruling. The law, called the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, protects the beliefs that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, sex outside such a marriage is improper and gender is determined by anatomy and genetics at birth and cannot change. Among other things, the measure lets businesses refuse to provide marriagerelated services to same-sex couples and allows judges, magistrates and justices of the peace to refuse to perform same-sex weddings. The measure was blocked in 2016 by a Mississippi-based federal judge who said it unconstitutionally allowed “arbitrary discrimination” against LGBT people and unmarried people. The 5th Circuit overturned that ruling. On a related issue, the Supreme Court is due to rule by the end of June whether a Colorado baker was within his constitutional rights to refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple on the basis of his conservative Christian beliefs.
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(Reuters) - As advocates for LGBTQ employees push to reverse appellate rulings that they’re not protected against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, a Louisiana federal judge held that a heterosexual employee who was fired after she posted an anti-LGBTQ comment on Facebook cannot claim reverse discrimination or retaliation at the hands of her LGBTQ boss. The scope of protection under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it would seem, cuts two ways. U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Bourgeois of Baton Rouge dismissed a suit by Bonnie O’Daniel, a former office administrator for Industrial Service Solutions (ISS), which provides manufacturing equipment repair and maintenance services. In April 2016, O’Daniel posted on Facebook a photo she said she took in the women’s swimsuit department at a local Target. The photo appeared to show a man in a dress, looking through racks of bathing suits. O’Daniel’s accompanying text said, ““So meet, ROBERTa! Shopping in the women's department for a swimsuit at the BR Target. For all of you people that say you don't care what bathroom it's using, you're full of shit!! Let this try to walk in the women's bathroom while my daughters are in there!! #hellwillfreezeoverfirst.” O’Daniel claimed that after a supervisor saw the post, she was disciplined and eventually fired. Her suit alleged the supervisor, whom she had never met, is “a member of the LGBT community and had personally taken offense to the post.” O’Daniel’s suit said she was fired because she is a heterosexual woman, asserting a violation of her freedom of speech under the Louisiana Constitution and of her rights under Title VII. In a motion to dismiss, ISS lawyers from Fisher Phillips argued that O’Daniel was, in effect, alleging discrimination based on her sexual orientation – albeit as a heterosexual. That claim, ISS said, is not viable in most federal circuits, including Louisiana’s 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, because most of the circuits have held Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination does not encompass discrimination based on sexual orientation. Judge Bourgeois sided with ISS, pointing out that the 5th Circuit has specifically ruled Title VII does not bar employers from firing employees on the basis of sexual orientation. “It is unreasonable for (O’Daniel) to believe that discrimination based on her status as a married, heterosexual female constitutes discrimination on the basis of her sex,” the judge wrote. “It is similarly unreasonable for (O’Daniel) to believe that discrimination based on sexual orientation constitutes protected activity. Based on the foregoing, the court finds no basis for concluding that (O’Daniel) engaged in protective activity and/or was reasonably concerned that she engaged in protective activity.” (The judge also rejected O’Daniel’s freedom of speech theory, citing Louisiana’s at-will employment doctrine.
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Kenworthy proud to represent U.S., LGBT community in Pyeongchang
(Reuters) - Gus Kenworthy was terrified about the consequences of coming out as gay in 2015 but the American skier says that his decision prompted a huge outpouring of unexpected support and has allowed him to compete without the weight of the world on his shoulders. Kenworthy, an Olympic silver medal winner in the ski slopestyle at Sochi, came out in a cover story for ESPN The Magazine to become the first openly gay action sports athlete. “I had set myself up for the worst case scenario,” he told Reuters by telephone from his winter base in Colorado. “I thought I was going to be turned against and become this pariah.” Kenworthy had already told his close family and friends, who were all very supportive. Their support, along with a desire to be an inspiration for other young men and women scared to come out as homosexual, drove Kenworthy to make the decision. “I knew I would feel so much better because I was being authentic and maybe it
would help kids going through the same transition as me,” said Kenworthy. “I thought it would maybe help other people, either in professional sports or amateur sports or even just in communities where they felt isolated and scared to be themselves.” Kenworthy says his decision has led to a change in what he calls his “headspace” going into competitions. Instead of compartmentalizing his life he is able to be himself and this has contributed to a greater sense of freedom and confidence. The change means Kenworthy is more confident than ever heading into the Pyeongchang Winter Games next month. “I am more open with everyone in my life and I think it just translates into me being able to ski a little bit more freely and not have so much to focus on and worry about,” he added. Despite his achievements on the slopes, Kenworthy is known by many as the ‘gay skier’. Instead of shying away from the tag, Kenworthy has embraced it and hopes to serve as an inspiration for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) around the world. If, as Kenworthy says, he can be a gay man at the top of the world, an Olympic gold medallist, then it would prove a lot of people wrong. ”The Olympics is a cool opportunity to represent our country, which is amazing, but I have another community I am competing for and that is the LGBT community.
Transgender U.S. military recruits enlist amid uncertainty (Reuters) - Transgender Americans are openly enlisting in the U.S. military for the first time, saying they feel confident that court rulings blocking Republican President Donald Trump’s ban on their service will stand. Nicholas Bade, a 37-year-old transgender man who is among the first of what advocates expect will be a small but historic surge of enlistments, has wanted to join the military since he was young. “I just couldn’t face the idea of doing it as a traditional female,” Bade said as he carried a folder of medical documents into a Chicago Air Force recruiting office last week. Military officials do not know how many transgender people have begun to enlist since Jan. 1, when the Defense Department began accepting openly transgender recruits. But advocates said they believe dozens, if not hundreds, of transgender people will seek to join an estimated 4,000 already serving. Aspiring transgender military service members in several U.S. states told Reuters they were pushing ahead with enlistments despite lingering uncertainty about whether they would be welcome in the future. “I‘m not worried,” said Logan Downs, 23, an Oregon transgender man working to join the Air Force. Trump caught the Pentagon off-guard when he tweeted in July that transgender people would be banned from serving in the armed forces, citing healthcare costs and unit disruption. The Obama Administration had decided in June 2016 to allow transgender service members to serve openly, and a deadline of Jan. 1, 2018 was later set to begin accepting recruits. The decision came five years after the military ended its ban on gays serving openly, scrapping the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy adopted by the Clinton administration in 1994. Trump’s reversal also blocked government-funded sex-reassignment surgery and other treatments for active-duty personnel. But federal judges in Baltimore and Washington, where civil rights groups filed lawsuits against the policy in August, blocked Trump’s move. A Pentagon review of the issue will be finalized in February and forwarded to Trump, who is expected to make a decision on the future of transgender personnel in March. 8
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“We’re definitely not out of the woods yet, but we have so much momentum,” said Nicolas Talbott, 24, of Lisbon, Ohio, one of the transgender people who challenged the ban in court. Bianca Wright, of Seattle, has eagerly waited to re-enlist after leaving the military and pursuing a gender transition following 14 years of service, including deployments to Iraq. After Trump’s declaration, “that all came crashing down,” she said. Critics of Trump’s ban pointed to a Rand Corporation study that estimated annual transgender healthcare accounted for only $2.4 million to $8.4 million of the more than $50 billion in Defense Department healthcare spending. Rand also found 18 other countries allowed transgender members to serve, and Australia, Canada, Israel and the United Kingdom saw little or no impact on operational effectiveness. Starting this month at U.S. recruiting offices, transgender individuals can note if their gender identity does match their gender at birth and disclose related surgeries or treatments on medical forms without being disqualified, said Gaylan Johnson, a spokesman at the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. Once in the military, where gender determines housing, uniforms and physical fitness requirements, such recruits would use bathrooms and facilities aligned with their identity, Johnson said. What kind of acceptance they find from boot camp to active duty may vary by unit, said Zander Keig, a Transgender American Veterans Association board member. Bade, the Chicago enlistee, said, “The people I know in the military have said, ‘I don’t care what your gender identity is, as long as you can do your job.'”
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Trump move on healthcare religious freedom prompts discrimination fears (Reuters) The Trump administration’s move to protect healthcare workers who refuse to perform abortions and other medical procedures on religious or moral grounds is raising fears among some civil rights and medical groups that it will provide legal cover for otherwise unlawful discrimination. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within its Office of Civil Rights to enforce the rights of doctors, nurses and others who invoke such objections. James Blumstein, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School in Tennessee, said the administration’s plan could remedy what he described as years of overreach by the federal government fighting discrimination against patients at the expense of the religious freedom of healthcare professionals. “I think there has been an insensitivity on the secular side,” Blumstein said. Critics of the move predicted the new division, whose creation was praised by conservative Christian advocacy groups that have strongly supported Republican President Donald Trump, would become embroiled in current litigation over whether healthcare workers can deny care to women seeking abortions or birth control as well as gay and transgender patients. “We may not know exactly what this new division will look like in practice, but we do know that this means they prioritize religious liberty over women, transgender people and others,” said Louise Melling, the American Civil Liberties Union’s deputy legal director. Existing federal and state laws protect healthcare workers who express religious objections to performing abortions and certain other procedures. HHS said the new division would focus on enforcing those laws.
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Critics said the division’s creation could encourage a broader range of religious objections, with a potentially strong impact on less-settled areas of the law like the status of gay and transgender individuals under anti-discrimination statutes.
professionals from discriminating on the basis of gender identity. A federal judge in Texas last year blocked that regulation, saying it would require doctors to carry out gender-reassignment surgeries in violation of deeply held religious beliefs.
The Supreme Court has put some limits on what constitutes a valid religious objection, saying the law does not protect “personal philosophical choices.”
Some of the leading hospital chains are Catholic. The Catholic Health Association of the United States said one in six patients in the country is treated in a Catholic hospital.
DENIAL OF ACCESS Jack Ende, president of the American College of Physicians, said the second-largest U.S. doctors group “would be particularly concerned if the new HHS division takes any actions that would result in denial of access to appropriate healthcare based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or other personal characteristics.” Federal law restricts the ability of doctors and hospitals to turn away people seeking emergency care. But healthcare providers who accept federal funds through programs like Medicare otherwise have broad latitude to refuse patients, provided they are not doing so on a discriminatory basis. While discrimination based on race, religion and sex are barred under federal law, recent court battles have focused on whether sexual orientation and gender identity are similarly protected. Trump’s Justice Department has said sexual orientation is not a protected category. Under Democratic former President Barack Obama, HHS adopted a regulation that prohibited healthcare
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Lambda Legal, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, already represents several transgender patients, including a New Jersey transgender man suing a Catholic hospital for allegedly denying a procedure related to his gender reassignment on religious grounds. Camilla Taylor, the organization’s acting legal director, said Lambda Legal is prepared to continue to bring such challenges. Robin Wilson, a professor at University of Illinois College of Law, said she thought the Trump administration was indicating it will side with those doctors or hospitals who refuse to perform gender-reassignment surgery. Religious objectors were encouraged by a 2014 Supreme Court decision that a federal requirement that family-owned companies pay for insurance coverage for women’s birth control violated a federal statute protecting religious freedom. “Conscience protections for health professionals and religious institutions, particularly in the abortion context, are longstanding and deeply rooted,” said Richard Garnett, a professor at Notre Dame Law School in Indiana. “To me, there should be nothing particularly surprising or troubling about an administration, this one or any other, deciding that the Civil Rights Division should allocate resources to make those protections meaningful,” Garnett added.
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INTernational News
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Rights groups decry Gay Indian prince throws open 'shaming' of transgender palace doors to vulnerable LGBT people in Indonesia's Aceh people province JAKARTA (Reuters) - Rights groups on Tuesday condemned the actions of religious police in Indonesia’s ultra-conservative province of Aceh, where a dozen transgender people were detained at hair salons and “publicly shamed”. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population but Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra, is the only province that enforces Islamic law and outlaws homosexuality. Religious police and vigilantes in Aceh often raid homes and places of work and detain people on suspicion of engaging in homosexual activity. Police in North Aceh district confirmed the raids and detentions of 12 transgender people after residents complained their children were being harassed, the national daily Kompas said. “There were mothers who came crying to me, worried about their children,” said district police chief Ahmad Untung. “This is not right, and we hope this social disease can be resolved,” he told the paper. The suspects were forced to cut their hair to look more “masculine” and were later released without charge, media said. Rights group Amnesty International said the raid showed Aceh had become “an increasingly hostile place” for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. “The latest raids on beauty salons are just the latest example of the authorities arbitrarily targeting transgender people simply for who they are,” Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia said in a statement. “Cutting the hair of those arrested to ‘make them masculine’ and forcing them to dress like men are forms of public shaming and amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, in contravention of Indonesia’s international obligations.” Last year, the provincial and central governments drew international condemnation after authorities in Aceh tried two young men on charges of engaging in gay sex and then publicly caned them - the first such case in the country. Indonesia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has drawn increasing hostility in recent years. Conservative groups and politicians have urged parliament to revise the national criminal code to criminalize same-sex relations.
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MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The only openly gay prince in India - where same sex relations are illegal - is throwing open his palace doors to lesbians, gays, transgender and other Indians shunned for their sexuality. Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, heir apparent to the throne of Rajpipla in western Gujarat state, said it was particularly hard to come out in smalltown India, where traditional values hold sway and heterosexual relations are the norm. “People still face a lot of pressure from their families when they come out, being forced to marry, or thrown out of their homes. They often have nowhere to go, no means to support themselves,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. So the prince, 52, is building a center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) on the grounds of his ancestral palace. “I am not going to have children, so I thought, why not use this space for a good purpose?” Gohil said, adding that he will offer rooms, a medical facility and training in English and vocational skills to help people find jobs. Gohil came out to his family more than a decade ago, prompting his mother to take out a newspaper advertisement disowning him. Erstwhile royalty in India are still in the spotlight, many holding positions in the government. After coming out, Gohil set up the Lakshya Trust, a charity for LGBT people in his conservative home state, and became a champion for gay rights. He has made numerous international appearances, including on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is a vocal critic of India’s colonial-era law that criminalize consensual sexual relations between same sex adults. Recently, the country’s top court said it would reconsider its 2013 decision to uphold the law. “Lifting the law will encourage more people to come out and live their lives freely. But it may also mean more people in need of support,” Gohil said. Gohil said he is renovating and extending his palace, built in 1927, on the 15-acre site, installing solar panels for power, and reserving some land for organic farming. An online crowdfunding campaign and donations are financing the center, which will be managed by his charity, he said. Gohil’s high profile has helped the LGBT community in India enormously, said Harish Iyer, a gay rights activist who hosts a radio show dedicated to LGBT issues. “For him to be one of us, the stakes are even higher, so providing this space is a great gesture,” he said. “We are lucky to have many LGBT-friendly spaces in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. But in smaller towns, there are not so many places, and that is where they are most needed.”
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Gay and intersex asylum seekers find place to call home in Britain LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Sami, an intersex asylum seeker in Britain, used to be gripped with fear at bedtime. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical notions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7 percent of people are born with intersex traits, according to the United Nations. Sami, who asked to use a pseudonym, is one of the more than 3,500 people who claimed asylum in Britain based on their sexuality, gender identity or intersex status between 2015 and 2017, according to the Home Office (interior ministry). Sami faced threats and discrimination in El Salvador, a conservative Catholic country where gay sex is not illegal but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTi) people endure harassment and violence. In more than 70 countries being LGBTi is not safe, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), a federation of national and local organisations dedicated to achieving equal rights LGBTi people. Even though Britain is more tolerant, LGBTi asylum seekers still face discrimination, threats and even violent attacks, said Sebastian Rocca, chief executive of Micro Rainbow International (MRI), a charity working to eliminate discrimination and poverty among LGBTi people. “One of the problems that LGBTi asylum seekers and refugees face is that because of their sexuality they are extremely isolated and vulnerable,” Rocca said. Lack of safe housing is a widespread problem as they are often placed in housing with people from their own countries, or with those who are anti-gay because of their religious and cultural backgrounds.
“The majority of LGTBi asylum seekers do face some violence or abuse, whether that’s physical, sexual or psychological abuse,” Rocca told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Such abuse reawakens previous traumas. MRI’s clients have reported experiencing the same fears they felt in their home countries, Rocca said. A PLACE TO CALL HOME MRI set up Britain’s first safe house for LGBTi refugees and asylum seekers last October and has since opened a second one. Apart from safe accommodation, residents are provided with psychological support, life-coaching and business training. Sami moved in last autumn and, for the first time in years, feels safe and at home. “The fear and uncertainty living in these other places was killing me. Now I finally feel safe because I live with people who respect me,” Sami told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in the cozy house on the outskirts of London. “I know I can wake up and just do my make-up and be able to fully express myself without having to be afraid that someone is going to attack me or that someone is going to be judging me.” Malik, a gay man from Bangladesh, who came to Britain in 2011, agrees. “Since I moved into the house, I‘m happy. I have found a family,” said Malik, 35, in whose home country gay sex is illegal and many people strongly disapprove. REJECTED Home Office data shows an estimated 6 percent of asylum claims made in Britain between July 2015
and March 2017 were based on sexual orientation. Around a quarter of those applications were successful. The nationalities with the highest number of asylum claims where sexual orientation was raised were Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nigerian. The Home Office said it “remains committed to improving the process for those claiming asylum on this basis” and that it ensures housing provide to LGBTi asylum seekers is safe. “Housing providers are contractually required to take account of any particular circumstances and vulnerability of those that they accommodate, including sexual orientation or gender identity,” a Home Office spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Campaigners say a lack of protection for LGBTi asylum seekers is a widespread problem in Europe. In Germany, LGBT asylum seekers have complained about intimidating comments made during their asylum interviews. In Ireland, many face threats and from other asylum seekers in accommodation centres. Rights groups blame the problem on a lack of basic training on LGBTi rights for those making decisions about asylum claims and interpreters. MRI, which supports eight asylum seekers and refugees with safe housing, says much more is needed and aims to provide safe housing for more than 150 LGBTi asylum seekers by 2019. “The need in this country is massive. There are hundreds of LGBTi asylum seekers every year who need a safe place to be,” said Rocca.
Taiwan mulls third gender option on passports, IDs KUALA LUMPUR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Taiwan is considering whether to introduce a third gender option on its passports and national identity cards in a bid to protect sexual minority groups. The self-ruled island became a beacon of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Asia after its top court last year ruled in favour of same-sex marriage - the first such ruling in the region. A government spokeswoman said that officials have been studying a proposal to add a third gender category as a way to boost recognition for transgender people, and for those who do not identify as either male or female. “The government is actively assessing this proposal but has yet to make a final decision,” Janet Chang, deputy spokeswoman of the cabinet, said by email from the capital, Taipei. “The proposed policy is aimed at protecting the human rights of transgender people,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation . Advocacy groups say although the island’s 23 million people widely embrace LGBT rights, transgender and intersex people often suffer discrimination
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when it comes to accessing public services or securing jobs. “Adding a third gender option would show our diversity,” said Olivia Tsai from rights group Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBT) Hotline Association. “Individuals however must have the freedom to choose whether they want to be identified in a third gender and should not be labelled automatically by the government.” The group estimates there are over two million LGBT people in Taiwan. The government has no official figure. A few countries, including Nepal, India, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, have already offered third gender options. Their citizens can choose between male or female, or they may select an indeterminate gender, which is usually marked by an ‘x’ or ‘o’ in the passport. LIVING OUT
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UK army adverts tell recruits they can be gay, pray and cry LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A series of new animated adverts for the British army say it is okay to cry, be gay and practise your faith as part of a drive to recruit more soldiers from diverse backgrounds. A voiceover in the television, radio and digital 1.6 million pound ($2.2 million) campaign, dubbed This is Belonging 2018, asks “Can I be gay in the army?”, “Do I have to be a superhero to join the army?” and “What if I get emotional in the army?” “The British Army and the Armed Forces as a whole have made huge strides in building an LGBT inclusive work culture,” a spokeswoman from Stonewall, a UK-based LGBT charity, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in emailed comments. “When people are free to be themselves they can excel in their chosen career and perform to their best ability.” The British army was about 30 percent short of its annual recruitment target last year, with numbers down to about 80,000 troops against 112,000 in 2003, according to government data. Richard Kemp, a former commander of British operations in Afghanistan, condemned the campaign, saying it would not solve the army’s recruitment problem. “The army, like the rest of government, is being forced down a route of
B SU TH E PE EIR RH ER O!
political correctness,” he told the BBC. “The main group of people who are interested in joining aren’t worried so much about whether they are going to be listened to ... They are going to be attracted by images of combat.” In contrast, the five adverts end with the phrase “Find where you belong”. LGBT freedom in the army has made global headlines. President Donald Trump tried to stop transgender people serving in the U.S. military in July, but his directive was overturned by the federal courts, allowing transgender recruits to enlist from Jan. 1.
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OUT FRONT
LGBT Network Opens Community Center in Long Island City On February 1st, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz joined NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Public Advocate Tish James and dozens of other dignitaries, city agencies, the NYPD, FDNY and LGBT Network President David Kilmnick to officially open the new 4,000 sq. ft. Queens LGBT Center in Long Island City Queens with two big events. The LGBT Network, now in its 25th year, hosted over 150 community members and elected officials at the afternoon ribbon cutting ceremony with more than 200 attending the community open house later that evening. The afternoon ceremony saw nearly a dozen speakers underscore the importance of such a facility in Queens. “New York has always been a beacon for the LGBT community – and this center, the first in Long Island City, will help push that tradition forward,” said House Democratic Caucus Chariman Joe Crowley. “The LGBT Network’s Q-Center will serve as a source of empowerment for LGBT youth living in Queens and across New York, and I am honored to participate in the grand-opening.” The Queens LGBT Center (Q-Center) is the borough's first full-service LGBT Center and offers a wide range of programs for the entire community. Services include HIV Testing and Prevention, a safe schools initiative to tackle bullying and build youth leadership, community education and training, youth services, older adults services, community organizing and advocacy, arts and cultural affairs and a sexual and reproductive justice initiative. In addition the Queens LGBT Center announced a comprehensive advocacy and justice initiative working with the NYPD and Queens District Attorney to report hate crimes and a family education, support and advocacy initiative to support parents of LGBT people with a special emphasis in immigrant communities. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, “The new Queens LGBT Center in Long Island City will help enhance access to services for LGBT residents. The LGBT Network, the NYPD and Queens District Attorney Richard Brown also deserve to be commended for working together on their comprehensive initiative to combat hate crimes.” “This center will serve as a home and safe space for the borough’s LGBT and allied community and its support networks.” LGBT Network President and CEO David Kilmnick said. “The LGBT Network has never been more important than it is today. We’re facing new challenges and are responding with expanded programs and services throughout the borough.” LGBT Network's newest center will also serve as a hub for building coalitions and working closely with immigrant, people of color, women and other social justice organizations. The M and R subway lines and the Q66 and Q101 buses stop right at the doorstep of the Q-Center with the 7, N and W trains close by. The LGBT Network has been serving LGBT individuals for 25 years as an association of non-profit organizations comprised of Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), The Long Island LGBT Community Center (The Center), Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders – Long Island (SAGE-LI) and the Queens LGBT Center (Q-Center). For more information about the LGBT Network and its Queens LGBT Center, visit www.lgbtnetwork.org or call 718.514.2155
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OUT FRONT
LGBT Network Opens Community Center in Long Island City
JOE CROWLEY
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CHAIRMAN New York has always been a beacon for the LGBT community – and this center, the first in Long Island City, will help push that tradition forward. The LGBT Network’s Q-Center will serve as a source of empowerment for LGBT youth living in Queens and across New York, and I am honored to participate in the grand-opening.
MELINDA KATZ
QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT The new Queens LGBT Center in Long Island City will help enhance access to services for LGBT residents. The LGBT Network, the NYPD and Queens District Attorney Richard Brown also deserve to be commended for working together on their comprehensive initiative to combat hate crimes.
CAROLYN MALONEY
CONGRESSWOMAN New York City is a place where all are welcome, regardless of your race, gender, or sexual orientation. However, in our current political climate hate and fear are being normalized, and we are seeing an increase in hate crimes across the country. This is unacceptable and it is un-American. I am thrilled that a new LGBT Center is opening in my district to give support and resources to members of the LGBT community. Thank you to David Kilmnick, my fellow elected officials, the NYPD, and the Queens District Attorney for making this new initiative a reality.
DANNY DROMM
NEW YORK CITY FINANCE CHAIR
MICHAEL GIANARIS NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
It is critical that our community create and support safe spaces for all our neighbors. I am proud to support the work of the LGBT Network and welcome this new center for outreach and programming to western Queens.
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It's great to finally have a full-service LGBTQ community center in Queens. I look forward to working with the LGBT Network on the many desperately-needed programs that they will bring to the borough and to fill the service gap in the LGBTQ community. I particularly applaud Executive Director David Kilmnick's work, his grassroots activism and his desire to create this sorely-needed center in the borough of Queens.
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BRAD HOYLMAN
JIMMY VAN BRAMER
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
NEW YORK CITY CULTURAL AFFAIRS CHAIR
Hate crimes against LGBT people, particularly transgender people of color, rose 86 percent last year, making 2017 the deadliest year on record for our community. Confronted with a bigoted federal administration and a rising tide of violence, it's essential that New York better protect its LGBT citizens. The LGBT Center in Long Island City will do just that, offering essential resources that our brother and sisters need to thrive. I congratulate the LGBT Network on the opening of this new center and look forward to working with them in Albany to pass GENDA and finally provide all New Yorkers with the fairness and dignity they deserve.
The work of organizations like the LGBT Center is absolutely vital to the growth and well being of the LGBTQ community. In a time when we are seeing an uptick in hate crimes throughout our nation - attacks fueled by hateful rhetoric coming from the highest levels of government - it is crucial to empower organizations like the LGBT Center. I’m very proud to have the new Q-Center open here in my district, and to be at the forefront of progressive values and to ensure the LGBTQ community has the help and services they need and so deserve.
TISH JAMES
STACEY PHEFFER AMATO
CITY OF NEW YORK PUBLIC ADVOCATE
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
I am so proud to join my Queens colleagues in the opening of the new Queens LGBT Community Center (Q-Center)! The Q-Center is a needed resource for our communities, providing valuable services such as antibullying and educational workshops. Congratulations to the LGBT Network and thank you for all the work you do every day!
As our LGBT communities continue to face undue discrimination and hate, organizations such as the LGBT Network are needed more than ever. The LGBT Center in Queens will expand support and services throughout the borough, primarily for under-served communities, and combat discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. It is with the support of organizations like these that New York will always be a beacon of diversity and inclusion for all.
CARMELYN MALALIS
NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER LGBTQ communities need to feel safe, respected, supported, and heard. And now, thanks to the important work of the LGBT Network, these individuals have a safe space in Queens to get support and be themselves. The NYC Commission on Human Rights is proud to celebrate the opening of a this new LGBT center and looks forward to working with advocates and elected officials to ensure that all LGBT communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive in New York City.
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BRIAN BARNWELL NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
I am glad to welcome the LGBT Network to our community. The Network has been providing vital services for LGBTQ youths, helping provide HIV/STD testing, providing comfort and support for youths & families, and advocating for equality for 25 years. They are a great asset for the community, and throughout New York, and I look forward to working with them closely.
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SHOW YOUR PRIDE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Restaurant Mingle | Empire Grill Tuesday, February 20th, 11a.m.-1 p.m. Empire Grill 705 N Newbridge Rd, Levittown As the weather gets nicer, defeat cabin fever by joining SAGE-LI for a relaxed Middle Eastern lunch at the Empire Grill in Levittown. Lunch specials include traditional Middle Eastern food; vegetarian options are available. RSVP to Amy Angelone, LMSW, SAGE-LI Program Coordinator by February 16th.
"Bingo Bonanza” Coffeehouse Saturday, February 24th, 12-8 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Center Family Project will be hosting a family friendly Coffeehouse. Bring your lucky charms, your dabber and join in our Bingo game! Prizes! Snacks!! Coffee!!! All Families are welcome!
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
LITE Social and Discussion Group 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury
SAGE-LI Health & Wellness | Pelvic Health All Nassau County meetings are closed for Tuesda, February 24th, 12-1 p.m. transgender individuals only. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, Suite 110, Woodbury 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore Dr. Aaron Grotas, who practices both in the city and also in Long Island, is available and excited to offer a free Educational Health Seminar covering male and female pelvic health. Come with questions!
David Bohnett CyberCenter Monday-Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
The David Bohnett CyberCenter at LIGALY offers hands on experience and classes in various software environments from productivity to creative design on the PC and Mac platforms. The classes range from introductory, intermediate, and advance levels. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
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
Free and confidential testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis C. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Friday Night OUT 4th Fridays, 7-9 p.m. East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor
Friday Night OUT is the place to be for East End LGBT youth and their allies on the Fourth Friday of every month at the Hamptons LGBT Center. Dance, play games, and have fun! www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.899.4950
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. Dinner is served on the 4th Thursday of the month. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
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1st, 3rd, and 5th meetings are closed for transgender individuals only. 2nd and 4th meetings are for transgender individuals and partners, family, friends, or loved ones.
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor
All East End meetings are closed for transgender individuals only. 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. 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 engage Discussion group for parents of LGBT children. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
PEP Teams – Suffolk Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Interactive leadership program promoting sexual health for LGBT young people. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
POZ Experience 1st Monday, 2 - 3 p.m. 3rd Monday, 6:30- 7:30 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
POZ Experience is a support group for all people living with HIV/AIDS. Facilitated by an experienced social worker, this group is designed to offer support, listen and share stories of our experience, whether individuals are newly diagnosed or have been living with HIV/AIDS for years. This group is intended to foster peer support, in an LGBT affirming space, that promotes living one’s life to the fullest and healthiest For more information, call 631.665.2300 or email poz@lgbtnetwork.org
Q Center Senior Advisory Board 2nd Thurday, 12-1p.m. Q Center : 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY
This group provides feedback on current Q Center Senior Programming and offers ideas for future programming. All are welcome! Contact lsmith@lgbtnetwork.org www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Q Center Senior Mingle Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Q Center - 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY
Pack a lunch and join other LGBT older adults for great conversation over coffee. Contact lsmith@lgbtnetwork.org www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
Safe Schools Team Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Youth leadership program for young people committed to creating safer schools on Long Island. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
SAGE-LI Evening Mingle 3rd Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury
If you workand/or have engagements during the day that limit you from attending the fabulous SAGE-LI daytime programming, this is the program for you. All are welcome! www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
SAGE-LI Monday Mingle Mondays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
SAGE-LI’s weekly social for LGBT seniors 50+ at The Center at Bay Shore. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
SAGE-LI Nassau 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 Nassau Mingle Potluck First Tuesday, 1 p.m. Nassau: Center at Woodbury, 20 Crossways Park Dr. North, Suite 110, Woodbury
Senior Advocate First Monday, 11a.m.-1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
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 Senior Advocate will be available during the Mingle to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. www.lgbtnetwork.org, 516.323.0011
Senior Focus Discussion Group Last Monday, 12pm-1 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
Part of a monthly series of coed peer-led, issuefocused 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
Women 2 Women Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
W2W is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for lesbians age 40+.
You Gotta Believe Mondays, 6-9 p.m. Suffolk: Center at Bay Shore, 34 Park Ave., Bay Shore
The Long Island LGBT Community Center has partnered with You Gotta Believe, a non-profit organization that places teenagers into permanent adoptive homes, to provide Adoptive Parent Preparation Classes! If you are interested in participating, please call 631.665.2300. www.lgbtnetwork.org
Youth Squad Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m. East End: The Hamptons LGBT Center, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor
All East End youth should come check out this new hot LGBT spot. Every Tuesday is a fun interactive youth group: hang out with others in the lounge. You won’t want to miss it! www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.899.4950
Bring your favorite dish and enjoy lunch over light refreshments and great conversation with friends. Please let us know if you plan on joining us and what you are going to bring to share . www.lgbtnetwork.org, 631.665.2300
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
THE COMMUNITY CENTERS OF THE LGBT NETWORK WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2018 IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT'S DAY
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Extraordinary Events For Extraordinary People
Full Service Event Company Nationwide Resources Entertainment & Music Floral & Room Design Lighting, Video & Audio Production Special Effects & Pyrotechnics
The Chéz-zam Event Group 11 Michael Ave. Farmingdale NY 11735 Phone: 516-682-4888
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www.chezzam.com
ChezzamEvents @ChezzamEvents LIVING OUT
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be scene
Queens LGBT Center Grand Opening
FEBRUARY 1, 2018, QUEENSLGBT CENTER
On February 1st, the LGBT Network officially opened its 4th facility, a new 4,000 sq. ft. community center in Long Island City Queens with two big events. Over 150 attended the afternoon ribbon cutting ceremony and more than 200 attended the community open house later that evening.
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST, PLEASE VISIT FLICKR.COM/LIGLBTNETWORK 18
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be scene
2018 Pride Night with NY Islanders FEBRUARY 3, 2018, BARCLAYS CENTER
On February 3rd, the LGBT Network and the New York Islanders hosted Pride Night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Thousands filled the arena with rainbow flags in-hand, to cheer on the Islanders and show their pride. The Islanders came out on top, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3.
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM 2018 PRIDE NIGHT WITH NY ISLANDERS, PLEASE VISIT FLICKR.COM/LIGLBTNETWORK
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be scene GSA Bowling Mixer
FEBRUARY 1, 2018, AMF GARDEN CITY LANES
Students from six different High School GSA Clubs joined us for an LGBT GSA Meet and Greet Bowling Mixer.
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM GSA BOWLING MIXER, PLEASE VISIT FLICKR.COM/LIGLBTNETWORK
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long island pulse magazine
THE IRONY of
AUGUST 2009: Art and Design Issue
JOHN
McENROE OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
DESIGN MASTERS
Staying Ahead of The Curve
ZIMBABWE Adventure and Exotic Travel
lipulse.com
FASHION: MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
ANNUAL LIST OF LI
ARTIST
VIPs
Fall Fashion Preview Fishing off Montauk Neil Young, Part One
HampTon
ClassIC reFLectIonS oF tHe IconIc HorSe SHow
World Class
saIlIng tack, JIb & booM In oySter bay
Ivanka
Trump
taLkIng buSIneSS
5th AnnuAl Artist ViPs Find out Who Made the Cut
IntroducIng JayMay adaM LevIne cHatS about Maroon 5 tHe LateSt In LI FIctIon and Poetry
PULSE CELEBRATING OVER 12 YEARS OF LONG ISL D ARTSA&NCULTURE For over 12 years we’ve featured the best in the arts, culture, entertainment, lifestyles and people that make this island special, from the Gold Coast to the Hamptons. Join the influential readership: lipulse.com/subscribe
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SPONSORED BY
ANNOUNCING OUR 2018-2019 SEASON A
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250 MAIN STREET, NORTHPORT, NEW YORK 11768 | 631.261.2900 | WWW.ENGEMANTHEATER.COM
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OUT AND ABOUT
Q-Music
by gregg shapiro
Goodbye YELLOW
BRICK ROAD In January 2018, Elton John announced that he would be retiring from touring. His three-year farewell concert tour is sure to be one of the biggest musical events in contemporary pop music history. The release of the double disc hits compilation Diamonds (Rocket/Island/UMe) preceded the announcement by a couple of months. At 34 tracks, Diamonds does a good job of representing the first 10 years of Elton’s career on the first disc. However, things go awry on the second disc, especially since this represents a much longer period, 1980 to the present day, a time when the hits were somewhat less plentiful. Because it covers almost more 36 years, during which he released more than 15 studio albums, as well as significant movie soundtracks and original cast recordings, there are obvious exclusions. Nevertheless, as updated collections go, Diamonds sparkles. Arriving six years after his debut EP, Jason Gould’s first full-length album Dangerous Man (Qwest), is a safe, but solid disc. Gould, the gay son of Barbra Streisand and Elliott Gould, holds his own throughout the record, performing originals and cover tunes. A couple of the songs from the EP, “Morning Prayer” and “This Masquerade”, have made their way onto the full-length. His covers of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “For All We Know” and “The Way You Look Tonight” are all pleasing to the ear. “The Stranger”, co-written with Marilyn and Alan Bergman, the couple responsible for some of Streisand’s biggest hits, could be the sole nod to Gould’s mother. Also notable are collaborations with legendary lesbian songwriter Marsha Malamet, including “One Day” and “All’s Forgiven”. Let’s face it, Sam Smith is the gay male Adele. If anything, his new album The Thrill of It All (Capitol) only seals the deal. It’s an unavoidable comparison, especially when Smith opens the disc with a heart-tugging ballad such as “Too Good At Goodbyes”. The gospel-style choir is also a nice touch. The biggest difference between the new disc and Smith’s award-winning debut In The Lonely Hour is the way that ballads dominate. There’s nothing here like “Money On My Mind”, “Like I Can”, “Restart” or even “La La La”. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as “Say It First”, “Him”, “Burning”, “Palace” and the religious experience of “Pray” (cue gospel choir), demonstrate that Smith knows his strengths. ELTON JOHN PERFORMS ON 10/26 + 27 AND 11/8 + 9 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC AND 3/8/19 BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN. 24
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Awe-inspiring gay singer/songwriter Jim Andralis released his solo debut in 2016. Lucky for us, we didn’t have to wait long for the follow-up album. Available on CD and 180-gram gorgeous pink vinyl (with a download code included), Shut Up Shut Up (jimandralismusic.com) by Jim Andralis & The Syntonics exceeds all expectations. With stunning girl-group harmonies provided by The Syntonics (Julie Delano, Leslie Graves, Susan Hwang and Jessie Kilguss, Andralis has a way of saying the things that many of us think in song. This is best exemplified by “My Therapist Says”, “Don’t Blame New York”, “I’m A Monster”, “Don’t Trust Me”, the server anthem “Cover My Section” and the title cut. Patrick Boothe, a gay, Austin-based singer/songwriter returns with You Have To Believe We Are Tragic (patrickboothe.com). The title may sound like a parody of the Olivia Newton-John song “Magic”, but the material is serious. Boothe wanted the album “to reflect what it may be like for one to fall in love while working through depression and anxiety”. This definitely comes across on the songs “Matter”, “Untouchable”, “Living Man”, “Good People” and “Do Better”. In recent years, musical genres you might not think of as being particularly welcoming to out, gay men, say country, metal or jazz, for example, have begun to change in beneficial ways. Even the blues, perhaps the last vestige of the straight male musician, has an openly gay artist in its ranks with harmonica player Jason Ricci. Over the course of 11 songs clocking in at 77 minutes, Approved By Snakes (Eller Soul) by Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind confirms that Ricci (and his band) are a blues force to be reckoned with. Unlike the blues, dance music has long been the province of gay men, as both performers and fans. On Celebrate (Burning Tyger), Win Marcinak blends covers (Three Dog Night’s “Celebrate”, Sylvester’s “Disco Heat/Mighty Real”, Kajagoogoo’s “Too Shy”, and Aretha’s “Rock Steady”) with originals. Ulla Hedwig, one of Bette Midler’s original Harlettes, sings with Marcinak on “We Are What We Are”. Finally, musical theater has played and continues to play an important role in the lives of gay men. Three recent cast recordings feature significant contributions from gay men. The late Howard Ashman was not only behind the Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors, but he also helped to revive Disney’s animated musical with blockbusters such as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. The first collaboration by Ashman and Alan Menken, Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (Ghostlight), has finally made its way to CD on the premiere cast recording featuring James Earl Jones, Skylar Astin and Santino Fontana. Creative and personal partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello collaborated with Jennifer Robbins on Marry Harry: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording (MarryHarry.com) about the intersection of love and food. Zombie Bathhouse features a book by Brian Kirst and music and lyrics by Scott Free. Fans of Free’s may recognize some of the music from having heard them on his own solo albums.
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Events at At Saddle Rock Ranch, located in Middle Island, we provide the perfect setting for your wedding, concert or private event. We can host functions in a variety of settings, from our rustic barn to the 14 acres of manicured land that the ranch resides on. Please contact our Director, Karen Bonne, by calling 631-345-0318 or 631-394-0681, or by emailing KBonne@FamilyRes.org if you would like to inquire about hosting your next event at Saddle Rock Ranch.
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 LGBTQ 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 27th, 2018 Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Location: FREE, 191 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804 Fundraising Conference Room 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 FamilyRes.org l 516-870-1637 • #40YearsOfFREE
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OUT AND ABOUT
Screen Savor
by gregg shapiro
No Love Lost Battle of the Sexes (Fox Searchlight), about the famed 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, is that rare movie that successfully combines biography, sports and queer subject matter for a thoroughly entertaining and educating experience. First and foremost, credit goes to co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Oscar-winner Little Miss Sunshine). Even though we know the outcome (King walloped male chauvinist pig Riggs), they managed to make it feel fresh and exhilarating. Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (“Slumdog Millionaire”) also deserves his due, even with some of the liberties he took in glamorizing the story for the big screen. The fact that it’s handled with a large dose of humor, as well as sensitivity, prevents Battle of the Sexes from feeling as misogynistic and hopeless as, say, the 2016 presidential election. Battle of the Sexes begins in 1972, when King (Emma Stone) was a reigning U.S. tennis champion and the most successful women’s tennis player of all time. Even Richard Nixon took time out of his corrupt day to call her and congratulate her on her triumph. Regardless of her successes, King was paid far below what she was worth. When King and World Tennis Magazine publisher Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman) joined forces to confront tennis promoter Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman), little did they realize what they would be setting into motion. In addition to founding the Women’s Tennis Association, they were also able to secure corporate sponsorship (ironically Virginia Slims cigarettes) and stand up for themselves against the men who were determined to keep them subservient to them. The focus on the personal lives of King and Riggs is what truly gives Battle of the Sexes its emotional artillery. The buffoonish Riggs (Steve Carell), long past his tennis glory days, is stuck in an office job in a company run by the wealthy father of his second (and third) wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue). He’s a gambling addict and doesn’t seem too concerned that, even though he’s a loving father, his marriage is on the rocks. Seeing King on TV only exacerbates the situation, leading him to return to tennis with a challenge to stuffy Australian tennis pro Margaret Court (Jessica McNamee), whom he trounces and humiliates. King’s story is the heart of the film. Married to Larry (Austin Stowell), who was by her side throughout her meteoric rise, King confronts her same-sex attraction when she meets L.A.-based hairdresser Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough). The sexual tension of their first meeting and the intimacy they soon explore is a reminder of how different things were for queer people more than 40 years ago. Stone’s performance is breathtaking, culminating in a moving locker-breakdown scene. The gay Greek chorus of tennis couturiers Ted (Alan Cumming) and Henry (Wallace Langham) provide additional queer perspective and wisdom. Blu-ray+DVD+digital bonus features include three featurettes – Raw Footage: Billie Jean’s Grand Entrance, Reigniting the Rivalry and Billie Jean King: In Her Own Words, as well as image galleries.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Screen Savor
by gregg shapiro
The best way to describe Jennifer Reeder’s multicultural lesbian rom-com Signature Move (Newcity) is to call it a delight. Sweet as a mango lassi but with a kick like hot salsa. From the opening shot of the street sign at the intersection of W. Devon Avenue and N. Oakley Avenue, it’s clear that we are in the section of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood where all the East Indian and Pakistani restaurants and stores are located. Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza, who also co-wrote the screenplay) is a lawyer who helps her clients with the visa process and immigration issues, among other things. She wears a helmet when she rides her red motor scooter and she lives with her widowed mother Parveen (Shabana Azmi), who moved in with Zaynab after he father died the year before. Parveen spends her time watching Pakistani soap operas and looking out the window through binoculars, searching for a husband for Zaynab. When client Jayde (Audrey Francis) aka female wrestler Jolt is unable to pay for Zaynab’s services, she offers to train her in her gym and Zaynab accepts. One afternoon, Zaynab stops in to The Hideout for a drink and she meets bookstore owner Alma (Sari Sanchez). They don’t click immediately, but after a few shots (okay, a lot of shots), they end up dancing together vertically at the bar and then horizontally at Alma’s. Alma has a considerably different relationship with her family than Zaynab has with hers. Alma is out to her mother Rosa (Charin Alvarez), a former wrestler in Mexico, and openly discusses Zaynab with her. Zaynab, on the other hand, is deeply closeted, and worries about upsetting her religious and conservative mother. The secrets that Zaynab keeps and the lies that she tells are the central conflict of the movie, and threaten to sink her relationship with Alma before it ever has a chance to set sail. With a definite lean more towards the comedic than serious side, Signature Move smashes the myth of the humorless lesbian like a piledriver. Mirza and Sanchez are splendid, as are the supporting players. Moviegoers would be wise to make the move to see Signature Move. DVD bonus features include audio commentary by director Reeder and actress/screenwriter Mirza as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew members. Enjoy the view.
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February 2018
HOROSCOPES
Aries – An affair of the heart deepens. It’s your turn to take the initiative; to make the first move. Bold words will win the heart of one who is vivacious, dramatic and ready for adventure. Your appearance will be transformed for a special event.
Taurus – Focus on a lucky hunch; follow your feelings. You’ll play a nurturing role to one who is in a helpless mood. Food, cooking and domestic duties play the key role in your entertainment plans. You’ll be drawn to thoughts of the past and might enjoy a sentimental old film.
Gemini – Your health improves with a more
BY PSYCHICDEB
Scorpio – A love relationship heats up. You’ll be drawn magnetically to one with a brilliant mind and clever way with words. Don’t be content with surface conversation; get to the depths of mutual understanding. Gemini and Virgo people figure prominently. Sagittarius – A special celebration may be expensive, but will prove worth the money. You’ll draw closer to a loved one who is about to leave for a long trip. A change of residence or long-distance move is likely to be on your mind at this time.
Capricorn – You deal with highly personal
positive, enthusiastic outlook. Get out and walk, travel, exercise. You’ll meet a fascinating person who has useful infomation to share. There’s a special focus on how you appear to others now.
issues, including your current life-style. A recent dream could show a need for greater self-understanding. Take advantage of the chance to get away by yourself in a quiet retreat and meditate. Share your feelings with a Pisces.
Cancer – Be content with a routine month. Excitement and satisfaction come by testing your ability to overcome obstacles at work. You’ll cut through the red tape and discover the true meaning behind words in an important paper. An Aquarian shares you interests.
Aquarius – You’ll stop talking about long-range plans and get busy to make dreams come true. Your business sense is good now. You’ll see there’s more room at the top and understand how you can get there. An older, more experienced person helps.
Leo – This month’s accent is on partnerships, the
Pisces –Your career demands that you fight for
public - other people in general. The best way to relate is with balance and tact. A former teacher is in the picture and will try to influence you. Go along with your immediate plans; but play for time
your beliefs. Avoid merely petty wrangling, however. Don’t be drawn into meaningless competition. You’ll meet someone with a pioneering attitude who is willing to face a major adversary. Humanitarian aims are favored.
Virgo – Your ability to generate enthusiasm is your best asset this month. You’ll do well in sales, promotions or teaching. A Sagittarian will be drawn by your desire to expand your horizons. Your popularity with a large group of people is assured. But don’t take on more than you can handle.
Libra – Take a more practical attitude about money. An error could be made unless you look at the details. Someone who suggests you spend recklessly will lead you astray. A careful, plodding pace is the way to accomplish much. Discard frills. >>
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IF YOU KNOW YOUR RISING SIGN, CONSULT THE HOROSCOPE FOR THAT SIGN AS WELL. Psychicdeb has been a professional astrologer for over 25 yrs. 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. Call 516-236-7729 for an appointment in her private office. Or you can find her at the Original Psychic Fairs on Sundays. A listing of the Fair dates can be found on her website at: http://www.astro-mate.org/www. astro-mate.org or join the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ The-Original-Long-Island-Psychic-Fair-626182877451999/ LIVING OUT
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